Reflection Technique

From the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, we perform countless actions. Some are mechanical, like brushing our teeth, while others require more thought and effort. With so many tasks, it can be difficult to remember all of them at the end of the day, let alone in the order they occurred. There is a yogic technique called Reflection to improve your awareness of how you spend your day.

Reflection involves becoming mindful of all your actions, like watching over yourself, and becoming aware of what you do and how you do things. By reflecting on your day, you can better plan for the future, develop a detached attitude towards life and become more mindful, non-judgmental.

How to practice reflection? Find a quiet space and sit in Vajrasana or a comfortable position. You may even sit erect in a chair. Close your eyes and sequentially go over the details of your day. Do not judge or try to understand anything.

The process takes only 5-10 minutes. Any more time taken would mean either you are extremely mindful and are recollecting every detail of your activities, or you are stuck in one or two events and analysing or judging them, resulting in some emotion surfacing.

With prolonged practice, this witness-like state can become your attitude for life. By taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on your actions, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your behaviour, leading to better decision-making and a more fulfilling life.