Becoming Anthropos Together

Anthropos means Living Spirit or, as author Cynthia Bourgeault describes, a "fully human being" who can see and hold the beauty, pain, darkness, light, complexity, nuance, everything that the reality of the present moment offers. It's incredibly hard, yet we all - our families, communities, and the world - desperately need fully human beings, Living Spirits, to show up for each other in the service of healing ourselves and the world.  

 

What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is the practice of journeying with someone as they explore a deeper understanding of, and relationship to, the Divine - whatever that means for them. Through listening, story-telling, journaling, reading, silence, and other creative and contemplative practices, we attune to and become more able to hear and trust the Divine voice. Spiritual direction sits at the crossroads of Mystery and daily life, and asks questions like, “What does faith mean for me in my particular life’s circumstances?” Or “How do I hear the voice of the Divine in my life?” 

 

Who am I as a spiritual director? 
I see myself as holding a sacred space for the exploration of your own personal soul-work. I have a deep love for the Perennial Tradition – that is, the guidance of teachers of mystic faith traditions passed down over centuries.  Together we explore practices that inform the development of a rich interior life in the service of revealing the sacredness of all of life and opening up to becoming an Anthropos through conscious love for all of reality. My practice is inclusive and diverse. 

 

Who can benefit from spiritual direction?
Anyone who wishes to deepen their spiritual life, explore their relationship with the Divine, learn new contemplative practices, discern a transition or next steps in life, or even someone who feels they were created for more than what their current life looks like, and seeks help to hear the Divine voice. All people are hardwired for spiritual connection, but many of us have not been taught how to foster that connection, particularly in the context of our current world and busy lives. Anthropos Community is inclusive - we welcome you as you are and are dedicated to supporting each other as we become more authentically ourselves in our lives and the world.

 

How is spiritual direction different from therapy?
Mental health counseling or therapy can benefit many people and can be effectively used in tandem with spiritual direction. However, therapy is undertaken with a licensed mental health clinician and focuses on persistent issues that impede healthy interactions with self and others, utilizes therapeutic methods, and can include treatment for mental health diagnosis. While therapy is focuses on problem solving, spiritual direction focuses on exploring personal faith, developing a trust in the inner voice of Spirit, and honing contemplative practices that allow for a deeper sense of Divine presence. Spiritual practices, including spiritual direction, can be transformative, but are never a substitute for mental health care.

 

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