In the June 2022 issue of Presence Journal, Dr Westina Matthews writes,
“We will not attempt to convince another to adopt any view but rather offer a safe and sacred space to share knowledge and to engage in open and honest dialogue about what is usually considered to be a taboo topic. In spiritual direction, often resisted is the topic of sex, sexuality, and sexual orientation. We have found that both spiritual director and spiritual directee tend to avoid these “taboos,”
So why the silence? (We) are convinced it is due to the shame.”
How does one begin to overcome this shame?”
In this interview, we talk with Dr Matthews about how spiritual directors and companions can begin to create a safe, holy space in their sessions to allow for safe, brave conversations about sexuality. Approaches, icebreakers questions, acknowledging sexual confusion and harm, and understanding sexuality from a contemplative grounding are discussed.
---
Dr. Westina Matthews, PhD, is an author, public speaker, retreat leader, and theologian. She is an adjunct professor at General Theological Seminary in the Center for Christian Spirituality in New York, New York, USA, where she teaches contemplative spiritual direction.
Further reading and resources can be found at https://www.spiritualityandsexuality.org/
Dr. Westina’s website: Westina – Author (westinamatthews.com)
---
Presence is the flagship publication of SDI. It comes out four times a year, and is an international journal on spiritual direction and companionship. Presence Journal is available in print and on the web to SDI Members.
Read the current issue on the web, with exclusive video interviews, here: Presence - 28.2 - June 2022 - SDI Companions
Become a Member of SDI and support our work to bring spiritual direction and companionship to the world by clicking here: SDI Membership - Join the Community of Spiritual Companions (sdicompanions.org)
Preview Part 3: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Chelsea Forbrook, Rev. Nhien Vuong
Preview Part 2: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Allen Proctor, Erlina Edwards, Ben Campbell
Preview Part 1: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Sandra Smith and Dina ElBadry
SDI's 2024 Online Conference: Navigating the Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and Companions
What is Spiritual Companionship?
SDI Affinity Groups with Ravi Verma
An Ordinary Conversation about Waking Up - Jennifer ”Jinks” Hoffmann
Forest Bathing Sounds and Storytelling -An Audio Reflection (and Invitation to Join us in March 2024!)
A History of Spiritual Direction and Supervision - Paul Burgmayer
Desert Spirituality - Preview with Tessa Bielecki and Fr. Dave Denny
Elaine Fourie - Working with Trauma, Mysticism, and Walking with a Partner with Illness
Henri Nouwen and Spiritual Companionship - A Reflection
Using the Enneagram to Name, Tame, and Transform Your Inner Critic with Chelsea Forbrook
Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 2
Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 1
Awakening Joy - Practices to Cultivate Spiritual Presence - Harry Pickens
Dr Jeanette Banashak and Rev Simon Ruth De Voil - Guides for Our 2024 Forest Bathing Journey
Reconsidering Spiritual Companionship - Full Conversation with Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares
A Conversation with Fr. Adam Bucko - Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide
Carmen Acevedo Butcher - Mystical Wisdom and Practice from The Cloud of Unknowing and Brother Lawrence
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Devoted To Prayer
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
BardsFM