Integration 10 | Agere Contra
We all have fears, anxieties, and addictions in our lives, as well as things that we avoid. St. Ignatius labelled these stressors as “unfreedoms” that hold us back from a flourishing life. He recommended the practice of agere contra (meaning “to act against”) to free ourselves from these anxieties. Specifically, when you find an “unfreedom” in your life, you should act in the opposite manner and face these frustrations directly. For example, if you have a fear of asking for help, you should do the opposite of your fear and start asking for help repeatedly.
Your Integration this week is to work through a specific fear or anxiety through direct confrontation. You can explore your fears through a mind map and a failure résumé; then choose one or two issues to focus on. Then take small steps each day to work through this fear through exposure and practice.
Integrations
Integration 1
Time and Phone Use Log
Integration 2
Solitude Practice
Integration 3
Signature Strengths
Integration 4
Clearness Committee
Integration 5
Forgiveness Exercise
Integration 6
Gratitude Letter
Integration 7
Examen & Gratitude Journaling
Integration 8
Life Path Conversations
Integration 9
StoryCorps Interview
Integration 10 | Current
Agere Contra
Integration 11
Social Connection
Integration 12
Acts of Service or Kindness
Integration 13
Accompaniment
Integration 14
Writing Your Own Eulogy
Integration 15
Writing A Personal Creed
“Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson