Journaling, self-reflection & preparing for spiritual direction

Journaling, self-reflection & preparing for spiritual direction

Spending time in self reflection can play a significant role in your spiritual journey. It can also be helpful before meeting for spiritual direction. A regular practice of journaling can provide a space for you to record your spiritual journey — recording your prayers, requests, interior movements and insights

Self-reflection can also help when deciding what to bring to a time of spiritual direction. This requires time and attention — so aim to set aside an extended period of time to this exercise where you look back over the recent weeks of your life.

Begin with a few minutes of silence. Start this time by giving a little attention to your posture and breathing, allowing yourself to come to a place of stillness — spiritually attentive and receptive. Allow some time to write down in a journal significant things which come to mind.

First simply notice “how do I come to this time of prayer and reflection today?”
Make a note of your responses.

After giving some time to that first question, consider “what is my desire of God at this time?”

The suggestions below may help you in this process and work as springboards to your self-reflection:

  • As I review recent experiences and learning in my life, I notice…
  • Consider if there is an image, piece of music, a word or a phrase, that would describe how life has been like lately.
  • I am currently tending to my spiritual life and curating my heart in the following ways…
  • Currently, my spiritual life could be described as…
  • I have sensed the God’s presence (or absence) recently through these experiences, events and relationships…
  • Recently, my heart has been orientated towards… I am desiring… my thinking has been concerned with…
  • I sense divine invitations in these areas of my life…
  • A particular issue I’d like to take through a process of discernment is…

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