Video Practice: Creative Journaling to Usher in 2022

By Kathy Keary

The symbol of a star has always spoken to me. It’s the brilliant, twinkling light amid the darkness of the night that grabs my attention. I typically get up in the morning around 5:00-ish. It’s still dark out. One of the first things I do is open the shades in my sun porch to see what jewels God has placed in the sky for me that day. I live in a populated, well-lit area, so I usually only see a handful of stars. But each morning I behold anew the beauty and wonder of the stars as if I was witnessing this treasure for the very first time.

This past Sunday we celebrated the Epiphany when the wise men traveled a great distance following a star that led them to the Newborn King. Their lengthy journey speaks of their persistence and determination in their pursuit of following the star with the intent to pay homage to the Light of the World.

As we begin this new year, let’s pause to reflect on the star that you have been following. Reflect for a moment on what dominated your mind and heart in 2021? What were your priorities?

The new year offers us a chance to redirect our focus on what truly matters — to re-create ourselves as we endeavor to become more and more the person God created us to be. So often we make new year’s resolutions haphazardly without giving heartfelt attention to this important endeavor that can change or redirect our lives in a positive way. This year let’s set a plan for 2022 that will make room for God and for the people God has placed in our lives. Let’s be just as intentional, determined, and persistent as the wise men were in seeking the Holy One.

I will share with you reflection questions to ponder as you create a plan for this coming year. I recommend that you take some time to journal your responses, so that you have a lasting record of the intentions that you set forth today. Once you have responded to the questions with words, put your thoughts and emotions into art. Get out your markers, crayons, paints, or colored pencils to create a symbol that will remind you of your 2022 plan to become more the person you were created to be. Once you have completed this meditative experience, return to the video.

Before you begin, take a few deep breaths, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this important task.

• What values do I hold dear?
• How am I called to live out these values?
• What relationships do I need to consider as I become more the person I was created to be?
• How am I called to fulfill the various roles I play?
• How will I manage my day to spend time with God?
• How will I make room to rest in silence?
• How is God calling me to be a gift to others?

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For those striving to lead a contemplative life, you may enjoy our upcoming book study, where we will reflect on Christine Walter Painter’s book, Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way Of Life. This begins on January 8, 2022,  and you can attend either on Saturday mornings or on Tuesday evenings as well as in-person or on Zoom.

Click the button to register, or follow this link for more information.

Register Here!

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I invite you to return to your journaling throughout the year to renew the commitments you made today. Perhaps you can place your artwork where you will routinely see it reminding you of the path you set today.

It has been a pleasure to be with you today. I will return next week as we continue our video series on contemplative prayer. May 2022 be filled with all good things for you and your loved ones.

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[Kathy Keary, spiritual director, holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in theological studies, and completed Sophia Center’s Souljourners Program, an intense study of spirituality and spiritual direction. Kathy believes that the Divine is present and active in all of life and encourages others to be awakened to the God in all including the Divine within. She enjoys accompanying others on their journey to wholeness discovering the person they were created to be.]

Photo 136082146 / Star © Kalina Vova | Dreamstime.com

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