Category Archives: Poetry

In the Shadows

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

Those who have sat in the darkness know how the shadows give way to desire. Without sight, without our heads swimming with the images of what others tell us we want, we can turn our gaze inward and search our … Continue reading →

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Joyful Mysteries and Silent Dreams

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

“Let there be Esther,” I heard God pronounce, speaking right into my life-long struggle to exist. During the Ignatian prayer retreat I was leading last week, I had a chance to pray with one of my “joyful mysteries.” As I … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Creation, Ignatian Spirituality, Poetry, Prayer, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Imperceptibly Shaped

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Mystical, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Wisdom of Tara Brach and Pádraig Ó Tuama

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

Last week’s Love Mischief led me to a talk by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Before I had a chance to listen to it, this short video from Tara Brach landed in my inbox. What came up for me as I listened … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Big Reveal

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

(Warning: This video contains strong language.) Comedian Hannah Gadsby begins her new show, Douglas, by telling her audience what to expect. “This way I can meet your expectations–or alter them,” she says with a smile. Gadsby goes on to say … Continue reading →

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Embracing the Power I Have

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

If Jesus were my spiritual director and had read Becoming What I Eat and Drink, he wouldn’t ask me about my desire to be Mr. Rogers. He would ask me about the agitation I felt watching that scene from Jesus … Continue reading →

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Remaking History

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

We were about to make Canadian history: the first Living from the Heart course day on Zoom. Audrey, Brent and I had put in extra hours rearranging the material, learning how to do break out rooms, and prepping the participants. … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I Am Both

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

It’s Ash Wednesday. Tonight our priest will press her thumb into ashes and impose the truth of our mortality on my forehead. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” Pastor Ruth will say. When I think about it, fear kicks in … Continue reading →

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Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

Pilgrimage Ash Wednesday He’s on the road          waiting for me today we begin a forty-day walk to Jerusalem I lace up my shoes and follow from a safe distance but it’s bound to happen His eyes will … Continue reading →

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What My Heart Wanted to Hear

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

  A friend asked if I had written any poems about loneliness. I hadn’t. Then I listened to Brad Aaron Modlin’s poem “What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade” and Pádraig Ó Tuama talk about it. … Continue reading →

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