Session 6: Reading the Weather Within

0:00

There are movements within us, shifts in our thought, feeling and bodily sensation… can you distinguish between those which bring us to life… and those which take life away…?

Spend a few moments observing your breathing… and seeing how each breath is unique… As you rest in the gaze of God today… let God contemplate you, and turn your own face to God in quiet contemplation…

2:51

Listen now to Paul explaining just how to recognise the Holy Spirit:

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

3:51

restoration

Notice how the Spirit brings about in you something unconditionally good… an increase of faith, hope and love that no law can be against…

In consolation, notice this movement, name it, give thanks and store it up for harder times to come…

In desolation, notice the countermovement, name it, and gently turn your attention back to God… without making big changes, remain patient until the consolation returns…

When were you filled with greatest joy…? First allow yourself to rest in God’s gaze… and then look back with God over your day… noticing the gifts for which you feel thankful… where you felt life was given… and where you felt drawn by God…

Then look back with God over your day… noticing where you began to struggle… where you entered a downward spiral… where you needed forgiveness… Were there any times you missed God nudging you in the right direction…? Hand over tomorrow’s worries and problems to God…

Now speak to God about your day, and all the joys and challenges it held… and listen to God speaking to you… the one who knows you through and through…

You can pray this Examen prayer daily from now on: resting in God’s gaze… looking over your day with God… handing over tomorrow’s problems and worries to God… and then speaking to God as one friend speaks to another…

God, before all else, you are the ground upon which I stand, you are holding me in being, and you love me every day.