We all have things we look forward to. We all have things that help push us to do those things. Each year I go on a retreat in Minnesota called Demontreville, where I have time to relax, reflect, and rediscover what is important in life. I did not get to go last year due to Covid. One of the main principles involved in this retreat revolves around the concept of dispostion: Taking the time to think, to appreciate the little things, and to remember that these are really the big things. In order to be disposed, you have to be able to reflect. You need to be able to identify those things important to you, and then you have to have a response to them. What are your choices? “What is it I must do?” Following this comes responsibility: the ability to respond freely, and not just about being present, but doing something! We are all given a certain amount of skills and talent, and a limited amount of time to take advantage of them. I have learned about this by going to these retreats. But, I also have made some other modifications to this for me. I call them the 6 R’s. They all start with “Re”, so of course, I now call them the Reiffenberger Rules!
Reflection: You need to be able to reflect on things. Learn to take the time to think about things, without interruptions. In order to do this, you need to figure out how to relax.
Relax: You need to become disposed. Let go of things that are bothering you, It solves nothing by dwelling on them. You need to learn how to “let it go”!
Response: You need to figure out how you will respond to things in life going on. For me, I do some of my best thinking when I am out for a run, or working out in general. I am working out frustrations, and improving my health at the same time. Some things will come up during the week and I have no idea what I am going to do in regards to solving it. I go for a run, and it is amazing how ideas come into my head when I am not bothered by everything else. Try it, whether running, biking, or walking. Just move, and think!
Responsibility: First of all, I have a responsibility to my family. My response to things helps create that responsibility, which then carries over to my practice as a physician. That responsibility then leads to the next phase:
Reality: We all have a role to play in life, and each of us needs to do our part. Keep all of the other above factors in mind, and it also helps us handle reality as well. You don’t need to watch reality TV shows, just wake up each day and face all of the challenges that come your own way. And then finally…
Rediscover: Rediscover your overall purpose in life. “What is it that I must do?” You don’t need to do this on your own. Get support from family, friends, pets, whoever. They are there for support. Sarah is my main cheerleader!
So there you have it. The Reiffenberger Rules! So take the time to Reflect on things, and in order to do this we must Relax, and become disposed. We then need to create a Response in order to fulfill our Responsibility, which will then help create our Reality. This then leads us to Rediscover our overall purpose in life. Good Luck! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of New Streak: New Milestone–700!
