On Spiritual Direction

 

At some level I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. What I failed to realize was the amount of interdisciplinary knowledge it would require and thus it always seemed as if I was distracted. Such distractions however has a sense of being led even if I could not see their end. 

I was led to become a "cure of souls" or guide of souls with an interfaith orientation. I also realized to become that I needed to be first a student and for 15 years I practiced contemplative disciplines as my foundation. In spite of all I learned I never felt I had achieved sufficient insight into the nature of "soul" and it took a  practiced spiritual guide to find me and mentor to in some ways push me into the practice of spiritual direction.

 

Under his tutelage I learned much but also could not apply much of what he did with me, to others. He was gifted with the ability to see the energy field of others and would customize practices more reminiscent of yoga than anything else. I could not see this energy so I needed to find another way. It was not until 5 years later and a profound mystical experience that I found that other way in the form of what would come to be called energy psychology. This new tool was important in the healing of the human condition. I had long ago realized that what many sought from spiritual practice had little to do with cultivating the Divine Presence, but rather alleviating their very human pain. My traditional psychological studies were for me not very fruitful in addressing these issues on several fronts and I knew I had to pursue this new approach to healing of the soul along with the integration of spiritual disciplines.

 

The highest art in the practice of spiritual direction involves the gift of discernment. Neither tradition, theology nor even scripture are sufficient guides for the repair or resurrection of the soul. Each person must be honored as a unique expression within the common ground of G-d. We are all the elohim... gods in the the common community of G-d. Discernment is about developing both aspects of this sacred mystery of multiplicity in unity, such that neither is invalidated yet is understood as an operation of one will underscoring the well being of the whole or Holy - being that without a second. Without a second means each part is perfect and works for the perfection of the whole. This is love in action - uplifting and being uplifted as a mutual interaction. Discernment is about "getting" this and guiding thusly.

Discernment is rooted in this vision which even the unschooled have access to. Certain skills may be beneficial in implementing this vision such that healing insight and transformation may unfold for the seeker, yet simplicity and gentleness lie in the core of useful spiritual disciplines and healing interventions. If the path set forth seems to steep, it probably is. A path without joy in sight is the wrong path. Even the experience of the dark nights of the senses and of the soul are not meant to be tests of endurance, but of abandonment. They are opportunities to let go and let G-d. Here is where the Spiritual Director is challenged as well as needed. And here is where spiritual community has failed - failed in rising to the challenge of evolving skillful means to restore the seeker one the path of "the joy of the lord" when derailed.

It is in this light that the path of the healer must be united with the path of spiritual formation. The ministry of Jesu exemplifies this in his charge to heal as well as teach the good news. How we have failed - failed in leaving healing to the secular arena which divorced the care of the soul from any spiritual essence. In my Rasa Coaching practice, I often speak to ministers and spiritual leaders in a capacity of advocate for this kind of ministry. Every time I have failed. Every time a tear is shed for the suffering which has no need and religion which has lost its deeper soul and heart connections.  

 

 

Of course the best spiritual guidance is that of connecting one to the inner teacher, that inner voice of the hearts leading and inspiration. The role of the guide is then ultimately  not to be needed. Yet even the guide may need guiding, even if he has to train one for himself. I keep that in mind as I work with people - that I am training them to care for others as I might require for myself. Here the loop is closed in profound spiritual community.