Cultivate Conscious Awareness

A daily examination of consciousness is indeed a valuable practice. Step 10 of the Twelve Steps encourages us to take personal inventory and promptly admit when we are wrong. Initially, this seemed overly introspective, potentially leading to endless self-examination. However, through my Franciscan training and the Jesuit practice of examining consciousness, I see its deeper value. Consciousness is about awareness beyond mere self-observation; it involves recognizing the divine presence in all aspects of life. By asking ourselves questions about our openness to God's voice and the needs of others, we cultivate a mature conscience. This practice, when done calmly and compassionately, helps us grow spiritually and align with the wisdom of our inner witness, the Holy Spirit.

May we cultivate conscious awareness,
opening our hearts to the divine and
embracing our truths with compassion.

(inspired Richard Rohr, Breathing under Water; Macrina Wiederkehr, Seven Sacred Pauses)