Reflective Practice
REFLECT​
Intrapersonal Services
PPCT Reflective Practice Sessions are held monthly in individual and/or group format. Participants are guided in describing specific interactions, reflecting upon their impact and planning for future encounters.
A Growth Mindset
Reflection can be uncomfortable
It takes courage and vulnerability to embrace change. Be gentle with yourself, your mind, your emotions. Even your physical body may begin to reveal signs of discomfort. Moving from here to there, especially when we've never been "there" can be a little scary. Feeling some tension and body aches, fear and dread, about a new experience is common, something we can anticipate & develop a plan to cope. On the other side of new learning is the potential for enormous growth.
Practice is Progress
Every attempt is an opportunity to learn
Our brains rely on repetition to strengthen neural pathways, as we attempt to shift current familiar behaviors into different, less familiar ones. Each time we compassionately practice a new behavior we are providing ourselves the opportunity to learn a fresh new way of relating to our inner or outer worlds. The journey of new learning is lifelong and our unique minds require space and time to process our experiences, apply what we've learned, assess its effectiveness, make desired adjustments and reapply new learning. Gifting ourselves (and others) the time we require to continuously learn & practice new behaviors can increase relational bonds and our own sense of self.
_JPG.jpg)
Wise Action
Once informed, we can choose how to act upon our new information.
Healthy repetition involves rehearsing a behavior with the conscious intention of "mastering" the execution of that behavior. Repetitive behaviors can also be maladaptive. Without mindful self-awareness, we may find ourselves unconsciously repeating patterns that may be harmful or unhelpful. While engaging in reflective practice, we can develop new skills. As we've discussed, skill development is a process that occurs over time. Throughout our learning, we may find ourselves at different points along a cyclical path of varying competency, from novice learner to master practitioner. As we gather new information and acquire new tools in our journey, we enhance our inner wisdom by increasing our available of resources for responding to life. Building our resources also allows us greater choice in how we repair past relational ruptures.
Self-Care
Reflective Practice is a tool we can use to care for ourselves holistically, mind, body and spirit.
Many of us engage in work that demands an increasing amount of our attention, energy and effort. The complex nature of working with others whose minds and hearts may also be overflowing can increase the complexity of our professional roles. Scheduling regular time to reflect (independently, with a group of peers, or with a guide) can assist in easing tension as, before, or after it builds.
