Seeking Words: A Guided Meditation for Choosing Your Word of the Year
In lieu of a New Year’s resolution, for years now I have instead opted for a “Word of the Year.” I love words. The thesaurus is my close friend. I am a word wearer. I tend to seek jewelry with an important word engraved on to it. I even have a word tattooed on my arm. I like to have my words visible, as reminders to me of what is important, what I am striving to be, and what I am focusing on.
One of my favorite young adult books of all times is called A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. In this book, the main character Felicity is a “word collector.” She sees words, “shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog’s floppy ears.” This was the first time I had considered the idea of seeing words. While this magical skill is fantastical, I love the idea that words have shape, color, and sparkle. I love considering what a word would look like if I could see it. I love that words have so much meaning. Most of all, I love the idea that I can and should pay attention to the words that are “appearing” in my life.
Instead of saying, “I will lose weight, eat better, or exercise more,” I pay attention to a word that keeps emerging in my life, and then I reach out for it. Often, a word appears repeatedly in readings, or conversations. Or, I notice it popping into my mind as I go about my day. Once I have selected a word for the year, I usually write a little about what that word means to me, and how it captured my attention. I consider synonyms, or other possible meanings.
David Whyte wrote an amazing book I use with my students at Hope College called Consolations: The Solace and Meaning of Everyday Words. The idea behind this book is that even the most common words can have different meanings depending on our lived experience. In the context of my class I teach on listening, it makes sense. If I use a word and you use a word, they could mean totally different things to each of us, and that is important to consider when listening well. So, I ponder what other possible meanings could there be for my chosen word that I have not considered. Then, I place my word where I can see it- whether that is on a piece of jewelry, or on a piece of paper placed where I can easily see.
Intrigued? Let’s get started.
Bryanne Devlin, @brydevlin.
Find a comfortable, quiet spot that you can spend 20 minutes. Bring a journal and writing utensil.
Sit comfortably, take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Close your eyes for 5 minutes. Try to release thoughts as they appear.
Ask God to join you as you seek a word that He may have been whispering to you. Ask Him to sit with you, shoulder to shoulder.
Without thinking too much, or allowing yourself to question what you write, free write for 5 minutes words that come to mind. You could make a list, or doodle, or whatever feels best to you. Author Leanna Tankersly speaks of the importance of silencing the ‘soul bullies’ during this type of prayerful journaling- the voices that question, “why are you writing that word?” Or, “that doesn’t make any sense.” “That is stupid,” etc. Work to ignore any such judgments and soul bullies as you write. Get the pencil to the paper, don’t wait, start writing.
At the end of the time, look over your list. Read them carefully. Practice a mini Lectio Divina. What word or words seem to be rising up to you? Underline it/them. Turn to God, Who is still resting shoulder to shoulder with you, and have a short conversation with Him about the words you underlined. Share with Him what that word(s) mean to you, remind you of, evoke within you. Listen for His reply.
Journal for a few minutes about this prayerful conversation. Any new insights? Is there one word you feel most connected to at this point?
Close this experience in a short prayer. Give thanks for this time with God, and for any insights.
Write the word or words that you are considering after this exercise on a separate slip of paper, and tuck it in your pocket, your Bible, or type it in your phone. Over the next day or two, come back to that word or words, notice how you feel about it. Are you excited to learn more, does it inspire you? Does it make you think of opportunities? Or does it leave you feeling flat or unsettled? Pay attention for times the word may appear in daily life- in reading, devotionals, or conversations with friends.
After a couple of days, come back to your journal. Write about what you experienced when walking around with these final word(s). Does one word stand out to you as your word for 2021? What is your word? How might you live in to that word this year?
Meet Anna Bonnema
Anna Bonnema is an open-armed Catholic and a lover of words and nature. Anna is a wife to a man with a contagious laugh and a mom to amazing teenage triplets. Though she calls herself an introvert, she loves to gather around the table or the fire. Fueled by tea, lattes, and dog snuggles, Anna loves small celebrations and glitter. Fill your favorite mug and join her on Instagram @annabonnema.