It is a gift to be graced with moments in life where we sense the Presence of overwhelming love.  Of course, these moments are just moments.  They pass, and we invariably get caught up in the events and stresses of our lives and lose sight of the way love wells up as overflowing Presence.

What is Spiritual Direction?

In spiritual direction, we learn to listen closely to the deep desire within for daily abiding in Presence, so we can find our way back to the sense of being deeply loved. The best way to find our way back to our center is to set aside daily time to become more aware and balanced.  In counseling, I assist clients to develop a daily practice that Ken Wilbur, a well know philosopher and author, calls an “integral practice.” This is a practice that intentionally cares for our body, mind, emotions and soul on a daily basis.  Daily we want to do something for our body (ex. yoga, running, weightlifting, mindful eating).  We do something for our emotions (ex. psychotherapy, emotional release, journaling). We engage in something for the mind (ex. spiritual reading) and every day we want to do something for our soul (ex. meditation, breath work).

If we are faithful to these practices and develop a healthy rhythm of life, over time we will experience the ability to be more aware and stay centered even in difficult moments.  Our body will feel healthy and grounded, our mind will be articulate and clear, our emotions will be detached from ego and we will be open to feeling and creativity. With an integral practice, little by little all life will become our practice.

Of course, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that we are human and imperfect.  In spite of our considerable slippage in living the balanced life we desire, we are still deeply accepted and loved in spite of our brokenness.  As we let ourselves surrender into being loved, we will experience this deep sense of Presence and come home to our center. If you would like to be intentional about developing a life giving practice, contact Elizabeth for spiritual direction or counseling.

Thoughts adapted from James Finley, Lecture. The Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM.  2019.

Spiritual Direction and Counseling, Boca Raton, Florida

Elizabeth Pankey-Warren provides individual and couple therapy and mind-body-spirit services in her private practice in Boca Raton, Florida.