Ignatian Exercises

[ZenFred]

Hello,

I’m interested in the Ignatian Soirtual Exercises. I have a copy of the text and a great book by Father Martin on them (The Jesuits’ Guide to Almost everything).

Has anyone done the exercises before? Any advice?

I don’t have an opportunity at this stage of life with a job and two little kids to go to a retreat or meet with a director. I decided to do them on my own. It’s obviously not the same that way, but you can do them multiple times, so I can always do them properly later.

I was thinking of posting a short piece on each scene and my impressions. I don’t know if that we be appropriate or not given the traditional nature the exercises are taught. I hope it would be.

God’s Peace,
Fred

 

[reggieM]

Hello,

I’m interested in the Ignatian Soirtual Exercises. I have a copy of the text and a great book by Father Martin on them (The Jesuits’ Guide to Almost everything).

Has anyone done the exercises before? Any advice?

I don’t have an opportunity at this stage of life with a job and two little kids to go to a retreat or meet with a director. I decided to do them on my own. It’s obviously not the same that way, but you can do them multiple times, so I can always do them properly later.

A retreat is best - even if only a weekend. Fr. Buckley still does them and he is a spiritual genius/master of the Exercises. Yes, I’ve done them several times on retreat with him. I’ve also done a video version on my own - that’s another good idea. There was an excellent series on EWTN.

But failing that, understandably with responsibilities you have …

Yes, it’s a structured approach that you can do on your own. The hard part of the “exercise” - where you’re really building your spiritual “muscle” is putting yourself in the scene and staying there for some time. Seeing the scene, experiencing it, lifting your heart and letting it flow from self-knowledge towards God.

I was thinking of posting a short piece on each scene and my impressions. I don’t know if that we be appropriate or not given the traditional nature the exercises are taught. I hope it would be.

God’s Peace,
Fred

Sounds like a good idea to me. In the most traditional sense, true - it’s supposed to be a journey from beginning to end, but there are many modifications that can be done and be very useful that way, even just one part at a time whenever there is free time for it (best to schedule and make the time).