| The other day, someone stopped me on the
street to ask directions. I could imagine the turns, I could
visualize the highway exit sign, yet couldn't recall the street's name or
exit number. Similarly, when we ask a directee for feelings, he or she
might not be able to recognize them. But if a directee can identify
the deeper values and standard without spending too much time on
feelings, then great. Identifying values and standards are the reason we
explore feelings.
If you've gotten really good at helping their directees focus on
feelings, I congratulate you. You have helped them start the process
toward God within. Feelings are the signposts that lead to the
inner life. But as you know, feelings aren't the end of the story.
They lead the way to values and needs, and finally, help the pray-er
identify the standard under which he or she is acting (These standards,
according to Ignatius, are Christ or evil.)
An experienced prayer might know how to get where he needs to go (to
the standard under which he is acting)
without reading the signs (feelings). If you find that your retreatant
can quickly clarify her values and standards, great! She might not need to
dwell very long on feelings.
I've developed a chart that
shows how feelings are connected to the Two
Standards. Listen carefully to your directee. If he knows how
to discern his standards and values, maybe identifying his feelings
isn't as important as you thought. |
Thoughts
È
Feelings
È
Values
È
Needs
È
Standards
È
God's
Will |
