Spiritual Direction
that moment of recognition
The song always within
Spiritual Direction for me is an arena to explore the inner journey in the light of our life circumstances and the deep mystery of the Other in whatever way we perceive the deep movements in our lives.
My approach to spiritual direction combines my training in the Ignatian style of accompaniment, the Jungian analysis I have engaged in over the past 12 years, and the subsequent study this has led to. The piece reproduced on this page is a poetic manifesto offering a picture of my way of working. I have a list of around twelve to fourteen people that I work with.
If you are interested in this kind of accompaniment, contact me through this website. I usually offer a free initial session, followed by a joint discernment to see whether there is a good fit. If you decide to continue, sessions are usually every four to six weeks. Sessions are £40 each. This is, of course, negotiable based on ability to pay.
There will be reviews of the relationship periodically. I have regular supervision and have up to date safeguarding training.
‘The question I have for you
who visit my waiting chair:
can you grasp the reckless
courage invited by this
simple act of vulnerability?’
Accompaniment
accompaniment |əˈkʌmp(ə)nɪm(ə)nt
noun a musical part
which supports or partners
an instrument, voice, or group
You come to me one by one,
to sit and talk, cup in hand,
straight backed or curled
like a bud, feet tucked up,
no frayed edges. Sometimes
you lay, almost prone,
reaching back into a submerged past,
or on the edge of your seat
straining towards a future
you suddenly glimpse.
What am I to you all?
An accompaniment,
as utterly present as I
can manage my self to be.
A fleshed and blooded mirror,
my own polished flaws
offering a mediated image
of the self you ache for,
your hidden desire,
even your exiled life.
This self that in the ebb
and flow of conversation;
offers you its truest smile
or your keenest grief, a chance
to live the life reflected back.
The question I have for you
who visit my waiting chair:
can you grasp the reckless
courage invited by this
simple act of vulnerability?
Can you persevere and
search out the children lost
down painful cul-de-sacs,
until they are found,
and their wounds are dressed?
Will you draw in that deep breath
of your inspired desire, the
one that most intoxicates you?
And then let the out-breath be
an assent to travel with what is
revealed in this lovely moment.
That moment of recognition
that its song was always
within you but because of the
accompaniment you are now
ready to stand up and sing it.
From Arriving In magic