Rob Bell once said that when we experience things and don’t process them, our bodies still hold those memories. And sometimes they come back flooding all at once.

During this “in between” season, I’m finding a lot of value in processing things as regularly as possible.

Here’s my process. I should call it something like “Structured Reflection by Journaling in the Presence of God.” It combines a modified version of the Ignatian Examen (prayer practice) with journaling.

Step One: Quiet: I quiet my heart and mindfully place myself in the presence of God. This is easier to do if it’s one of the first things I do in the morning… after water and coffee, of course.

Step Two: What Happened: I take a sheet of paper and write down as many things that happened the pervious day. I write down as much as I can remember in roughly chronological order, sometimes noting how I felt or insights I gained. The main point here is the get down “what I did,” while also paying some attention to “what it means.”

Step Three: What Does This Mean: I write in my journal about the previous day, nothing connections, insights from God, and my own reflections on what I learned, how I grew, and how I struggled. I try to focus on gratitude and seeing things in the light of Christ, central parts of the Ignatian Examen prayer practices.

What do you think?

Are you willing to give it a try?

Resources for Digging Deeper