When I spend time reflecting on life, I get to know myself better. I slipped out of this habit during the initial phase of grief, but I am trying to make a comeback each morning. A reflaction is a reflection with action. It was coined by two colleagues in New Jersey. The action part of my reflaction is in the last two lines of the poem. Father Mike on YouTube centered his Sunday sermon on this mantra.
Before dawn has broken
I lay in quiet stillness
Waiting for flickers of light.
Outside
Lies an imperfect world
In disrepair from continual
Disharmony and egregious behavior.
Call the seamstress!
Restitch the torn, the worn.
Restore hearts broken from turmoil.
Renew our precious land.
Relight the darkness found.
Revisit possible solutions.
Before the close of the day
Find rest in nature's offering.
Seek comfort in others' hands.
Hold high the light of hope.
Look for joy and steal it
Every time we find it.
(c) CVarsalona, 2025
I'd never heard of a reflaction, Carol. What an intriguing concept. There are so many powerful lines in your poem. I love the call to action within it and the overarching idea that we need to do this together. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMolly, this word, reflaction, has been part of my thoughts for many years. While being a chat leader for the state of NY, I met (via Twitter) through this role. Then, one day, two colleagues from NJ introduced me to reflactions. While they coined the phrase, I was given the opportunity to use it in many teacher seasons for years. It is a wonderful way to add a mindset to life. Thank you for joining me this morning.
DeleteI like the word reflaction. I found myself looking forward to your last two lines, and it encourages me to look for joy today.
ReplyDeleteMay joy surround you today and make you smile. Thank you for being here today with me. Supportive writing friends are always needed.
DeleteCarol, I like the idea of waiting for flickers of light. Those flickers are the joy that is out there waiting for us to find them. Sometimes those flickers are small, and we need to search closely for them. Other times they shine on us full force so we can't miss them. Whatever they are and wherever they are, steal them, embrace them, revel in them. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, I am ready for that! Perhaps, this Lent has been the shining light for me.
DeleteThe word reflaction is new to me. In these early stages of grief, I find myself scrolling to numb myself. This is proving to be a problem for a variety of reasons. I am going to use your poem as a reminder to try to accomplish one tangible thing a day and to continue looking for joy. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRita, for me lights went out last year around this time. My husband was no longer a candidate for infusions. 2 1/2 weeks later he passed away in the transport car to one of Virginia's finest hospices. My daughter was with him in the van while I was in the hospice house. From that time forward I felt as though I was in a surreal world. There were many challenges along the way. One tangible event a day is what I can do, along with writing. I am looking for joy now event if it is a tiny happening, like making a St. Patrick's Day dinner for the family. Having my little grandgirls near by is a blessing. If you would like to talk more, let me know. I learned that grief comes in waves and faith and hope are needed to recharge my spirit.
DeleteAs a widower myself, I can relate. But as a general call for how to live each day, this is superb! Thank you for lighting my day!
ReplyDeleteYour poem is inspirational, Carol. You write so beautifully. I like the "renew, relight, revisit" commands and "find rest in nature's offering." The lines contained within are so rich and powerful. You have certainly given out joy today.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful sentiments, Carol! There is such hope in your words to "Call the seamstress..." and then your powerful actions to restitch, restore, renew, relight, revisit. You may know that I'm not a seamstress, but these actions I can do. Blessings as you continue this hard journey.
ReplyDeleteRamona
ReplyDelete"Look for joy" is so difficult in grief. In fact, it is something I had to purpose to do. And for a time, I wasn't very successful. And I've realized that joy does not look like happiness. I wish you joy. Joy gives strength.
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