I often teach my Kellogg students the critical importance of “self reflection.” As a result, they often ask me if it’s necessary for self reflection to only be in silence, prayer, or meditation. My opinion is an emphatic “NO!”
I believe self reflection can happen anywhere and anytime. It can happen by simply living in the moment and truly enjoying the moment rather than constantly focusing on what happens later that day, that evening, or the next day.
I am often reminded of a scene in my all-time favorite play, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder. In a remarkable scene, Emily watches everybody running around hurriedly and asks the Stage Manager, “Does anyone ever realize life while they live it….every, every minute?” The Stage Manager responds: “No. Saints and poets maybe…they do some.” I think of those two lines often as I self reflect on what life is really all about.
Julie and I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of a son of a dear friend in Puerto Rico, which was a wonderful time to self reflect on faith and religious beliefs. The groom was Jewish and the bride Catholic. The two joint ceremonies celebrated the wonderful blessings of both religions. It reminded me of the need to focus on our shared beliefs as a human community rather than the small differences that often tend to keep us apart. And by the way, the wedding party was a lot of fun, including non-stop dancing!
While in Puerto Rico, I also had the chance to meet with several Kellogg alums for a fun dialogue on the state of global economic affairs.
Julie and I also went to Boston for a short visit with Suzie, Casey, and our grandson Harrison. (Hard to believe he is almost 2 years old already!)
We took a ride to the White Mountains in New Hampshire…a beautiful spot for hikes, and yes, a lot of self reflection on the sheer beauty of the area.
One other update…I did give Harrison his first driving lesson (Please don’t tell his Dad!! Casey may not be happy, but this is what grandpas do when no one is looking)😎
As you can see, Harrison has grown a lot since the picture below that he submitted for his application to the Kellogg School of Management class of 2053🤣
Here’s wishing everyone a great week!! 😁👍
