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Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Habits of Freedom on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Christopher Collins discusses his book “Habits of Freedom” with Kris McGregor, focusing on how Ignatian spirituality can be applied to daily life. Fr. Collins outlines five key practices from St. Ignatius’ teachings that help individuals clear their minds and find rest in the Lord. He highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to the movements of both the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in daily life.

Fr. Collins explains that the Ignatian rules for discernment are not just for retreats but are meant for everyday living, guiding people to discern the subtle movements within their hearts. The discernment of spirits involves understanding whether our thoughts and feelings are from God, from our own psychology, or from the evil spirit. This understanding helps us live more freely and with authentic love.

He also addresses the significance of the examen prayer, a daily practice that involves reflecting on one’s day to recognize moments of grace and areas needing growth. This practice encourages remembering one’s true identity as a beloved child of God, fostering a deep sense of freedom and peace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Daily Discernment Practice: How can I incorporate the Ignatian practice of daily discernment into my routine to better recognize the movements of the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in my life?


2. Identity in Christ: In what ways do I struggle to remember and accept my identity as a beloved child of God?


3. Responding to Disruptions: How do I typically respond to disruptions in my life, and how can I be more open to seeing these as opportunities for spiritual growth?


4. Dialogue Over Monologue: Are there areas in my life where I am stuck in negative self-talk, and how can I bring these thoughts into the light through dialogue with God or others?


5. Examen Prayer Integration: Can I set aside a specific time each day to practice the examen prayer, reflecting on the day’s events and my responses to them?


6. Rejecting Lies: What are some of the lies I tend to believe about myself, and how can I replace them with the truth of God’s love and purpose for me?


7. Spiritual Companionship: Who in my life can I trust to share my spiritual journey with, helping me to see God’s work more clearly and avoid isolation?


8. Living Out Freedom: How can I actively practice authentic freedom in my daily interactions, choosing love and generosity over self-centeredness?


9. Balancing Action and Contemplation: How can I find a balance between active engagement in the world and taking time for quiet reflection and prayer?


10. Revisiting Baptismal Promises: How often do I reflect on my baptismal identity and the unconditional love of God proclaimed over me in that sacrament?

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

From the book’s description:

“Popular retreat leader and spiritual director Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, says that if you turn your heart to God you will find clarity and spiritual peace. In Habits of Freedom, Collins offers you five practical tools to help you develop a habit of daily discernment that will lead to inner calm.

Drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola and his renowned Spiritual Exercises, Collins offers practical spiritual exercises for incorporating five tools into your daily life to help you de-stress, organize your thoughts, and experience the calming presence of Jesus. These are:

• allowing God to show you the signs of oncoming anxiety and mental breakdown;


• developing the ancient practice of spiritual discernment to help analyze your moods and perceptions;


• interpreting life events with an eye toward personal growth and resiliency;


• practicing detachment from negative influences; and


• engaging in interior sensitivity to how God works to bring you peace.

Habits of Freedom is an excellent resource for spiritual directors and individuals, as well as for use in prayer and parish groups seeking practical material that can speak broadly to members from a variety of backgrounds and seasons of life. The book can be easily adapted for small groups and retreat use.”

About the Author

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