In the first segment of our Visioning Tips series, you took a look at "priming the pump" with some exploratory dialogue. In this second segment, we'll focus on the importance of allowing time for reflection in order to invite your deeper insights into the process. Need to catch up? Start from the beginning of the Ivy Sea Visioning Series.

Reflecting for insights

Leading and planning are most effective and enjoyable when grounded in an inspired vision. And visioning is uninspired, if not outright worthless, without reflection. If you don't make the time and space to reflect on the subject of your visioning, you can't be surprised if you feel disconnected or disappointed later on. Can't find the time to "sit and do nothing?" If you can't find the time, you don't feel strongly enough about the subject of your visioning and perhaps should turn your focus to things about which you do feel strongly enough to find the time.

Unfortunately, slowing down for reflection in our go-go culture can seem excruciating to some people. The good news? Just because practicing reflection can seem like slowing down doesn't mean it won't be extremely productive (perhaps just not in your "make a list and check it off" kind of way). Think of Albert Einstein, for example (who claimed to get many of his most inspired ideas in his dreams). The same is true for many other people whom we now recognize as brilliant contributors to our culture and our world. And there are many ways to reflect. Here are just a few:

Using no guiding questions, and having no agenda besides your intention to reflect and unearth insights for use in your visioning program, consider the following reflection activities:

— Go for a walk: Some people do their best reflection while in motion, with no phones, no computers, no radios...just your feet, your breathing, and your "no-judgement" observations of your surroundings.

— Journal: Using a stream-of-consciousness approach, date your page and just start writing. Don't think. Don't edit. Don't stop. Just write. Brilliant insights don't like having to make their way through an obstacle course of undisciplined mind-chatter, so keep your mind out of your way!

— Mind-map: Did you ever notice the pattern of the "veins" in a leaf? That's nature's very own mind-map pattern. Taking a cue from nature, draw a circle in the center of a piece of paper and make five lines extending in different directions from the circle. At the end of each line, draw another shape. Using key words, "label" each line and circle. Use different color pens, make symbols, and draw additions and extensions as you're so moved.

— Meditate or sit quietly: Some people spend a few minutes simply concentrating on their breath, while others quietly repeat a word or phrase. Still others simply sit quietly and watch, without judgement, the things they observe around them (watch the cat, notice your plants, watch the waves...you get the picture). The point of all this is to quiet the incessant (and overbearing) chatter of your mind to make room for the quiet-but-meaningful insights that rest below the noise.

What other "ways of reflection" can you think of that will help you get beneath the chatter of your day-to-day mind and daily to-do-list items to find the ideas and creativity within?

Ready for the next tips in our series?

Visioning Tip #3 — Activate Your Senses

Visioning Tip #4 — Identify Your Key Themes

In case you've missed previous tips...

We'll have ten tips in all (and, knowing us, we'll throw in a few bonus tips to tap that extra reserve of inspiration). So mark your calendar and bookmark the Series Intro page now. Don't miss these previous installments to our Visioning Tips Series:

Visioning Series Introduction — Why bother with visioning? There are a few good reasons...

Visioning Tip #1 — Prime the Pump: Loosen up with "get-started" dialogue

Check back next month for the next tips in our series. Until then, don't forget to surf our IvySea Planning Tips to complement your visioning work.

Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.