Ignatian Spiritual Direction
“… an evangelization that is thoroughly systematic, deep, and embracing of the whole person who feels drawn by a special call of God. We all experience that call when we endeavour to make the Exercises well.”
(Saint Oscar Romero, writing on the importance and value of the Spiritual Exercises)
Ignatius launched a distinctive style and tradition of spirituality that is particularly apt and relevant for our time. Because it is based in the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatian spirituality is grounded in intense gratitude and reverence. It begins with, and continually reverts to, the awareness of the presence and power and care of God everywhere, for everyone, and at all times.
The focus in Ignatian spiritual direction is one’s relationship with God – specifically, the goal is to build intimacy with God through prayer and mutual reflection on one’s experience of prayer.
When we share with another the patterns and the movements of our inner life, we can discover new perspectives, new energy, and revitalised faith and healthy love and appreciation of the gift of self. A good director, through dialogue and attentive spiritual conversation, helps us to perceive and discern the movement and presence of God in our lives. This process is very ‘down-to-earth’ and takes seriously the concrete realities and experiences of our lives. We seek to penetrate beneath the surface of our experience, in order to interpret the spiritual meaning of what happens in our daily lives. This quality of awareness and attentiveness can lead to authentic spiritual freedom.
Ignatian spiritual direction aims above all to support us in discovering and perceiving the presence of the living God of love – the God who feels with us and for us, intimately, passionately, and deeply – no matter what our history or image of self. In this sense it follows a via positiva, as we seek to encounter God through the appreciation of what God does in creation. Through Ignatian spiritual direction we can, (if we respond with faith and generosity), experience this beautiful and intimate presence in our everyday lives; so much so that it becomes a constant through the many moods, sufferings, and joys of life. It can also help us to identify and appreciate our own unique ‘calling’, whatever our context or stage of life.
Ultimately, an Ignatian spiritual director is a companion on a journey, “who tries to help the traveller read the road maps, avoid dead ends and watch for potholes.” (Barry & Connolly, The Practice of Spiritual Direction). The method is deep listening, unconditional acceptance and a wise signposting of a sure pathway into the deep of the Spiritual Exercises.