Tag Archives: The Guest House

On My Dad’s Passing

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

We left the hospitalto let my dad rest.Before we could return,the doctor called.with the news of his passing. I should have been there. The dull ache of regretlingers even thoughI have all the right words to release it. Regret,blame, disappointment,guilt, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Why Welcome Our Feelings?

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Esther Hizsa

“Welcome and entertain all your feelings,” Rumi says in The Guest House. Then he gets specific, “The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.” Why in the world would I want … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What Would You Like to Do?

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Esther Hizsa

“I don’t want to be here,” my insides were shouting. For months, I disregarded my feelings and kept doing what I should, what a good Christian would. Then in Advent, God, who hears my thoughts and feels my feelings, asked … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, False Self, Ignatian Spirituality, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Peacemaking

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

“Sensing your feet on the floor. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing,” Maureen said. It was her turn to accompany me in a focusing session. “Bringing your inhale inward through your head, use your inhale to make deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Overeating, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Guides from Beyond

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

“What are you feeling?” I ask people when they come for spiritual direction. If they’re experiencing a “negative” emotion, like anger, sadness or disgust, they often want to manage or get rid of it. They don’t like feeling that way. But the wise poet Rumi … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Being “That Woman”

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Am I afraid to be ordinary? It’s fun watching people who don’t know me come alive when I give a talk or facilitate a group. Before that moment, I blend into the crowd (in the photo above, I’m the short one in … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Uninvited Guests

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

On Christmas we entertained family and friends for most of the day. We enjoyed every guest that came. But visitors are not always easy to have around. They may come late, stay too long, or forget what they promised to bring. Inevitably someone will do something that unsettles … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Ignatian Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments