“My own time on earth has led me to believe in two powerful instruments that turn experience into love: holding and listening. For every time I have held or been held, every time I have listened or been listened to, experience burns like wood in that eternal fire and I find myself in the presence of love.”
—Mark Nepo in The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life
What is Spiritual Companioning?
… is the art of paying attention to another’s experience of what is often called God or divine mystery, interconnection, Ultimate Reality, etc. It isn’t counseling, therapy, or pastoral care (though these modalities are important and can occur simultaneously). Spiritual direction is the traditional term used to describe an ancient and contemporary practice of companioning another in his/her spiritual journey and is found in most faith traditions.
Is Spiritual Direction Right for Me?
People seek spiritual direction for a variety of reasons. In our busy lives, most of us find it difficult to notice a deeper Presence in our everyday lives. And yet, most of us desire a deeper relationship and awareness of that Presence. Spiritual direction might be right for you if you have been wondering how to:
- identify and trust your own spiritual experiences
- wrestle with your questions about spirituality, religion, your life’s meaning, the world at large, etc…
- integrate your spirituality with your everyday life
- develop meaningful spiritual practices
- discern and make difficult choices
- explore your “true self”
My Journey into Spiritual Companionship
Raised and rooted in the Christian tradition, I embrace an interspiritual identity where I honor the wisdom, Spirit, and beauty found in other spiritual traditions as well. I welcome companioning those from all faith traditions and those who consider themselves spiritually independent or spiritual-but-not-religious. I believe the “spark of the Divine” resides in everyone and when searched for can always be found.
I received my certificate of training in spiritual direction through the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation in 2012.
I am a member of Spiritual Directors International, a global learning community of spiritual directors. In 2020, I completed a course in eco-therapy through The Earthbody Institute and offer nature-based spiritual companioning and retreats. I consider my commitment to nurturing my spiritual journey through personal practices, monthly spiritual direction, and peer supervision to be critical to my journey and development as a spiritual director.
Expectations of the Spiritual Direction relationship
ONE-ON-ONE COMPANIONSHIP
- We will typically meet for about an hour on a monthly basis.
- I will hold all that is shared with compassion and in trusted confidence.
- I will offer a safe and quiet space for meeting.
- I offer spiritual direction on a sliding scale of $30-$60 per session. I trust that you will discern what is affordable in the season of life you are in. I do not want cost to hinder anyone but hope that the one who is able to give more generously will help the one who can give less.
GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Participants share openly about their spiritual journeys and receive spiritual direction in a small group setting. They practice supportive listening and explore spiritual practices together. Please contact me if you would like more information on group spiritual direction.
To inquire about spiritual companioning, email me at annettelgarber@gmail.com
Click here to view: Spiritual Directors International profile
