The practice of the Examen offers us a method to reflect on our experience, notice positive and negative patterns in our daily life, and to live in generous response to the gifts we have been given.
The past academic year has brought many new, and often challenging, experiences for all of us. Disruption in our routines, environments, and relationships has also made it more difficult to notice and mark the passage of time. This guided examen will accompany you in recalling, reflecting on, and responding to your experiences this year.
I take a moment, as I begin, to quiet my mind and body.
I find a comfortable position that allows me to relax and focus.
I start to become aware of my breath and my body. I notice my breathing and allow it to slow and deepen, consciously relaxing any place that is holding tension.
I take three slow, deep breaths and pause before going on.
I take a few moments now to sit in gratitude, becoming aware of the many gifts that nourish and enrich me.
I express my thanks for one or two things, large or small, for which I am grateful today.
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Next, I review the events of this past academic year.
I pay particular attention to the moments and the feelings that stand out strongly to me in my memories:
- moments in which I felt inspired or comforted or energized,
- and moments that were challenging, draining, or anxiety-provoking.
I linger with those powerful moments as they come to my attention, for as long as is helpful.
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As I begin, I think back to last summer, with its uncertainty and upheaval, as well as hope and promise of greater justice. As we came to the end of summer 2020, what was I feeling? What was I looking forward to? What brought me anxiety?
We began the fall semester: starting a semester and academic year in a fully remote environment for the first time. Classes and semester activities began and we settled into the rhythm of a new and unusual academic year. As I recall the ups and downs of the fall semester, what memories surface?
I remember closing the fall semester and the calendar year. I celebrated the winter break and holidays in a different way than I usually do, perhaps in the presence of different (or fewer) friends and family. As we closed 2020 and began 2021, what did I want to take with me? What did I wish to leave behind?
In January we resumed classes and looked to the year ahead, anticipating new opportunities and challenges. As the winter months gave way to early spring, we received welcome news: growing vaccine availability, positive local conditions, the hope of reopening and returning to campus. How did these developments impact me? How did I react?
And in the last few weeks, we have drawn close to the end of this very unusual academic year. We celebrate our graduating students, look forward to the summer, and prepare for reunions and celebrations in the coming months.
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Which brings me to today, as the end of the year arrives and we honor the class of 2021.
Where am I at this very moment? What is on my heart today?
As we reflect and take stock of our thoughts and feelings in light of this past year, St. Ignatius reminds us to consider those times where we may have missed the mark.
Looking back over the past year, to which situations or persons do I wish I had responded differently?
How might I respond better in the future?
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Finally, I ask for grace and assistance in living out these intentions.
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I pause for three more slow breaths. When I am ready, I return to my day.
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