A study blog documenting my work towards a BA in Professional Practice
THE BAREFOOT SPEAKER
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Task 2c: Critical Reflection on Reflective Practices
After much over analysing and much getting lost in the project, despite constantly reminding myself that it is the process that is most important.
Here it is, I hope you enjoy it.
Hi Phil, This is a really great piece. You show how deeply you’ve thought about reflective theory and even challenge some of the ideas!
I wanted to talk about the point you make about whether In-Action Reflection can exist. I think if you really simplify the concepts of “In” and “On” Action Reflection to the point where the only contrast is the amount of time lapsed between doing and reflecting, then yes, whether it be a split second or an hour, it is still On Action Reflection. However, the contrasts between the two are more than that. I think the key point is that reflecting in action is reflecting upon what you’re doing without stopping what you’re doing. To use your scientist example, if he reflects upon what he has done so far in an experiment before he has completely finished said experiment, this is still On Action, because he is reflecting on what he has already done. However, if he is pouring a liquid from one container to another and he begins to spill it because he is pouring too fast, he would notice he is spilling it, reflect upon that and adjust his actions. That is reflecting In Action. To reflect On Action in this case, he would have to continue pouring too fast and spill it all. Once he had done that, he could then reflect on why it was spilt. A slightly silly example, but it illustrates my point!
I also want to comment on the point you make about how you feel most happy and contented when you’re in control. I would say that in a way I agree with you, but in the grand scheme of things, I believe the opposite. If I am battling to stay in control of everything, it makes me miserable. Staying in control means planning and looking ahead. I believe that to be happy we need to live in the moment and let go our illusions of control. This isn’t to say that we should expect things to happen for us without any effort, but if we truly lived in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we would stay connected to our experiences. I read a book a few years ago called “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. You may have read it, and if so please humour me while I explain what this book is about! It’s a novel about finding true happiness by completely living in the moment, finding happiness in everything and ridding yourself of illusions of control. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should! It meant a huge deal to me when I read it; it helped me gain perspective on my life. It would be so relevant to your area of professional work.
Thank you Liam for taking the time and such great effort to comment and give food for thought. Your points is very appreciated.
I totally agree with you on the "IN & ON" front. the point is, as you point out more about being still involved in the continuing action rather than the amount of time elapsing between events.
However i must say that on the Control/In the now point i am still unsure. Obviously the two are not separate and it is very possible (with the correct approach and balance that i have not yet found) to co-exist in the same persons life. The aspect i have always struggled to get my head wrapped around is the: "Staying in control means planning and looking ahead" "lived in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future" Where is the line between living in the now without looking ahead or making plans but not just being selfish, short sighted or reckless. Everyone needs to have a direction, make plans and put in place the required actions to get themselves there (then actually put in the work needed to those actions). When are you too far into the now or to far into the planning. We all know that there are aspects to everything that are beyond our control but most people still have dreams. I believe that what ever life throws at us, we can still achieve those dreams (ie control our life's). Most people are just to lazy to do what needs to be done to get there. Surely if these truly are their DREAMS then any attempt at striving to attain them is better than merely allowing life to happen around you our drop out when the going gets a little uncomfortable in the NOW. Sometimes you need to absorb a little short term discomfort (not enjoying the now) for the longer term gain (ability to really enjoy the now, a little way down the line). Don't get me wrong i know that you should enjoy the journey not just the destination but in my experience its very difficult to do this all the time.
I have still NOT YET found the correct balance, but my new book "The way of the Peaceful Warrior" arrived in the post today so as soon as i have finished my current book i shall read it and let you know my thoughts. Thanks for the recommendation Liam
Please let me know your thoughts on the above. Most of the greatest things i have learned in life i learned through other peoples opinions and ideas on things.
Hi Phil,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great piece. You show how deeply you’ve thought about reflective theory and even challenge some of the ideas!
I wanted to talk about the point you make about whether In-Action Reflection can exist. I think if you really simplify the concepts of “In” and “On” Action Reflection to the point where the only contrast is the amount of time lapsed between doing and reflecting, then yes, whether it be a split second or an hour, it is still On Action Reflection. However, the contrasts between the two are more than that. I think the key point is that reflecting in action is reflecting upon what you’re doing without stopping what you’re doing. To use your scientist example, if he reflects upon what he has done so far in an experiment before he has completely finished said experiment, this is still On Action, because he is reflecting on what he has already done. However, if he is pouring a liquid from one container to another and he begins to spill it because he is pouring too fast, he would notice he is spilling it, reflect upon that and adjust his actions. That is reflecting In Action. To reflect On Action in this case, he would have to continue pouring too fast and spill it all. Once he had done that, he could then reflect on why it was spilt.
A slightly silly example, but it illustrates my point!
I also want to comment on the point you make about how you feel most happy and contented when you’re in control. I would say that in a way I agree with you, but in the grand scheme of things, I believe the opposite. If I am battling to stay in control of everything, it makes me miserable. Staying in control means planning and looking ahead. I believe that to be happy we need to live in the moment and let go our illusions of control. This isn’t to say that we should expect things to happen for us without any effort, but if we truly lived in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we would stay connected to our experiences. I read a book a few years ago called “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. You may have read it, and if so please humour me while I explain what this book is about! It’s a novel about finding true happiness by completely living in the moment, finding happiness in everything and ridding yourself of illusions of control. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should! It meant a huge deal to me when I read it; it helped me gain perspective on my life. It would be so relevant to your area of professional work.
Hey Liam
ReplyDeleteThank you Liam for taking the time and such great effort to comment and give food for thought. Your points is very appreciated.
I totally agree with you on the "IN & ON" front. the point is, as you point out more about being still involved in the continuing action rather than the amount of time elapsing between events.
However i must say that on the Control/In the now point i am still unsure.
Obviously the two are not separate and it is very possible (with the correct approach and balance that i have not yet found) to co-exist in the same persons life.
The aspect i have always struggled to get my head wrapped around is the:
"Staying in control means planning and looking ahead"
"lived in the moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future"
Where is the line between living in the now without looking ahead or making plans but not just being selfish, short sighted or reckless. Everyone needs to have a direction, make plans and put in place the required actions to get themselves there (then actually put in the work needed to those actions). When are you too far into the now or to far into the planning.
We all know that there are aspects to everything that are beyond our control but most people still have dreams. I believe that what ever life throws at us, we can still achieve those dreams (ie control our life's). Most people are just to lazy to do what needs to be done to get there. Surely if these truly are their DREAMS then any attempt at striving to attain them is better than merely allowing life to happen around you our drop out when the going gets a little uncomfortable in the NOW. Sometimes you need to absorb a little short term discomfort (not enjoying the now) for the longer term gain (ability to really enjoy the now, a little way down the line). Don't get me wrong i know that you should enjoy the journey not just the destination but in my experience its very difficult to do this all the time.
I have still NOT YET found the correct balance, but my new book "The way of the Peaceful Warrior" arrived in the post today so as soon as i have finished my current book i shall read it and let you know my thoughts.
Thanks for the recommendation Liam
Please let me know your thoughts on the above. Most of the greatest things i have learned in life i learned through other peoples opinions and ideas on things.
Stay safe - Phil