Strategic Reflection is a process that can help us channel our emotions in a way that will empower and enrich our lives.

Strategic Reflection is simply being intentional with our times of introspection—using them as a vehicle to gain more awareness of our feelings and control over our reactions to those feelings.

Sure, there are plenty of self-help books out there dedicated to the art of reflection, but there’s also a science to it.

Below is a straightforward introduction on how to integrate Strategic Reflection into your life:

>> Grab a journal you love and your favorite pen and place them in a space that’s easily accessible, like your desk or nightstand.
>> Set aside 10 minutes at least three times a week to reflect and write down the following:

• Think about an event from your past that brings up intense emotions for you, either happy or sad. For example, an argument with your partner, or something exciting that happened to you when you were younger.
• Describe in detail how you felt. Notice any signals or sensations in your body and write those down, too. Close this entry with a statement similar to the following: “I honor the [insert emotions] that I’m feeling.”
• Finish up by taking five deep belly breaths, while placing your hand on your heart and repeating the previous statement you wrote.

When you do this consistently, you will notice over time that the intensity of the negative emotions you experienced will dissipate. Or, if you choose to write about a joyful experience, you will find it easier to conjure up those feelings when you need them to calm you and bring you peace.

May this be of benefit

~

Author: Rajni Tripathi
Image: Author’s own
Editor: Brooke Breazeale
Copy Editor: Travis May