01. Exercise 1: Noticing Our Tendencies to Pretend
As you begin this exercise ask God to show you how you can live more deeply the truth of your own uniqueness.
Consider the ways in which your ‘marketing manager’ works. Prayerfully reflect on the image of yourself to which you are most attached. Reflect on how you like to think about yourself and how you like others to think about you. What does your ‘marketing manager’ like you to hide from others?
Ask God to show you how you use these marketing strategies to defend you against what you feel most vulnerable. Most of all, ask for the gift of trust in God’s great love for you so that you may be able to live with less pretense and greater authenticity.
Reflection: Make a few notes of how doing this exercise was for you.
02. Exercise 2: Listen to ‘the sound of the genuine’ Within
As you begin this exercise ask God to show you how you can live more deeply the truth of your own uniqueness.
One way of listening to ‘the sound of the genuine’ within is by paying attention to what most brings you alive. What brings us alive offers us some clues as to who we are meant to be. Perhaps what brings you alive is painting landscapes, or writing poetry, or fixing cars, or making a good meal, or listening deeply to others, or selling a product you believe in, or negotiating a business deal, or exploring ideas about science and faith, or… the list is endless.
Make a list of what brings you alive and of what drains you. Contrast these two lists. Noticing this difference sharpens our awareness of what is most genuine within us. Consider how you can give more time to what brings you alive.
Share with the Lord your thoughts and feelings as you do this exercise and listen to what the Lord may be saying to you.
Reflection: Make a few notes of how doing this exercise was for you.
03. Exercise 3: Pay attention to the unfolding shape of your calling in this phase of your life
Consider the calling you have been living out over the years in the different circles of your life – your job, your ministry, your work, your life. Review your calling in these different areas. How can you live more truly the truth of your uniqueness? You may like to write out a statement beginning with the words: ‘Called to…’ and allow it to reflect what has become a little clearer on this retreat for you.
Share with the Lord your thoughts and feelings as you do this this exercise and listen to what the Lord may be saying to you.
Reflection: Make a few notes on how doing this exercise was for you.