Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Summer, a Time for Reflection

 


As we go about enjoying the summer time, taking a break from our normal routines to take vacations, go on picnics, enjoy outdoor festivals, enjoy outdoor sports like hiking, camping, going to baseball games and fireworks shows, this period of relaxation often provides fertile grounds for us to reflect on where we are in our life and what we would like to do next.

You see, it is often when we are just relaxed and enjoying the casual gatherings and outdoor activities that thoughts may come to us about how we might like to change our lives and what we might like to do differently. It is during these summer breaks that we might take time to read a book that presents us with new ideas, or have conversations with others about our dreams and visions for the future.

It is this dreamy, relaxed state that is really fertile for letting our mind wander. Visiting other places and experiencing new things and indulging ourselves in pleasant surroundings prompts thoughts about what we would like to do more of and how we might change our life to make this possible. As we mull over thoughts about career change, relationship change and other activities we want to include more often.

It is the period of reflection that cultivates these thoughts. So during this period of reflection, it can be extremely useful to have insightful conversations with others about these topics. And that, in turn, is what propels us into the serious season of fall when many follow through on these new ideas to seek new homes, new jobs, new fields of study and either renew or change relationships.

It is always good to engage in these kinds of reflections, conversations and planning when we are not in stressful situations and needing to reach a conclusion urgently because the changes that are happening are emanating from the decisions of others.

Making a bucket list is one way of approaching how to get more out of life and satisfy some of those ideas that have been on the back burner for a long time. But I notice that bucket lists often include some one time experiences, rather than major changes we desire that would make a difference every day, such as new studies or activities that would enhance every day, investigating career options or changes in relationships. In other words, changes we would implement every day to achieve greater satisfaction.

Summer time is a perfect time to think about this and discuss this so that we can formulate plans to take action. Someone who can listen objectively can be a great help in clarifying your vision. And this is often best done when not under the pressure of a deadline. So during this relaxed summer season, take the time to engage in creative thinking and visionary exploration. The rewards are abundant.



Moonwalking

My fair complexion burns too easily in the sunlight, so I am careful about that the same way as I am careful about eating very limited amounts of sugar. I have even been burned when wearing sunblock, so no more of those experiments for me. So I really enjoy moonwalks. I do that in my neighborhood most every night. I love just being out in the night air, looking up at the moon and stars, breathing the cooler air, savoring the quiet. Moments like these let ideas flow through my mind, offering fresh perspectives and sewing seeds to be developed. Usually, for example, I write these newsletters after I come back in from a bit of night air and a moonwalk. What a simple way to refresh and rejuvenate. 

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