My Gifts & Addictions

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace:  To identify our gifts and attachments. 

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

Choose one below

• • What were some of your high and low points of the week?

  • How have you used one of your gifts this week?

III.  Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed:  CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.), 30 small pieces of papers for each member 

Introduction

The aim of this meeting is to identify our gifts and addictions.  The “Everything But…” activity in this meeting helps us to do so.

The aim of this activity is to help members articulate what is most important to them and in the process, perhaps illuminate “gifts” that might have become “addictions” as they are challenged to make choices between many entities that they esteem.  The list is purposefully expansive to stretch a person’s imagination in reflecting upon the many gifts that are part of their daily lives.  Not only is the activity intended to highlight disordered attachments but also grow in gratitude for the gifts in one’s life.

Instructions

• • Give each member of the group 30 square pieces of paper.

  • Explain the rules of the activity:

    1. Tell them that you will instruct them on what to do with the papers throughout the activity and they cannot do anything apart from your instructions.

    2. Once decisions have been made with squares, there is no “going back.” A decision is always final and the decisions will only be given a set amount of time (decisions will be made more clear as the activity goes on).

    3. No talking during the activity.  It must be conducted in silence. 

Exercise 1: My Gifts

Invite members to write each of the following on their squares.  Give them enough time to write.

• 1. 5 most important material items (pause …)

  2. 5 most important people in their life (pause …)

  3. 5 important goal/hopes for the future for your life (pause…)

  4. 5 important memories (pause …)

  5. 5 meaningful talents (pause …)

  6. 5 activities that take up the most of your time (pause …)

Note:  If members say they cannot think of 5 things, tell them “YES YOU CAN- THINK MORE CREATIVELY!”

Discussion 

Once all group members have written their 30 items, invite them to display those squares in front of them and discuss them.

• 1. What do you notice during the activity?

  2. Are there any insights and feelings stir up within you?

Exercise 2: My Attachments

Invite them to “let go” of each of these gifts in phases.  How to let go?  Pick up the number of squares and put them face down in the communal center or in the bucket, etc.  Once you’ve done so, you can’t take them back.  (note:  You may consider other creative ways to let them go). Encourage members to notice their particular orientations or feelings as they have to let go of squares.

• • PHASE 1: let go of 10 squares (Give 2 minutes or so for members to decide)

  • PHASE 2: let go of 6 more squares (Give 1 minute for members to decide)

  • PHASE 3: let go of 4 more squares (Give 30 seconds for members to decide)

  • PHASE 4: let go of 4 more squares (Give 20 seconds for members to decide)

  • PHASE 5: let go of 3 more squares (Give 15 seconds for members to decide)

  • PHASE 6: let go of 2 more squares (Give 10 seconds for members to decide)

  • PHASE 7: Let go of everything.  Invite members to announce the last square they put down and reflect silently on the question: What remains?

Invite members to reflect upon their experience of the activity and their orientation toward the “letting go.”

Discussion

Suggested questions for conversation

• • How did it feel to let go of all these things?

  • Were there some things that were easier to let go of than others?

  • How did you make your decisions?

  • Did your feelings change over the course of the activity?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

• • How does the First Principle and Foundation affirm or challenge your orientation during the activity?

  • Is there anything that you are feeling called to let-go of?

  • Is there anything that you are feeling more grateful for?

  • Is there anything that you would like to reflect upon further in the coming weeks?

IV.  Moving Forward (5 min.)

• Action:  

  • Pray with Awareness Examen:  Pay attention to the circumstances you feel most alive

  • Share with your prayer partner

• Announcements:  Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V.  Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Pray for one another or "Prayer for Detachment" by St. Peter Faber, SJ