Process for Lectio Cogitatio with Groups
Grief Resource Exhibit Interactive Presentation
October 26, 2024
Patricia D. Brown, MDiv. PhD.
Lectio Cogitatio (Reflective Reading)is an interactive process that can be used with groups. Approximately 20-30 minutes.
LECTIO COGITATIO
1.Invite participants to break into groups of 3 - 4 with individuals whom they know the least and move their chairs to form a tight circle. Invite them to briefly exchange names.
2. Ask groups to count off 1 to 3 or 1 – 5. Announce a number, designating the facilitator of each group. The facilitator will help keep the group on track.
3. Hand out the printed reading to each participant. Side 1 holds the below instructions. Ask the groups not to read Side 2, which holds the Reflection, until instructed. The facilitator reads through the instructions with the participants.
Lectio Cogitatio
STEP 1.Read the passage slowly, with one person reading out loud. [3-4 minutes]
STEP 2. Pause, and in silence, recall the word or phrase that most caught your attention and reflect on this word. [1 minute time kept by facilitator.]
STEP 3. Each person shares the word or phrase with the group without comment. [1-2 minutes]
STEP 4. A different person reads the passage out loud again. [3-4 minutes]
STEP 5. Think out: “Where does this passage touch my life?” Each person responds using an “I” statement (not “Others thinks...” but “I think...”). [3-5 minutes]
(Group members listen and do not comment or build on what is shared.)
STEP 6. A different person reads the passage out loud again. [3-4 minutes).
STEP 7. Think out: “From what I have heard and shared, what am I to do or be this week? How am I invited to change?” Each person responds using an “I” statement. Share as time allows, making sure to leave time for step 8. [3-5 minutes]
STEP 8. One at a time, each person turns to the person on their right and briefly shares what they wish for the person, naming what that person shared in step 7. [3-5 minutes]
Adapted from Copyright: Spiritworks, Abingdon Press 1996.
The Gap Year, Navigating Life During Transitions
Reflection #47 Learning to Let Go
As a hospice bereavement manager, a banner hung in my office. It read: In the end, what matters most is
How well did you live
How well did you love
How well did you learn to let go. –author unknown
It’s that last line that’s the hardest to bear. As we age, we suffer more losses. It’s only natural. People, pets, places, and the unstoppable energy of youth. People come and go. Even those who were closest to us at certain junctures in our lives eventually disperse. Perhaps it seems senseless to cause ourselves deep pain by clinging to anything or anyone when everything in life moves toward separation and entropy.
As my life has progressed, I’m slowly learning to let go. Long ago I let go of my childhood and accepted adult responsibilities. I let go of raising my sons and trusted them to live life in their own ways. Leaving jobs that held meaning, I let go of my need to perform. I’ve grown wiser letting go of expecting happiness from possessions or positions. I’ve even learned, in moving from place to place, to let go of other people and not be dependent on them for my happiness.
In looking back, perhaps letting go is what will allow us to live life fully. To live with grace and wisdom, hoping that what we’ve given through the years has been in service to help make other’s lives just a little bit easier. Letting go is not the same as giving up. You are not giving up. You still have many more adventures as you learn to let go. *
Author Biography The Rev. Dr. Patricia D. Brown, M. Div., Ph.D., has authored seven published books. Beyond her written works, Tricia, as she is affectionately known, is an ordained United Methodist clergywoman currently serving as the Executive Director of Spiritworks, Inc. She graces various platforms as a keynote speaker, retreat and workshop facilitator, and seminar leader. Her online presence through www.spiritworks.org serves as a hub for her teachings and reflections. Tricia has worked as a hospital chaplain and hospice bereavement manager, Spiritual Director, Associate Professor at Seattle Pacific University, and The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. Dr. Brown frequently works with Penn Forest Natural Burial Park and other funeral homes to help families find healing through meaningful services.
pdbrown@spiritworks.org, www.spiritworks.org. 412-999-1912.