A November to Remember
Reflection is one of the unique abilities human beings possess. Reflecting allows us to think things through, to consider, contemplate, study, deliberate, ponder, meditate, muse, ruminate. Reflecting slows us down, so that we can make better decisions about how to handle a situation, or how to respond more clearly during an interaction. It fosters imagination, creativity, and ingenuity, and is at the root of all great inventions and inspirations.
One religious tradition, Rosh Hashanah, is observed during the Jewish New Year, and it is considered a time for reflecting on the past year while “opening wide for the sweetness of the year to come”. It’s a way to “reset” the direction of our lives by reassessing how we have been and reflect on how we want to be going forward. Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, offers its followers an opportunity for deep reflection toward personal and spiritual growth and harmony. Lent represents a season of reflection and penance for Christians. Of course, many other religious and non-religious institutions practice their respective holidays and/or traditions which offer similar purposes of reflection, contemplation, and prayer.
Every November, our country observes two holidays that create unique opportunities for reflection and also emphasize GRATITUDE: Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. They are called holidays for a reason and should never be politicized. Remembering those who have served our country throughout its history deserves to be done with deference and gratitude. Thanksgiving is an opportunity for families to gather and celebrate their relationships, to cultivate the good in others, and of course, giving thanks and sharing our bounty. We have a lot to be grateful for, and celebrating as a nation, one family at a time, is a good thing.
Finally, November can be an incredible opportunity to close out your year with less baggage, leaving lots of room for creating something new, fresh, bold, and inspirational. By repairing relationships and healing old wounds with forgiveness and understanding, you can create that space for yourself to begin this journey. Find ways to practice mindfulness, prayer, meditation, and to do more of this “inner work.” Are you ready to reflect and look at where you can improve? Thinking about the way you talk to others, perhaps you could listen more, be kinder, more generous, forgive that annoying neighbor or that barking dog next door. Perhaps you can look for ways to contribute (time and/or treasure), to a non-profit and help local charities and service clubs.
All small and big gestures will add to your positive sense of self, allow you to grow personally and spiritually, and will affect those around you in positive ways.Reflecting this month will make it “A November to Remember.”