Beginning and Ending

De’Mello begins his Wellsprings: A Book of Spiritual Exercises, with “Conclusion,” a creative alternative to the Examination of Conscience prayer.

Months and seasons end and begin, again. As we begin again, I invite you to take some time for a personal retreat, time in silence without distractions. Within these minutes or hours, no matter how long or short, consider de Mello’s points below. Choose one or many that seem to hold the most meaning for you in these days. Ponder and take a few notes. Include small events as well as any deeply significant moments.

What do you recall from your days? How were they a gift to you?

As you anticipate this new month, this next season, take time with the goodness of what you have lived.

1. These things I have loved in life: Things I have tasted.... looked at... smelled...

heard.... touched...

2. These experiences I have cherished....

3. These ideas have brought me liberation....

4. These beliefs I have outgrown...

5. These convictions I have lived by....

6. These things I have lived for....

7. These insights I have gained in the school of life: insights into God… the world…

human nature… Jesus… love…. religion …. prayer

8. These risks I took... these dangers I have courted....

9. These sufferings have seasoned me...

10. These lessons life has taught me…

11. These influences have shaped my life (persons, occupations, books, events)…

12. These scripture texts have lit my path...

13. These things I regret about my life...

14. These are my life’s achievements...

15. These people are enshrined within my heart...

16. These are my unfulfilled desires....

I choose an ending: a poem (my own or someone else’s); a prayer; a sketch; a picture

from a magazine; a scripture text; or anything that helps me conclude this prayer

exercise. Afterwards, I express my feelings to the Spirit, to God, to Jesus, to the Sacred, the Holy …