Practice Reflection
In the Christian liturgical calendar there are two seasons of preparation and reflection, Advent before the 12 days of Christmas, and Lent before the 50 days of Easter. These times can be useful for the renewing of spiritual practice, trying out new practices, and engaging with sacred story in a way that prepares us for the celebrations that follow. It’s also a great time for practice reflection, mindfully and heartfully engaging with what we have done and asking questions about what might be next.
For me, this involves sending a letter to all of the directees in my practice and inviting us to prayerfully consider what we have done, and what might still need doing.
I find that this invitation opens the door to important conversations around conclusions, adjustments, and deeper understanding that is needed to move forward. The insights gained here can lead to a new contemplative awareness of where we are now, in comparison to where we were when we began.
What’s posted below is the text of that letter.
Dearest Spiritual Companions,
This year has certainly had its share of ups and downs, marked by personal and corporate losses, dramatic shifts to the ministry landscape, and opportunities to test the limits of our daily practice as we attempt to remain lovingly and mercifully present with what is actually happening. We do this even as our mindful and heartful presence leaves room for lament, grief, sorrow, rejoicing, and deep unknowing of what comes next.
I completed a 12 week course through Spiritual Directors International in the spring to deepen my understanding of trauma informed principles in spiritual care work. I also helped teach a course of Queer perspectives in spiritual direction through SDI. I remain in the care of my director, Fr. B Simon Dinglassan, under the supervision of Joan Alexander, and involved in the Bethany House peer supervision group. In the year ahead, I’m looking forward to attending SDI’s annual conference in Niagra, NY for new insights, formation, and learning.
As we prepare for a confluence of religious, social, seasonal, and astronomical celebrations, as well as the passing of one calendar year into another, it is a good time to take stock, reflect, and visit anew our intentions. If we have been sitting together for a while, 6 months, a year, maybe more, now would be the perfect time to dedicate at least a portion of our next session to carefully discerning the following questions:
- Have we completed the work we were meant to do together?
- If we connected over a specific question or incident, have we successfully navigated it and would new forms of support be beneficial?
- Would you like a referral to a new or additional trusted listener (counselor, coach, etc.)?
- If we have ongoing wondering and witnessing to do, have your needs and central questions shifted significantly?
- Is there an area of practice that we have overlooked thus far, and that you would like to explore more intentionally in the year ahead?
- Are you anticipating any major changes in the year ahead to which we should give particular attention?
- Is there anything in our work together that you’d like to adjust?
- Opening practice, Closing Practice, Mode of meeting, etc.
Be gentle with yourself, you are worth it.
Peace and Everything Good,
The Rev. JM Longworth, OEF Spiritual Direction and Trauma Care
https://www.sdicompanions.org/sdi-profile/GreenMtFriarOEF/ To book an appointment: https://calendly.com/greenmtfriaroef