Follow these spiritual exercises one day at a time. Avoid the temptation to jump ahead, as it is important to ensure that the appropriate level is reached on the early exercises before attempting the later ones.
Reflect on each days exercise for between half an hour and an hour, but no longer. If you have unresolved thoughts on today's exercise, return to it tomorrow.
Once you feel you have fully mastered the exercise, proceed to the next one on the next day. There is no need to come back to the earlier exercises during the course of the program. There will be points of reflection and review as you proceed.
After completing all exercises once, you may choose to repeat the program as many times as you wish. Each time you will find new depths of understanding as you build upon your earlier insights.
You may find it useful to discuss your thoughts with a spiritual director, either as you progress through the stages or just from time to time. There are many good advisers and religious in the world, and you should find one in your local area that you know and trust.
Above all, remember that this is not a race or a competition. What is most important is that you reach an understanding with which you are comfortable without any feeling of pressure.
Exercises:
- Love
- Ignatian
© The White Swami 2009