Ignatian Spirituality & Direction

Ignatian spirituality is one of the richest and most widely practiced contemplative traditions in Christianity. Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, it centers on the conviction that God is actively at work in every dimension of human experience -- and that with the right tools, anyone can learn to notice and cooperate with that divine activity. The Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius's masterwork, remain the foundational text for this tradition.

At the heart of Ignatian practice is discernment of spirits: the art of distinguishing between movements of consolation (which draw you toward God, peace, and authentic self) and movements of desolation (which pull you toward anxiety, isolation, and self-deception). An Ignatian spiritual director helps you develop this interior sensitivity over time, so that your decisions and daily life become increasingly rooted in spiritual freedom.

The Daily Examen -- a brief, structured prayer of reviewing your day with God -- is perhaps the most accessible entry point into Ignatian spirituality. Practiced for just 10 to 15 minutes each evening, the Examen cultivates a habit of noticing where God was present, where you responded with openness, and where you resisted. It is a practice that transforms ordinary days into material for spiritual growth.