Examen Suggestions

Here are some suggested questions that might help you format your own daily examen practice. We need to use formats that we will actually use - so do what works for you. This checklist can be modified and used immediately to help us find areas for celebration and areas that we want to explore further with a sponsor, mentor or spiritual director. It can be customized to fit our particular shortcomings and strengths - both things we want to track. Finally, we make note of any actions we need to take the following day to make amends, make right a wrong, or adjust our approach.

Daily Checklist:

1. Did I lose my temper?

2. Did I remain patient in a difficult situation?

3. Was I selfish?

4. Was I unselfish?

5. Did I practice self-seeking behaviors?

6. Was I dishonest?

7. Did I practice honesty?

8. Did I tease, belittle, insult or diminish anyone?

9. Was I critical of myself or another person?

10. Did I affirm, validate, or uplift anyone?

11. Did I worry or over-react?

12. Did I pause and respond with calm in a challenging situation?

13. Was I disrespectful to myself or another person?

14. Did I treat myself or someone else with respect?

15. Did I blame anyone for my actions?

16. Did I accept personal responsibility without making excuses?

17. Did I indulge in self-pity?

18. Did I practice self-care (good nutrition, exercise, meditation, service work, meetings, etc.)?

19. Was I resentful?

20. Did I express gratitude?

21. Did I serve others?

22. How did I feel today?

23. When was I aware of conscious contact with God?