This month, we’ve talked about how reflection fits into Camp Fire’s Thrive{ology} framework and how we can help young people reflect on living a thriving life.
But reflection isn’t just for kids! Let’s steal some reflection wisdom from the Camp Fire playbook for ourselves, shall we?
You don’t have to wait for a landmark experience, challenge or celebration to set aside time to reflect. Our everyday lives have plenty of fodder for thinking already.
Try out this Camp Fire-tested question method for your own reflection time. Pick something you want to think about (work, a relationship, goals, dreams, a hardship, obstacles, the past, etc)
- What? What are the facts of your experience? What did you see? What did others see? What did you and/or others hear or do?
- So What? What emotions did you feel? What emotions did others feel?
- Now What? What did the experience mean to you? To others? What are the implications for the future? Any next steps?
You can answer these questions any way you want. Mix up your media to keep your reflections fresh:
- Try free-journaling your answers. Don’t self-edit, just keep that pen moving.
- Use your answers to structure a letter to your future self.
- Verbally process your answers over coffee with a trusted friend or two.
- Sketch, paint or sculpt in response to the questions.
- Collage your answers using found images online or in magazines.
- Create a playlist that represents your answers (this works especially well for the “So What” question about emotions).
- Move! Act out your answers physically. Pay attention to how your body feels as you reflect.
Have any of your own tips for self-reflection? We want to hear them! Comment below.
