Words that caught me: R is for Reflection
One
of the ideas I found pretty fascinating this year
Is
the concept of a ‘thinking chair’ by John Maxwell.
He
talks about this chair where he sits quietly,
Alone,
literally every day, just to think and reflect.
That’s
his factory...where he manufactures
All
his ideas, books and talks.
I’ve
not seen the chair
But I
bet it's a pretty ordinary chair.
I’ve
never met John,
But I
bet he's a pretty ordinary fellow.
But
he does something, with intention,
That
many of us don’t and won’t do.
Truth
be said, how many of us can sit still, alone, for half an hour –
Leave
alone finding that time -
To
just think and reflect?
We
have developed and grown in a culture
That
worships busy-ness –
Filling
every waking second with something, however measly!
Sitting
still feels like we are costing the engine,
Yet...ask
any entrepreneur, innovator or creative
Where
and when they get their ideas...
It’s
mostly when they are idling away.
There
is something that happens to our minds
When
we find time to un-tether and un-burden.
Clarity
happens...
Certainty
happens
Revelation
happens...
…suddenly
the dots become patterns...
Many
have talked about it and even written books on it...
That
this glorification of busy
Is
the worst thing that has happened to our culture!
When
we don’t find time to reflect and think...
We
fail to see the impact of our actions;
We
fail see the progress we are making;
We
fail to see the kindness and compassion others have offered us;
We
fail to appreciate, reciprocate and give in good measure;
We
fail to see when we hurt others, or when others are hurting;
We
get so absorbed in our little cocoons
And
forget we are THE community - a communion of and with each other.
So, we have ended up with big mansions, but alone and lonely;
Shiny cars, but with no one to visit or places we feel welcome;
Brilliant tech and gadgets, but no real friends;
Lots of money, but with no worthy causes to spend it on!
Do
yourself a favor this Christmas –
Sit
down in your thinking chair and reflect on this year.
What
are you most grateful happened?
What
achievements do you appreciate most?
Where
have you made the greatest difference?
What
big moments/experiences did you miss this year? Why?
What
could you have done better?
What
are your biggest mistakes (lessons)?
What
do you need to change?
What
do you need to keep doing?
Who
needs your help?
Who
do you need to talk or listen to?
Who
needs your love?
Reflect.
Meditate. Talk to yourself.
That’s
how you get better.
That’s
the path to significance.
That’s
good living, in itself.
Go
now...grab yourself a thinking chair!
Psst: If you like this piece...and need a small dose of inspiration....scan through our past posts...or hit the 'subscribe' button! We post once a week. No spam. Just little words...to encourage us through this brief journey!
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