Spiritual Companionship
Slowing down to listen for the holy movements in our lives is an old practice. Spiritual Direction has biblical roots that go back to the 1st century. Teresa of Avila and Igantius of Loyola expanded this beyond monastery walls in the 16th and 17th centuries. Modern writers like Henri Nouwen made this concept accessible in our busy lives in this century.
Having someone with you as a companion to witness and help you see what the Divine can be revealing is sometimes a windy journey. If you are on the dock about to sail into this experience lets get you ready.
Discernment of the ‘who’ requires a posture of openness to how you want your sessions to feel. The person who can hold space for what you are bringing in to your spiritual direction time and what may emerge in the time shared is important. Once you know what that feels like for you, you can begin to trust your story to that person.
A couple of key questions to ask yourself about who you choose:
- Do they have good listening skills?
- Do they model a life of prayer or practices that might demonstrate they are capable?
- Have they illustrated trustworthy/ethical behavior to maintain confidentiality?
Once you know you can meet with someone you can be at peace with, think of ‘something’ you need or want to bring to your time with your companion. It can be simply one word or phrase. Their presence should offer you safe harbor so you can experience the Holy Spirit in your midst.
Let's say you want to start with trying to focus on gratitude. It is a mere word. Yet it's a practice that is fruitful. And it is a door that once opened is a new way to see your life. Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a job, or have moved to a new place. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with life. There doesn't have to be a problem at all, perhaps the desire for God's loving presence more fully. While spiritual direction isn’t a ‘cure all’ it will be a steady space to anchor your life boat for respite.
The blessing of stopping to give your soul the opportunity to ‘rest’ in this way is that you are able to see, hear and experience more than if you were to keep moving through your day as usual. You don't have to sweep away all the cobwebs to make your space hospitable, simply show up, breathe, and the Divine will guide your steps.