Respite Reflections’ purpose is to help people push the “pause” button in their transition work — to take a break from the thinking, researching, networking and preparing for interviews. Taking a moment to center yourself, ponder a positive thought, and focus on a broader perspective is invaluable during a time of transition.
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly,
our whole life would change.”
– Buddha
To put the above quote in the vernacular of a Wisconsin winter, if we could see the miracle of a single snowflake, or more importantly, the miracle of an enormous snowfall – even in the midst of driving through it or shoveling after it – our whole life would indeed change.
If we could appreciate such a downfall, rather than curse it, might our attitude toward all life change a bit? Since we are not just one thing but many things – both as gentle as a snowflake and, at times, as terrifying as a blizzard – surely we can look upon each situation encountered, individually, and choose the “weather pattern” most needed at the time. And is it not true that the gentler side of ourselves is the one most appreciated?
– Connie Popp
Dr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.