Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Q&A – May 2026
May 25, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm PDT
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The Transforming Power of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
Listen to SoulStream’s March 9, 2026 podcast for a conversation with spiritual directors Esther Hizsa and Jan Evans about the transformative journey of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, often called the 19th Annotation.
On the SoulStream “Living from the Heart” podcast, we explore encountering God personally, integrating body, soul, mind, and spirit to live authentically in Christ. We discuss becoming open to God’s presence, overcoming obstacles, embracing transformation into Jesus’ image, and cultivating supportive practices. Additionally, we delve into understanding prayer as responsive to the Holy Spirit, ancient practices, and living out contemplative prayer to love neighbors, care for the earth, and seek justice.
In this conversation, we speak with spiritual directors Esther Hizsa and Jan Evans about the transformative journey of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, often called the 19th Annotation.
They share how this ancient spiritual practice invites people into a deeper relationship with God through daily prayer, imagination, reflection, and weekly spiritual direction over the course of several months.
Esther and Jan reflect on their own experiences with the exercises and how they helped them discern major life decisions, grow in trust, and encounter God’s love in deeply personal ways. They also describe how companioning others through the exercises can lead to profound healing, renewed freedom, and a clearer sense of purpose.
The conversation explores practical elements of the Ignatian tradition such as imaginative prayer, the daily Examen, and learning to discern God’s voice in everyday life. Through moving stories and real examples, Esther and Jan illustrate how these practices help people navigate grief, uncertainty, and life transitions while discovering God is present in all things.
If you’ve ever wondered how contemplative prayer works in real life or how ancient spiritual wisdom can shape modern faith, this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful invitation into the journey.
Related Links:
Sowing Seeds of Hope and Resilience in Times of UncertaintyApril 24, 2026 – April 26, 2026. Join spiritual directors Jan Evans and Esther Hizsa for a weekend retreat engaging in God’s dream for our world by planting and nurturing seeds of community, compassion, creativity, and connectedness. Learn More.
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Q&A – May 25, 2026, at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET. Jan and Esther are hosting a time to answer any questions you may have about SoulStream’s offering of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Learn More.
SoulStream Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. SoulStream offers accompaniment in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. September 21, 2026, to May 29, 2027. Learn More.
The last SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast on SoulStream: Contemplation, Nature, and the Healing Path
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit soulstream926.substack.com
Would you like to know more?
Jan and Esther are hosting a time to answer any questions you may have about SoulStream’s offering of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Join us online
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET
If you would like to participate in this online conversation, please give us your name and email and we will send you a Zoom link prior to the event.
Facilitators
Jan Evans* has accompanied many persons through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life (Annotation 19) over the past 12 years. She received her Ignatian training through workshops offered by Loyola House Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Guelph and a supervised practicum with a Loyola House spiritual director. She currently offers spiritual direction from her home in Collingwood, Ontario and facilitates contemplative retreats.
Esther Hizsa* has also accompanied many people praying the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and was trained by JSAV (Jesuit Apostolate Spirituality of Vancouver). She has an M Div from Regent College, co-facilitates Living from the Heart and is on the Leadership Team of SoulStream. She posts weekly on her blog An Everyday Pilgrim and is the author of Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, Seed Cracked Open, and In the Heart of the Beloved. She also offers spiritual direction from her home in Vernon, B.C.
Jan and Esther co-facilitate the SoulStream Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Retreat in Daily Life and are partners of SoulStream, a dispersed, contemplative Christian community.
*Denotes Independent Contractor