A Gift of Noticing

fog over Lake Toxaway, NC - AWM

Only employees were in the grocery store on my early morning errand. So there wasn’t anyone in front of or behind me at the check-out. It was a common question that led to an unexpected moment. “How are you today?” Perhaps since I was the only customer in the store, she felt free to respond beyond the casual, “I’m fine” and added, “I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing; what’s next for me.” After listening to a cursory review of failed ventures, I simply asked … “what if you start to notice what is life-giving as you move through your day? Maybe after some time you will see a pattern that guides what’s next.” Her eyes widened and her smile brightened. She grabbed a pen and paper to keep herself reminded as she exclaimed, “this just turned my day around!” We talked a couple more minutes and I realized as I left the store, she turned my day around, too.

There is a practice of noticing how we experience situations called the Examen. Although this spiritual exercise was begun by St. Ignatius (1491-1556 CE), it is not limited to Christianity. It is a helpful guide for any faith tradition...or none. Simply put, you practice intentionally setting aside a few moments to thoughtfully review your day, notice where your attention is drawn and ask two simple questions. For example:

            What was life-giving / what was life-draining?

            When did I feel grateful / when was I resentful?

            What drew my attention / what repelled me?

Then take a moment to write a sentence or two in response. Over time, what begins to emerge that reveals your gifts or what you care about? What is fueling your energy, nurturing you that in turn meets a need of community? Starting a practice simply and consistently may begin to instill a prayerful habit of thoughtful reflection – growing deeper in understanding yourself and yourself in relationship with the world.

That brief grocery store conversation was life-giving to me and reminded me to keep practicing. Because I can get caught up in busy days that soon become a distraction and forget to be intentional with what makes my days full-filling. Sometimes the Examen leads me to know what is mine to do. And often it guides me in how I want to be in the world.

I wonder what you might discover?

For the sake of Beloved Community,
In this together…

I’ve shared but one simple way to practice. The Examen can be adapted according to your particular needs - relationships, life transition, gratitude… Reimagining the Examen comes in e-book, print, or app format if you want to explore more. Or email me!