I had mentioned in a previous newsletter that in March I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Israel. As I have had time to reflect, there is much that I have taken away from this experience. After the trip, many people have asked me about it. I started to notice a question that I was asked repeatedly: “Are you going to do a presentation on your trip?”
When I am asked a question multiple times or see a theme emerge in interactions with others and circumstances, I take this as an indication that I need to reflect on this question and/ or theme. This is part of the process I am using in taking time to listen within and also be open to watching around me.
As I thought about doing a presentation, my first question was: “What would be the purpose?” Another key to listening and watching is not just to do something as an immediate reaction but to tie our actions to a meaningful direction. So, I then had to pose this question within myself, reflect, wait and see what answers came. In this case, my reason for going to Israel was highly connected to the objective of philanthropy.
To just “do” a presentation on Israel would be “nice,” but I don’t want to live life just doing good things. I want to live life purposefully. Using my trip to further explain philanthropy at a deeper level sparked a desire within me. Now, this could be a reason to do a presentation.
So, my next step was then to ask trusted others for their feedback. What is their reaction to me providing a presentation of my trip to Israel connected to philanthropy? Notice that I did not ask for others feedback as my first step. I took time to listen within first. But after listening within, there is also power in listening to others. This is where I see if I gain confirmations or “push-backs.” Then, I listen some more. Do I feel resolute in moving forward on the idea? Or do I need to listen, wait and refine more?
In this case, I felt confirmed in moving forward. However, when I listen for direction with issues, this is not always the case. I currently have another issue where I am seeking direction, but keep getting push-back to wait. Waiting is hard for me. I like resolution. I like putting a “check mark” and moving forward.
Waiting requires me to trust outside of myself. I don’t like feeling the loss of control. However, I know too well that when I push something just for my own control or resolution, the results are not good. Usually, I end up having no results and really the more important indicator is that I end up feeling burned out and depleted.
So in summary, here are some steps in applying reflecting.
- REFLECT & LISTEN within
- WATCH for themes in interaction with other people and circumstances in daily life
- ASK during a time of refection: What does this mean?… What is the purpose?… Where do I feel peace?… Where do I feel resistance?
- LISTEN & WAIT for direction
- CHECK-OUT for confirmation or feedback from trusted others
- MOVE or WAIT more
- CONTINUE to reflect & listen whether moving on an idea or waiting