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The Examen
An Ancient Practice of Gratitude and Discernment
What consoles you throughout the day and into the night? Light and loving presence console so many of us through our days and nights. The warmth of the sun and the welcoming light of home lift our moods and bring us joy. I remember sending our firstborn off to sleep with her little “glow worm” that gave off a soft light whenever she needed it. Now her firstborn drifts off to sleep with the light of stars and the moon moving across her ceiling. If she wakes during the night, she will sometimes tiptoe to her parents’ open door just to confirm their presence. Children run to their mamas and daddies for consolation; while we turn to God, our partners, friends, and loved ones.
Authors Linn, Linn, and Linn begin their wonderful little book, Sleeping with Bread, with the story of traumatized children in shelters during World War II. These children were orphaned and starving after the bombing raids. Many of them could not sleep at night until someone had the idea of giving them each a loaf of bread to hold through the night. With the assurance that they were cared for and would eat the next day, the children were consoled and able to sleep. That bread represented life and love to them.
The authors use this story to illustrate the power of holding onto what gives us life (or consolation) and conversely…
