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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Ep025 - 2020 Santa Fe Conference Announced - Spiritual Companionship For Our Times
Ep024 - Talking about SDI Webinars with Steven Crandell
Ep023 - Spiritual Journey with Valerie Brown and Carol Kortsch
Ep022 - Travel with SDI Journeys - Rev Seifu and Frederica Helmiere
Ep021 - This Life That is Ours - Parenting and Pilgrimage with Lauren Burdette
Ep020 - Leaning into Holy Hybridity - Karen Erlichman - Part 2
Ep019 - Vocation and Calling with Karen Erlichman - Part 1
Ep018 - Living a Life of Contemplation with Jan Lundy and Jeanette Banashak (Part 2)
Ep017 - Spiritual Fluidity with Jan Lundy and Jeanette Banashak (Part 1)
Ep016 - Experiential Companionship with Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Ep015 - Receptivity and Connection through Singing Bowls - Stacy Au Coin and David Summerfield
Ep014 - Remember Yourself with Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares
Ep013 - Dani Forbess on Embodied Spirituality
Ep012 - Preeta Banerjee on Practicing Sacred Intention
Ep011 - Becky Eldredge on Spirituality and Everyday Life
Ep010 - Ed Bastian, Interspiritual Meditation
Ep009 - Diane Millis, Re-Creating a Life
Ep008 - Mona Haydar Interview
Ep007 - A Universe of Stories - Imam Jamal Rahman
Ep006 - Justice and Spiritual Companionship - Rabbi Amy Eilberg
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