I think most of us remember the start of the Covid lockdowns and the stresses of those early days of not knowing what was coming and the feeling of impending isolation. We were forced to figure out how to find opportunities for community an in environment many of us had never experienced before. Habits of Freedom took me back in some ways to those early days and offered a vision for how Ignatian spirituality can offer us moments for freedom and reflection in inhospitable times.

Habits of Freedom is a success because it realizes that it doesn't need to offer anything new and instead leans into what Brother Íñigo gave us centuries ago. It is grounded in Ignatius's Exercises and offers it's readers a new opportunity to reflect on those and revisit them in the chaos of the present. Fr. Collins uses personal anecdotes and writings from other scholars such as Pope Benedict to create an atmosphere where this is possible and ultimately has created a remarkable and useful text for aiding us in the process of finding freedom in the stresses and anxieties of our daily lives.

I think this book would be helpful in both personal and group devotional settings, both Catholic and Protestant. I found myself trying to figure out how to use these for in my college age Sunday School class in a protestant Weslyan denomination and found that I think it could be adapted to that setting with very few alterations. This is one of those books that I truly wish I had a physical copy of.

I highly recommend this book and am thankful to the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christopher Collins presents the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola in a way that helps shape his five tools for clearing your mind and resting daily in God. It's a brief read, and yet it makes you stop to think of how you can implement these tools into your life. Christopher presents five tools as follows: 1. Allow Disruption
2. Remember Who I am and Whose I am
3. Reject the Lie
4. Talk it Out
5. Go on Offense
Within these tools, Christopher expands on the titles to extrapolate what he means and examples of how he has implemented this in his own life. A great resource for all.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

"Habits of Freedom" by Christopher S. Collins, SJ, is a compact and impactful book that brings the timeless Ignatian philosophy and prayer practices to life with accessible and practical tools. The author, a Jesuit priest, presents five effective techniques with memorable insights, resonant metaphors and terms, and essential Biblical references to guide readers in their spiritual journey.

The author expertly ties together the scriptural basis of Ignatian spirituality through the two connected Bible stories of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan and his temptation in the wilderness. He encourages readers to visualize themselves in the scene of Jesus' baptism, experiencing the love of God and the call to resist Satan's distractions.

Collins' personal anecdotes add depth to his teachings and demonstrate the application of discernment. He emphasizes the importance of staying in the present moment and rejecting Satan's lies, while engaging in community and acting in love. He also provides a clear explanation of the concept of "holy indifference" or detachment as a worthy goal.

Overall, "Habits of Freedom" offers a simple and effective approach to Ignatian spirituality that is both concrete and practical.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for the electronic copy in exchange for a honest review!