Reflection

Don R. Simmons, Ph.D.www.creativepotentialconsulting.org

Without Reflection, it’s

ONLY volunteerism!

re·flec·tionNoun/riˈflekSHən/1. The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.2. An amount of light, heat, or sound that is thrown back in such a way.

Reflection asks the 2 Essential questions:

So What?

Now What?

“I had the experience but I missed the meaning.”

– T.S. Eliot

Reflection is NOT Reporting

Reflection is NOT Evaluation

Reflection is NOT Planning

Why we don’t do it

• Lack of planning• Lack of time• Lack of “depth”– Focused on “volunteerism” and not

equipping/discipleship• Lack of knowledge• Lack of tools• Lack of leadership

The unexamined life is not worth living.

-Socrates

How?

• PRIORITIZE it!• Provide tools– Journals, blogsites, art supplies, events for expression

• Share SELECTED reflections– (with permission)

• Respect Confidentiality and Privacy• USE reflections to engage others– This is what it “means” rather than this is what you “do.”

• YOU must reflect in order to help others REFLECT

How some people reflect

• Conversations• Creative activities• Journaling• Blogging• Letter writing• Meditation

Results

• Focus• Context• Resolution• Theological insight• Community• Attraction

INTENTIONAL