How do we live our truth, seek wisdom in our opposites world? The world of 2025 in which some leaders say the opposite of facts and reality. Use dishonest rhetoric.
At times it’s emotionally exhausting. I’ve started to take regular full day-long breaks from news, social media, podcasts and other internet sources. I’m calmer at the end of these sabbatical days and can see things more clearly.
On the days that I engage with the news, my practice of doing a nightly examen helps me to gain clarity about what I’ve seen and how it’s making me and others feel. Sometimes it helps me to know how and when to act, to respond. The examen assists me in gaining wisdom for my "regular" life as well.
The examen, or examination of life is simple and practical. It has been attributed to the 16th century Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Adaptations of this practice are still used by many people today.
If you decide to try this practice, either on your own using the steps below or guided by the video, I invite you to consider journaling what comes forth. Before beginning, find a place of quiet to do the practice.
Steps of the Examen:
· Reflect on your day. Go backwards, hour by hour. Look for things that you are grateful for. For things that have given you joy. That is, for places where you experienced the presence of God.
· Reflect on your day again. Backwards. Hour by hour or situation by situation. Look for things, situations, people that you are not grateful for. Perhaps things that have been upsetting. Death dealing. Places that you didn’t feel the presence of the Divine.
· Speak to Love, God about what you have uncovered about your day. Ask for assistance in dealing with what you have found in the future. What you might do differently on the morrow.
This blog is dedicated to the memory of Maureen Fowler, who was my spiritual mentor for many years.
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