Reflexion

A few weeks ago I noticed that at least one person had viewed one of my posts after searching “reflexion.”  This gave me mixed feelings.

For example, I was glad that they found and read what I wrote.  I appreciate any avenue that leads anyone to meet me and check out what I think.

At the same time, I was born and raised in rural Wisconsin, in what many people call a “simpler time.”  Things seemed simpler, in part because people generally understood that some answers were right and some were wrong, and recognized the value of having the right ones.  There were rules that people took seriously, even rules of English spelling and grammar.

Even now that I have come to recognize that rules may not be the most meaningful part of life, some things still strike a chord with me.  I have been told that I tend to use too many semicolons.  I notice when people do not understand the difference between “good” and “well.”

I understand that the English language has a very complex and flexible structure, because it draws and adopts words from so many varied sources.  Different combinations of letters can be pronounced almost identically, and words spelled the same way are often pronounced very differently.  That can make English difficult to learn, but also very useful.  It also means that the rules of grammar and spelling develop and change over time.  The language can change so quickly that it becomes challenging for people to understand each other.

I would say that it is significantly more important that someone spend time in “reflexion” than that they spell “reflection” correctly.  Knowing the joy and depth that can flow from the regular practice of silence, solitude, and reflection is more valuable on so many levels than knowing how to spell the words correctly.

The challenge for me is finding the balance that encompasses both the depth of reflection and the ability to communicate about it effectively; the monastic and the strategic.

Which is easier for you?

[Image by greeblie]