Rituals and Reflection (to learn and change)
Learning and Change takes REFLECTION and CONNECTION
Why not take the summer to change through some good Rituals
Reflective times help us to learn and change
Mondays are often a day for me to reflect on the past week, especially when the weekend was somehow included and made it a package, not a bookend. Today, even if it is Friday and not a Monday, this is one of my tasks: reflect on the past week and learn from it. There is a LOT of good things and challenges to reflect on, believe me!
Reflection is key for learning and change.
Maybe you should begin (or end) your week with some reflection
What do you do to begin your week? How do you set up your weekend for a good week ahead? Do you look at your calendar and prepare mentally and physically for the days to come? Do you reflect on the previous week, on what you learned and experienced? Do you try and place all these activities, emotions and relationships into an integrated whole? Today I am doing these very things. Or if you are an end-of-week reflector: what did you accomplish this last week and what more do you want for the following week? Do you have any end-of-the week rituals for this?
Another help: Question your assumptions! Question your expectations!
A rather important part of how I do my reflection is to look at my assumptions and decide if they are limiting me and if they are true. I thank Nancy Kline and her books, “Time to Think” and “More Time to Think” for the following ideas for you to consider.
Expectations need to be sussed out (sometimes from our subconscious, even) and then voiced and negotiated. Unvoiced expectations lead to conflict and disappointment.
Take Time to Think
So, here goes: What am I assuming that is stopping me (or the business) from moving forward? Do I think the assumption is true? What is true and liberating instead? If I knew that the true and liberating assumption is correct, how would I go forward?
Take Time to Connect with yourself and eventually, with others
Learning also means I need to connect- connect the dots and connect with others to share what I am learning.
Connecting the dots for me is how I respond to what I am learning. What am I going to do about it? Sometimes it takes me a while to come up with an answer to that question. Sometimes the dots are easily connected, but, sometimes, the help of a coach or supervisor can help with this process.
Sharing what I have learned with colleagues and family and friends is a way to share the “wealth” and to strengthen my learning.
Even if you do not share your Learning, Take Time to share with others: Relationships are the key to long life and resilience
We are relational creatures, made for relationship, so sharing what we have learned is part of the learning process. When we share, it solidifies what we now know, and it also causes us to build stronger relationships with each other. The positive relationships we have are what is going to keep us going for life. They help build long-term resilience.
So, reflect and question your assumptions. Voice your expectations. Then think, connect the dots and share what you have learned with a close friend or two. We will all be the better for it.
Set up your rituals and do them for the summer and they should be anchored for the rest of your busy year!
I wish you a reflective, productive, and very educational rest of your summer!
Should you want to contact me, I am available for a short chat and taking on new clients as of August.
Patricia Jehle patricia@jehle-coaching.com
