Spiritual Direction / Midwife/ Anam Cara
A long time ago, it was suggested to me that I should meet with a spiritual director. I was so excited. There was someone out there, who could give me some ideas, pointers and directions?? Great!
However, I was not prepared for what was to come. I was asked to discuss dreams, daily life events and relationships with my director. How was that supposed to help me with recognising God's voice?
It was much later that I understood.
Much later, that I reflected and looked back on what was, and what was to come.
The journey ahead is long, a few potholes along the road, some dead-ends….
Still, now that I am a spiritual director/mentor myself, the journey continues.
The essence of a spiritual direction lies in the ministry of being present and offering reflection. To accompany the directee, to walk alongside the directee. To walk alongside, not ahead, not behind, but staying with the directee, acknowledging their pain, frustration or delight. We know that God is with us, wherever we are, in the midst of chaos and amidst peace and tranquillity. (The directee may not see or experience that as a natural event.)
I am a woman, a European woman, who struggles with the patriarchal way the Church and spirituality, in general, presents itself. I am aware that the ministry of spiritual direction historically was offered by males. As a wife, mother, chaplain and creative person, my perspective will be different from the predominant male perspective still found in the Church of today. I write from a Christian inclusive religious perspective. I believe all religions are in search of meaning and purpose.
As a spiritual director, I quite like the metaphor of a midwife, helping others on the journey to give birth to their image and experience of God. My role is to listen, wait and reflect; I offer the ministry of presence. To make visible that what is hidden for the directee, to help birth new ideas and possibilities. On the other hand, the metaphor of midwife also has its limitations. Spiritual direction is not always about giving birth to new ideas. Sometimes we look at personal struggles around anger, guilt and other issues.
I also like the 'Anam Cara', a term from Celtic Spirituality, which means Soul Friend. The compassionate presence of one who listens, who holds a space, and maybe offers some insights to those on the journey to deepen their faith.
Despite all the alternatives and metaphors, I think that Spiritual Direction is best known and so I will continue to use that.
