Honestly, I believe that any time is perfect for introspection. Cool breezes on you face, warm sun on your arms and legs, lazy days can happen, laughter seems everywhere in July. While introspecting, we look at what has been, and then we eventually look at what can guide us into what is ahead. When looking back at the past week, the past month, the past spring., we sometimes initially remember what has gone wrong. Why is that? I have no idea other than it’s a process we have learned. I believe that there is value in looking back but I have chosen another approach. I can spend a minute on a look-back and hours on projecting my future within myself, with family connections, friends, places to visit, books to read, all toward self-improvement. We can never go back to what was or the way we were. Early in life, I learned to set boundaries around myself; I kept world events, opinions of others, belief systems of others all outside of my boundary shield.
So often, I find myself in circles of peers, church goers, nurses, grandparents, who are so focused on the evils within our world, or fear losing anything else from the good old days. So much of the past has never been under our control, but our personal future can be. The values I learned in my home, from friends, teachers, role models are memories I love to look back on. About the future for me, I plan to maintain my impermeable boundary, while remaining aware of issues of the day. I decide on which ones are worthy of my attention or actions and will let all else just bounce off from my impermeable boundary shield. If you envisioned yourself in your protective shield, I need to tell you how free you could feel in it. People would admire how calm you are, how much easier it is to be with you, your sleep could improve, you may begin healthier-eating and your experience of introspection could be enjoyable as well as rewarding. Give it a try. Be brave.
What does this topic bring to your mind? I would love to read comments from you.