How often do you take time to reflect? Time to just sit and think about where you’ve been, and where you think you might be going. In July, I spent three weeks off the grid with Rosie, sitting with various thoughts about my life and my work. I wasn’t out to find any big answers, only to take some time to reflect on what’s here in my life now.
One day, Rosie, Bree (our dog) and I went off in our boat for a day of fishing, swimming and just generally enjoying this world around us. At one point, we realized how still the day was, where the water was like a mirror. It was beautiful and calming.
To reach this place, you have to drive about five hours north of Toronto, drive in a winding 40-kilometre dirt road, to reach the rustic town of Brent. Once you arrive at Brent, you will need to rent a canoe from our friends Jake and Murray, and paddle for 1-2 hours, depending on how experienced a paddler you are.
Once you get to the end of the lake, you will need to pass through a narrows about 15 feet wide, to reach the next lake. Although this may sound like a lot of work, once you reach this point, you will be rewarded with something special. In any given direction, the closest actual civilization is about 55 kilometers from here. There is no cellular service since you left the pavement. This little piece of our world is indeed a place you can connect with the world in which we live.
So, you may be wondering what I found in that time of reflection. I found a deeper appreciation for life, and for my connection with the world around us. It was the start of something bigger too, however, more to come on that soon.
Thought for the week
In today’s screwed up world, it can be far too easy to get caught up in the bad news and forget to appreciate all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for.
Where do you find the time to reflect on what you have in your life? A chance to appreciate the gifts in your life, and to acknowledge the things which only weigh you down.
You don’t need to go on a three-week vacation or travel as remotely as we did this summer to reflect on your life. I take the time to reflect on life most days without leaving my neighborhood. Many days, it can be as simple as taking 15 minutes, and other days I may wander in the woods for more than an hour.
I encourage you to take a little time daily, to reflect on your life. What are the things you are grateful for, and what are the things which no longer serve?
With reflection, we can see the beauty of life all around us.
