Annual Examen and Harmony 2024
Yesterday, I sent a letter to our larger newsletter group highlighting Carl Jung’s wisdom: “A normal goal to the young becomes a neurotic hindrance in old age.” One way we discern which is a “young goal: or an “old neurotic hindrance” is to practice the examen daily, weekly, and annually.
An annual examen is a review of the year. Some refer to the Examen as “rummaging for God,” the way you would rummage through a drawer or bag full of stuff, feeling around for something you know is in there. You already know what’s there; you just need to get your hands on it. And so it is with the Annual Examen. Discernment for our yesterdays, today, and tomorrow is right here. This practice guides us in evaluating our lives through major categories: physical, relational, vocational, and spiritual health, with all three centers of intelligence—head, heart, and gut—as our foundation. Checking in with all three centers gives us a Trinitarian way to notice how you and God have lived this year. It may also offer you a way to be intentional for the new year.
Before you begin, choose a quiet spot, a cuppa, and maybe light a candle to be present in the light of God’s love. Choose whether or not to include bringing your calendar into this Examen. Is it an invitation or a temptation to include the calendar? Do you need that structure, or is there an invitation to let go of that structure? When you feel ready, begin centering yourself in God’s loving presence.
1. Centering Prayer: Aligning Head, Heart, and Gut
Take a few moments to quiet your mind and tune into God’s presence. Focus on your breath and bring awareness to your head, heart, and body. Take your time.
Pray:
“Lord, bring harmony to my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Help me reflect on this past year with clarity, compassion, and courage.”
Reflection:
How does it feel to center yourself? Write any immediate thoughts, sensations, or prayers.
2. Gratitude: Where Did I Experience Life and Harmony physically, relationally, and vocationally?
Reflect on the ways God brought clarity, connection, and courage to your life this year.
Head (Thinking): When did I feel clarity, insight, or trust?
Journal:
Write about a moment when you felt mentally aligned or guided by God.
Heart (Feeling): What relationships or experiences brought me love, joy, or connection?
Journal:
Describe a person or moment where you felt deeply cared for.
Gut (Doing): When did I feel strong, grounded, or courageous?
Journal:
Record an action or decision you made in alignment with God’s will.
Prayer:
“God of harmony, thank you for the ways you brought life and balance to my mind, heart, and actions.”
3. Review: Where Did I Struggle to Live in Harmony physically, relationally, and vocationally?
Look back on the year with compassion and honesty.
Head (Thinking): Where did I get stuck in fear, overthinking, or doubt?
Journal:
Write about a situation where your thoughts felt like a barrier.
Heart (Feeling): When did I feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or envious?
Journal:
Explore a moment when emotional challenges affected your ability to connect.
Gut (Doing): Where did I react impulsively, resist action, or feel misaligned with God’s purpose?
Journal:
Reflect on an action or inaction that didn’t feel grounded.
Prayer:
“Lord, I offer you the moments where I fell out of harmony. Help me learn and grow through them.”
4. Release: Offering Brokenness to God physically, relationally, and vocationally.
Reflect on what you need to release and surrender to God’s care.
Head: What controlling thoughts or mistrust am I holding onto?
Journal:
Write down any thought patterns you want to let go of.
Heart: What hurts, resentments, or self-judgments do I need to release?
Journal:
Describe an emotional burden you’re ready to surrender.
Gut: What misplaced anger, avoidance, or striving is holding me back?
Journal:
Identify an area where you want to practice courage and surrender.
Prayer:
“God of grace, take my brokenness—my anxious thoughts, wounded heart, and misdirected actions—and transform them with your love.”
5. Resolve: Living in Harmony for 2025
Set intentions for balanced growth in the coming year.
Head (Thinking): How will I trust God and seek wisdom?
Journal:
Write one simple way to nurture clarity and trust in your thoughts.
Heart (Feeling): How can I open my heart to love and connect authentically?
Journal:
Name one step to deepen your emotional connection with others and God.
Gut (Doing): What grounded, courageous action will I take in alignment with God’s will?
Journal:
Commit to one action or habit that aligns with your purpose.
Prayer:
“Lord, help me live in harmony—trusting with my mind, loving with my heart, and acting with courage. May I reflect your love in all I do.”
Closing Blessing: Harmony in Mind, Heart, and Body
Take a final moment to rest in God’s presence and invite His peace into your whole being.
Pray:
“O Three in One, God, you are the Creator of harmony and wholeness. May I know you as you are revealed to me in this new year, day by day, momently. Grant that I live fully as myself, made in your image, reflecting your love through my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Guide me with wisdom, compassion, and courage all the days of my journey home.”
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