Reflection As A Way Forward

Devika Datta Elvin suggests a few ways that teachers can indulge in reflection in order to make the process meaningful.

“It is on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”

- Claude Monet

Reflection is a part of everyone's daily life, whether it is done consciously and unconsciously. It is a #throwback to events and engagements in our lives, both good and not-so-good. Reflection is a very personal exercise and people indulge in it in different ways based on their personalities and experiences. It is a natural part of my life and over the years I have realized the importance of reflection as a way of learning and growing. Gratitude as a by-product of reflection can help one realize the blessing that life truly is. We expect our students to be reflective learners, and understand its benefits, then why not take the time to do it ourselves and reap the same, if not more, benefits? In this blog post, I have listed a few ways teachers can indulge in reflection in order to make the process meaningful.

Nature has a way of pulling you in and giving you a much-needed break. A walk around the garden, down the park or just sitting by a water body, staring as far as one's eyes can see, can help us introspect.  Reflection in the lap of Nature can bring about inner peace, joy, and clarity of thought like no other. Take a walk around the locality where you live in or steal 10 minutes away to walk in the school grounds. It will help you to feel re-energised and find clarity in your own thoughts. Remember to leave your phone or other devices behind. The world can surely wait for 10 minutes. 

At Skomakerdiket- Bergen (Norway) Being with nature can help you reflect

Keeping a journal can be a great way to reflect and help tremendously if one likes to write. It can be therapeutic as well, as more often than not, we aren't able to express our innermost feelings and thoughts out loud, and writing them down gives us a sense of relief. Writing your thoughts down brings about more clarity as you explore a new avenue, toy around with a decision, or reflect on the proceedings of the day. It helps to create to-do lists and the pleasure of ticking off tasks done at the end of the day can be uplifting. Relook at the tasks you could not accomplish. Perhaps it is a great point to reflect and see if you are putting too much on your to-do list than you can accomplish on a given day. You could also benefit from prioritising your lists to get productive work done without over burdening yourself.

Bullet Journal

If you can't go for a walk in nature or don't like to write much, pick up a digital tool to help you indulge in reflection. I like to create a memory journal and record one image from the day with a line or two describing it. At the end of the month, you will have a delightful repository of the days gone by along with visuals to reflect on them. You may select significant moments from your day to reflect on which can be happy or otherwise. You can choose to create monthly albums or weekly updates, whatever suits your schedule. You can create a class memory journal and record happy memories. You could also reflect with your students using creative ways to make reflection a part of their daily order as well. 

My Monthly Photo Journal of memories on www.wakelet.com

Sometimes introspection can leave you at a dead-end where you are not able to come to a decision or a conclusion. No amount of solitary walks, writing in journals, or technological assistance can bring you to any kind of conclusion. That is when talking to a well-meaning colleague/friend, who can talk to you without a personal bias, can help bring about the much-needed clarity. Bouncing your idea off another person who can stimulate your intellectual cells can help you clear the fog. The dialogue then becomes reflective with a touch of feedback which can help you learn and take the right decisions.  Find time to have ‘conversations over coffee’ during the week, if not daily. Leave work aside for 15 minutes during the day and forge bonds with your colleagues and turn these conversations to reflections. 

My favourite colleague - Srishti #alotcanhappenovercoffee

Meditation is another powerful tool in the process of reflection. Getting in sync with yourself through the practice of meditation can be therapeutic. By being in the present moment and clearing your mind of clutter and thoughts, one can seek clarity and truly reflect. Try early morning meditation, put on a piece of calming music, and revel in the wonders of the inner eye. Most often the answer we seek lies within; we need only seek out and find it ourselves. As teachers, we are constantly making decisions for ourselves and our students. We must realise that we need not have the answer to everything. Begin lessons and meetings with a 2- minute meditation or slot these sessions towards the end to channelise energies in the right directions. Answers will come as we meditate and look within. 

Meditation is healing.

"Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success."

- Richard Carlson

Many teachers, not unlike me, feel that they are left with little or no time to reflect on a regular basis. However, I have consciously begun the process with an intention of introspection and seeking clarity of thoughts. Personally, I try a mix of all five ways listed above.  Try out my tips and let me know if they work for you too. Let's use the power of reflection to move towards success and a life of joy and contentment.