Timing Practice: Morning and Evening Reflections*
*please read the Timing article before reviewing this practice
I think good timing is an essential element of peace‐making. We can use A timing to avoid unnecessary conflict. One of the best ways to practice timing in daily life is to review the events of the day, and preview the day to come.
At the end of each day I look back and review the high and low points, and lessons learned. This is using C timing to reflect on what I could have done differently.
In the morning I think about the day ahead and prepare myself (A timing). I ask myself, “What do I need to be prepared for?”
One great example of A timing is the river rafting guides I’ve met. One young guide took his raft down the rapids and paddled like crazy, bouncing from rock to rock. A tiring, bumpy ride. An older, experienced guide went through the same set of rapids and easily slid all the way down. An effortless, smooth ride. What was different? The experienced guide had learned from previous trips (C timing). Then he studied the rapids in order to plan the best route (A timing). It was very impressive that the experienced guide had to work so little to take his raft through the rapids.
On the days when I do my morning reflection, my day usually goes smoothly. But when I’m too lazy to get up early for my morning reflection, I often end up bumping into situations all day long.
I encourage you to take time to reflect at the end of the day. Reflect on:
• High points – what went well?
• Low points – what was difficult?
• Life lessons – what would you like to remember for future reference?
A tip – Be honest. The better you can describe your situation, the greater the chance you can improve things. Also, be compassionate and accepting of yourself and your current situation. This will help you be compassionate toward others.
In the morning, reflect on:
• Your image of peace for yourself and the world at large.
• The day ahead and what you will encounter.
• What do you need to be prepared for? Do you anticipate any challenges?
• Be prepared to respond in bamboo or “wakame” mode.