Dr. Jovan Davis, Keiser University’s Fort Lauderdale Campus Student Services Director, recently published a book titled Sacred Seasons: A Daily Devotional for Life’s Transformations.

Davis shared that while experiencing a host of challenges, he was inspired to publish his book in 2022 because he found that even in moments of severe distress ‘every season whether good or bad is sacred’ due to the rejuvenation and inspiration offered from daily reflection, scripture, and prayer.

“Making time for daily reflection is crucial for learners, educators, and all individuals because it cultivates a deeper comprehension of one’s experiences and personal development. Reflection enables people to digest what they have learned, recognize obstacles and successes, and establish well-informed objectives for the future. This habit can improve self-awareness, increase emotional intelligence, and encourage a proactive mindset towards learning and addressing challenges,” he said.

Davis shared that categorical mindfulness, thoughtfully tailored to each season of life, can also assist with jumpstarting emotional and spiritual enlightenment.

“It is important to adjust our reflections according to the season of life we are in, as our needs, challenges, and priorities shift as we move through different phases. What may be significant and applicable during one stage may not hold the same weight in another. For example, a student may reflect on their academic progress and social interactions, while an educator might focus on teaching methods and student engagement, and a professional on career development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Adapting our reflections to these changing circumstances allows us to stay true to our core values while also effectively navigating the various stages of life,” he said.

Motivated to pursue a career in education due to his ‘unwavering belief in the transformative nature of learning,’ Davis shared that he views academia as an empowering tool that can transform society. “My passion for this field is driven by the opportunity it provides to inspire and guide future generations. As an educator, my goal is to serve as a role model and mentor, supporting students as they unlock their potential and navigate the complexities of the world. The chance to make a significant and positive impact on young lives, while contributing to their growth and development, fuels my dedication to this noble profession,” he said.

“The value of consciously making time for reflection can be transformational,” says Davis. “Regularly engaging in a mindful practice allows individuals to stay connected with their journey, enabling them to make more purposeful decisions and adjust to life’s changes with strength and understanding. Not only does it promote personal development, but it also enhances their ability to positively impact any environment they are a part of – whether it be educational, professional, or personal,” he added.

Davis’ Top Five Tips for Meaningful Daily Reflection include:

• Make it a Priority: Set aside time and space for daily reflection. Choose a specific time and quiet place to create a routine, whether it’s in the morning or evening. Consistency will help form a habit and make reflection a part of your daily life.
• “To Thine Own Self Be True”: Don’t do a disservice to yourself by not being honest with yourself. Embracing integrity and authenticity while reflecting can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: When reflecting on your experiences, keep in mind that mistakes and obstacles are chances to grow. Rather than criticizing yourself, use these reflections as opportunities to learn and improve for the future.
• Journal: Putting pen to paper or typing out your reflections can bring clarity and aid in processing them. A journal acts as a personal chronicle that allows you to reflect on your growth over time, identify patterns, and track how your thoughts change as you move through different stages in life.
• Action Steps: Finish each session of reflection by deciding on one or two specific steps to take. These should be tasks or objectives that stem from your reflections and work towards solving the obstacles you recognized or building upon the accomplishments you had. This turns your reflection into a dynamic and beneficial aspect of your growth, both personally and professionally.

A distinguished motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and seasoned educator with over 15 years of impactful leadership across various non-profit sectors, Davis earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania in 2002, Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2006 and Doctorate in Ministry from Drew Theological Seminary in 2018. Through his extensive experience, Dr. Davis has borne witness to the multifaceted challenges that individuals encounter during life’s transformative seasons.