Another important foundational concept in discernment of spirits is what Ignatius calls “indifference.” This is a tricky, often misunderstood term that deserves a detailed explanation.
Author: Cathy Cunningham
Discernment Foundations: Self-Awareness
An advantage of undertaking a discernment process as an older adult is that we have had more time to develop our self-awareness! And self-awareness is an important component of the discernment process in several aspects.
Discernment Foundations: Hearing God
The second foundation of Ignatian discernment is the ability to determine when God is communicating with us. This isn’t always easy, but St. Ignatius gives us guidelines to determine when we’re in “consolation” and “desolation.”
Discernment Foundations: Beliefs About God
A key foundation in the discernment process is the beliefs we have about God. The process rests on St. Ignatius’ understanding that God loves us and wants what is best for us, and remains always active in the world, inviting us into a process of collaboration.
Why Discernment Matters In the Second Half of Life
The second half of life is an ideal time to apply Ignatian discernment to our decisions. I outline five specific reasons why.
What Is Ignatian Discernment?
Ignatian Discernment of Spirits is a powerful process that helps us gain clarity in both our daily decisions and in life’s more significant choices.
Gifts & Graces: August 2023
In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Here’s my random gratitude collection of mostly small but sometimes large things that helped make August better. Crickets. Summer means going to bed with the windows open and listening to crickets.… Continue reading Gifts & Graces: August 2023
5 Things – What I Learned from the Tour de France
I don’t understand why the Tour de France bike race captivates me since I haven’t even been on a bike in decades. But for several weeks in July, my evening conversation took a bizarre twist, and I started casually using terms like “peloton,” “breakaway,” “feedbag,” and “traffic furniture.” Although I have no desire to pour… Continue reading 5 Things – What I Learned from the Tour de France
Gifts & Graces: July 2023
Here’s my random gratitude collection of mostly small but sometimes large things that helped make July better.
Book: Strength to Strength
A distressing truth about aging is that our deliberately developed patterns of striving and working hard – which once worked so well for building successful careers and giving our lives purpose – aren’t effective in the second half of life. In fact, these carefully cultivated practices can prevent us from finding the meaning and purpose… Continue reading Book: Strength to Strength
Falling Up After 50 