St. Ignatius of Loyola, known for his spiritual exercises and his focus on discernment of spirits, offers us valuable teachings on how to find and evaluate our purposes in life. Below, I share six ways he suggests we make better decisions and reflect on our future.
1. Choose the Right Time
St. Ignatius’ first recommendation is fundamental: choose an appropriate time to reflect on your purposes. Do not make important decisions when you are distressed, distracted or in the middle of a crisis. Find a quiet environment and a time when you feel good, such as when you wake up or during a walk in the garden. Tranquility and silence are essential to make decisions that truly resonate with your being.
2. Project Yourself into the Future
Visualize your life in 10 or 20 years with the purpose you are considering. Ask yourself if you would be happy with that decision. Consider how you might feel in the future, whether that choice brings you closer to the people you love or pushes you away from them. Imagining the consequences of your decisions can help you make wiser choices that align with your values.
3. Consult People Close to You
Ask those who know you well. Sometimes, those around us can see aspects of our lives that we don’t. Talk to friends, family, or mentors and listen to their perspective on your plans. Their love and experience can offer you valuable insight that lights up your path.
4. Consider the Impact on Your Life
Reflect on how your purpose will affect the rest of your life. Small decisions can have a big impact, and it’s often the small steps that lead us away from our ideal. Ask yourself if your purpose is in line with your deepest values and how it can influence your long-term future.
5. Take Someone Else’s Perspective
Imagine that you are someone else giving you advice. This allows you to see things from a new perspective and will help you judge your decisions more clearly. Ask yourself, “What would I say to my son, my sister, or a friend if they were in my place?” This exercise can reveal truths that you may not be willing to acknowledge.
6. Reflect on Your Life on Your Deathbed
Finally, imagine that you are in your final moments of life. Are you happy with the decisions you have made? This exercise can lead you to a deep level of reflection and to recognize what you truly value in life. Don’t wait until it is too late to make significant changes.
The teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola invite us to a deep reflection on our purpose and decisions in life. By applying these six principles, we can ensure that our choices are aligned with our convictions and bring us closer to the life we truly desire. Remember to share this reflection with those you feel need it. Let us do all the good we can and always seek God’s guidance in our paths.
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