An early morning dream showed a family member upset and angry that he missed a valuable event. That dream made me think about the strength of daily reflections. Why would reflection have made a difference in my loved one's feelings and reaction?
Daily reflection is a way to self-coach ourselves in meaningful and powerful ways. Simple questions can lead this daily introspection and direction.
Where do you want to be?
Sometimes, I use this question to inspsire reflection, If I could be anywhere, where do I want to be? Knowing where you want to go and why you want to go there, is a productive focus on reflection.
What matters to me and why?
In life, we cannot be all things in all places. Instead we have to choose what is most important to us, and we have to know why that's most important to us.
What am I doing today?
Daily reflections include a simple routine of the day's activities to make sure those activities line up with your overarching vision, direction, and beliefs.
In the dream, my loved one's anger pointed to the fact that he didn't realize how important that event was to him, and he then realized that if he wanted to be included in that event in the future, he would have to change some of his daily actions to better support the people and focus of the event.
When we don't reflect, we become misdirected, and misdirection not only hurts your life, but it hurts the lives around you too.
As I reflect this morning, I want to take my own advice.
Where do you want to be?
Right now, my direction is both simple and challenging. At this turn in the road, the overarching place that I want to be is that of a more loving person. On NPR today, there was an awesome replay of an interview with political activist and congressman, John Lewis who died this week. I want to listen to that interview with greater concentration this week. I want to reflect on Lewis' courage and will to live a loving life.
What matters to me and why?
What matters to me is living a simple, good life that connects well to other lives. I don't want to live with more than my share, but I want to have enough to support my loved ones in meaningful, positive ways. I want to advocate for the social, environmental, legal, physical supports that empowers the lives of all people in our country and beyond. There is great joy in good, loving living, and that matters to me--I want to support that kind of life for myself, my loved ones, and all people.
What am I doing today?
Today I'm cooking a nice meal for my parents. We'll have a nice visit. I'll also read, do a few house chores, and watch a great show that my husband and I are enjoying--the kind of show that makes you think about life and choices, a show with lots of surprises too.
Making the time for daily reflection helps you to live a good life. I recommend it.