Consciousness Practice
Our lives are replete with experiences, feelings, and memories that have helped shape us into what we are. Some of these are readily available to the conscious mind. We easily recall them, even reminisce about them. Then there are memories that seem less accessible to the conscious brain—things that are too painful, too important, or too powerful to remember in vivid detail. Even though they are not eagerly pressing upon our minds and emotions, they are shaping our lives. When we begin to work with our unconscious through the writing and dialogue process, we become more familiar with those memories and are often surprised by the wisdom they have to share with us. It is important to remember that consciousness practice is not psychotherapy. It is a form of spiritual remembering and reflection, though it may be that dialoging or writing about certain parts of our unconscious will point to a need for a therapist or spiritual director to help us sort through the emotions and memories we encounter. We might avoid this practice because we are uneasy or fearful about delving so deeply into ourselves. Or, we may think that the practice is oriented too heavily on the self, rather than others. Or, we may wonder if God is at work or if we are simply engaging in some form of spiritual navel-gazing. While these are valid concerns, the truth is that, at its core, consciousness practice is really no different than any other form of meditation that leads us more deeply into ourselves and God.
—From Strength for the Journey: A Guide to Spiritual Practice
Written and read by Renée Miller
Photography by Diane Walker
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