Category Archives: Spiritual Direction

God So Loves the Earth

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Between My Selves

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I gather up my courage and for the second time talk with my spiritual director about being overweight. “I’m so confused,” I lament. “De Mello says ‘Don’t change.’ Richard Rohr points out that two of the four gospels begin with the call to … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Lent, Overeating, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Assumptions

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I ran into my neighbour the other day at Starbucks. He lives alone and has been on government assistance because of a disability for most of his life. I have wondered how he makes ends meet, especially with the recent increase in food … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Sometimes God Doesn’t Share Our Point of View

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I came home from the Wednesday Lunch Club, an outreach for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, feeling frustrated with myself. I had met the homeless man who was badly burned last winter when his tent caught on … Continue reading →

Posted in Spiritual Direction, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A New Year’s Wish

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

It’s a new year, and I would love to leave my old identity behind. Remember in “Undoing My Life” God asked me to let go of my identity as the Rejected One? That undoing continues whenever I feel rejected. I hate it when that happens. I … Continue reading →

Posted in autism, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Satisfying the Desires of All

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“Insights are a dime a dozen,” Father Richard explained to the small gathering of spiritual directors last Sunday afternoon. “It doesn’t matter so much what an experience in prayer means; what matters is that we stay with God in it.” Relief washed … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Spiritual Direction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Balancing the Impossible

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I’m becoming wary of my false self and its admirable intentions. Now, when I think about doing something good, I ask myself why I’m doing it. Is it to enhance my reputation, bring personal gain, or help me feel good? Or am … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gravity

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“I’ve looked at your x-rays, and your teeth are fine,” the dentist said. “That toffee didn’t do any harm?” I read the look on his face. “I worry too much,” I said. He nodded. He’s right. I do worry too much. I … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

God in the Dark: Theory

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

My biking siblings and me: Harry, Sylvia, me, and Ron Every couple of years my siblings, Fred and I go on a three-day bike trip. The first trip we biked from Banff to Jasper, the second was a 400 km section of … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Spiritual Direction, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Supervision Examen: An Ignatian reflection for spiritual directors

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Here is a helpful reflection for spiritual directors to use after offering spiritual direction. After offering spiritual direction, take some time to pray with what transpired. Begin by opening yourself to Christ’s presence. Descend with your mind into your heart and look into … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Resource, Spiritual Direction | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments