“Intentional silence serves as a necessary and valuable counterweight to a society filled with thoughtless and excessive words.” Peter Scazzero
It seems like recently I have written a lot about personal reflection and intentionality. I guess that’s because it is on my mind, like every day!
Reflective Conversation
For some time now, I have been thinking more about my responses in a conversation. Did I take a few milli-seconds to think about what I was about to say? And all through a conversation, am I considering how I am best representing my authentic self?
Talking with my shrink about these ideas, he suggested that such thinking is not so common. Why is that? Perhaps it may be the result of how most of us have learned to converse. Our first response is to help. We want to be of service. And then on the more selfish side, we want to be heard and appreciated.
The Discipline of Self-Reflection
In my experience, practicing the arts of self-reflection and intentionality requires discipline—a daily discipline or regimen of silent contemplation. Some think this is ground only for monks or introverts. Real life is busy, always busy with both important as well as inane tasks and duties.
Who has time to devote to such things as sitting alone and just thinking or journaling or reading insightful and reflective books such as from the Stoics, the Tao de Ching, Rilke, or Devout Mystics?
Daily Doses of Reflection
But without a daily dose of contemplation about the nature of your interior life can only result in a very active, albeit non-reflective, life. I know. I spent most of my life in that phase. But now as older age has come upon me, silence and self-reflection has become irrevocably essential.
Why not consider some personal discipline that gives you freedom to think and ponder and reflect? You won’t regret it!
Self-Reflection
The Art of Getting to Know YOU
Photo courtesy of fizkes at istockphoto
