In the fast paced world we live we tend to think we do not have time to stop and reflect and replenish. I will like to propose that we don't have time NOT to reflect! You see, reflection helps us hold the door of our mind open long enough for new perceptions, ideas, and solutions to emerge.
Advantages of reflection
We draw conclusions everyday from our experiences. Are our conclusions reasonable and helpful to us as we plan future experiences? How can we know? Through reflection we can assess our conclusions, actions and work, processing it to further our personal and professional development.
Reflection helps us dig deeper into issues, concerns, problems, and dilemmas. Pauses are pregnant with possibilities. If we don't pause to listen and to reflect we can't learn. A leader, or an organization that does not learn, is doomed to fail.
Yes, thinking and responding effectively does take time. But how else are we going to understand, develop insight, learn, and create? You see, information needs to be processed if learning is to occur. You can think that because technology gives you the capability of responding faster, you "have" to continue a cycle of never ending meaningless chatter. However, by taking time to pause and reflect, to develop your thinking, you can contribute more effectively and add more value.
Fostering reflection
How do we foster reflection? By taking time to. . .
- pause,
- value silence,
- listen to our internal dialogue,
- listen to the external words of others,
- ponder
- purposely guard the time for reflection and renovation.
A personal time for reflection
It is my practice each week to spend Saturdays renewing my mind, soul, body, and relationships. I take time to contemplate, to reflect, to connect spiritually, to enjoy my relationships, and to seek solitude, soothing and renewal in nature.
I recently spent an afternoon at the Wineterthur Gardens, a great American country estate nestled in the heart of north Delaware's beautiful Brandywine valley. This was the home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), an avid antiques collector and horticulturist.
Winterthur's 1,000-acre country estate encompasses rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. And ideal place for exercise, but also for contemplation.
Now at the beginning of Summer, lush green ferns soften the woodland, and the magnificent trees soothes the spirit. Large meadows, and soft hills give expansion to the eyes and invite your mind to expand as well.
The reflecting pool mesmerizes you to soak up the peace and gives the soul time to breathe, heal, and renew.
Near the glade garden, you can see white blooms mingling with the rich greens. Breathing the fresh air and walking under these magnificent trees gave me the time to reflect, to enjoy the moment, to be thankful.
My challenge to you
As a leader you might not have time every day to take a walk in a garden, but you can access the garden of your mind, set aside the clutter and noise, and connect with your "reflecting pool" for a few moments. You can find and reach deeper truths, and tap the energy and creativity that a reflecting pause can bring.
I challenge you to take some time before and after meetings to think about the process and results, to let the people you interact with take a moment to think before answering, and to create an environment where people can have the time to reflect and come up with innovations that will solve problems and propel your business to the next level.
Create a pause in the middle of a day to stop and reflect about different subjects. Read, share with others, ask questions, or just relax. You will be surprised how a short pause can bring things into perspective
Photos by Logos Noesis