Reflections of Reflections are also Reflections: Digging Deeper into Some Stuff I Thought About Before
Unless this is the first Berg’s Eye View reflection you’ve read, you already know that reflective processing is a key feature of my core value system, and if it is the first one…you know now.
In my experience active and critical reflection is indelibly tied to effective learning and authentic growth. Also, I believe that a true commitment to reflective processing has no beginning and no end. You simply keep doing it. For my money, functional reflection is like good spaghetti sauce. Ever notice that the best spaghetti sauce is even better as a leftover? It is. With each day in the fridge the seasoning digs deeper into the veggies and meat, and the flavor integrates ever-increasingly into each sauce molecule. Likewise, reflecting on reflections can bring out hidden goodness. Looking back on ideas you’ve already explored can uncover aspects and connection that you didn’t consider in the first go around.
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my return to school after the winter holiday break. Looking back on that reflecting has been helping me process its growth benefits further. In the end, I do this so that I can become better. One day I hope to be the best me possible. Reviewing and remembering the ongoing lessons of my daily life makes it more likely that I’ll consistently put the good stuff into action.
Today I was digging around in my reflective journal, ruminating on a few thoughts and Ideas that I’ve explored over the past couple of weeks. Below are some learning and leadership focused round two extrapolated statements about those thoughts and ideas. Click on each section title to read the corresponding original reflection.
Happy Now: Seeking Clarity to Find Satisfaction A commitment to seeking happiness and clarity can drive positive progress. Instead of getting stuck in forced and unrealistic efforts to impact huge changes, taking things step by step with an attitude of optimism and an mission focused core is viable for meaningful growth.
Infimity Minutes: A Focus on Imagination and Some Faith In Faith Children have the innate capacity to believe in limitless possibilities. When we nourish that capacity we help them move ever-toward fulfilling their potential for limitless achievement.
Honk: A Focus on Authentic Connections with Students Kids love to play and they love to interact with us; when we play with kids and make time to give them our undivided attention it helps us build trusting relationships that lead to engaged, collaborative learning.
A Kid’s Lens: Getting Excited About Getting Excited Remembering what it’s like to see the world as kids do helps parents and educators get appropriately excited about and focused on things that matter to the kids we serve. It goes a long way toward creating a culture in which kids are motivated to engage in meaningful learning.
And that’s some stuff to think about…again. As you relax, reflect, and process this weekend don’t hesitate to go back to thoughts and ideas that you’ve reflected on before, you might find that a little time sitting in the fridge has given them extra flavor!
Live. Learn. Lead.
Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Well.