Ending the Year with Wisdom

[Please note: The views and opinions expressed in each post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of BayNVC as a whole.]

As the calendar year draws to a close, it’s natural time to reflect back and look forward. In Nonviolent Communication, we practice seeing life through the lens of human needs. Applying this awareness to our past actions and intentions is one way to develop wisdom, the ability to discern what’s helpful from what’s harmful-for ourselves and the world around us.

I’d like to share with you a process for using mindfulness to reflect in this way. If you like what you read, consider joining me for a Mindful Communication class in January.

image: Kari Shea, Unsplash

A Guided Reflection
Begin by taking some time to feel the sensations of your body sitting or breathing. As your attention settles, turn your mind to consider how things have gone this year. What have you done or said that’s been beneficial, that’s met your own or others’ needs?

What needs of yours were met? How does it feel to have acted in line with your values? Take some time to feel this in your body. Let yourself be nourished by the experience.

Next, turn your attention to other side of the equation. Where did you fall short of your values? Try to make specific observations, rather than broad generalizations. How do you feel when you recall those words or actions? What needs are you in touch with? Identify not only the needs that weren’t met, but the needs you were trying to meet when you did or said something that wasn’t helpful.

This is less of a discursive process than a reflective inquiry. We don’t need to go hunting for mistakes. Instead, simply listen inwardly with a spirit of curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. If we are genuine in our intention to understand, that sincerity will guide us. Our hearts know when we’ve been out of integrity.

An Essential Ingredient

There’s an essential ingredient needed to do this: kindness. We can be so hard on ourselves. Yet learning happens best under supportive, caring conditions.

Life is messy. We say or do things we wish we could take back. We let ourselves down. Allowing ourselves to feel the sadness and regret in relation to these moments is precisely how we develop the sensitivity and strength to do things differently in the future. Remorse need not be a cause for shame or guilt. When we can connect with our deeper feelings and needs, it becomes a catalyst for wisdom.

Instead of sinking in recrimination or self-criticism, we can find the resilience to hold these moments with tenderness. From the experience of honest remorse, forgiveness and compassion are born. When we accept the results of our actions, our hearts grow lighter. Through acknowledging our own challenges, we develop understanding of ourselves and compassion for others.

Stepping Forward

So as the year draws to a close, I invite you to take some time to reflect. What’s been going well? Where are you thriving? Where do you want to continue giving energy? And what areas require more attention, care, or restraint? What requests might you have of yourself that would bring more happiness and well-being into your life and the lives of those around you?

The more willing we are to look honestly at our lives, the more opportunities we have to grow in wisdom. May we each have the courage to see ourselves clearly, and the wisdom to use our time and energy well.

Oren Jay Sofer is a Collaborative Trainer here at BayNVC, and teaches mindfulness and communication locally and nationally. He is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, founder of Next Step Dharma and author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.

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