I had a lovely little break with a trip to Jasper this past weekend. It’s always refreshing to go to the mountains and contemplate the majesty of life.
I didn’t do any blogging while I was there, but I did continue doing the homework reading for my spiritual direction courses which, as always, blows me away just a little.
I say that because as ‘simple’ as the work may seem on one hand, it is extremely nuanced and calls for a great deal of spiritual discernment to know how best to work with directees. Spiritual direction is most certainly not about directing people in my direction but rather always with the focus on helping them see how God is at work in all aspects of their lives. It has a very different rhythm and purpose than coaching or counseling would have, and I can already see where some of my challenges are going to be.
Spiritual direction is often called the slow work of God; it certainly isn’t about fixing anyone; it is about being present and moving people toward looking to their own inner teacher for direction. There are no short cuts or convincing anyone of any particular perspective about what is going on in their lives so it does require a deep commitment to being in it for the long haul so to speak, often acting more as witness than directive.
All that being said, it just feels so very right. The more I read and contemplate and discuss in class, the more humbling it is and at the same time the more I know this is where I need to be at this point in my life. I have a lot to learn, and unlearn, and that is exciting and scary and wonderful all at the same time. And, I’m just getting started!
Namaste
ps Picture I took at Maligne Canyon on Sunday. The way the water wears away the rock reminds of spiritual work…
