Diet

Most people are interested in health and diets; Fad diets, healthy eating, Paleo, low fat and intermittent fasting. You name it, and there is some research to show the reason why it should make us feel better.  We will be slimmer, more beautiful, fitter and have loads more energy.

The food pyramid, which originated in Sweden, in 1974 gives a clear indication around a healthy eating plan. I wonder if that applies to a spiritual diet too? What would a mixed banquet, with taste bud teasers, full of colour, textures and excitement look like for each person?

Prayer forms the base of my Spiritual pyramid. Prayer is communication with God, listening and responding. Prayer is about relationship, inner stillness and reflection to guide us into the intimacy with God. Communication here is listening and responding to the small voice of the Divine. There are numerous forms of prayer and prayer preferences. To introduce new flavours or ways may 'tease the taste buds'. To step out of the comfort zone of the home kitchen, while leaving space for the mystical experience.

How we build our personal spiritual pyramid depends on individual temperaments. Extraverts and introverts have a different way of engaging with personal and spiritual matters. Silence may be an essential aspect in one pyramid, where some others may need a community aspect for their spiritual well-being.

In the various ways of gazing upon the Divine, there are a plethora of choices available to those seeking nourishment on their spiritual journey.
The concern for a spiritual director, is the directee's choice between a balanced diet and an unhealthy focus on a single food choice. Should spiritual directors reflect on the possibility (both negative and positive) of spiritual addiction or spiritual malnourishment? What would that look like?

For example, what if a directee so engrossed in their meditation practice that they ignore work and family? What about the directee who takes every opportunity to find new ways, but doesn't seem to find peace in anything?

In the end, it is up to each individual to find their way into the stillness. A spiritual director can walk alongside helping the directee notice where God is active in their lives.