I return to myself in order to turn toward YOU. This 8–9 minute practice is well established and widely trusted. It gently leads into inner stillness and the presence of God. It can be used to prepare for Scripture meditation, journaling, other forms of prayer, or as a mindful way to begin the day’s work.

The heart of Ingatian retreats. After a brief awareness exercise of the body, I listen to a passage of Scripture and imagine the scene before my inner eye. I pay attention to whether a detail, an image, touches me. I bring my awareness there and remain, sensing and savoring the moment. Often what is most striking is this: what touches me has something to do with my own life. God stirs something within me and has something for me…

After a few minutes of walking, I consciously slow down. I turn my attention to listening, seeing, and feeling… I draw near to what moves me. There I remain, sensing and savoring the moment…

Emotional regulation and prayer of petition at the same time:
Through conscious awareness of the breath, attention loosens from spirals
of worry and returns to the body. A sense of soothing relief may arise.

In this approximately 20-minute awareness practice, I turn inward and notice what is occupying me in this moment. Without slipping into rumination, I direct my attention to where and how my body carries strain, worries, or unresolved matters — an inner journey of discovery…

The so-called Examen is a brief, loving review of the day. It is a gentle form of prayer that, over time, makes you more attentive to the meaningful moments of everyday life. It fosters a contemplative way of living and deepens awareness of one’s own inner movements.