Embedded Files
Engaging in reflection helps us to prepare relationally, emotionally, and strategically...
Section 1.1
Section 1.1
Engage Your Transition
Engage Your Transition
Instructions
Some things need to be scheduled far in advance (such as debriefing programs) and some get-togethers may take weeks to plan. In order to get the most of the time you have, review the information below.Plan in order to engage
Plan in order to engage
Section 2 is the main processing engine of The Transition Workbook.
Review Section 2.0 before you go on to other sections.
After you get an idea of what it will involve for you, build time into your weekly calendar for these reflections.
Section 3 provides fun and meaningful closure activities for individuals, families, and teams. You will need intentionality to prepare for these activities.
You will benefit most from scheduling these activities during your last 3 months.
Visit Section 3 to plan these activities in advance.
SECTION 4: Strategic Preparation
Section 4 offers prompts as you prepare for your move.
Use this section to consider patterns and activities that can help to stabilize you both before and after your upcoming move.
Section 5 concerns your initial arrival in your new location. It provides ideas for planning the time you will need to adjust, including information on debriefing programs.
Debriefing programs fill up well in advance, so consult this section as soon as you can.
TIP: Plan the one-on-one celebrations and get-togethers you want to have for your final 2-3 months.
If you wait for one-on-one get-togethers until your last few weeks, you may not have the capacity – either time-wise or emotionally – to be present to the people with whom you would like to connect.
Calendaring Ideas for relocation
Calendaring Ideas for relocation
Relocation "timelines" are a helpful aid to visualize your transition and think through all that needs to be done.
Set aside time to view websites devoted to relocation. (For example: Expat's Manual: Moving Checklist)
Consider your responsibilities and the demands upon you in the coming months.
Begin mapping out / scheduling what needs to happen in order for you to finish well relationally / with your work responsibilities. You will build on – and adjust – your initial plan as time goes on.
TIP: Build in margin!
...because you just can't know everything that is going to happen before you depart, or how much time certain preparations will take.
Section 1.2
stabilizers
Section 1.2
stabilizers
'Stabilizers' are patterns, rhythms of life, and activities that contribute to resilience, equilibrium, and stability.
Reflection Opportunity
What are your stabilizers? Which of your stabilizers do you need to prioritize in these months before you depart?
Do you need to incorporate further stabilizing practices?
Here are a few suggestions.
Daily
Daily
Spiritual Practices
The daily practice of examen (Section 1.2) can be done in prayer alone or with a friend / spouse / children.
Recording your reflections from multiple examens can help you discern how God is revealing himself to you over time.
Where have you felt/seen God? What might Jesus' invitation be to you for today...tomorrow?
More info: Appendix: Examen
Inspiration: 3X5 Examen
Weekly
Weekly
Check-in
Establish a weekly or bi-weekly check-in with a friend, co-worker or spouse. Add it in your calendar! Together:
LOOK BACK
What has been accomplished?
LOOK FORWARD
What is needed to meet your goals?
CONSIDER your departure timeline. Fill in further details. Calendar as necessary.
CELEBRATE
Positive steps you have taken!
Monthly
Monthly
Take Stock
Schedule 1-2 times a month to take stock of what is happening.
Gather your thoughts. What stands out from your last weeks? How are you experiencing the passing of time? What's new? Reflect on the impact of your processing In Section 2: Remember and Reflect. How are you feeling? All of us need time for our emotions to catch up with our bodies at times (see Section 5). Grant yourself space and time to notice and reflect upon how you are doing and what is happening.
Consider the next steps you need.
TIP: Part of having stability is having rhythms and practices that are portable.
Be strategic: implement your 'stabilizers' in your new location!
One family we know of made a practice of eating donuts together one morning every week when they lived in the States. When they moved to Spain, the rhythm stayed the same – and the donuts turned into churros y chocolate.
Does going for a hike with a friend every month give you a new lease on life? Do you take yourself out on Saturday mornings to drink coffee and watch the world go by? Does taking a day in solitude with God every month support your sustainability?
Carefully consider what rhythms and practices are helpful for you. If you have a family, what rhythms will contribute to your family's sense of continuity?
TIP: Laughter helps!
Grow your sense of proportion. Develop your sense of the ridiculous. Remember, “this too shall pass.”
The changes you are experiencing may be navigated with more grace if you approach your period of transition as an adventure in which you can develop more flexibility and the ability to laugh at yourself.
Section 1.3
spiritual practices
Section 1.3
spiritual practices
Having intentional ways of engaging with God can be particularly important In the midst of complicated seasons of life like transition.
Examen
Examen
Examen is a spiritual practice which can help us become more aware of God's presence and movement in our daily lives, and supports us in intentionally responding to God’s invitations and guidance. Watch the video for brief instructions on how to engage in Examen and why it's helpful during times of transition.
More information can be found in: Appendix:Examen
Posture Prayers
Posture Prayers
Posture Prayers can be a helpful way for us to process our experiences, to express our feelings, and to express what we are thinking, feeling, and desiring to God. They may be particularly helpful in times of transition when we don't have as much margin for reflective thought as we might want, because they can help us get in touch ourselves. Note that posture prayers can be used to process and/or respond to the reflection questions presented in this workbook.
Demonstrative Posture Prayers
Notice how you are feeling as you remember, reflect, journal, create, and pray...and notice your thoughts.
Allow yourself to notice where your thoughts are going and to feel what you are feeling without criticizing or judging yourself.*
Assume a physical posture (or several) to demonstrate externally what is going on internally.
Do this several times: moving in and out of the posture, as a way of expressing and sharing yourself with God.
Then continue to repeat the movement and gently open your awareness, the inner 'eyes' and 'ears' of your heart, to God.
Pay attention to thoughts, memories, Scriptures, physical sensations / emotions, and images that come to mind.
Commune with the Lord with your whole being – body, mind, words, emotions.
*This may help you to become aware of even deeper emotions and heart motivations as you become more present to yourself in God's presence. This can lead to more realistic assessment of self and to deeper sharing with God.
Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God; without knowledge of God, there is no knowledge of self.
John Calvin, Institutes 1.1
Petitionary Posture Prayers
Assume postures that reflect what you are asking for in prayer. As examples, you could find a posture that expresses a long-term desire you have had for gentleness and patience. Or you could find a posture that expresses your desire for breakthrough in a certain circumstance, or a posture that illustrates what you would like for the person for whom you are praying.
Intentionally and reflectively shift back and forth between the demonstrative and petitionary postures. This gives you a way to express what you are presently feeling while also expressing the request or longing of your heart to God.
Reflection Opportunity
Notice any physical responses?
For further exploration with the Lord, notice if there is a part of your body that is responding in conjunction with your prayers. Examples: a tight throat or chest; tension in your shoulders; a queasy stomach.
Gently lay a hand upon that part of your body, welcoming the Holy Spirit into your body, mind, and emotions, and ask the Lord to reveal what he wants to you.
Pay attention to thoughts, memories, Scriptures, further physical sensations / emotions, and images that come to mind.
Seek not to judge yourself for what comes up, but to notice it. Take your experience to the Lord as well as to a trusted person who can help you process and pray through what you are noticing (such as a spiritual director, a counselor, a wise friend, and/or a spouse).
Note: Sometimes this exercise can bring up unexpected, even uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Treat these as invitations from the Lord and take them to a trusted friend, mentor, counselor (etc., as above) to see what the Lord may have for you.
Develop Your Support Network
Develop Your Support Network
You may find that one or more of the following may be helpful for processing the challenges of this time:
a mentor
a committed friend who is willing to call at regular intervals
regular dates with your spouse
regular connections with a team leader, teammate or colleague
regular connections with a member care professional
Schedule a time to get in touch with this person today!
(The links here are not recommendations, simply places to start.)
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