Examen - 08 2025
Transcript
Happy Ignatian Heritage Month! In today’s examen, we will spend some time reflecting on social justice. Begin this process by feeling your mind begin to quiet. Whether you are walking, sitting, or laying down, take a moment to be conscious of your body and your breath. Take the deepest breath you’ve taken yet today.
As we reflect, try to refrain from placing judgements on your thoughts and emotions, accepting what comes up with openness and empathy. Giving yourself the freedom to explore what’s on your mind and in your heart without filtering or judging what you observe.
When you hear the phrase "social justice” what comes to mind? What feelings does this idea conjure up? Perhaps you thought of ideas like equality, opportunity, or rights and privileges. Perhaps you thought of something else. Consider what your definition of social justice is. Where or how did this definition first take shape?
Think about a historical social justice movement that you benefited from in your day today. Did you exercise a right or feel a freedom that was won by activists or advocates in the past? Hold gratitude in your heart for the way-makers or martyrs who fought for social justice before us.
And with that gratitude, turn your attention again to your breath. Draw a deep breath in and then out.
Call to mind the most recent time when you were aware of justice issues or movements to overcome those injustices. Perhaps this morning when listening to the news or scrolling on social media or discussing current events. What about during your day at work or in classes? What emotions did that awareness bring?
What social justice issues do you feel most connected to or engaged with today? Did you take any action toward social justice today? Why or why not? Action toward social justice can look many different ways, whether through direct service, activism, community organizing, political advocacy, mutual aid, donation, dialogue, or vocation. Which of those roles do you feel skilled in or curious about? Who is someone in your life you could connect with to get more involved in justice work in your community?
And again, as we near the end of this examen, take the deepest breath you’ve taken yet today.
Social justice is an aspiration. It is the world we want to live in. It is the end goal. We might never see a world that is full of justice and peace in our lifetimes, but it is critically important that we envision it. So, as we shift this reflection to look toward the future, consider what a just world might look like. Consider what real peace might feel like. Consider what true, sustained solidarity might look like. What role might you take on?
Feel free to relish the questions we’ve reflected on in the past few minutes or to conclude with a personal prayer. Thank you for taking some time today to participate in this examen on social justice.
November 08, 2025
Examen: Social Justice
SUMMARY: Reflect on social justice issues and movements with gratitude, self-awareness, and aspiration.
PRESENTER: Bizzy Stephenson, Community Outreach Program Manager, Community Service and Action
Transcript
Happy Ignatian Heritage Month! In today’s examen, we will spend some time reflecting on social justice. Begin this process by feeling your mind begin to quiet. Whether you are walking, sitting, or laying down, take a moment to be conscious of your body and your breath. Take the deepest breath you’ve taken yet today.
As we reflect, try to refrain from placing judgements on your thoughts and emotions, accepting what comes up with openness and empathy. Giving yourself the freedom to explore what’s on your mind and in your heart without filtering or judging what you observe.
When you hear the phrase "social justice” what comes to mind? What feelings does this idea conjure up? Perhaps you thought of ideas like equality, opportunity, or rights and privileges. Perhaps you thought of something else. Consider what your definition of social justice is. Where or how did this definition first take shape?
Think about a historical social justice movement that you benefited from in your day today. Did you exercise a right or feel a freedom that was won by activists or advocates in the past? Hold gratitude in your heart for the way-makers or martyrs who fought for social justice before us.
And with that gratitude, turn your attention again to your breath. Draw a deep breath in and then out.
Call to mind the most recent time when you were aware of justice issues or movements to overcome those injustices. Perhaps this morning when listening to the news or scrolling on social media or discussing current events. What about during your day at work or in classes? What emotions did that awareness bring?
What social justice issues do you feel most connected to or engaged with today? Did you take any action toward social justice today? Why or why not? Action toward social justice can look many different ways, whether through direct service, activism, community organizing, political advocacy, mutual aid, donation, dialogue, or vocation. Which of those roles do you feel skilled in or curious about? Who is someone in your life you could connect with to get more involved in justice work in your community?
And again, as we near the end of this examen, take the deepest breath you’ve taken yet today.
Social justice is an aspiration. It is the world we want to live in. It is the end goal. We might never see a world that is full of justice and peace in our lifetimes, but it is critically important that we envision it. So, as we shift this reflection to look toward the future, consider what a just world might look like. Consider what real peace might feel like. Consider what true, sustained solidarity might look like. What role might you take on?
Feel free to relish the questions we’ve reflected on in the past few minutes or to conclude with a personal prayer. Thank you for taking some time today to participate in this examen on social justice.