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.
So I went as I was to the annual gathering of SoulStream, our dispersed contemplative community. In an afternoon session, Andrea, one of SoulStream’s founding partners, read this quote from Gregory Boyle‘s Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. You … Continue reading →
Posted in Overeating, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Andrea Kastner, Dave Gill, Esther Hizsa, Gail Koombes, ginger snap bake-off, Greg Boyle S.J., kinship, Shauna Gill, Song of Songs 2;14, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stuart Williams, success, Tattoos on the Heart, Thorny Beauty
|
God’s been listening to my thoughts again–not just the chatter in my head but the deep sighs of my heart. You know those dreams where you’re scrambling to make something happen, it’s not coming together, and time’s running out? I’ve experienced that now … Continue reading →
Posted in Creation, Overeating, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Songs, Stories
|
Tagged Abreha and Atsbeha Church, Adam and Eve, All Life, ashamed, Esther Hizsa, Garden of Eden, John Bell, naked, Road Fun, Ron Guest, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Take Me as I Am
|
“Your sister really loves you,” a friend said after I told her about my trip to Gatineau, Quebec to visit my sister and her family. During that week I was touched again by Sylvia’s generosity and thoughtfulness. From buying my airplane … Continue reading →
Posted in Childhood, Creation, Ignatian Spirituality
|
Tagged Esther Hizsa, generosity, Hold On, HugaBull, Ignatius of Loyola, JoAnna Rickard, Knits for Pits, Luc De Leeuw, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, suscipe, Sylvia, Take and Receive, thoughtfulness
|
If you’ve read my posts lately, you may have noticed that God has been gently widening my view and inviting me “to see all people as my kin, all living beings as my flesh.”* As I do this, I’ve been challenged to turn from self-interest … Continue reading →
Posted in Creation, False Self, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections
|
Tagged Clowns and Characters, Corinthians 3:17-18, Esther Hizsa, Eyes of My Heart, Gail Purdy, glory, leg hold traps, Mother Goose, Nancy Bailey, SoulStream, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Coquitlam, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding LIght
|
In March I was able to get away to Bowen Island for a few days of solitude. Often when I retreat there, I sit in the cottage watching the rain come and go. But this time it was sunny and … Continue reading →
Posted in Mystical, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Baptism of Christ, boxer bob, Dustin Gaffke, Esther Hizsa, Fr Lawrence Lew O.P., luke 3: 21 22, PT Money, Sparkling Water, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
|
I was talking with a friend about how we need to radically welcome the “other”–those who are different and make us feel uncomfortable. Rev.Stephanie Spellers says, “We need them in our lives and communities for our salvation.” “How do they save us?” … Continue reading →
Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Acts 3:6, Art College Doormats, Esther Hizsa, Friday Requirement, good people, Marja Bergen, Martin Cathrae, Nicolas Poussin, Radical Welcome, rejection, Saints Peter and John Healing the Lame Man, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stephanie Spellers
|
Something significant has happened to me a few times now. After a full day, unprocessed feelings can hang over me like a grey cloud. The theme of the conversation in my head often includes some disappointment in myself. I know these negative thoughts dissipate … Continue reading →
Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Blue Skies of Scottsdale, Brooding Sky, consolation, desolation, Dru Bloomfield, Esther Hizsa, Ignatian Spirituality, Ignatius of Loyola, Jesus and Mary, John 20:16, Resurrection Day, Ridolfo Ghirlandaio, scyrene, spiritual deception, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stephen Rossetti, The Procession to Calvary, When the Lion Roars
|
This earth, this world that God loves so much, is beautiful and broken. I have been asking God to show me ways I can participate in healing our planet. As I read and listen for God’s direction, I begin to see small steps I … Continue reading →
Posted in Creation, Ignatian Spirituality, Mindfulness, Reflections, Spiritual Direction
|
Tagged A Rocha, care for creation, Earth Day, Ecological Examen, Esther Hizsa, Evgeni Zotov, FarbenfroheWunderwelt, Jason Major, Joseph Carver, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Thich Naht Hanh
|
On April 6 friend and mentor Rob Des Cotes passed into glory. Rob was a pastor, spiritual director and retreat leader as well as a husband, father, and grandfather, musician, writer and artist. Hearing God’s call to go deeper in contemplative … Continue reading →
Posted in Helpful Images, Mystical, Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit, Praying with the Imagination, Rob Des Cotes, Stories
|
Tagged Chris Niekel, Donna Geissler, fear, God's love, Imago Dei Communities, immersed in God's love, leaky bucket, ocean of love, Psalm 139:18, Rob Des Cotes, Sandy Beach, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Waves, weakness
|
After I got over the shock of discovering I’m one of “those people,” I began to wonder about the distinctions I make. What constitutes being “those people” anyway? We easily divide people into two kinds: life-giving people and life-draining people cup half-full people and cup … Continue reading →
Posted in Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged A Firm Place to Stand, bad people, Esther Hizsa, good people, Living Room, Luke 15:1-6, Marja Bergen, Radical Welcome, Reflections for Our Highs and Lows, rejection, Riding the Roller Coaster, Sanctuary Mental Health Minstries, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stephanie Spellers
|
An Everyday Pilgrim 