Reflective practice in an age of rapid change.

 This morning I surfed at a little point-break down the road from my house.  It’s a beautiful wave, playful, lined up, breaking for a few hundred meters over shallow reef.  

  Fifteen years ago I’d often surf this wave alone or with one or two friends. Rarely did I see somebody in the water who I didn’t recognise. It’s not like that anymore. 

  We live in a designated growth corridor. The population of our town has swelled from 15,000 people in 2011 to over 25,000 in 2025. Not taking into account a massive explosion of new suburbs five minutes up the highway which have also expanded from 0 to 25,000 people in the same time.

  Needless to say, the number of surfers in the water has increased proportionately. 

  When we recall positive past experiences, we run the risk of eliciting nostalgia, a longing for a way of life that no longer exists. This can colour our perception of the present moment leaving us feeling bitter, sad or frustrated with the realisation that we can’t go back.

  On the other hand, we can recollect the past with a sense of gratitude and appreciation.  We can celebrate that we were there, we participated in that experience. 

  There’s a delicate dance between gratitude and nostalgia. Either way a little reflection helps keep us centred, heightening awareness of our values, revealing what is true and important to us.

  Looking back with the intention to live well in the present moment is a helpful practice. It helps us act more mindfully. Are we living in alignment with our values, with our sense of integrity?