practice ethos
The Warou - I want to thank Olivia Jackson, Artist, for her interpretation and contribution of the image
Another way to name Spiritual Direction is Spiritual Companioning, and my hope is to accompany people on their journey to finding their true selves. Life crises shroud clarity, and yet deep within each of us is the source of all life who resides in this place where our true self is discovered. Trappist Monk and Spiritual writer Thomas Merton described this as the ‘point vierge’ or ‘virgin point’, the point of light, or life in each of us. We are all invited to wake up to our true design, our unique way of being with others and our world and in doing so to realise that we are all deeply interconnected.
How do we live and breathe in a time when the systems of the world (economic and ecological) are collapsing? All of the species of this world stand on a precipice, staring from the edge of life as we have known it.
What shape will our existence take and how will we navigate the path of unknowing ahead of us. What is the meaning of life? Where is God? Is there a God? Existential questions dominate our conversations and visit our dreams.
Answers to these questions are often neither satisfying or forthcoming, rather they may be found in the questions themselves. To live with questions and to invite and encourage experience as ways to be anchored in the not knowing lies at the heart of the practice of Spiritual Direction.
Direction is not an adequate word to use if the meaning must carry with it a sense of being told the answers or what to do next with an accompanying road map to follow. True to the integrity of this practice the word direction acts more like discernment where at the heart of any conversation or experience that encapsulates a spiritual quest is a longing for connection to something greater than ourselves. And in a deeply desired and unexplainable peace in the midst of suffering, there may appear a mast to lash ourselves to while we ride the storms. To one's surprise an inner resource can be found, like an anchor, having always been there from the beginning.
As a Spiritual Director my hope and desire is to accompany others on a journey that invites honesty and commitment to the path of life. It has been said, ‘there is no road, we make the road by walking’ This might sound a little morbid and threatening to our personal hopes and goals, but when you find your way into a pace of life that allows for the journey to be taken one day at a time, then the panic and rush that promises to tear you apart can be silenced by a sense that ‘all will be well’.
One of my joys is in accompanying those who have worked or led in religious frameworks, including women who have experienced the ‘glass ceiling’ of Leadership. In my work as a Church Leader and my experience within a contemplative framework I have come to discover that earlier images of God once held have evolved to become infinitely larger and more inclusive, reflected in every living being including Nature, who by their very existence breathe the life of the Divine. This has led me also on the pathway of a feminist spirituality and eco-theology which are intricately and deeply connected to each other,
Supervision, although the context is work focussed is held in the same container of acceptance and welcome. I have learned from experience in working with others that it is imperative to find a places of support, safety and encouragement which are integral in maintaining a sense of personal wellbeing, life and work balance. If the one who works with others does not care for themselves, the best is often given away leaving one somewhat empty and void of a sense of a healthy self.
What others say…
‘Spiritual guidance is helpful for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God. For someone in pastoral leadership it is vital. Coupled with Supervision they have been powerful tools for keeping me honest with myself and for gaining insight where it wasn’t to be found on my own. I can’t imagine staying the distance without regularly submitting myself to both. Able to draw on her significant breadth and depth of life experience, as well as her training Linda has been insightful and very helpful in my journey.’ - Mark Pierson, Lead Pastor and Curator with Rhythms of Grace Church, Parnell, Auckland
‘I look forward to Spiritual Direction and Supervision knowing I will experience support, encouragement and an invitation to broaden my spiritual worldview. The time I spend with Linda provides me with a resource that is both sustaining and protective. It is important and a healthy challenge to make space to care for myself as a carer and I have experienced it as an engine of peace and confidence within the mahi I am undertaking. I feel resourced and encouraged after each session.’ - Petra Bagust, Kaikōrero. Broadcaster. Host,
“Meeting regularly for spiritual direction is a significant part of my spiritual journey as I reflect with my spiritual director on my life’s journey over the previous month and we together notice the presence of the Sacred threaded through the seemingly ordinary.” - Jeannie Cochrane, Spiritual Director
‘Spiritual Direction is an essential practice for me. So much of ministry is journeying with others spiritually and while this is an immense privilege, Spiritual Direction provides a space where I can journey spiritually with someone too. I can explore the ways I have and do connect with God - unrestrained and with a compassionate presence. This keeps me oriented towards the divine story unfolding within. It invigorates my soul.’ - Rev Sarah West, Priest in Charge - St Andrew’s by the Sea, Waiheke Island . Chaplain to Young Adults - Community of Ordinary Saints
‘Spending time with Linda is like opening a window to allow fresh air to blow around and within me - such a necessity in the busyness and complexity of ministry life.’’
Kate Rook, Co-lead Pastor, Cornerstone Church