A Play Without Ceasing Examen

(adapted from Sleeping with Bread by Linn, Linn and Linn)

 

This exercise is best done at the end of a day.

 

Begin by inviting God to be with you in your imagination. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and wait until you have a sense of being with God. It can help to have a tangible reminder of God’s presence, like a cross or a lit candle, with you.

 

Then, gently look back over your day, and ask God to bring to mind a moment when you were most free to make, accept and endow offers today. When were you most free to play?

 

Bring that moment to mind as fully as possible. Consider the circumstances and what you said and did. Let yourself express gratitude to God for that moment.

 

Then, ask God to bring to mind a moment from your day when you blocked or were blocked by others. When were you the least free to play?

 

Bring that moment to mind as fully as possible. Look at the circumstances and what you said and did. Let yourself feel whatever you feel about that moment without trying to change or fix it. Breathe in God’s loving presence right in the midst of where you are. Remember that every twist and turn of your life is a part of God’s big story.

 

Finally, express thanks for whatever you have experienced in this time. If possible, share what you desire to with a friend.