What is Reflection?
The process of intentionally slowing down or pausing to:
- Seek out our learning edges, our opportunities for expanding our capacity, where our perceptions are inadequate, incomplete or misinformed
- Bring mindfulness into our engagements with others – noticing how we are engaging with and impacting those around us
- Lean into a commitment to vulnerability, authenticity, humility and growth
Key Ingredients for Reflection
- Devote Time – Slow down; it is difficult to be reflective in a hurry. We must devote the time to slowing down.
- Marinate Ideas – Opening ourselves to explore beyond what’s at the surface. When we marinate our ideas, we can dig deeper.
- Listening is Essential – More options will reveal themselves; a learning mindset opens you up to wrinkles and new perspectives.
What does reflection look like in practice?
- Reflections should encompass what is happening at all levels: individual, team, community, organization, system.
- Reflection should not be limited to a solitary activity, our work is deepened and strengthened when we build in time for reflection with all those engaged in our change efforts.
- Reflection can take many forms, it can involve the spoken and written word, music, movement, art, nature. Reflection engages our hearts and minds – our gut and intuition.
- Reflection is an ongoing process that must be intentionally woven throughout all stages of a change effort.
Rewards/Benefits/Impact of Reflection
- Quality of decision-making is improved by considering more options at greater depth
- Greater understanding of the context and complexity of the issues
- Our individual and collective thinking is more holistic and grounded
- Reflection is often healing, allowing us to name feelings and share stories
- Our mindsets and worldviews are expanded