Establishing Your "Principle and Foundation" in Spiritual Discernment

Introduction: The Core of Ignatian Spirituality

At the heart of Ignatian spirituality, as taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola, lies the concept of the "Principle and Foundation." This foundational belief is what guides every decision and action, serving as a spiritual compass. According to St. Ignatius, the primary purpose of our existence is to "praise, reverence, and serve God," thereby achieving salvation. Everything in our world is viewed through this lens—valued only if it aids in fulfilling this divine purpose.

In this blog post, we'll delve into how spiritual directors using Directee.app can guide their directees to define and embrace their own "Principle and Foundation," enabling a life that aligns deeply with spiritual aspirations and divine will.

Defining Your Principle and Foundation

The "Principle and Foundation" acts as an anchor, helping believers maintain focus on what is truly essential: their relationship with God. This fundamental principle should be clear and strong enough to influence all aspects of life. For St. Ignatius, this meant adopting a stance of indifference towards life's material aspects, seeking only what brings us closer to our ultimate purpose.

For those using Directee.app, reflect on these guiding questions to help determine your own "Principle and Foundation":

• What core belief about your purpose on Earth resonates deeply with you?
• How do your daily choices reflect this belief?
• Are there aspects of your life that hinder your spiritual journey?

Applying This Foundation in Discernment

Once you have identified your "Principle and Foundation," use it to scrutinize and direct your decisions. This is not about choosing between good and bad but rather about discerning which choices best align with your ultimate purpose. Whether it's a career decision, a relationship, or even lifestyle choices, each should be examined through the lens of your foundational principle.

Directee.app provides tools to document these reflections and decisions, making the process transparent and accessible for ongoing review and guidance. Spiritual directors can use these features to assist directees in maintaining alignment with their "Principle and Foundation."

Living Your Principle and Foundation

As you integrate your "Principle and Foundation" into your life, you will likely find that some changes are necessary—be it in your attitudes, your priorities, or even your day-to-day activities. This alignment process is dynamic and continuous.

For spiritual directors, guiding your directees through this foundational aspect of Ignatian spirituality can lead to profound transformations. Use Directee.app to foster a deep, reflective, and action-oriented exploration of how each directee can best serve and honor God according to their own unique principle and foundation.

In embracing our "Principle and Foundation," we align closer to the path God intends for us, just as St. Ignatius and Jesus exemplified in their lives. Let this be your guide to a more purposeful and spiritually enriched life.