What is reflection? Perhaps it is an image that we see that can inspire, teach or offer insight. With this kind of definition, I thought we could consider reflections on the year newly past.
I read a Linked-in post the other day by Ryan Townend, CEO of William Joseph Communication. He explored this inquiry through a little survey: “Will you be planning or resting in these last few days of the year”. It got me wondering not about what was best for me, but rather about what would be most helpful for me this year. And while planning and resting are important, where I like to place my attention during the transition from one year to the next is on reflection.
Perhaps it is hard to separate reflecting from planning and resting. In my reflecting about this year I discovered events that I had not given enough attention. This year this was rather helpful. I remembered that a chapter I had written was finally published in 2021. I remembered what I had committed extra time to. I remembered what I had said yes to and that this had arose out of a saying no.
Yes, in the process of reflecting upon the full year I reconnected with some important things that I had given attention to… a bountiful garden, attending to the birds, family, a teaching commitment. All things that might have been easily forgotten if I had not taken the time to remember. And so, today I offer you, with some conviction, encouragement to commit to reflection. Take time to reflect. It’s never too late. Perhaps it will guide your direction as you enter the next year.
- As you take down your 2021 calendar, look month by month at what you posted, things you committed to. Remember them.
- Go back over your phone calendar and notice what you wrote into the days. Honor these. If you have some notebooks, take some time and go through some of them. Reflect upon these.
- Review the books you read or remember the movies you watched.
- And, if you selected a word of the year, a vision board or an image to inspire the year, take some time to consider how these intentions shaped your mindset or your commitments.
- Share these discoveries with someone who might care.
And then, this is the important part, crystallize the discoveries with art.
- Set out a large piece of paper and gather some pencil crayons or felt pens. (Choose a pallet of colour that has a lot of options, if you can). I am deeply grateful to Markus Scott-Alexander, for reminding me the effectiveness of bringing both your heart (i.e. “I really love this colour right now”) and your head (e.g., “I loved going to the ocean this summer”) when choosing a colour and shade.
- Go to your pallet of colour and select one that attracts you. Consider what memory, skill or event might be connected to this colour. Then start in the middle of the paper with a small shape. Allow the colour and the memory to direct the shape. When this is done, put that colour to the side and select another colour and continue with the process, drawing the next shape around the first one. Keep doing this until you feel done, bringing the memories of the year into focus. See my 2021 image here .
- Next, reflect upon each shape by noticing what you see. Maybe write it down. Then look over your writing and select a few words that stand out for each shape. (See my Instagram post at Windsongexpressivearts for the words that arose for me)
Ah, as you do this, you may be reminded about what wishes you have for yourself for the year that is arriving. Perhaps, you are even getting closer to the subtle shaping of your word or intention for the next year. I believe reflecting and planning are connected. When we begin with reflecting, it shapes and directs the planning. Hmmm, perhaps reflecting is a form of resting.
Enjoy the process. May you savour the moments of life as you live them and when you reflect upon them.