The Journey Within

Those who dream touch the stars.

A new year is a widely celebrated time we look at the past and find our path for the future.  The new year is not the only time we can reflect and set intentions, but it does present a wonderful "scheduled" opportunity.  

Self reflection creates a window for you to look at your emotions, reactions, habits, behaviors, etc. Rather than moving on to the next 'task' we can observe, learn and make changes. Self reflection can happen in many different ways. Choose a medium that works best for you: video, blog, paper journal, etc.  I reflect when I drive often finding a topic I wish to explore in meditation or a written journal.  I later take my thoughts and type them to share with you in this blog or my newsletter.

A specific type of journaling often called free writing or a brain dump can become a practice of observing the mind. Free writing can be a practice of writing for 5 or more minutes on a topic without stopping, thinking, or worrying about grammar, spelling or anything else. If you run out of ideas when free writing you can write “I don’t know what to say” or something similar until you start to come up with more ideas. This process allows you to access the deeper recesses of the mind. It can help you find really good ideas that you didn’t know you had.

I encourage you to document your journey by taking time to reflect. This may help keep you accountable to yourself and inspire you to see your own inner beauty.  In changing journals this weekend, I took the opportunity to read stories from my past.  Stories from point of view in the midst of it all.  I was surprised and amazed at the patterns that was presented in my reflections.  Like many of you, I struggle to see my own beauty and gifts.  Reading about my journey, thoughts and general musings inspired me.  I inspired me.  Today, that was a gift.  

This month I am exploring the following in my personal reflection (and I am definitely not limiting myself to these ideas):

• The year of 2011... the challenges that have become accomplishments, my personal growth and the influence and depth of love.
• My gifts and charisms... more to be shared in a later post.
• What I want to do
• My Intentions
• Goals 

I am happy to share my reflections and hear about yours... what has been on your mind and in your heart?