Tag Archives: spiritual director Vancouver

It Isn’t That Easy

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

It isn’t that easy. Jesus asks, “Are you coming?” I say, “Yes.” And then what? I’m not instantly empowered like a superhero released from the kryptonite of salt and sugar, egoic desires, or negative thoughts. Taking Jesus’ hand won’t prevent … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Lent, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are You Coming?

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I loved the look of satisfaction on Jesus’ face. We just fed five thousand men, plus women and children, with one boy’s lunch of bread and fish. The scene continued to unfold in my imagination as I prayed with this … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Ignatian Spirituality, Lent, Mindfulness, Mystical, Overeating, Prayer, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

I Am Fed

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

For me, church is often one long exercise of trying to stay present. Multiple times, my mind drifts off like a balloon rising far above the hymns, prayers, and readings. I find it again caught in a zephyr of thoughts … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

It’s Your Turn

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

For the past few months, I’ve been revising blog posts for my third book. I’ve hunkered down to do the grunt work of publishing: formatting, footnoting, acquiring permission from a photographer and poets, and designing the cover. I used to … Continue reading →

Posted in In the Heart of the Beloved, Reflections, Stories, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Five Hundred

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

five hundred postsover almost nine years one hundred and three months oflistening and feeling naming and holdingwhat I experience on my pilgrimage of life weekly episodes of reality TVhonouring what is and what isn’tsharing our common humanityand the love mischief of … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Holding My Tender Heart

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I’ve been afraid of rejectionmy whole life. Then I got rejectedtwicein one day. My head told me not to take it personally.It doesn’t reflect badly on them or me.It’s for the best. I continued on, but when I looked backmy … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Wild and Precious Life

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism gave me the courage to schedule more time for writing. My third book won’t get published if I keep trying to fit it in around everything else. “Everything else” includes my non-negotiables–spending time with family and … Continue reading →

Posted in Mindfulness, Reflections, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Taking Time to Discern

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I heard it again as I signed onto Zoom. A heaviness in my chest said, I don’t want to do this. The leader of the Bible study greeted me as names appeared in squares, then faces. I felt a deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Mindfulness, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Journey of an Everyday Pilgrim

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

As I was preparing last week’s post, I felt nervous. I loved the concept of becoming more aware of God’s felt presence in my body, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to maintain the practice. What if this … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Reflections, Stories, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Being Restored by Grace

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Esther Hizsa

I enjoyed a nice break over Christmas and New Year’s. When a heavy snowfall slowed the world down even more, I noticed what it feels like in my body to relax, knowing nothing urgent needs my attention. Now that I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Mystical, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment