We are inclined to devalue, even overlook the obvious (see figurine page). Everyone supposes they know how to reflect. To do it properly can propel you into lift-off.
Sir Malcolm Bradbury pioneered a Creative Writing course. Why? Writers potty trained in their craft? Kazuo Ishiguro and others deeply value his techniques. Reflection too is not as easy as it seems.
Reflection can be much more than a sweetie to suck at whim. On occasion one even may not like what it reveals.
There is so much to reflect on, whether Practical or Theoretical.
There are different ways to reflect, whether intellectual or ruminative.
You can actively rather than lethargically relax.
Do you know where best to reflect?
Reflection encourages us to dwell on fascinating subjects we often take for granted: the world…. who we are…why we are here….what we believe.
Research into brain waves – alpha, beta, and so on – show we are physically affected by how we reflect.
Our lives too – in spiritual and in daily terms – can be improved by reflection.
Happiness, peace of mind, better decision making, a constructive attitude, widening of horizons are all dividends paid by proper reflection.
These days when people absorb without sufficient thought much mindless vapourising, the art of Reflection has rarely been so needed.
Reflection is advisable for busy lives as a flower of civilised life over and above the struggle of existence, like music or literature. Reflection is for those who have the time for it. For those dealing with overwhelming pressure on their time, life and death matters say, Reflection can be seen as a luxury. No one is asked to lay down a sword in deadly combat and arrest the thrust of an upraised spear with a plea to the assailant: ‘Hold on a mo! I gotta get out my reflection mat; it’s ‘that’ time of day!’