Mindful Reflection Meditation for a Setting Year
Here we are at the end of another year and maybe you will have a few quiet moments to reflect on the past 36x days.
On the surface mindful reflection appears a bit of an oxymoron. What does living in the present moment have to do with reflecting on the past? However, intentional reflection for a period is very much living in the moment and is a form of meditation or contemplation.
In recent times, I’ve been referring to meditation as an intentional focus on something we are not the sole creator of like our breath or our bodies and letting go of the one thing we create solely on our own, our thoughts. Paying attention as our thoughts take center stage, and they will, and returning to our intended focus.
Focusing on what we co-create may open us to see that we are in relationship with everything. Our thoughts define how we choose to relate to what is.
In this reflective meditation look back over the year. Sensing into how you related to life’s events. Be kind to yourself and practice compassionately observing and letting go of judgement and criticism. Try seeing things as they are without creating opinions, liking or disliking, or believing something is good or bad.
From Google: REFLECTION noun: 1. “the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.” 2. “serious thought or consideration.”
Throwing back without absorbing or witnessing without judging. Be aware if your reflection leads to judgement. Like any meditation, watch your mind state and compassionately return to your intention to focus on your reflection. Witnessing your co-creation without absorbing it.
Letting go of judgment may be difficult at first. Meditation is a practice of paying attention not a practice of being perfect.
This is simple, but; it isn't easy. It may be beneficial to journal what comes up for you. A simple journal-using key words or phrases without caring about grammar or spelling! Setting a timer may also help. Allow yourself plenty of time, 30 minutes to an hour. If you use Insight Timer, a free app, you can set the bells to ring every 10 minutes as an awareness reminder. Just in case your mind wanders.
Wishing you peace now and in 2019, Ginny
