HEALTH, WELLBEING.

Reflection.

What might be going on for me in this moment? Why might I be feeling this way?

These can be poignant questions to slow down to consider. Reflection may not be the topmost priority in a busy world (one could posit gently that developing skills to support our wellbeing, is as worthy of the time and energy we devote to our livelihoods as without it we would not have a livelihood- wellbeing/ how we feel is elemental)

Thus reflective practices are a powerful tool, to orientate us towards the sense of coherence and order that lies at the heart of feeling healthy. It helps us to integrate our the various threads of our experiences together.

How we reflect is personal some may choose to use the currently popularised method of journalling or free writing whilst others may find other ways of synchronising memory, drawing, moodboarding, an act of creation, the possibilities are not exhaustive.

Recollecting can either be intentional or incidental- where during quieter moments our attention naturally diverts towards ourselves and our experiences- or is sought through more active means, where we intentionally seek out a way to gather our experiences. It can be done alone or together, such as through therapy. Both intentional and incidental reflections are needed, though more may be gained from regular active reflection and through the bringing of the invisible to visible, reflection maybe the ultimate way that the naturally transformative nature of life, materialises.

24.07.2025.

By Helen Coutts.

References and Further Reading.

Siegel, D. & Bryson T, 2012 The whole-brain child. Random House. Chapter 4 Integrating Memory for Growth and Healing.