Spiritual Practices in Times of Transition

Going through a liminal space, whether in vocation, family life, or any other, can be incredibly unsettling. It is unsettling because something has ended, and something else is yet to begin. In this space between space are unknowns, great and small. We each respond in various ways. Some of us withdraw and disengage. Others take it on, ready to move the transition along.

The consequences of how we respond to transition are significant.

When we ignore or take charge and push the pace of transition, we risk missing the healing God has for us and missing out on what God wants us to see at a slower pace.
When we engage the time and wait patiently, we receive gifts we could not have imagined and opportunities to trust and deepen our faith.

In times of transition, we do not have to walk alone.

In this uncertainty and unknown, we need those who walk with us to hold us steady as we feel incredibly unsteady. We are highly vulnerable when going through liminal spaces and need the strength of friends, family, community, and professionals to walk forward with us. There are also spiritual practices that center and sustain us. These include:

Friendship. The presence of people and friends who know us can encourage, hold hope, and sustain our faith as we walk through uncertainty.

Spiritual Direction. Spiritual direction can provide a place for processing, reflection, and hearing from God that you cannot hear for yourself.

Examen. Examen is a practice that provides steadiness. It includes asking the same questions of yourself and God at the beginning and end of each day. Questions such as the following: Where was God today? How did God feel? Where did God seem distant? What emotions came up today? What thoughts led the day? What did I miss today that I needed? What did I receive today that I didn’t know I needed?

Worship. Worship is another practice that keeps us grounded and able to see beyond our circumstances. Worship recalibrates and refocuses us on the God who sees, hears, knows, and is with us.

As you consider these relationships and practices, we invite you to reflect on the following questions:

• As you reflect on a time of transition in your own life, which spiritual practices have helped sustain you?
• Which practices do you want to include in the next transition?
• Who can help you as you engage these practices and walk through the transition

As you find yourself in transition, remember you are not alone.

We would love you to join us and provide spiritual strength for your heart, mind, body, soul, and those you lead! You can learn more about leading in transition and other spiritual practices through Fuller’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation. You can use the discount code CSF24 to get $350 off.