I recently taught the Ignatian Rules to a group of Spiritual Directors. It was a more abbreviated format. Two weeks later I had the opportunity to interact with a colleague who was there. He said he enjoyed my teaching, but had a difficult time with some of the Rules. He is in desolation, maybe both spiritual and nonspiritual. His wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 4 weeks ago. He said he had been taught to feel his feelings and pay attention to them. He said that after about 3 days of sitting with the Lord each morning, he and the Lord had worked it out and he realized that there are some things he could be doing. That was all that I had the opportunity to hear/discuss. As I sat this morning asking for insight, I realized that my friend is grieving. And I think that might be handled a little differently. I certainly don't want to put a timeline on anyone who is grieving. And I always add a note when teaching about Act Against with those who are grieving.

Did Ignatian have a perspective on those who are grieving and the application of the rules? I imagine that every group that I might have the opportunity to teach the Rules with, there are probably people who are grieving and some may not be aware that they are holding grief. I want to be gentle. Words of wisdom???

Thank you in advance!