Today’s Word: Consciousness

They’re the tiniest of errors
He made them every day.
Ignore them, they’re forgotten
But, never really go away.

– John Caravelli, The Tiniest of Errors

Have you ever driven somewhere and, upon arrival, realize that you remember virtually nothing of the trip? Here’s a better question: Have you ever come to the end of a year and wondered where it all went and what you did with it? Been there, wondered that…

This is one of the greatest challenges of our busy lives. All too often, we’re leading Socrates’ “unexamined life,” which, as we all know, is “not worth living.” Our days, weeks, months and years rush by in a flash of seasons, holidays and anniversaries, and we find ourselves a year older and with not much else to show for it. That’s why most philosophers, poets and theologians can all agree on at least one thing: Stop and smell the roses. Or the coffee. Or the strawberries. Or whatever it is that will slow you down a bit and help you appreciate what’s going on around you.

St. Ignatius suggests an “examination of consciousness” at the end of each day. This is not just a recounting of our sins and failings (although they may creep in…) but rather a prayerful recollection of the myriad ways that God has touched our lives. “Ignore them, they’re forgotten,” as my friend John writes in his song. But when we take the time to remember them, we are blessed and made all the more aware of the countless ways that God insinuates himself into our lives everyday.

Ask yourself in silence: How did God enter my life today? What people, experiences and moments (now in hindsight) spoke to me of God? And perhaps most importantly, how can I be more aware tomorrow?