The following is a definition of Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Directors International’s website.
“Spiritual direction is a time-honored term for a conversation, ordinarily between two persons, in which one person consults another, more spiritually experienced person about the ways in which God [or however one names the Divine, Holy or Universal] may be touching her or his life, directly or indirectly. In our postmodern age, many people dislike the term ‘spiritual direction’ because it sounds like one person giving directions, or orders, to another. They prefer ‘spiritual companionship,’ ‘tending the holy,’ or some other nomenclature. What we call it doesn’t make any real difference. The reality remains conversations about life in the light of faith… Although spiritual direction has had a burst of new life, it is really quite ancient. Across both the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures, we find people seeking spiritual counsel. The Queen of Sheba sought out the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus gave us examples in his conversations with Nicodemus, with the woman at the well, in the ongoing formation of Peter and the other disciples. In the early church, people flocked to hermits in the desert for spiritual counsel. Across the centuries we find striking examples in some Irish monks, in some German Benedictine nuns, in Charles de Foucault, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, and others. Today, spiritual directors come from many traditions … [including Judaism, Sufism, Buddhism and other faiths].“
According to the author, traditional spiritual direction was offered in the Judeo-Christian tradition. More recently, other faith-based traditions have been included. But what happens if the light of faith goes out? What happens if it is the faith-based religion itself that you no longer believe in? Then where do you go?
One answer is to seek out a spiritual director who is a non-religious spiritual director. Jim Palmer’s Center for non-religious spirituality, (nonreligiousspirituality.com) offers just such a training program. This is where I received my training as a Spiritual Director.
When I work with individuals I don’t make the same old suggestions that they have probably heard from their minister, or priest, or rabbi….”pray more for God’s help and read the Bible more.” I encourage individuals to question their faith and the dogma of the congregation they have left. I suggest new avenues of consideration that open them to different perspectives. It is not my responsibility to provide them with the answers. I offer them resources where they might find the answers that work for them today knowing there is always more to discover.
If this is the kind of support that you are looking for, then drop me an email at Mike@michaelglove.com and let’s begin a conversation.
Σχόλια