Tag Archives: Jeff Imbach

Encountering God in Our Emotions

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

The Christmas season tends to evoke a range of emotions in us. While we express tidings of comfort and joy, we may feel anything but comforted or joyful. It’s good to pay attention to those unsettling feelings and listen to … 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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Seed Is Born

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Esther Hizsa

“Think of a situation that takes up considerable time and energy,” Jeff Imbach said to the participants at the Living from the Heart intensive last week.  We were at Rivendell Retreat Center on Bowen Island, sitting in a circle, opening … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Prayer, Reflections, Seed Cracked Open, Spiritual Direction | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

This Is My Prayer

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

The kingdom of God is justice and peace  and joy through the Holy Spirit Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom. —Taizé Community Notice it’s not “open to us” but “open in us.” The gate is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Questioned by a Strawflower

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

This week I’ve been away at Living From the Heart. Here is a post I wrote two years ago when I was co-facilitating this course for the first time. Five tight buds, glossy purple lollipops, greeted me as I passed them on my … Continue reading →

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Here? Again?!

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

While I was co-facilitating a week-long intensive on spiritual formation, I noticed a familiar feeling: the desire to protect myself. It caused me to subtly close myself from God and others. Once I recognized what I was doing, I took a deep … Continue reading →

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Peace, Be Still

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Mark’s gospel says that one evening Jesus got into a boat with his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. He was exhausted after a day of teaching and healing and fell asleep on a cushion at the back of … Continue reading →

Posted in Mindfulness, Mystical, Reflections, Stories, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Undoing My Life

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I’m still thinking about the “Oh, no!” I heard when a toy car went over the edge of the coffee table and crashed. I imagine that a lot actually, when I fear going over the edge of acceptance and falling into a pit of rejection. Many things–gaining weight, … Continue reading →

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Questioned by a Strawflower

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Five tight buds, glossy purple lollipops, greeted me as I passed them on my way to morning prayers. Many flowers that I recognized were blooming at Twin Creeks Lodge–iris, geraniums, petunias, pansies, and daisies–but I had never seen buds like these before. … Continue reading →

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As Good as It Gets

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I don’t get to enjoy my spiritual growth spurt for long before I’m made aware of more shortcomings. And not imaginary ones either. I’m talking significant habits that drive people up the wall. My first reaction is to cocoon, my second is to draw … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments