01. Exercise 1: Awareness of Creation
As you begin looking at creation ask God for the grace to rejoice in your own uniqueness as part of creation.
Take at least thirty minutes to spend looking at nature. Using all the senses, as you are able, become aware of all the aspects of creation that surround us here. Seek simply to be present in the here and now. Walk around. Stand still. Sit indoors looking out. Look at the trees, flowers, birds, and all the other expressions of God’s creation.
The temptation will be to think about what you are sensing. For example, you may look at a tree and then begin to wonder how old it is. We find ourselves thinking and no longer aware. When this happens, as it will most certainly, simply return to your sense perception. Getting out of our heads into simple awareness can be hugely challenging.
The only important thing in this exercise is to give our attention to Creation. Look at the sky, hear the sounds around you, wonder at the beauty of a flower, feel the air on your face, gaze at the clouds, watch the insects.
Reflection: After this time, reflect upon it. What did you notice about your experience? How was it for you seeking to be aware of creation rather than thinking about it? How was it for you being aware of the uniqueness of each aspect of creation? What does this mean for your own creation? You may find it helpful to spend some time sharing with God your thoughts and feelings about your own uniqueness and listening to what God may be saying to you.
02. Exercise 2: Meditating on Creation
As you begin your time of meditation, ask God for the grace to rejoice in your own uniqueness as part of creation.
Find something in creation that you can take to your room – a leaf, a stone, a flower, a twig, whatever you would like to spend some time with. Take at least fifteen minutes to allow the uniqueness of its presence to speak to you. Keep in your heart those words of Thomas Merton: A tree brings glory to God by being a tree.
Reflection: After this time, reflect upon it. What did you notice about your experience? How was it for you being aware of the uniqueness of what you meditated on? What does this mean for your own creation? You may find it helpful to spend some time sharing with God your thoughts and feelings about your own uniqueness and listening to what God may be saying to you.
03. Exercise 3: Praying Scripture
As you begin your time of meditation, ask God for the grace to rejoice in your own uniqueness as part of creation.
Look at these verses:
Psalm 139: 13-14. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Luke 12:6-7 Are not two sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Isaiah 43:1 Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
Here are some passages you know well. I am not asking you to look for new insights or ideas. Simply take time during your meditation time to soak yourself in these words. There is no need to do anything with the words you read. Let them do something for and in you. Allow the words to turn over in your mind and drop into your heart. Let the Lord meet you through them. Talk with the Lord about whatever arises in your heart and mind.
Reflection: After this time, reflect upon it. What did you notice about your experience? How was the time of praying the Scriptures for you? How do they invite you at this time of your life to rejoice in your own uniqueness.? You may find it helpful to spend some time sharing with God your thoughts and feelings about your own uniqueness and listening to what God may be saying to you.