Spiritual Saturday Prompt
Reflection, A Means Of Processing Our Thoughts, Action & Feelings
It enables us to learn from our past mistakes and actions, so we develop better
“Reflection is the way that we learn from an experience in order to understand and develop better” (Jasper 2003)
I will say that reflection is a way we examine our life goals, the values we hold dear, and our dealings with fellow human beings that cross our path, or those we meet along the way. It was Socrates, who once said that:
‘’An Unexamined life is not worth living’’
What he meant is that we need to sit down and reflect on how we live our lives. Why is this? Simply because most times, we are not conscious of our inappropriate behaviour, unless we sit down and reflect. We cannot just live day to day without reflection, especially if we are determined to live right, in a way that gives us inner peace, joy and happiness. This also is a spiritual path.
Everybody has a conscience, but most have deadened their conscience that it no longer nudge them to behave better. These are those Socrates said are living an unexamined life. They go on in life with disregard for a moment of reflection whether they are on the right path or not.
Naturally, it is good to reflect on our everyday activities, what went well or didn’t go well. What are thoughts we hold on a certain belief system, and how these have affected our action and treatment of others?
Reflection should naturally enhance our Spiritual Life, as well, because both our personal and spiritual lives determine who we really are.
What are we doing to others, how are we treating others including our subordinates? Do we talk bad about others, or look for ways to uphold them in truth and an understanding manner? Are we kind and tolerant of others’ mistakes and imperfections? Do we show love to those, who, we know we cannot benefit from?
‘’A noble and reflective heart will refuse happiness built on others’ misfortune’’ Sufi Saying
The Usefulness Of Reflection
Reflection is particularly useful where we are having difficult and challenging situations. We stand back, we reflect, talk through, as in second thoughts to get more and better clarity, better understanding and therefore more rational behaviour in the future.
“Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.” Yvonne Woon, Dead Beautiful
We often don’t automatically learn from experience unless we stand back to reflect and allow the reflection to lead to learning. Reflection allows us to do something different and of course better, as a result of our reflection. This means we have to draw up the benefits of a particular issue in order to arrive at our next action.
Reflection brings out our anxieties, weaknesses and strength. We are interested in improving on our action, so we want to be realistic and particularly honest.
Reflection, like Meditation, is also a spiritual experience, not a religious one.
As Peter Drucker said: “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection, will come even more effective action.”