Preference

As I settle into the quiet that emerges during the last week of the year. I find myself, like so many, reflecting. Now reflections are a big part of my practice. As a thinker and at times an over-analyzer, I need to be careful not to fall into the trap of rumination, replaying a particular event, conversation, exchange, searching for another outcome or an alternate solution.

When I reflect, I try to embody a mirror. A mirror doesn't assign judgment; it simply shines back what is present before it.

And so, as I reflect on the last year, I'm pulling guidance from the poet, Mira (c. 1498 - 1550).

Stuck with another day,

how should we

pass

it?

If anything worked for you before

— I'd give that

preference.

Such a simple refrain, with such a gentle approach. This poem invites kindness, gentleness to the year-end reflection. First, consider what has "worked" before. What are the practices, the small things you do each day, week, month that reveal a bit of ease, or joy, or contentment, or patience, or strength, or focus, or clarity, or calm?

What do you find on this list?

And rather than resolving to engage in these practices every day, or committing to a new routine or regime, what if you could simply give those practices preference. Perhaps turning to them when you need support.

What might you give preference to?