Real Stories from the Journey

“I am deeply grateful for the transformative journey I have experienced under the guidance of Dick Alexander through Ignatian spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises. Together, their wisdom and compassionate direction have profoundly impacted my spiritual life.”

“Through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, I’ve learned to find God in all things — a principle that has brought a new depth of awareness and gratitude into my daily life. Dick has helped me recognize God’s presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, fostering a continuous sense of connection and mindfulness.”

“One of the most significant aspects of my journey has been the practice of discernment. With Dick’s support, I’ve developed the ability to sense God’s will in my decisions, leading to choices more aligned with my values and faith. His patient, insightful guidance has helped me navigate both personal and spiritual challenges.”

“The contemplative practices introduced by Dick — like imaginative prayer and the Examen — have deeply enriched my prayer life. Imagining ‘walking with Christ’ through daily joys and struggles has reshaped my relationship with Him. These practices have also allowed me to engage with Scripture in a more profound way.”

“As a result, I’ve experienced greater peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.”

“Dick’s dedication to Ignatian spirituality, combined with their compassionate presence, has made a lasting impact on my life. They provide a safe and nurturing space for spiritual exploration. I wholeheartedly recommend Dick Alexander to anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God through Ignatian spirituality.”

“God’s call is meant to give us a fuller life of deeper meaning and authentic joy.” These words, from The Ignatian Adventure, describe God’s call to me.

I knew there was a longing within me to know God more completely — to look upon God with love and longing like the great saints. But I didn’t know how to begin.

Thankfully, God led me to The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and they have been a true blessing. I’ve grown in both a sincere love for the Father and a deeper, more fruitful life of prayer — first through the Exercises themselves, and second through Spiritual Direction.

The Exercises gave me structure without rigidity and helped me grow beyond my haphazard style of prayer.
St. Ignatius’ methods offered solid instruction for deepening my relationship with all three persons of the Trinity — and taught me how to trust God with my heart, filling me with His life, love, and truth.

At first, I resisted journaling. But I came to see how vital it was to the second, most important part of the Exercises: Spiritual Direction.

In the Exercises, we place ourselves before the Holy Trinity and ask for specific graces. Through prayer, we’re given new eyes to see God’s Word — and open ears to receive it personally.

A Spiritual Director helps you understand the inner movements of the soul stirred by prayer. Good spiritual direction brings clarity, discernment, and the courage to release what no longer serves God’s purposes — including attachments, thinking patterns, or lies of the evil one.

We’re not meant to do this alone. Spiritual direction opens the heart to God’s friendship and the support we all need. I believe the Spiritual Exercises are a beautiful and powerful means to grow in relationship with God.

Walking through the Exercises was powerful. But I didn’t walk alone.

Dick Alexander was my spiritual director throughout. He led me with wisdom, kindness, and encouragement — helping me stay free, without becoming strict or rigid.

There is so much interior movement in the Exercises that you need someone to walk with you. Dick did this with spiritual maturity, honesty, and insight.
I always felt respected and safe. I never felt judged.

His sincerity and prayerful nature touched my spirit deeply, and helped me grow in discernment and realize God’s love more fully.

I met Dick in the summer of 2019. I’d long been on a spiritual journey, and I still wanted more.

So five of us asked Dick to lead us in the Spiritual Exercises. It worked! We still do the deep dive of spiritual discernment — and we have a ton of fun doing it.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned seeker — he can help you light your own fire for God.

He’ll guide you toward a life of love, joy, and unity — and show you that the life you didn’t think was possible… actually is.

About five years ago, I discovered the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius — and truly, I had found the journey to heaven that I’d been seeking. It was a path I understood, resonated with, and made the most sense to me. But I also learned this: it’s not a journey you can take alone.

You must have a spiritual director.

I was fortunate that someone I trusted sent me to Dick Alexander.

Dick’s background as a management consultant gives him a rare combination of strategic insight and personal wisdom. He’s an incredible resource — a guide whose counsel is grounded in experience, faith, and care.

His Catholicism is beyond reproach. And his personal mantra of faith is beautifully simple:
“God’s unconditional love for each of us.”

Dick brings both wisdom and grace — the two greatest attributes a spiritual director can offer. He’s a compassionate listener, a man of deep faith, and someone who will challenge you (lovingly!) to find your faith within yourself.

If you’re sincerely seeking a spiritual director — you need not look any further than Dick Alexander.

Spiritual direction is a profound journey into deeper intimacy with God, and I am grateful to have walked this path with Dick Alexander.

His wisdom, insight, patience, and deep well of experience created fertile ground for God to work in me and through me.

Under Dick’s guidance, my spiritual life has been redirected and enriched. If you ever have the opportunity to work with Dick and seek a deeper relationship with God and others, consider yourself blessed.

There is no one better suited for this kind of transformative journey.

I have been blessed in many ways by participating in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

These Exercises introduced me to new and deeper ways of connecting with God in both my prayer life and daily living. I came to know my spiritual self more intimately, and my relationship with Jesus grew tremendously.

I learned to slow down, listen more attentively, and become aware of the movements of the Spirit — opening my eyes to how God may be calling me to serve Him.

Spiritual direction has been instrumental in the growth of my faith life. Having someone who lovingly and attentively listens — to the highs and lows of prayer and everyday life — has helped me sort through important questions and experiences.

I receive nonjudgmental wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual clarity that continually help me grow in my relationship with God.

God Bless

Shelley

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

The Spiritual Exercises changed my life!

I was raised in a Roman Catholic household and attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. My wife converted to Catholicism just prior to our wedding. Together we have three children who all attended Catholic primary school.

While I felt I had a good relationship with the Lord, I longed for something deeper. One day, within the narthex of our church, I saw literature about The Spiritual Exercises and decided to inquire.

Little did I realize the profound change that was coming my way.

The Exercises both completed and deepened my relationship with Jesus. I cannot overstate their importance in my life — they are, in my view, a master class in Catholic spirituality.

I began the Exercises in October of 2022 and was blessed to be guided by Dick Alexander as my spiritual director. Through the time-tested wisdom of St. Ignatius and Dick’s prayerful guidance, my spiritual life has grown tremendously.

Each morning now begins with time spent with the Lord — giving thanks, growing in discernment, contemplating how to share God’s love. Dick supported me every step of the way.

I carry this wisdom with me daily and will always be a student — continually seeking to know Christ more fully. The Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit are deeply woven into my daily walk.

I cannot imagine my life today without the transformation brought through The Spiritual Exercises — nor without the spiritual guidance of Dick Alexander. He is a trusted, invaluable advisor and friend.

🙏 Please take my advice: enroll in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. And if possible, rely on Dick Alexander for spiritual direction and friendship.