I like to think of the Examen as a way to help us just live with intentionality. It’s easy to let the days slip by without any reflection, one day just flowing into the next. But if we want the moments to last, we need to live with intentionality. This is where the Examen helps us. The Examen (from Ignatian spirituality) is a gentle, prayerful reflection on your day, noticing where you experienced God’s presence, gratitude, and invitation to growth. So I thought it might be helpful to have an Examen specifically for our create and play rhythm.

1. Become Still

Take a few breaths.
Invite God’s presence with you.
Maybe pray:

“Creator God, You delight in making all things new. Help me see where I joined You in creation today.”

2. Give Thanks

Reflect on moments of creative joy or play.

What felt life-giving, even in small ways?
When did you feel free, curious, or childlike?
What moment of beauty or imagination felt like a gift?

3. Review the Day (or Week)

Look back through your creative moments:

What did you make, explore, or notice?
Were there times you resisted play or held back?
When did you sense flow, connection, or surprise?
When did you feel blocked, pressured, or disconnected?

Try to see these moments as invitations — not successes or failures.

4. Notice God’s Presence

Where might God have been in your creative process?
Was there a moment you sensed delight, peace, or invitation?
What felt sacred, even if it was messy?

5. Respond and Rest

What invitation do you sense for tomorrow or next week?
How might God be inviting you to create or play with Him again?

End with rest, maybe just sitting quietly, or with a simple prayer like:

“Thank You, Creator, for the gift of creativity and play. Help me to create with You again.”

Optional Prompts (for journaling or reflecting with friends)

You can rotate a few of these each week:

What surprised me in my creativity today?
What felt playful or freeing?
What made me tense or afraid to try?
Where did I notice beauty?
What do I want to bring into my next creative moment?

An Examen for Create and Play