REFLECTION

“The soul is like a wild animal—tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient, and yet exceedingly shy.  If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is to go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out.  But if we are willing to walk quietly into the woods and sit silently for an hour or two at the base of a tree, the creature we are waiting for may well emerge, and out of the corner of an eye we will catch a glimpse of the precious wildness we seek.”
-Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak

Taking the time to reflect on our experiences is essential to our growth and understanding of the self.  Our vocation does not just appear to us out of nowhere; it takes time to reflect on how our values, gifts and passions intersect. As Parker J. Palmer writes,  “What a long time it can take to become the person one has always been!”

Getting Started

  • Think about the method of reflection that works for you.  Is it journaling, walking, meditating, talking with others, praying?
  • Set aside one hour each week for intentional reflection.
  • These excercises can help clarify your interests, values and skills.

Questions to Consider

  • What makes you feel alive?
  • What is your story? How does your social location, life story, background, family, where you grew up, conversations, classes, connect to the work you want to do in the world?
  • What breaks your heart when thinking about issues in the world?
  • What is your native way of being in the world?
  • What clues from your childhood can help you understand what your true gifts are?