IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

Doors Open and Doors Close: How to Know When an “Open Door” is Right for You

Discernment is a Journey of its Own

Created in Canva by Nancy Blackman

A few years ago, I was trying to discern whether an opportunity that had presented itself was the right open door for me. I sat patiently for days, hoping for enlightenment, a word from the Voice to impart some wisdom to me, but time went by and I heard nothing.

At the heart of Ignatian discernment is the idea that your heart will guide you. It also involves weighing the facts and feelings set before you. When you notice interior movements of appeal and heaviness, you will know when the open door is right for you.

How does that happen?

Let’s look at a brief history of St. Ignatius of Loyola. During a time when he was healing from an injury, he began to daydream about the future. During those times, he also noticed some interior movement. He became excited when thinking about a particular path, which he later referred to as consolation.

What is consolation?

The briefest definition is that it is a comfort to your soul. You’re not necessarily jumping around with joy (although you could be), but there is peace and contentment. Pay attention to your…