In 2020, I posted to this blog an “Examen of the Senses” which I co-wrote with my wife Fran. We wrote it for use in our Catholic adult faith formation course, so the language in it was explicitly Christian. While we still love that original version, we’ve had occasion to use this Examen in more ecumenical and interfaith settings — most recently for a class I’m teaching for Unity Worldwide Ministry’s formation program for Spiritual Directors — so I’ve revised it slightly to give it more of a universal feel. Please click here for the Catholic version, or read on for the inclusive version. Either way, I hope this can be a blessing for you.
Examen of the Senses
by Carl and Fran McColman
Let’s begin by settling into a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take three deep, slow breaths to calm your thoughts and center yourself in the present moment, acknowledging the Spirit’s presence here with us — within you — now.
God is love and we are one with God, which means we can and do find God in all things. Divine love permeates the world we live in. Let’s consider that sacred presence in our lives by reflecting on how we have encountered the Presence of Infinite Creative Love over the past 24 hours.
Reflect on how the Divine has been present to you this day through the sense of Sight.
Where has the Sacred met you in a visual way? Perhaps in luminous rays of sunlight, bursting through a cloud, slanting through the trees, or sparkling on the surface of water. Perhaps in the colorful array of a sunrise or sunset; in the playful dance of squirrels frolicking in your yard; in the sparkling eyes of someone you love.
Notice how you manifest divine blessings in your life through Sight.
<Pause>
Reflect on how the Divine has been present to you this day through the sense of Sound.
Where has the Sacred met you in an auditory way? Perhaps in the melodious laugh of a child, or the symphony of birdsong, or the soothing cadence of your spouse’s heartbeat; the familiar beat of a favorite song; the beckoning ringtone when someone special from afar calls, and their comforting voice when you respond.
Notice how you manifest divine blessings in your life through Sound.
<Pause>
Reflect on how the Divine has been present to you this day through the sense of Smell.
Where has the Sacred met you in an olfactory way? Perhaps in the rich aroma of your morning cup of coffee or tea; the fragrance of a favorite perfume or cologne; the appetizing smell of fresh basil or a baking apple pie. Perhaps in the evocative scent of freshly mown grass or the redolence of a library filled with old books.
Notice how you manifest divine blessings in your life through Smell.
<Pause>
Reflect on how the Divine has been present to you this day through the sense of Taste.
Where has the Sacred met you in a gustatory way? Perhaps in the delicious indulgence of a sweet juicy peach, the spicy heat of salsa, or the bitter shock of radishes on your salad. Perhaps the joy of warm buttered bread, cold velvety ice cream, or melt-in-your mouth brownies. Perhaps in the quenching coolness of water on a hot day.
Notice how you manifest divine blessings in your life through Taste.
<Pause>
Reflect on how the Divine has been present to you this day through the sense of Touch.
Where has the Sacred met you in a tactile way? Perhaps in the intimacy of a hug from a frend, the affectionate rub of your beloved cat or dog, the cleansing spray of a shower on your skin. Perhaps in the snuggling safety of a warm blanket, the weight of tools or workout equipment, the stability of the earth beneath your feet.
Notice how you manifest divine blessings in your life through Touch.
<Pause>
As you reflect on your day, take time to offer thanksgiving for blessings in your day, however big or small they might be. Reflect also on how you have been invited to grow through healing, expanded conscious, and compassionate action.
<Pause>
In conclusion, pray for the day to come. Pray that you may continue to pay attention to all the blessings in your life, and that you in turn might be a blessing for others.
Let’s finish with an adaptation of a classic Unity Prayer.
We are now in the presence of pure Divine Being, immersed in the Holy Spirit of Life, Love, and Wisdom. We acknowledge your power and your presence within us, Holy Spirit. In your divine wisdom, transform all our seeming limitations into infinite possibilities, and through your love, manifest our joyful union with You, that our world may truly be a luminous expression of your grace and beauty. Amen.
