Starting the New Year with Some Reflection
I love this design by Selva Ganapathy. He has an entire set of 2010 pictures. I like this one because while 2010 is here, you can still see 2009 in the distance with some wings. The reason I like that is because of a practice that my spiritual director has be start last year – the Grand Examen. It is something I will engage in this next week, so I thought I would share it with you.
It is basically a spiritual inventory where you examine the past year utilizing your contemplative awareness in four different areas. Here are the areas to examine and reflect on:
1. A LOOKING BACK
Using the power of memory, retrospectively review the past year and deliberate exercise the discipline of noticing.
2. A LOOKING THROUGH
Dependent upon the mind of Christ, discern the apparent connections and deeper meaning in your experiences (themes and patterns).
3. A LOOKING FORWARD
Relying on a sanctified imagination, envision future direction (what and where God’s calling/leading may be).
4. A LOOKING AROUND
Drawing on the resources of community (the gift of ‘one anothering), determine needed support and structure to press on toward the new year.
As you start the new year, join me in the grand examen and lets listen to what the Spirit has to say to us as we begin a whole new year. May this year be a rich and rewarding one for you.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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