A daily examination of consciousness sounds like a very good thing indeed.
—Richard Rohr
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
—Step 10 of the Twelve Steps
Richard Rohr names how Step 10 is beneficial when practiced from a contemplative stance:
I must admit: When I first read Step 10, I wanted to say, “OK, come now, let’s get on to something a bit more positive and evolved. This is beginning to feel like an endless examination of conscience and will keep people navel-gazing forever.” I still recognize that as a danger for some.
In my training as a Franciscan, we learned from the Jesuits about a daily and personal practice of an “examination of conscience.” It certainly had wise intent and worked for some, but I believe that people with a mature conscience do this naturally anyway, through a strongly developed sense of right and wrong. Today, many Jesuits recommend instead an “examination of consciousness,” which to me feels much more fruitful.
Consciousness is not the seeing but that which sees me seeing. It is not the knower but that which knows that I am knowing. It is not the observer but that which underlies and observes me observing. We must step back from our compulsiveness, and our attachment to ourselves, to be truly conscious. [1]
Benedictine Sister Macrina Wiederkehr (1939–2020) suggests a series of questions for a daily “Examen of Consciousness”:
Have the ears of my heart opened to the voice of God?
Have the ears of my heart opened to the needs of my sisters and brothers?
Have the eyes of my heart beheld the Divine face in all created things?
What do I know, but live as though I do not know?…
Is there anyone, including myself, whom I need to forgive?
When did I experience my heart opening wide today?…
What is the one thing in my life that is standing on tiptoe crying, “May I have your attention please?” What needs my attention? [2]
Richard continues:
If obeyed—listened to and followed—consciousness will become a very wise teacher of soul wisdom. It will teach us from deep within (both Jeremiah 31:33 and Romans 2:15 describe it as “the law written on our hearts”). Some call it the “Inner Witness.” On some level, soul, consciousness, and the Holy Spirit can well be thought of as the same thing, and it is always larger than me, shared, and even eternal.
Wisely, Step 10 does not emphasize a moral inventory, which becomes too self-absorbed and self-critical, but speaks instead of a “personal inventory.” In other words, just watch yourself objectively, calmly, and compassionately. When we’re able to do this from a new viewing platform and perspective as a grounded child of God, “The Spirit will help us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26). From this most positive and dignified position, we can let go of, and even easily admit, our wrongs. [3]
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Sarah Young Jesus Calling
Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life.
RELATED SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Additional insight regarding Psalm 37: 23,24: The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out.
Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Additional insight regarding Psalm 16: 8-11: This psalm (16:10 – “For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.”) is often called the messianic psalm because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection (see Acts 2:25-28, 31; 13:35-37).
