The gift that keeps giving
Ignatian Sprituality in everyday life
Anne Taylor rsc
In 1982 when I joined the Sisters of Charity I received the wonderful gift of Ignatian Spirituality.
During our novitiate (a place of training to become a member of a religious congregation) we were exposed to and came to learn about Ignatian Spirituality. This exposure continued after profession, and before final vows I made a 30 day Ignatian retreat.
It was not until 2000 in establishing a new school on the south coast of NSW that I was asked by the deputy principal, ‘What is it that you live by?’ He was intrigued by the type of questions I asked students to reflect upon, such as: ‘What are you grateful for today?’ and ‘Where, through the actions of your classmates, did you meet Jesus today?’ I pondered upon his comment and came to realise that this inquiry was a result of my experience with Ignatian Spirituality. After further investigation and reflection, a school shaped in the Ignatian tradition was born! Staff, students and parents alike, came to experience Ignatian Spirituality and it influenced many aspects of our lives.
After leaving the school richer in experiences, I wondered in what might be next, but God is a God of Surprises. Three months later, during my sabbatical, I found myself walking with Ignatius through Spain and in Rome. When I returned to Australia it was the time of World Youth Day and I began working with an Ignatian young people’s program (Magis). I realised that working within this tradition was where I was being led. I decided to just let go, let God be God and guide me; and so God did. Working with the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, Ignatian experiences and community have provided a richness beyond measure.
Ignatian Spirituality and the exercises are a way of orientating my life. They hold me in a loving and challenging relationship with myself, God and our world. I am reminded that the God of love is always waiting and accepting me, whatever my situation. I am encouraged daily to be the person for others to be the MAGiS (the more, the better, for the greater glory of god).
What I love about Ignatian Spirituality, is its accessibility and availability to all who are seeking ‘more’ in their lives, beyond materialistic concerns. There are no prerequisites, it is invitational - one is invited to come as one is. God, we find, is right there in our very midst, not in some distant place, but found, seen and experienced in all things, people, places and things about us. It may be in the smile of a friend; in the messiness of life; a flower; or in a sunset. Often it is not in the big moments, but the small, insignificant experiences where we truly meet God.
Another aspect of Ignatian Spirituality I love and which is helpful in the busy world in which we live, is that it encourages an attitude of optimism and gratitude for the daily gifts we receive. Cultivation of such attitudes supports emotional well-being. It also helps those around us experience a happier more positive person. Almost 500 years ago Ignatius encouraged us to a prayerful practice of reflection upon our day, by giving us the daily examen. It is a way of prayerfully reflecting on the experiences and events of our day. In this way we can see the goodness, of the day and the hand of God. We can comprehend what affects actions and events of the day are having on us and our relationships. Some may be leading us in the wrong direction. There is the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and healing. We finish by asking for the grace and help we need for the coming day.
Truly Ignatian Spirituality is a gift that keeps on giving.
I encourage you to try a daily examen: here