Introspection

Gathering: Now, as we gather, let’s pause to center ourselves, give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives, and to be both present and mindful as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: Socrates is credited with saying that the unexamined life is not worth living. While most of us no longer have the time to sit around the city square thinking big philosophical thoughts, the notion is a valid one. But what does it mean today to examine your life?

It’s about reflection, taking 10, 20 steps back from your life to see where you’ve been, and taking that knowledge to look forward: The Big Picture.

Each of the Abrahamic religions have a requirement for self-reflection. In Judiasm, this time is the ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are known as Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, or the Ten Days of Repentance (more accurately translated as the Ten Days of Return). These days before Yom Kippur, is a time to settle all debts and grievances so that they come to the holy day with a clean slate.

The Book of Allah repeatedly encourages man to reflect; in fact, the verb yatafakkaru (they reflect) is mentioned 17 times. In his book, The Book of Assistance, Imam Al-Haddad remarks that reflection is the lamp of the heart, if it departs, the heart will have no light.

In Christianity, reflection, repentance, and confession are at the core of everyday life. Lent is a season of reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday, when each reliever is marked with the sign of the cross and the priest says, “Remember, you are dust, and unto dust thou shall return.” It is a reminder of the passing nature of this life. It marks the beginning of a rigorous penitential season in which all are invited to look deeply within and determine how they are living the spiritual life.

In tonight’s discussion we reflect on reflection.

Sentences on the Subject:

“My friend…care for your psyche…know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves” -Socrates

“I’ve never been in the military, but I have a purple heart: I got it from beating myself up over things that I can’t fix.” ― Rudy Francisco

“Almost universally, when people look back on their lives, they wish they had spent more time with the people and activities they truly loved and less time worrying about aspects of life that, upon deeper examination, really don’t matter at all that much. Imagining yourself at your own funeral allows you to look back at your life while you still have the chance to make some important changes.”― Richard Carlson

“A man must find time for himself. Time is what we spend our lives with. If we are not careful we find others spending it for us. . . . It is necessary now and then for a man to go away by himself and experience loneliness; to sit on a rock in the forest and to ask of himself, ‘Who am I, and where have I been, and where am I going?’ . . . If one is not careful, one allows diversions to take up one’s time—the stuff of life.”― Carl Sandburg

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. It is often said that our biggest regrets center on opportunities not taken. Do you believe that? Do you have a story about the road not taken?

Probe 2. What is your strength? Your weakness? (Not talking ice cream here)

Probe 3 What’s your brightest hope for the future?

Probe 4. Mardi Gras  refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday . Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. In countries such as the United Kingdom, Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday, which is derived from the word shrive, meaning “to administer the sacrament of confession to; to absolve”. Related popular practices are associated with Shrovetide celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. People often give up something for Lent while others may start something new or embrace an old practice. Do you have a plan?

Probe 5. Is there a quote on Introspection that struck you or another that you would share?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.