Spiritual Autobiography: Method Two

[Method One]  >   Method Two

1. Develop a lifeline in any manner you wish (examples might include a line, spiral, diagram, or timeline). Focus on transitions, changes, decisions, new directions, marker events.
   
   It is often helpful to show location, school or work setting, role status (child, single adult, married), significant figures and events, and the pluses and minuses of each period.



2. Identify key transition periods. Evaluate each one as easy or difficult on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (difficult). Think about the reason for each rating (examples might include "Not ready to move on," "A disturbing external event," or "Experienced much inner suffering."



3. Reflect upon your timeline using the following questions:
   1. Where did I experience God's presence or absence?
   2. Over which transitions did I have the most control? The least?
   3. Where were the high points? The low points?
   4. What issues were dominant during various periods?
   5. Where any issues left unresolved?
   6. Are there patterns or trends?

The writing of one's spiritual autobiography should be a joy and not a chore. It is a good way to begin the process of reflective thinking and leads into the discipline of journaling.