IGNATION DIRECTION

  1. Discernment of Spirits: One of the central aspects is helping you to recognize and discern the movements of the Holy Spirit. This will also help you recognize temptations or distractions within your thoughts, feelings, and desires as well as to recognize God’s call for your life.

  2. Finding God in All Things: Ignatian direction encourages individuals to be aware of God's presence in the everyday moments of life, whether in work, relationships, or nature, fostering a deeper connection with God in all things.

  3. Reflection and Prayer: Regular prayer and reflection, through the Ignatian Examen, are key practices that helps individuals review their day with gratitude, identify moments of consolation (where they feel closer to God), and desolation (where they feel distant or disconnected from God).

  4. Freedom and Detachment: Ignatian Direction helps people grow in freedom from attachments to material things, unhealthy patterns, or excessive desires. This freedom allows individuals to respond more generously to God's call for their life. 

  5. Personal Relationship with God: The director helps the individual grow in love and trust in God through the challenges and joys of life.

These points reflect a holistic approach to spiritual direction that encourages personal growth, deeper prayer, and greater awareness of God's presence in all aspects of life.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM IGNATIAN DIRECTION?

An overview of the Ignatian Exercises

The Ignatian Exercises allows individuals to undertake the Exercises in a "retreat in daily life," meaning they can complete the Exercises over a longer period of time, typically 9 months.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Structure and Content

  • The exercises are divided into several “sections” each focusing on a different aspect of the spiritual life. For example:

    • Encountering God’s Love, Reflection on Sin and God’s mercy, Meditation on the life of Christ, The Passion and death of Jesus and finally The Resurrection and the life of grace.

2. Ignatian Direction

  • You will meet with an Ignatian spiritual director weekly to guide you through the exercises and to guide you in your walk with Jesus.

3. Daily Commitment

  • You will spend 45 minutes to an hour each day in prayer, contemplation, and journaling. 

4. Spiritual and Personal Growth

  • This is designed to deepen your relationship with God, grow in self-awareness, and discern God’s will in your life.

  • The exercises are intended to deepen your relationship with Jesus and to move you toward greater freedom in your own life and in living out your vocation.

In essence, the Ignatian Exercises allows life to be lived out in the midst of the ordinary, making it a way for modern Christians to experience deep spiritual renewal while continuing their day-to-day lives.