[[§ 0 - Return on Adventure|ROA]] / [[§ 1.0 - PICRR|PICRR]] > [[§ 1.1 - Prepare|Prepare]] > [[§ 1.2 - Immerse|Immerse]] > [[§ 1.3 - Capture|Capture]] > ***Reflect*** > [[§ 1.5 - Remember|Remember]] Reflection is one of the keys to maximizing [[§ 0 - Return on Adventure|ROA]], and is probably one of the steps people do the least often—perhaps because they don't understand the [[Importance of introspection]], or perhaps because [[Self-reflection can be hard]]. Like anything, the more you practice it, the easier it gets. # The Reflection process The reflection process is important because it [[Journaling uncovers meaning|deciphers significance]] from the events of the day. It turns raw notes into meaningful observations and deeper personal understanding. It's *how* travel can change you as a person. It's also *why* you captured all those trip notes in the first place. Those [[§ Trip notes|Trip notes]] are simply the raw materials—the building blocks—for the important process of reflection. They help bring forward the [[Note the details|richness]] of the experience for this effort. The process of reflection isn't just blandly noting the facts—you did, where you stayed, what you ordered for lunch, and how much you paid for the cab ride. Perhaps some of those details will be important components on a larger story you want to remember, or an event that brought to life an important insight. But, nearly all of them will not be. It can be useful to keep track of details like that (and I do some of that in my [[Trip dashboard]]), but it's not the essence of journaling. Journaling is about processing how you changed as a person: what excited you, what made you think, what assumptions you overcame, what you learned about yourself, or humanity, or the world in general. And, perhaps most powerfully, the *why* behind each of those answers. [[Importance of introspection|Introspection is important]], as it transforms events into meaning. The best journaling is deeply personal, which is why you should [[Journal for Future You]] and why [[Journals should remain private]]. It's also why [[Blogging is not journaling]], nor is posting on [[Journaling vs social media|social media]]. # When to reflect Reflection can happen at the end of the day, or at the end of the trip. Or even after you've returned home. Generally speaking, sooner is probably better, if only because your memories are fresher. Without reflection, our trip notes and photographs and memories just sit idle. If you don't get around to reviewing and reflecting upon them, you miss out on an important window of opportunity, as [Gabi Logan explains:](https://www.dreamoftravelwriting.com/note-taking/) >I have vats and vats of incredibly detailed notes from tours and days wandering around various cities, but when they just sit in the cloud, in your inbox, or on a hard drive for too long, you blow past an important tipping point in which the memories of an event are still fresh yet you have enough distance to have perspective and see the narrative thread that runs through a set of seemingly disparate experiences. For me, I like doing a little bit of nightly reflection when I look at my notes and write [[End of day journaling|a little bit in my journal]]. After the trip, especially if there is a long flight home, I'll spend more time thinking about the trip and adding some more thoughts before I return back to the bustle of daily life. Sometimes, more insights will surface several days or weeks later, and I'll [[Progressive journaling|go back and add those]], too. You'll likely need to experiment a bit to see what works best for you, and not all trips allow for the same routine. No matter when or how you do it, the most important key is to just set aside the time to make it happen. # Journaling By far the most common, and probably the most effective, reflection practice is simple [[§ Journaling MOC|journaling]]. Journaling makes you think more deeply about your experiences, and because [[Writing is thinking]] and is a deliberate activity, you may end up with some unexpected thoughts or realizations. There are a number of ways to journal: - [[End of day journaling]] - [[Post-trip journaling]] - [[Pre-journaling]] - [[Progressive journaling]] - [[Introspective journaling]] - [[Retrospective journaling]] - [[Speed journaling]] - [[Thematic journaling]] And likely others I haven't written about. Each of these provides its own benefits and routine. If journaling after every adventure sounds like a lot of work, just commit to writing 2-3 sentences. The mere act of thinking of what to capture helps solidify and make meaning of your trip. # Other reflection techniques Journaling can be hard for some people (*me!*), and it's not the only way to reflect upon your travels. For instance, you can also record audio or video. It's often easier to speak than it is to write—especially when you're staring at a blank page—so if you're struggling to get started, grab your phone and hit record. Like [[Speed journaling]], it can help get your thoughts flowing. Audio or video reflections are great for capturing some nuance that you don't get with writing—a facial expression, the tone of your voice, and so forth. One drawback of these approaches, however, is that precisely because it's easier and more natural to speak than to write, there is less friction in what you say. Sometimes, this can be helpful. But it can also rob you of the difficulty of truly *thinking* about the experience. There is a difference between simply telling a story about your trip, and really diving into yourself and thinking about what that experience means. Btu can easily get the best of both worlds, however, by doing both practices. If you're struggling to write effectively, start with audio or video recordings. Then move back over to writing in a journal. Creating visual art or writing poetry can also be ways to reflect on meaning. However, since these expressive forms are naturally intended to be shared, it can be tricky to produce it simply for Future You, as opposed to some outside audience. # Prompts How you go about self-reflection is up to you. If you're struggling to figure out *how* to think about your travels, here are a few suggested prompts to get your started: - What surprised me today, and why did it? - What did I learn that I didn't know before? - If I could save just one memory from the day, what would it be? - How will today's experience change how I think about myself, and why? - How will today's experience change how I think about the world, and why? - What emotion did I have in that moment, and why did I feel that way? - What should I remember today for? - What have I learned about other people today? - What fears, or misconceptions, or inaccuracies were lifted today? - How would my daily life be different if I lived here?