http://www.darrenrowse.com/how-i-meditate-examen
I often find it very meaningful for a professional to share his or her belief and how he or she practice it, especially if the professional is not in the field of ministry. Though it is hard to ignore his ministry background, Darren Rowes; the Problogger, shares his personal method for meditation, or Examen.
The meditation is actually an ancient one – it’s called Examen of Consciousness (sometimes just called Examen) and it was developed by St. Ignatious Loyola (that’s a picture of him below – I think he’s blogging).
Examen a Christian meditation but I’m sure people of other faith backgrounds could use much of it with some modification and that even those who don’t practice any religion could benefit from some of the exercise too. I’ll write it up primarily as I practice it (I’m sure there are many variations) and from the Christian perspective but do feel free to adapt and fit it to your own situation.
The point of Examen is to find the movement of God in our daily lives as we review the day that we’ve just had (or are having). As a result I find that it’s best to do at the end of the day (I quite often use it in bed and fall asleep part way through).
I can’t help but consent more with the everyday Christians who are trying their best to diminish the line between non-spiritual or spiritual. In case of Darren Rowes’ understanding of meditation, he loves it because it’s not overly spiritual, but practical activity which can help him to get “a space to process and deal with the crap that life can throw at us and move forward.”
I’m very aware that this meditation comes from a spiritual (and Christian) perspective (although it’s also very grounded in day to day life) – however that’s the perspective I come from so it’s all I’m really able to authentically share.
As I mentioned above – if you don’t share my faith background I still think that much of it can be helpful. Stage 4 in particular is really useful for reflection. As I mentioned in the ‘note’ above – the practice of just setting aside time to think about how you live, react to situations and to notice the patterns that you slip into can be an enlightening one.
I love this meditation because it’s not overly ’spiritual’ and is quite practical. It does force me to stop, still myself and just ‘be’ for a few minutes each day but I find it also challenges me to work on aspects of myself that are slipping and also gives me a space to process and deal with the crap that life can throw at us and move forward.
I left this comment: “Thank you for sharing insightful post. Even though how everyone is different, uniquely created by God, there is some common sense when it’s about the relationship and communication with God. I was gladly surprised at how you described the purpose of meditation from the “Examen”, reviewing perspective. I do learn a lot from your work and personality. God bless you for your beautiful work in blogging and other meaningful missions.”
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