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Spiritual Companioning, also known as Spiritual Direction, is a process of deepening a person's spirituality. Spirituality is the term used to describe every person's response to and relationship with the Sacred as the Sacred (God, The Divine, Reality, etc) is experienced in one's life. The focus of spirituality can be as intimate as emotions and interpersonal relationships and as wide and diverse as the c
osmos.How does this process work?
In Spiritual Companioning a trained "guide" or "mentor" helps spiritual “seeker” to notice, name, reflect on, and respond to her or his experience of the Sacred in everyday life as well as in extraordinary moments of joy, loss or trauma.
Do you have to be of a particular faith to engage in Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Companionship is an ancient spiritual practice having roots in most religious traditions. As such, it serves and embraces peoples of all faiths and walks of life. The Spiritual Life Center welcomes everyone to nurture their spirit through this program..
What is a Spiritual Companioning session like?
In a typical monthly spiritual companionship meeting the seeker brings the stories of his or her journey and/or any life experiences to reflect on. The companion does not tell the seeker what to do but rather listens to the seeker’s story and helps him or her to reflect on the more subtle movements of the Spirit in the seeker’s story. Spiritual companioning is not therapy. The goal of this relationship is for the seeker to gain greater consciousness of and participation with the Sacred in the ordinary events of life in order to grow in compassion, freedom, and service. As such, this spiritual companionship relationship is built on trust and is confidential.
The focus for spiritual direction arises from the experiences of day to day living.
Spiritual companionship assists in:- Growth in self-knowledge
- An increasing practice of compassion, mercy and justice
- Greater engagement with the inner and outer world
- Discernment in decision-making and experiences of call
- A deepening experience and awareness of the Sacred
- Living and responding in ways that are healing for all creation
What Does It Cost?
The suggested contribution for spiritual direction is on a sliding scale from $45 to $110. We appreciate it when you can be even more generous. However, no one will be turned away for contributing less--give what you can; all offerings are deeply appreciated.
For more information about companioning and how to get started, contact Nancy Benben at N[email protected] . To complete an initial interview form,