Reflecting can have different meanings depending on the context. Here are some definitions and examples of reflecting:
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Mirroring: This is a simple form of reflecting and involves repeating almost exactly what the speaker says. Mirroring should be short and simple, and it shows that you are trying to understand the speakers terms of reference and acts as a prompt for them to continue.
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Paraphrasing: Reflecting can also involve paraphrasing and restating both the feelings and words of the speaker. The purpose of reflecting is to allow the speaker to feel understood and to focus their ideas, which in turn helps them to direct their thoughts and further encourages them to continue speaking.
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Thinking: Reflecting can also refer to the act or instance of thinking, pondering, or meditating. For example, "We have been doing some reflecting on the year that has just passed".
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Showing or expressing: Reflecting can also mean to show, express, or be a sign of something. For example, "The statistics reflect a change in peoples spending habits".
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Analyzing: Reflection is a process that helps you gain insight into your professional practice by thinking analytically about any element of it. It allows you to identify and appreciate positive experiences and better identify ways that you can improve your practice and service delivery. It can also be useful when you have had more challenging experiences, helping you to process and learn from them.
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Responding: Reflecting can also refer to responding to the other person by reflecting the thoughts and feelings you heard in their words, tone of voice, body posture, and gestures. Reflective listening is a kind of "checking out" process to determine that both you and the speaker understand what they are trying to say. The reflection allows the other to verify that you are hearing accurately.
In summary, reflecting can mean mirroring, paraphrasing, thinking, showing or expressing, analyzing, or responding. It can involve different techniques depending on the context, such as mirroring or paraphrasing in communication, or thinking and analyzing in professional practice.