We began this series on waking weeks ago, and by connecting the dots, we worked through the neuroscience of our coping mechanisms and sorted through some of our disordered attachments. We landed with a sort of literary flourish, discovered Jean Valjean waking to his own disordered attachments. As he woke, what did he see? The light of the Bishop, which is to say the light of Christ. By waking to that light, Valjean found new life.

We’re in the season of celebrating the coming of light and life, and I’d like to give myself to it fully. Maybe you’re in the same boat. So as we enter this last week of Advent, the week leading us to the coming of Divine Love, I’m taking a writing break to sink into the thick purple velvet of the season.* In the meantime, though, continue in the practice of waking. How? Take up a Daily Waking Exercise.

At the end of each day, carve out 15 minutes, and with a journal and pen handy, complete this sort of Ignatian examen:

1. Become aware of the presence of God, the Divine Love, all around you;

2. Review the day with gratitude, noting where God was present;

3. Examine your emotions—joy, pain, anxiety, and the like—jot them down, and ask whether God was with you in those emotions;

4. In the midst of those emotions, did you turn to coping mechanisms (booze, food, sex, whatever), or did you carry those emotions to God in prayer first? Write the answer each day in your journal;

5. Resolve to carry your emotions first to God tomorrow.

*See you on December 30th.

***TODAY’S TASK: ORDER AND FORWARD***

THE BOOK OF WAKING UP —a book on addiction, attachment, and the Divine Love—launches in just a few short weeks and IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR COPY. Today:

1. Order a copy or ten at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever good books are sold; and,

2. Forward this post to a friend and ask them to read along.