Reflecting TIME - Silence, Solitude and Retreat

When we are in a good place, take time to reflect and move forward

Maybe it’s time for solitude and a retreat from everyday life. Maybe it’s best to be alone and think.

When in a difficult place, take time out to reflect, recalibrate, make a plan, and then move forward

Last week I had a lovely time reconnecting with friends, and at the end of the week I went on a silent retreat to reflect on that and what I have been learning these past months.

When have you taken some solitude time to reflect – how long ago was it? How did it help you to think? How did it affect you afterwards, in your life?

What are some benefits of being in quiet for an extended time?

I can reconnect with myself and, as a fellow coaching friend says, “find my voice again”.

I can get creative and do what I want and need in this time.

I get R&R- and can come home re-energized and thankful for what I have and do but there’s much more.

I receive direction and clarity- what’s important to me now, and what will it be like in six months, a year, two years, etc.

I can see where things are going well and build on that and see where changes need to be made, and deal with them.

Here are some Questions for reflection (general or could be used quarterly, etc.) that could be used:

• What have I learned today (this week or this month)?

• What am I hearing, that is helpful for me?

• What did I struggle with today? What does that say about me, about the message presented?

• What are my thoughts about was said or read?

• What would I like people to understand better about me? About my work?

• What has inspired me this year, so far?

• What have I learned about myself this year, so far?

• What has happened that is significant? What were my thoughts and feelings during this time?

• What was the event, how did it make me feel, and how did I handle it?

• How might I act differently the next time this happens?

• Do I see any patterns in my behavior? (I can help with patterns, BTW)

• What am I most proud of in the past time I am thinking about?

• What went well? What went less well?

• How have I been supporting others this year?

• What behaviors and beliefs (about myself, others, the world) would I like to let go of?

• What am I passionate about?

• What do I love most about myself?

Silence is good for the soul

Don’t’ be afraid of silence- it is the place where you meet yourself and grow, as I did this weekend.  

So, after a healing time with your lovely people, find a place and retreat.  

Mine was a guided one, as I like the structure of it, but you can do your own.

Or you can ask me to help you.

Enjoy your time thinking and recalibrating and moving forward.

Patricia Jehle                            patricia@jehle-coaching.com