 Relationship
Spiritual direction is a relationship that includes a companion/guide, a seeker (you) and the presence of the Third. The Third is something greater than either individual. It might be considered as the energy of Source, Oneness, Creator, Spirit, Unity with all that is, as the Sacred or Beloved One, or as Higher Self or True Essence. It is the energy of compassion and unconditional love that is eternally accessible to each of us. In spiritual direction, you will discover a more conscious awareness of how your life is guided by this energy, this compassionate presence. There is a divine blueprint, spiritual meaning or sacred calling/purpose for your life. Exploring its many facets is at the heart of the spiritual direction relationship.
Meeting, Greeting & Welcoming Your Life Spiritual direction focuses on your ways of receiving and responding to all that life brings with an ever-increasing awareness of the presence of the sacred. In spiritual direction, there is no subject that is off limits because your life is the focus. Unlike some counseling approaches, which focus on solving problems, in spiritual direction you learn to "be with" whatever life is moving through you, to welcome and learn from it, to discern its invitations for your life. This includes the rhythms of joys and sorrows, celebrations and mournings, ups and downs, light and dark. Being attentive to the seasons of the spirit, the rhythms of the soul, and the cycles of the body is an invitation throughout each person's unique biographical unfolding.
The Presence of a Friend for Your Soul
A spiritual companion or guide offers the presence of "anam cara" which is Gaelic for "soul-friend." She serves as a companion and witness to your life's journey, meeting and receiving you with empathy, warmth and reflection. The professional journal published by Spiritual Directors International is called "Presence." The experience of Presence is at the heart of every spiritual direction relationship. It is the sustaining ground of being, revealed through our lived, human experience. "Compassionate Presence" abides with each of us.
Intentional Practices
A spiritual guide/companion may suggest particular spiritual practices to awaken your spirit and tend to the needs of your body and your soul. Engaging in these exercises will contribute to a more intimate trust and turning towards the ever-present spiritual direction available to you through the energy of the Source abiding within and between, beyond and throughout..
Spiritual practices to deepen awareness of Presence may include meditation, art-as-meditation, tending to dreams through dreamwork, the sacred space of retreats and the meaningful expressions of rituals to honor particular events in your life. Practices you explore are intended to be chosen freely and to focus on expanding your capacity to love more consciously, more willingly and in enlivened ways.
Gently tending to body, soul & spirit...
What are the things we tend to in our lives?
How do we bring tenderness and gentle compassionate presence
to the needs of body, soul and spirit?
Reflection
In the process of spiritual direction, you will have the opportunity to reflect and to explore with your spiritual companion about the ways that you are nourishing your whole being and the ways you are offering your whole self to contribute to this life, this world, your community, your relationships, the cosmic universe of all being...
Wholeness
Your are invited to bring the wholeness of your presence through the sensing nature and life energies of your body, the moving emotions and experiences of your soul, and the wsdom, mindfulness and deep values of your spirit. All of these are reflections of Source energy. Your body is a part of the body that IS every body, that is the whole cosmic universe. Your soul is one particular reflection of all souls, who share the common experience of life with you. Your spirit is that which makes you unique, the part of you that can say, "I am." It is this "I" within you that is also a reflection of a greater spirit, some call it the Holy Spirit, some may simply call it Source or Wisdom or Sophia or the living flame of Light, Love & Life. You have a divine spark of that flame that is yours to radiate.
Inquiry & Exploration
Sometimes, your spiritual guide will ask questions that invite deepening and may offer to guide you in an exploration of what is alive in your body, soul or spirit at the present moment. These are at the heart of an inquiry and contemplation that often lead to a sense of returning home and of rediscovering communion with the Source energy, the Beloved One, the Compassionate Presence abiding within and beyond each of us. In spiritual direction, together, we seek to explore how it is that you are reclaiming your body, renewing your soul, revealing your spirit and reflecting your Source. This exploration will shine light upon the cycles of your body, the rhythms of your soul and the seasons of your spirit. All of these aspects of your being contribute to the unfolding biography of your life.
Tending to the Truth
John Yungblut describes spiritual direction as "an art of discerning "that of God" in another and helping that individual be true to this divine spark, through a process of gentle "tendering."
Are you ready to experience spiritual direction and soul companioning?
Jean Lauer thoroughly enjoys shining light upon the divine spark within you and the gentle art of tendering that she brings to accompany the process. She is available for face to face spiritual direction in Winona and St. Paul, Minnesota. She is also available for phone sessions through skype. Fees for spiritual direction are based upon a sliding-fee scale taking into account both what you can afford to pay, and what the value of the process is worth to you. Generally, you meet with a spiritual director once per month for an hour. If you would like to consider setting up your first appointment with Jean or have further questions about it, please email her at heartwisdom.jean@gmail.com or call her at 507-453-0576.
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