The Power of Reflection
Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Brigid Dunn shares the ways that she reflects on each day individually, with her community, and at her ministry site.
In the few weeks that I have been in the Casa and at Little Friends for Peace, I have witnessed the power of the art of reflection, as a tool to ground myself, understand where I am, how I am doing, and make sense of the newness of everything around me.
In the Casa, my reflection takes two approaches. The first is journaling. Before I left for DC, my mom gifted me a tacitly-pleasing grey stitch journal with a beautiful image of a multi-color bird perched on a cherry blossom branch. In this journal, I write down my thoughts on each day–the highs, the lows, the simple moments, the laughs, and the love. After finishing my thoughts on each day, I take the time to look over what I write and reflect upon what the day has brought me, how God has shown himself to me, and what I can learn going forward.
The second is the evening debrief. One of my favorite parts of the day is coming home from a long day at work and sitting around the table. Someone is usually cooking dinner at that point, and people file in and out as they come home from their sites. In these moments, the table becomes a space where everyone shares about the parts of their days when we are all not together. I love having this time to fully understand where everyone is at and talk about my work day outside of the work space.
At Little Friends for Peace, reflections take on a more serious note and expand beyond just checking in with one’s self. Each session is opened with two questions: “What’s bringing you peace?” and “What’s challenging your peace?” Answering both of these questions is simple, but answering honestly was extremely daunting. However, the safe and comforting atmosphere of our Peace Circle alleviates all my trepidation because I know that not only I am not going to be judged and that others will be as honest as I am.
Overall, as the week continues, I will continue to utilize these pathways to reflection as the basis for where I am and my journey is unfolding.
Question for Reflection: What practices do you use to reflect on your day?
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