The Examen
The Examen is a practice from the Roman Catholic tradition, first advocated by Saint Ignatius Loyola. It was first described as a method of prayer but can be taken and used regardless of your beliefs.
In its simplest form, the Examen can mean asking ourselves questions designed to help us identify the ‘consolations’ and ‘desolations’ in our lives. We learn to recognise those things that give us life and energy or that drag energy away from us, leaving us feeling drained and empty instead of renewed and encouraged.
The Examen can also help us identify patterns in our responses that might need our attention or help us to keep silent instead of speaking out about something important. The Examen is best done at the end of the day. Perhaps light a candle or play some soft music to mark this as a special moment in the day.
Then ask yourself:
- For what moment today am I most grateful?
- When did I feel most alive?
- When did I feel most loved?
- When did I feel most energised?
It is easy to see only on the bad moments of the day and to let them completely colour our sense of how the day has been. Spending some time in gratitude for the best moment of the day can perhaps help to redress the balance.
Then remember to consider:
- For what moment today am I least grateful?
- When did I feel least alive?
- When did I feel least loved?
- When did I feel least energised?
If we tend to block out the negative experiences or see life through rose-tinted spectacles, this is important too. Acknowledge this moment as part, but only part, of your experience this day, bringing some sense of acceptance to yourself and to the day as it has been.
To find out more about the Examen visit the Ignatian Spirituality website by clicking the following button: