At different stages of our lives, it can be helpful to recognise and remember who we are beyond the boundaries of personality and personal history. Spiritual direction or companioning enhances the desire to make life more present by realising our true nature in everyday situations. This helps us connect our human spirit and inner wisdom to the Creator.
Spiritual direction is primarily about listening between the silences to the spoken word, being attentive to the godlike in each person, circumstance or situation, and being mindful to notice the invisible wonder of faith. This, in turn, offers an opportunity to reflect on many questions like:
Who am I? Where do I belong? What do I believe? What are my deepest values, and what matters to me most? What gives my life more meaning, and what do I want the direction of my life to be? Who/what is the Creator, and where are they in this for me? What hinders my life, and how can I be free from these obstacles to feel more whole and alive?
Spiritual direction offers a safe and trusting space to articulate realistic visions for your life and explore how they may be grounded in practice for your spirituality. This can be explored in a safe environment without being told what to believe or obliged to feel that there is only 'one right way'. The desire to grow in self-awareness and have faith that the Universe at work in your life is central serves as a gentle reminder that the journey is key and not the destination.
In short, a spiritual director can be likened to a companion, mentor, guide, co-discerner, spiritual midwife, soul-friend, or co-counsellor. Although spiritual direction can help deepen one's spiritual relationship, it is not psychotherapy or counselling.