Sofia Speaks: The Complex Simplicity of Life

The main quote at the beginning of the reflection section of the journal reads “The unexamined life is not worth living”. – Socrates, philosopher 

This quote resonated with me because I absolutely believe that it’s true. What’s the point of living if we don’t examine how we live? Study it, learn from it, and improve upon our lives. I feel that the society that we operate in feeds off the need to keep people busy, consumed with the unnecessary and consuming in hopes of filling a void, so you don’t have time to think to sit with your thoughts. If you were to stop, think, and reflect on what you are doing, where you’re going, or where you want to go, you can move yourself in the right direction. However, by keeping people on a perpetual treadmill, all your time and energy is spent on an endless cycle leading you to nowhere. We need to stop seeking external valuation and turn inward to the self. 

PAUSE 1
“Return to the water’s edge, where you have practiced calming and clearing your mind. Consider the Taoist proverb, No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only still water that we can see. If you can, lean over to look at your reflection as you contemplate what these words might mean for you. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 36).

Journal Entry 1
It’s true, and it means so many things come to my mind at this moment. The last time I was at the park, it was extremely loud and noisy. I realized in that moment in order for me to find the clarity I need in my life, I need to remove the noise in my life, and I did. The proverb is true when you look into running or lightly moving water, you can not see your reflection, but when I turned around to the calmer part of the lake, I could see myself it was beautiful, and I will hold this saying close because it means so much to me at this point in my life.

PAUSE 2
Mindfulness teaches us about ourselves by helping us to become aware of our thoughts without judging or engaging with them. Begin to breathe deeply, in and out, focusing on the sensation of air filling and leaving your lungs. Eventually, your attention will start to wander. Simply notice the thoughts that float into your mind, observing each one with curiosity before letting it drift by like a cloud in the sky. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 36).

Journal Entry 2
No response

Update to Pause 2
I really need to incorporate this practice into my daily routine. As I’m growing, I notice that I still have lingering thoughts that no longer matter in the context of my life today; however, I still have thoughts about past experiences. I have to let those thoughts pass me by and continue to stay in the present moment. 

PAUSE 3
Unlike mazes, labyrinths have only one route to the center. Though its path curves over and over, there is no way to get lost in the labyrinth in the southwest part of this garden. Look back at the story of your life as you wrote in the first few pages of this book. Reflect on what you have learned from the route you took. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 37).

Journal Entry 3
I notice that as I reflect on my life story that when I allow other people, situations, or trauma to consume or control my life, I lose control of myself. I am the point in the path that is always consistent, regardless of what is going on around me.

Update to Pause 3
The route I took when I initially started this process was based on society standards and not was I truly wanted out of life. I was in a marriage that I was completely unhappy in, yet trying to keep it together for the sake of what I felt was acceptable in society. As I stayed in that situation, I kept getting knocked down regardless of my efforts to hold things together, and in the end, I decided to let go because staying would have kept me in the same perpetual cycle, and I wanted that cycle to end. Overall, I’ve learned to listen to my intuition and not dismiss my initial thoughts and feelings about a situation, especially when patterns are evident.

PAUSE 4
From its main entrance, the Gude Garden appears to be a garden of hills and scattered trees. It’s quite different from being surrounded by water in the Japanese Teahouse or shaded by dense foliage on Gude Island. What is the value of reflection in terms of offering different perspectives? (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 37).

Journal Entry 4
Things are not always black or white. Truth comes in many shades and colors. Life is complicated but understand that and your truth is important before reacting.

Updated to Pause 4
The value of reflection from a different perspective is extremely valuable, and I’ve learned that from Therapy. Practicing empathy and understanding for situations that occur is key to not allowing things out of your control to consume and overwhelm you. Taking time to think about a situation, your feelings about it, and then analyzing why something may have occurred in extremely important. 

PAUSE 5
This garden’s aged trees have endured hurricanes and ice storms. You, too, are capable of surviving difficult times. And you are sturdy enough to withstand the memories and emotions that follow them. Consider what you gain when you reflect on even the most difficult parts of your life. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 37).

Journal Entry 5
The tree protected me from the rain without having to ask for shielding, that’s nice. Although my life has been through its share of ups and downs, as life is. I always come out of the dark times and win. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but the indication of closure, peace, and growth, and moving past a situation.

Update to Pause 5
I am very capable of surviving difficult times as well as the memories and emotions that come with them. However, I have to remember that when I’m in the thick of my emotions. I’m trying to be more aware of when those feelings appear, and I’m getting better at it, acknowledging my emotions the moment they occur and just using my breathing techniques to center myself. Pain is temporary, but Joy can last a lifetime if you allow it. 

PAUSE 6
Themes of future strolls will include gratitude, joy, and fulfillment. Do you agree with the adage happiness comes from within? What role might self-reflection play as you pursue joy in your life? (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 37).

Journal Entry 6
I do believe that happiness comes from within. No one is responsible for your happiness but you; only you know what makes you happy. I’m learning to stop and think in the moment about what will make me happy, and I have actively been doing it.

Update to Pause 6
I’m continuing to do this and remember to include happiness into my daily rituals. I have few that I enjoy daily, such as coloring, reading, embroidery, burning essential oils, drinking herbal teas, exploring herbalism, being in nature etc. I’m currently learning how to include Joy as my default self.