The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life
Yesterday I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I emptied the dishwasher and reloaded it again. I went with my husband to shop for a new rain gutter. I looked at my calendar to plan the upcoming tasks for the week ahead. I answered emails and checked my social media channels. I repotted a houseplant. I made dinner. I watched a little TV (Call the Midwives and Father Brown). I fell into bed tired enough to be sound asleep minutes after my head hit the pillow.
I’m guessing my day was not too unlike a typical day for you. Ordinary stuff makes up our days. And in the midst of it all I sometimes wonder “Where’s God?” Yet, as I look back and reflect and offer prayers of gratitude, I recognize the ordinary made sacred in sharing life with others, in the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, in the human interactions, in the place and time for rest.
Intimately knowing God in everyday life is the invitation and intention in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. These ancient exercises were first offered to new members of the Jesuit order, but soon found their way to ordinary folk, like you and me, to explore the reality of walking with Jesus very literally our everyday life. They focus on deepening our prayer life, understanding the desires of our own hearts, discerning the path forward, and knowing the love of God as the root of our identity.
As a spiritual director, I’ve partnered with many individuals as they’ve worked through the Spiritual Exercises. And I personally have journeyed through them myself in the company of my own spiritual director. If you’re considering beginning this adventure, I welcome the opportunity to be your companion on the journey through spiritual direction.
In the meantime, may your bed-making, bread-baking, office-tasking, ordinary life be your holy ground
