Discover the Benefits of Spiritual Direction: Exploring Loss, Grief, Discernment, Wisdom, and Gratitude
Are you curious about spiritual direction or searching for a new spiritual director? When I started my journey, I had no idea what was in store. My spiritual director explained that there was no set agenda, we would simply listen and observe the work of the divine in my life. This was both exciting and daunting. I had questions like:
What if I face challenges I'm not ready for?
Is this going to be harder than I expect?
Am I truly ready to listen for God's voice?
Eventually, these fears were put to rest. I did encounter things that were challenging, but with God's guidance and a spiritual companion, they were not as overwhelming. The journey of spiritual direction helped me grow and develop new perspectives on grief, discernment, wisdom, gratitude, and spiritual formation.
Loss and Grief: A Journey Toward Acceptance
We all experience losses in life, some big and obvious, others small and seemingly insignificant. As a spiritual director, I help people acknowledge loss and start a journey of grief. Acknowledging loss is crucial to healing and acceptance. Engaging with the stages of grief, such as anger, depression, bargaining, and denial, leads to acceptance. This can be in response to a loved one's death, a lost relationship, or feeling isolated from God. Through spiritual direction, we learn to find comfort and support in God's presence during our journey of grief.
Discernment: Finding the Right Path
Spiritual direction is a valuable tool for discerning your life's path. I draw inspiration from two great thinkers, St. Ignatius and Henri Nouwen. These voices emphasize the importance of listening to our inner voice and the process of discernment.
The Ignatian way of discernment asks questions to help us understand our motivations. However, the final question, "Do I want to do this?" can be difficult to answer, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Discernment also involves considering timing, which can be divided into two categories: Kronos time (earthly time) and Kairos time (God's time). In spiritual direction, we learn to recognize and understand the movement of God in our lives, empowering us to make more confident decisions.
Wisdom: A Journey of Contemplation
Learning is a lifelong journey, and wisdom is no exception. Through contemplative practices, found in all religions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. These practices may not provide instant answers, but they force us to embrace uncertainty and find peace in the present moment. In spiritual direction, people often find that truth and wisdom come to them more easily, without the pressure to be right or wrong.
Presence: Letting Go of the Past and Future
Wise living involves letting go of the baggage and habits of the past. Fear of the future or regrets of the past can hold us back. In "The Power of Now," Eckhart Tolle suggests that the biggest obstacles to a fulfilling present are our past and future. Through spiritual work, we can find peace with mystery and release our past, leading to a more present and spiritual life.
Gratitude: Embracing Life's Challenges
As we face challenges and walk through them with a spiritual companion, gratitude often emerges as a result. Engaging with difficult experiences helps us develop a deeper appreciation for life and all its complexities. Gratitude allows us to live in the present moment, and see the beauty in life's journey.
