Spiritual direction is a sacred conversation that helps individuals deepen their awareness of their divine nature and listen to their inner guidance. It offers an opportunity for reflection, opening to greater meaning and purpose in life, and experiencing a fuller sense of oneness.
Jennifer Magnano is a Spiritual Director certified by Unity Worldwide Ministries.
You can contact Jennifer Magnano: www.jmagnano.com
When I think about spiritual direction or companionship - what I call spiritual midwifery - I think about the character Ana in The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. Without offering any spoilers, if we follow Ana's path, she is living one life and dreaming of another. A different experience than one she’s been born into and is presently living. Of course, it’s not always easy to get from one place to another. But really, what story is all ease? Instead, pain and joy co-exist. For Ana (and for all of us) change, transition, disruption, dis-ease and loss occur. Trials rise up that seem to separate Ana from her understanding of good and/or God. And yet, her life doesn't end in the trenches of discontent. This is because Ana's experience is witnessed and attended to by fierce, soulful companionship (and us, the readers, too). In the end, her perfect and right lifepath and voice is found in part because of these witnesses.
I can say the same of my own journey. I came to spiritual direction as an angsty young woman, without the practices nor witnesses necessary to not only survive but spiritually-thrive in a complicated world. Twenty years later as a spiritual midwife myself, I get to offer the same kind of care that I have received as a safe and sacred container "in it" with in you your unraveling, noticing as you become, and listening for the wisdom that pops up from your own soul, your guides and/or the God of your understanding. We all deserve to be attended to with this kind of love.
When I think about spiritual direction or companionship - what I call spiritual midwifery - I think about the character Ana in The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. Without offering any spoilers, if we follow Ana's path, she is living one life and dreaming of another. A different experience than one she’s been born into and is presently living. Of course, it’s not always easy to get from one place to another. But really, what story is all ease? Instead, pain and joy co-exist. For Ana (and for all of us) change, transition, disruption, dis-ease and loss occur. Trials rise up that seem to separate Ana from her understanding of good and/or God. And yet, her life doesn't end in the trenches of discontent. This is because Ana's experience is witnessed and attended to by fierce, soulful companionship (and us, the readers, too). In the end, her perfect and right lifepath and voice is found in part because of these witnesses.
I can say the same of my own journey. I came to spiritual direction as an angsty young woman, without the practices nor witnesses necessary to not only survive but spiritually-thrive in a complicated world. Twenty years later as a spiritual midwife myself, I get to offer the same kind of care that I have received as a safe and sacred container "in it" with in you your unraveling, noticing as you become, and listening for the wisdom that pops up from your own soul, your guides and/or the God of your understanding. We all deserve to be attended to with this kind of love.
