Made It

[qos]

It's 5:35pm on Friday.
I have survived the week.

This afternoon's appointment with my spiritual director was marvelous, as always. I am assuming that I will get a good night's sleep tonight, and will be capable of actually making a coherent post about it on Saturday. It's not the first time I've contemplated moving an appointment back because of avoidance, only to have the session be enlightening and nurturing. And boy did I need that this week.

Best news of the week: _storyteller_ is beginning his 1600 mile move to my town a week from today -- a week earlier than planned!

I intend to take some Advil PM this evening and crash, then sleep as long as I need to -- but not continue to doze once I wake up -- on Saturday. I will go to bed at 10pm on Saturday night and get up no later than 7:00am on Sunday, and try to get my body back into something resembling my normal sleep cycle.

I haven't responded to each comment that has made up the outpouring of sympathies, warm wishes, hugs, and support that you all have been leaving, but each one has been treasured. Thank you all for your caring and your prayers/thoughts/candles.

Comments

[featheredfrog.livejournal.com]

In spite of the past week (and I appreciate your letting us know the happenings) it looks as though some things are coming together for you. Yay!

[professor-mom.livejournal.com]

So what kinds of things do you discuss with a spiritual director? How did you find your spiritual director? Do you pay your spiritual director? What do you get out of having a spiritual director?

[qos.livejournal.com]

I discuss my spiritual life with my spiritual director. ;-)

I talk about my feelings about the Divine, about how my beliefs do or do not have an impact on my life. I talk about the challenges presented by Miss V and the upstairs to my serenity, my compassion, my patience, my generosity. I talk about how I can deepen my sense of the Divine in my life, and where I perhaps should stop trying so much. I talk about my dreams, about tarot readings, and vision quests. I talk about the blessings and challenges of motherhood, of relationships, of housekeeping.

Every student at my seminary is required to meet regularly with a spiritual director of their own choice. A lengthy list -- with denominational affiliation and special areas of focus -- is part of every year's orientation notebook. I chose several who seemed likely to be able to relate to my non-traditional beliefs and practices, had an introductory session with each, and found myself most comfortable with Tom. His Celtic Christian background gave him a language that allows us to find common ground -- and then I broaden his horizons and vocabulary. ;-)

Tom asks people to pay him what they make for an hour of their own time at work, which I like. But my admin's salary is far below what his other clients pay, so he has chosen to lower his threshold for me. I think his decision was also due to the fact that I was a seminary student.

Payment practices vary widely among directors. If you have a director through your church or diocese, their salary might be paid for by the institution. Some have sliding scales, or no fees, or other arrangement.

What I get in my monthly 90 minutes with Tom is a wise, compassionate friend who is deeply committed personally to the spiritual life. He provides perspective, counsel, and a touchstone for my path. He prays for me. He's someone I trust to tell the truth to, and whose feedback I honor. I don't go to regular worship services. I don't have a community. The rhythm of meeting with Tom helps keep me mindful.

Unlike old style directors, Tom does not assign me exercises or impose disciplines on me. He urges me to seek within and follow the guidance there, and then share with him what impact it has. He sometimes gives me suggestions, but he is not an authority over me.