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.
The SDI global learning community is a group of compassionate listeners who are committed to peace and justice. Become a new member or renew your membership on SDI’s secure online store.
Membership benefits include:
EP064 - The Paradox of Showing Up, and Letting Go, as a Spiritual Companion - Brian Plachta
BONUS - My Boss is a Zen Priest (and an amazing guitar player!)
EP063 - Walking as Spiritual Companionship (Pilgrimage in Place)
EP062 - Listen to our Discover March Newsletter
EP061 - Bonus Podcast - Spiritual Companionship For Urgent Times
EP060 - My Boss is a Zen Priest - On Silence and Meditation
EP059 - A Day in the Life of a Cancer Care Chaplain - Taqwa Surapati
EP058 - The Crisis of Relationship - Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining)
EP057 - Companioning with Death and the Dying - Eric Massanari - Part 2
EP056 - The Practice of Curiosity in Spiritual Companionship - Eric Massanari - Part 1
EP055 - Examen the Play Dough - Nancy Shadlock, MA
EP054 - Counseling Communities through Mass Tragedy - Rabbi Carla Howard
EP053 - Gender Equity and Reconciliation - Cynthia Brix and Will Keepin
EP052 - Spiritual Practices of Sufi Islam - Azra Rahim
EP051 - Technology, Contemplation, and Interspirituality - Jeff Genung, Kate Sheehan Roach, and Brother Wayne Teasdale (!!)
EP050 - Art, Creativity, and Spiritual Companionship - Matt Whitney
EP049 - 2019 Highlights of SDI Encounters
EP048 - Support and Participate in Our Public Square of Spiritual Companionship
EP047 - Connection with the Living World through Animals and Art - Straja Linder King and Madeline Rugh
EP046 - Roleplaying Games as Spiritual Companionship - Rabbi Menachem Cohen
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