Spiritual Direction
Julian of Norwich says in her book, 'Revelations of Divine Love', that the substance of our soul is always at one with God and that it is our sensibility that is subject to the undulating flows of “weal (well) and woe'. I understand this to mean that the heart of our nature is always at one with the Divine, with Love, an amazing reality to realise and one which I find immensely encouraging and inspiring.
But how are we to reach this Love, God within? How can we go beyond our sensibility, the fluctuating experiences, emotions, thoughts and doubts? In my experience it can be in stillness and silence that we touch that divinity, inner wisdom and Love. I have been fortunate to find people that have helped me to go within through the practice of meditation and contemplative prayer.
I have also found it immensely helpful to have someone to accompany me in this search, a spiritual companion, someone to be alongside me kindly listening with compassion when I talk, without judgment or criticism, holding me in the Love of the Spirit.
There are people trained and available to help people in their spiritual search. They can be found by contacting the local vicar/priest to ask if there is a copy of a "Directory of Spiritual Directors" who work in the area, to enable you to find and contact the person you may choose.
Studying Julian's book, where she reveals her sixteen revelations of divine love, visions that reassured her that we are constantly loved, held and enfolded in Love, has also been life changing. Learning to accept ourselves, wounds, flaws and gifts, and to realise that we can transform our mind and heart to grow closer to that divine love within, is a life time's work, but is one that encourages compassion and love for ourselves and all beings.
Julian of Norwich says in her book, 'Revelations of Divine Love', that the substance of our soul is always at one with God and that it is our sensibility that is subject to the undulating flows of “weal (well) and woe'. I understand this to mean that the heart of our nature is always at one with the Divine, with Love, an amazing reality to realise and one which I find immensely encouraging and inspiring.
But how are we to reach this Love, God within? How can we go beyond our sensibility, the fluctuating experiences, emotions, thoughts and doubts? In my experience it can be in stillness and silence that we touch that divinity, inner wisdom and Love. I have been fortunate to find people that have helped me to go within through the practice of meditation and contemplative prayer.
I have also found it immensely helpful to have someone to accompany me in this search, a spiritual companion, someone to be alongside me kindly listening with compassion when I talk, without judgment or criticism, holding me in the Love of the Spirit.
There are people trained and available to help people in their spiritual search. They can be found by contacting the local vicar/priest to ask if there is a copy of a "Directory of Spiritual Directors" who work in the area, to enable you to find and contact the person you may choose.
Studying Julian's book, where she reveals her sixteen revelations of divine love, visions that reassured her that we are constantly loved, held and enfolded in Love, has also been life changing. Learning to accept ourselves, wounds, flaws and gifts, and to realise that we can transform our mind and heart to grow closer to that divine love within, is a life time's work, but is one that encourages compassion and love for ourselves and all beings.