EXPLORING SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS OF DECISION MAKING


EXPLORING SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS OF DECISION MAKING

St. Ignatius Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, translated by Thomas Corbishley, S. J., (Anthony Clarke, 1973). These exercises include the rules for spiritual discernment that underlie the decision-making process Art Stevens outlined for me. The rules tap three elements: reasoning, emotions, and the guidance of a greater spirit.

Bots, Jan, S. J. "Praying in Two Directions: A Christian Method of Prayerful Decision-making," Review for Religious, Jan–Feb, 1982. This article discusses the concept of "holy indifference." It is a willingness to let the best result come forward even if it isn't what we expected or how we personally wanted it to be. It inspires Step #2's focus on inviting participants to openly explore their deepest aspirations together.

Morneau, Robert F. "Principles of Discernment," Review for Religious, March–April, 1982. This article counsels patience to wait freely for a decision. Such patience allows fear-filled rushes of emotion or other pressures to subside during the decision-making process.

Schemel, George, S. J., and Sister Judith Roemer. "Communal Discernment," Review for Religious, Nov–Dec, 1981. This article suggests starting with the negatives about an option and exchanging information without debate (Step #6). Participants may not be of one mind about a particular choice, but they can be of one spirit concerning the direction they choose.

Smith, Herbert F., S. J. "Discernment of Spirits," Review for Religious, vol. 35, 1976. Smith encourages prayer or meditation—the open, reflective opportunity to hear and respond to the positive, creative spirit within us. He underscores praying for alignment with the greater good rather than divine blessing for our personal agenda.




How Great Decisions Get Made. 10 Easy Steps for Reaching Agreement on Even the Toughest Issues
How Great Decisions Get Made: 10 Easy Steps for Reaching Agreement on Even the Toughest Issues
ISBN: 0814407935
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 112
Authors: Don Maruska

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