A Practice of Reflection and Renewal
Life is a constant flow of beginnings and endings. Yet, there’s a profound distinction between something simply finishing and experiencing a true sense of completion with it. Taking time to reflect and process what has ended—whether by choice or circumstance—is an essential practice.
A sense of completion allows us to release what no longer aligns with who we are becoming and with the flow of our life direction. It also enables us to integrate the insights and growth we’ve gained, weaving them into the evolving fabric of our being. If we just roll on into the next thing —a new year, job, relationship, or chapter—we risk unintentionally carrying and blending unresolved elements from what has ended into the new. Therefore, it’s important to pause, reflect, and create space for renewal. This process allows us to harvest the lessons and accomplishments of the past, remove what no longer serves us, and prepare the ground for new growth.
To support this vital process, I want to share a simple yet meaningful practice of reflection and renewal.
Image credit - pexels-Gary Barnes
A Practice of Reflection and Renewal
Settle into the Present
Begin by grounding yourself. Notice the support beneath you—the chair, the floor, the earth, and invite your body to fully settle into it... Feel the sense of being anchored and supported as you allow yourself to fully arrive in the present moment….Bring Awareness to What Has Ended
Gently bring into your awareness what has recently ended or is coming to a close. It might be this year, a phase of life, a job, or a relationship, or a project… Acknowledge this ending with kindness. Hold it gently in your awareness and pay attention to how your body responds. Notice what arises within you as you acknowledge it.Harvest the Lessons and Growth
Ask yourself: What is here for me to harvest from this experience? Stay open to the insights, patterns, or learnings that emerge. Acknowledge each one as it arises. Imagine placing these lessons in a “harvesting basket” or finding a space within yourself to hold them, store them where they will be available when you need. Take the time you need to gather everything you’ve learned or accomplished—everything that has ripened and grown.Release What No Longer Serves You
Now notice anything that no longer fits—whether it’s something you’ve outgrown, … an effort that didn’t bear fruit, … or something not in your hands to change and so not yours to carry… Imagine placing these things on a compost pile, allowing them to return to the earth to nourish new growth. Clear the soil of weeds and create space for the next cycle of life.Create Space for New Growth
Pause to sense the open, fertile space within you, in your inner garden. Notice what wants to grow there. Perhaps you have ideas about what you’d like to cultivate—qualities, experiences, or relationships—and you might stay open to surprises and unexpected possibilities.Nurture Emerging Possibilities
Hold these emerging possibilities gently in your awareness. Notice how they feel and what they evoke within you. Consider what these tender sprouts will need to thrive—protection, consistent attention, and maybe time.Commit to Your Inner Garden
As you conclude, take a moment to look at the clear patch in your inner garden. Commit to revisiting this space regularly, tending to the seeds and sprouts of new growth with care and attention. Remember - where your attention goes, energy flows—and something grows.