Let’s Take a Break & Reflect
The last month of the year is the perfect time to reflect and that’s what I wish to do with this week’s article. First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been reading these weekly articles and thought pieces. Thank you for going on this journey with me. As I am writing this article, I am preparing to go on a long trip and new adventures (more on that next year). I spent the last few months reflecting, listening, building, and getting to the core of aligning my activities with my mission. This wouldn’t have been possible without taking a break from my daily routine. Taking breaks is important and I was reminded of this when I recently went on a date with my partner. Usurped by our daily responsibilities, running businesses, and living life, we hadn’t gone on a proper date in weeks. Going on our date was beautiful, romantic, and allowed us to connect on the foundation of our relationship rather than the day-to-day. Consciously breaking with our routine is an important way to keep ourselves engaged with the world that we inhabit.
Now, the first big announcement for this week’s newsletter is that I will be changing the frequency of my writing and messages to you to once a month. I am reaching my capacity in keeping up with writing a thoughtful and valuable piece every week. And in keeping with my intention of this series in finding my voice, more reflective time between the articles will free up some new insights that I am excited to share with you. In other words, I will take a break for the month of December after this week. What will I do? Travel, spend quality time with family, and embark on an exciting new adventure in January.
Let me know your thoughts
In the spirit of reflection, I would love to hear from you what has been valuable to you in these articles and how you have benefitted from my thoughts. Please comment on this article or reach out to me via a LinkedIn message. I would love to continue to specify this series and I am looking to spend time in December to brainstorm exactly how I can bring you valuable and engaging articles.
My reflection ritual
I have a ritual for how I reflect and take a break that I would love to share with you as an encouragement for those of you who might find it difficult to take a break in the storm that is life:
First, I make sure that I am alone, and I have some time during which I can be undisturbed – usually 2-3 hours. In order to put myself in a state of reflection, I go on a walk with some music. I walk aimlessly, listen, and observe. Whatever comes to my mind, I let it be. I would call this a walking meditation. Then, I come back home to my space. I take a notebook and a pen. I make sure that the lighting is not too harsh but soft and warm. Finally, I sit on the floor to feel more grounded to the earth and connected. Once I sit, I begin writing (you could call it journaling). It might be goals and intentions, or full paragraphs filled with feelings and observations. After some time, I will have more than enough to sort through, and I decide how to take action in three to five simple steps. So far, this sequence has always yielded new insights and realizations that have impacted how I live my life for months to come. There are three really important elements here:
1. Move first – I tend to be very cerebral, so getting into my body and connecting with the world around me is important to make space in my mind.
2. Ground yourself – sitting on the floor or in the summer outside on the grass is incredibly important to remind yourself of your position in the world and the fact that everything and everyone is connected
3. Let it out – writing something down is crucial to help you look at what’s inside your mind, and find ways to act on your new realizations.
Let me know how you reflect and take a break from your day-to-day. For this month, I wish that you may find time for your loved ones, and yourselves. For those celebrating, have a wonderful holiday time.