Pause, Reflect, and Take the Next Steps...or Not [Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix Prompt #9]
May 05, 2025Nine weeks ago, I began ushering Writing Yoga® course participants through the Creativity Matrix. At its core, the matrix is a guide for working through a project, problem, or implementing a new routine. Each word becomes a catalyst for living a calm, creative, and more compassionate life. (Check out the past eight posts to follow along.)
After spending nine weeks on a twelve week project, taking time to pause and reflect can be extremely worthwhile. We can only push ourselves so far before stress makes us take a break, so make the break your choice! Make the conscious decision to look back and acknowledge how far you have travelled to get to where you are today.
Reflection: A Key to Understanding Your Journey
In a world that constantly pushes forward, taking time to reflect can feel like a luxury. But reflection is necessary. Here's what it can do for you:
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Recognize how far you come, instead of only focusing on how far you have to go. Progress often works in a spiral, not a straight line.
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Process experiences with clarity, to notice patterns and insights missed in the moment. When we look back, we often find meaning in events that once seemed chaotic. (Careful not to ruminate here!) The key is to process your experiences without judgement.
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Find gratitude in the journey, because gratitude shifts our perspective and helps us move forward in a more optimistic way. Reflect upon all the happy accidents and people who have helped you along the way.
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Prepare for what’s next, rather than rush blindly into the future. Take a pause, feel strong and composed, and follow your gut with clarity.
A Simple Practice to Reflect
Moments of reflection become more powerful when we engage our whole selves: mind, body, and movement. Set aside time to sit, write, and move [SWiM] with ease as you reflect.
Sit
Find a comfortable place to pause. Imagine you are sitting by a reflecting pool. Even better, visit a clear lake in the park. Set a nice sounding alarm for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and study the reflection. What did you see in your mind's eye? Write down any observations.
Write
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Write about a moment in the past year that surprised you. What did you learn from it? How did it shape you? Let your thoughts flow without judgment. If words don’t come easily, start with a simple sentence: “This year, I have learned…” and see where it takes you.
Move
Find a place in nature such as pond where you can check in on your reflection. It can be the same place you went to for the "Sit" part of this SWiM exercise. You can also imagine this pond if you want to try this exercise during the workday. Look at your reflection. Take a walk. Go back and look at your reflection. What changed in the way you feel? What insights did you gain from reflection? Write them down.
Next week, we’ll dive into how to "propel" your work forward as you near the finish line and make the most of that burst of energy to reach your goals.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for making the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
