The Ignatian Way presentations seek to pass on the fundamentals of prayer, belief, reflection and action that we have received from St. Ignatius. But such a task is as impossible as it is to describe the color blue or the sensation wet. The fundamentals of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises are not to be read about, they are to be experienced. Nevertheless one can come to an appreciation of this collection of notes, prayers, meditations and guidelines just as one can come to an appreciation sports without being an athlete. Still, there’s something special about being in the game and not just on the sidelines.
Why would someone engage the services of a personal trainer? Because everyone is different. Just so, the ideal of the Spiritual Exercises is to adapt the notes, prayers, meditations and tempo of the Exercises to fit that of the individual. Usually the Exercises are given under the direction of a spiritual guide who helps the retreatant to listen for where God is leading them. No two persons will have the same experience or the same call that results from the retreat. Still, many will find a resonance with the experience of others, a commonality that allows one to speak of God’s movements in their own life which is understandable by others.
Some of the basics of the Exercises as expressed in the video include:
Weeks: The exercises are divided into four fundamental units called weeks.