About Esther Hizsa
Esther is a writer, spiritual director, and cofacilitates contemplative retreats and courses. She lives in Vernon, B.C. with her husband, Fred.
“What are you feeling?” I ask people when they come for spiritual direction. If they’re experiencing a “negative” emotion, like anger, sadness or disgust, they often want to manage or get rid of it. They don’t like feeling that way. But the wise poet Rumi … Continue reading →
Posted in Lent, Spiritual Direction, Stories
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Tagged B, big six, Esther Hizsa, Fred Hizsa, Rumi, spiritual direction, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stefani Woods, The Guest House, Welcome Home, welcoming emotions
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This Lent I am taking you with me on my journey to love people who annoy or anger me. In last week’s post, Rowan Williams, Abba Moses, Hafiz and Jesus invited me to move from judgment to humility and compassion. … Continue reading →
Posted in Lent, Reflections, Stories
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Tagged 紫流, Dog & Cat, Esther Hizsa, Helen Haden, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:43-44, Smile for the camera, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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“I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand,” exclaimed Linus Van Pelt decades ago in the cartoon strip Peanuts. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say, “It’s certain people I can’t stand.” When I see certain people do things that annoy … Continue reading →
Posted in Lent, Poetry, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections
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Tagged Archbishop of Canterbury, ASIM CHAUDHURI, Dustin Gaffke, Esther Hizsa, Hafiz, I love mankind, Linus Van Pelt, love, Peanuts, Rowan Williams, Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, two friends. Austin Kleon, Where God Happens, With that Moon Language
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Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline I put together for our contemplative group. You’ll find the introduction to Do It Yourself group prayer retreats here and other outlines under resources. Living Out Our God-Created Identity Introduction: Gather together, light a candle and take time … Continue reading →
Posted in Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections
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Tagged Charlie Brown, 紫流, Daniel Ladinsky, Dog & Cat, Esther Hizsa, God-Created Identity, Hafiz, John Flannery, Love Poems from God, Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 5:43-48, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, With that Moon Language
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That Much The dried palm of my life burns to ash. You mark me like Cain. A wet cross on my head says plain as day: I NEED Y O U I wipe it off. I don’t want to need you that … Continue reading →
Posted in Lent, Poetry
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Tagged Ash Wednesday, Colin Paterson, Esther Hizsa, Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P., Palm cross, Preparing ashes, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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I had another dream where I was rushing against all odds to accomplish something important. I woke with urgency still fresh in my veins. The day before, I tried to pack too much into my day and hurried to make dinner … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Stories
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Tagged baron valium, cooking, Ed Dahl, efficiency, Esther Hizsa, rushing, Scrabble night, Song of Solomon 2:4, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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I attended Ken’s memorial service on January 28. Hearing about his life reminded me of St.Irenaeus‘ quote, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Ken had lived life to the full. What he contributed to the world and how well he loved could be seen on … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections
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Tagged Bianca Schiavone, Deuteronomy 31:6, Esther Hizsa, fear of death, Hold On, Julian of Norwich, Ken Ryan, Luc De Leeuw, man fully alive, Mirabai Starr, Psalm 23, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. Irenaeus, the glory of God, The Good Shepherd, The Showings, Waiting for the Word
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“Even though I knew everything was going to be fine, I felt panicked,” I told Fred after I explained what happened with the car. “At first I thought this was happening to me because I was being punished for something. Then … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Stories
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Tagged Esther Hizsa, Henri Nouwen, Home Alone, Inner Voice of Love, Radio Ecoshock, Rob Stewart, s herman, Sharkwater, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Toronto Filmmaker, Valentina Powers, waiting
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I tell my spiritual director about my panic and the memory of being shamed by the principal when I was twelve. “I still see the anger on his face and feel my back against the wall.” I recall that moment and am that … Continue reading →
Posted in Childhood, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories
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Tagged Esther Hizsa, healing of memories, Missy Caulk, mosque, Psalm 139:13-14, Quebec shooting, Richard Gillard, Servant Song, Shame, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, vigil
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“Pull in your horns,” the principal said and scowled at me. He held up two fingers on either side of his head to mimic his words. Suddenly I was not like any other twelve-year-old lined up in the hallway. I … Continue reading →
Posted in Childhood, Reflections, Stories
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Tagged Angel of Healing, Anne Davis, CircaSassy, Esther Hizsa, healing of memories, India7 Network, Mobilus In Mobili, Mother Teresa, scolding, Shame, small things with great love, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Susan Lordi
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An Everyday Pilgrim 