Articles on Community
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Where Does Gratitude Fit in the Spiritual Life?
With Thanksgiving approaching we might ask: Where does gratitude fit in the spiritual life? The following is a meditation on the place of gratitude in Ignatian spirituality. The traditional first step of the examen, the end-of-the-day prayer that St. Ignatius Loyola told Jesuits never to omit from their day, is gratitude. You recall the good things that happened to…
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Surprised by Joy
Recently a fellow spiritual guide described her surprise and delight at the joy she experiences meeting with directees. I’m not sure why, but I was taken aback. Because I experience it too- I just hadn’t expected it. When I thought about it, remembering the pursed lip smile of my spiritual director as he slightly nodded…
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Being My Authentic Self
When I am asked how I’ve grown from my first steps with Shalem’s Heart Longings program to where I am today, the short answer is, I have grown tremendously. When I decided to apply to the Heart Longings program, I was seeking a closer relationship with God. I wanted to feel God’s presence more in…