I find that if I feel overwhelmed, distant, or unfocused, it’s a reminder to carve out some time for reflection. Although I have made progress in my intentions to reflect on my daily life, teaching practices, and goals and aspirations, I get busy. I’m busy with the 170+ students I support in the classroom. I get busy with cooking and cleaning. I get busy with life. When I neglect alone time I usually reserve for reflective practices, it becomes apparent in my mood and overall attitude toward my daily tasks.

I suppose I first learned to reflect as part of my journey in the quest for understanding who I am and why I am on this path we call life. Spirituality is very important to me, but I do not fit into any specific box regarding spiritual practices. I do find value in journaling while I consider what has led me to make the decisions I’ve made. I take these moments of rest to decompress, yes, but to also process what makes me…me.

I first began reflective practices in my professional life as I completed an MFA program in Creative Writing. I have engaged in creative writing since my teenage years, but I learned to reflect on my writing (through more writing) as part of my growth practices. This was new for me when I first began to reflect on my writing, but it is now invaluable as I grow as a creative artist.

As an educator, I find it to be of paramount importance that I reflect on my teaching practices. I do not wish to simply go through the motions as a teacher. I wish to truly have an impact on my students and their individual journeys, so I must consider how to become more culturally aware and responsive, more engaging, more empowering, and more empathetic as I facilitate learning. This requires reflection.

When I am frazzled, harried, or overly stressed, I sometimes forget (or even ignore) the time needed to reflect. Growth comes through experience and often pain. My friend the butterfly seen above (I named her Mildred) took a break on the corner of a cement bench and allowed me a moment to witness her grandeur. Her journey required painful transformation. I like to think her consciousness allows for reflection on how far she’s come. Friends, take the time to reflect on your divinity, on the things for which you are grateful, on your professional work, and on your overall badassery. Reflection helps us to see how we each make the world better. That’s enough for me to want to remember this critical practice. Until next time!