On the way into the office, I suddenly realised that I hadn't paid attention for the past few minutes. I suddenly “woke up” and had to reorient myself to what part of the drive I was on. My wife Suz loves this little daydreaming trait about me. She feels so safe with me behind the wheel…
It happens all the time. It's quite terrifying to think that while I’m operating a lethal piece of machinery at high speeds, rather than being hyper-aware of my surroundings, I'm mindlessly wondering who thought to add black, activated charcoal to toothpaste to make teeth more white..?!?
It does make me wonder where else in my life I might be doing a bit of disengaged driving, just rolling on autopilot. Maybe you're like me and there are moments when you get to the end of a day, a week, or longer and wonder
"What have I been doing?"
You're moving through your life but you’re asleep at the wheel.
The "Examen of Consciousness" is a fantastic practice for helping us to 'WAKE UP!'
This ancient practice has helped many people recognise the activity and invitations of the SPIRIT that show up in the everyday, mundane moments of their lives. The questions below are modified and adjusted from the original but represent how the practice has evolved for me over the years.
The Steps:
Take a few minutes to be still. Quiet your mind and body. Bring your whole self in all its complexity and richness to the practice.
Begin slowly reviewing the movements of your day starting from this moment. Play it back in your mind as though you are watching a movie in reverse. As you go, pay close attention to the details of the day - conversations, difficult moments, feelings of joy, people you passed on the street, songs you noticed, triumphs, failures, frustrations at work or home, etc.
Try to quiet your "inner editor", remembering to be kind and gentle with yourself. Give space and attention to every feeling that arises.
As you go through your day, be mindful of the following questions (it might be helpful to write them down as you go):
1. At what point today was I fully present?
2. At what point was I most distracted?
3. At what point did I feel most free?
4. At what point did I feel spiritually or emotionally stuck?
5. At what point did I give generously?
6. At what point did I withhold generosity?
7. Where did I see, experience, and give love?
Thoughtfully ponder these questions. Sit with them for a while, remaining open to any invitations arising in these reflections. With gratitude and grace, release this day and prepare your heart to welcome the next. As you move into a steady rhythm of this practice, you might be surprised what themes and patterns emerge.
This is particularly true if you write down some of your thoughts and review them every few weeks. You can also bring these writings to a Spiritual Director and they can help you listen for the movements of the SPIRIT.
These larger patterns can often hold profound insights and invitations into new levels of awareness of self and the activity of God in your life.
The Prayer of Examen can be a daily, weekly, or even yearly exercise. Play with it and see what it holds for you!
Peace and JOY!!
-Phil
Will u be my new dad?