The quote for today comes from Søren Kierkegaard: „When everything is quiet, the most happens.“ Kierkegaard was a philosopher and a pioneer of existentialism, a philosophical movement rooted in humanism. This philosophy addresses questions of existence and meaning, emphasizing the dimension of time rather than seeking universally valid answers. It focuses on the individual, stripped of norms, values, roles, and other external characteristics.
Philosophers of this movement assert that individuals have a duty to question themselves and embark on a journey of self-discovery. A person can only be free and autonomous if they choose to be so, recognizing themselves as temporal and finite beings. The present moment, the „now,“ holds central significance. The actions that define who a person is at this moment determine their essence. Through personal will and the freedom to choose, one’s identity and autonomy emerge, making interpersonal connections more meaningful.
In this context, I find Kierkegaard’s quote particularly intriguing. Self-reflection, the development of the self, can only occur in stillness. In the chaos and turmoil of our VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, we often lack the opportunity to question ourselves and our actions, which is essential for learning and growth. It is in silence that the most profound developments can take place.
A valuable tool for such reflection is Miller, Sherod & Phyllis´s Wheel of Awareness. (https://primarygoals.com/teams/models/awareness-wheel/) This method encourages individuals to reflect quietly on the following levels:
-
Sensory Perceptions: What did I perceive solely through my senses, without judgment or interpretation?
-
Thoughts: How did I interpret and evaluate the situation? What thoughts came to me?
-
Feelings: How did I feel afterward?
-
Intentions/Wishes: What did I want to do next? What were my desires?
-
Behaviour: How did I react? What actions did I take based on my interpretations?
Once these questions are addressed, the reflection deepens by asking how the situation could have been interpreted differently. What evaluations might have varied? This process continues through each point, starting with feelings: If I had evaluated the situation— which is inherently neutral— differently, how might I have felt? Think then on the impact of the following questions regarding intentions and behaviour.
