Ignatian inner freedom refers to living life with open palms, free of inordinate attachments. When we cling to certain desired outcomes, it can prevent us from being open to whatever God wants for our lives. To have inner freedom is to relinquish demands to have our own way. Often this principle is called “Ignatian indifference.” But this indifference is not to be confused with apathy or freedom from desire itself. Rather, our desires are bound up in God’s desires. Ignatius of Loyola put it this way:
“On our part, we do not want health more than sickness, riches more than poverty, honor more than dishonor, a long life more than short life, and so in all the rest; desiring and choosing only what most helps us toward the end for which we are created” (SE 23).
Ignatius certainly recognized the good of health and having enough to eat, but like Paul the Apostle, he counted it all loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Phil 3:8–10). Significantly, he not only counsels against obsessive attachments to prestige, but also attachments to asceticism. We might mistakenly believe that self-abasement earns us more love from God, or perhaps it gives us the illusion of godliness. But the issue is not whether we are wealthy or poor; being poor is not necessarily godlier. The point is that regardless of our circumstances, we seek to live such a life to the glory of God.
Ignatius believed that every human being’s truest and deepest desire is to live out the created purpose that God has given us—namely, to love and serve God and others. We have only to become aware of that deepest desire. Inner freedom fosters that awareness. When we are in a place of open palms, we eagerly embrace and live out God’s Kingdom vision, even if it involves challenges and sacrifices.
One of Ignatius’s meditations illustrates different levels of inner freedom. He describes three types of people and their relationship with money. The first person wants inner freedom, but never gets around to having a serious conversation with God about her wealth. The second person also desires freedom and even takes action to use the money in godly ways. Yet instead of being truly open and asking for God’s guidance, he tends to pray for God to bless decisions already made. The third person experiences true freedom. She is not attached to keeping the money, but neither is she attached to giving it away. Her only desire is to be open to whatever God would have her do with the income.
Our inordinate attachments often end up robbing us of valuable time and energy, sometimes stealing years from our lives. For example, we might cling to a relationship or vocation that is not really what God has for us, fearing loss. But often settling for second best leads to heartache or burnout. In contrast, when we live with open palms, we can live out our decisions with peace of mind and conviction, even when it requires much from us.
So how do we develop and practice inner freedom? The first place to start is getting in touch with our desires and naming them. The Examen prayer is helpful for cultivating this awareness. What emotions, desires, and thoughts are arising in you on any given day? After you recognize what you desire, you can hold it before God to discern whether that desire is leading you toward the things of God or away from God. You can also discern if you are struggling to let go of something that needs to be released.
As you examine your desires, you might find that you are being quickened by the Holy Spirit. Your desire might be an impulse from God to take action. Or if you discover an inordinate attachment that you are reluctant to let go of, you may realize an area in need of healing. Perhaps you are experiencing a subconscious anxiety or concern that is surfacing as a misguided conviction.
When we are brutally honest about strong attachments, we come face to face with ourselves and what is dictating our lives. Ultimately, our greatest joy and peace will come when we open our palms before God, entrusting the Creator with our life purpose and hope.