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Discernment

Discernment. The art of appreciating the gifts we have been given and discovering how best to use them/share them. Discovering where my talents meet the worlds deepest hungers… What it is NOT: finding the divine blue print and then complying with it. Ignatian Discernment.

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Discernment

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  1. Discernment • The art of appreciating the gifts we have been given and discovering how best to use them/share them. • Discovering where my talents meet the worlds deepest hungers… • What it is NOT: finding the divine blue print and then complying with it.

  2. Ignatian Discernment • Step one: Ask for openness to God’s presence in your life. • Step two: Imagine various outcomes of the particular decision. What would it be like “if”? • Step three: Examine the feelings that arise in you as you imagine each out come. Which scenario brings consolation or feelings of desolation?

  3. that helps us to be less centered upon ourselves to be open to others in generosity, service, and love Consolation: an affective movement that draws us to God Desolation: an affective movement of being drawn away from God and of the Spirit

  4. Consolation • Growth, creativity, genuine fullness of life & love • Sense of freedom • Feelings of courage & strength • Sense of peace • In tune with deepest self • Inner and outer harmony

  5. Desolation • Sense of alienation • Feeling unfulfilled, a failure • At odds with others • Stung by remorse, guilt • Hopelessness, inner darkness, restlessness • Life ceases to have meaning

  6. Step four: • Pray for confidence to listen to the Spirit • Pray for the courage to respond to this inner call • …a call manifested in talents, heart wishes, personal situations, opportunities, reality

  7. How do we know our truest self? • Regular reflection • Journaling • Conversations with a trusted friend • Daily recognition of God’s presence in the feelings & actions of our day (Ignatius recommended a daily examen of consciousness)

  8. Ignatian DiscernmentThe framework: timeThe tools: head & heartThe cornerstone: valuesThe context for Ignatius: faith& inner freedom

  9. Disordered Attachments • Freedom requires “indifference”:detachment from disordered desires/attachments that prevent us from hearing or doing what God is inviting us to do

  10. Eyes to see, Ears to hear, Feelings & Thinking • Biography as Theology (McClendon): the conviction that God is present, is revealed in the experiences & events of human life • Authenticity & honesty • Openness

  11. Imagine: what if I made this choice • How would I feel? • What would I gain? • What would I lose or miss? • How would it affect me? Others? • Imagine: what if I made this other choice?

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