Who is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos.
So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests, and SDI celebrates the diversity of practices and people who identify as one. But, how does one identify or see themselves and others as a spiritual companion?
In April 2020’s Listen publication, Executive Director Reverend Seifu Anil Singh-Molares wrote a reflection on the Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - a series of characteristics and skills that a companion lives into.
What are the characteristics of a spiritual companion? Rev. Seifu’s various Dimensions invite us to consider this. And I think it’s important to note that one need not embody ALL of these dimensions at once - but each one should give us some pause, in which I might consider - how do I practice this? How do I embody this dimension?
In an ongoing series of episodes, Rev. Seifu and I will have conversations around each of these dimensions, as a way to unpack and get to know each of them in depth. And as you listen, I invite you to consider each for yourself. The way you understand each dimension need not reflect how we understand it, but I hope these conversations spark either a deep knowing within you, or a good curiosity.
Good Discernment: "We are intuitives and quiet guides, we provide reasoned feedback only when asked, and we also try to advance balance and equanimity at all times."
I hope this conversation has awakened or stirred something in you. Take a moment to reflect - how do you identify with this dimension of spiritual companionship? Does it feel natural? Does it feel elusive? How does this dimension manifest for you? Is it something you desire to increase for yourself? I invite you to take a few breaths, and tend to that stirring.
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Together we are changing the world through the contemplative action of spiritual companionship. Everyone is welcome to become a member of SDI.
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Membership benefits include:
Website Chat Support, Compassionate Listening, and Growing Peppers - Ryan Hinson - SDI Technical Support Specialist
Eric Massanari - SDI Board Chair - An Invitation to Community
Rabbi Myriam Klotz - SDI Board Vice-Chair - An Invitation to Serve
A Conversation with Busshō Lahn - Singing and Dancing are the Voice of the Law
An Exploration of the Psalms - Song and Poetry Swap with Simon de Voil and David Wallace
An Interview with Lerita Coleman Brown - The Enduring Wisdom of Howard Thurman
Aimee Bostwick - Community and Spiritual Life at Kanuga Conference Center - Forest Bathing Journey with SDI
Cynthia Bailey Manns - Reflections of a Soul Companion
Nature Immersion and Deep Listening - A Forest Bathing Retreat from SDI - Dr Jeanette Banashak
Dr. Bruce Tallman - New Book on Francis de Sales - Making a Living in Spiritual Direction
A Contemplative Approach to Sexuality - Dr. Westina Matthews
EP133 - Rabbi Rami Shapiro - Wandering the Pathless Land
EP132 - Engage 2022 Conference Debrief with Rev SeiFu
EP 131: Michelle Scheidt on Sharing Spiritual Heritage
EP130 - An Interview with Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann and Diane M. Millis - New Book from SDI Press
EP 129 - Meet Larry J. Morris III, Spiritual Director and Production Assistant at SDI
EP 128 - Big News! New look for Presence Journal
EP127 - Simon de Voil - A Conversation on Iona, Music, and Spiritual Companionship
Ep 126 - Christine Vogel - Grief and the Gift of Spiritual Direction
Ep 125 - Sierra Neiman Westbrook - Story of My Names
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