#8 : Reflections

It’s the rush towards the holidays, and before you ‘give’, take this time to ‘gift yourself’ with yourself! Here are some thoughts on how to practice self-reflection.

—Find a Quiet Corner

to yourself and ‘be still.’ Listen to your feelings and let your imagination play.  Go inward, be conscious and listen to your thoughts:

• Under the Christmas tree with a cup of tea or hot chocolate

• Soaking in a bubble bath with candles, glass of wine–and a locked door!

• In an art museum

• Walking the neighborhood to see holiday lights

—Write!  

Try filling that blank journal by emptying your mind on to paper.  Record your ‘to-do’ list, new ideas, blessings or ‘notes to self.’ Experts say if you simply pick up the pen (or crayon) and start writing (or coloring) that ‘automatic writing’ can propel you forward. Surprising thoughts may originate from your subconscious and can be spiritual in nature.  See what emerges–you may learn something about yourself, from yourself.  Express yourself in a:

• Journal or diary you select with favorite colors or quotes

• Holiday annual letter to family that reviews the years up’s and down’s

• Card to a special friend in which you message what they mean to you

• In a photo album you’re updating or giving

• Thank-you card to that special customer or business colleague

—Retreat Yourself to

a different place. Travel can offer perspective and a ‘time out’ from our day-to-day activity focus. Whether it’s a week, a weekend or an afternoon, withdrawing from your normal routine and finding a new place to be alone can be rejuvenating:

• Visit a Bed & Breakfast and let someone else take care of you

• Splurge on a hotel

• Use a business trip to order room service and ‘hide out’ during evening hours

• Take a ‘virtual trip’ by reading a good book or seeing a sentimental movie

• Book spa time to relax and ‘let go’

• Attend a spiritual retreat to meditate and do ‘inner work’

In this time of frenetic outward activity, give time for inward reflection–let your mind wonder as you wander, detach and observe life around you. Enjoy the colors and scents of the season.  Give yourself the gift of quiet, writing and retreating to reveal crystal clarity in your own self-reflection.