The Practice of Spiritual Companioning
Spiritual Companioning, also called Spiritual Direction, is the practice of attentive listening and contemplative space-holding for another person as they bring forward their interior (or spiritual) life.
Much like a midwife attends to the mother about to give birth, a spiritual companion attends to whatever is birthing within a person’s soul. And just as a midwife supports, encourages, and guides the mother as her body does the work of breathing and pushing, a spiritual companion does not seek to fix or give answers to their directees.
Instead, they support, encourage, and guide through deep listening, attentive presence, open questions, and supportive resources and practices.
Seeking Deeper Meaning
Today, many are seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives, asking:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
How can I experience a deeper connection to myself and to the Sacred?
These are just a few of the questions that may prompt someone to seek out a spiritual companion.
“Not all who wander are lost.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
Many of us long for a safe place to explore our spiritual questions, to process grief, to integrate various parts of ourselves, and to be witnessed as we become more fully our “true selves.” A spiritual companion offers that sacred and supportive space.
A Space for All
Some of us carry spiritual trauma or have stepped away from faith traditions or communities, yet still desire to connect to something sacred. Others are deeply rooted in a spiritual path or tradition and wish to deepen that connection.
Whether religious or non-religious, whether one believes in God, the Universe, Love, or remains unsure of their spiritual beliefs, spiritual companioning is an opportunity for personal and inner growth that meets each individual exactly where they are.
Ancient Roots of a Timeless Practice
Spiritual companioning is not a new practice. It is actually quite ancient. Its roots can be found across wisdom traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and various indigenous traditions.
There is a beautiful Gaelic term, anam cara, meaning “soul friend.” A spiritual companion is much like an anam cara—offering a friendly, non-judgmental, and safe welcome to the soul of another.
In his book Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, the Celtic poet and philosopher John O’Donohue writes:
“To be holy is to be home, to be able to rest in the house of belonging that we call the soul.”
— John O’Donohue
Coming Home to the Self
Spiritual companioning is a calling home to oneself, a gentle return to the place of belonging deep within, in the embrace of the Sacred, however we understand and experience it.
And this is the beauty: each of us has the opportunity to discover what that means for ourselves as we embark upon our spiritual journeys.
“My own time on earth has led me to believe in two powerful instruments that turn experience into love: holding and listening. For every time I have held or been held, every time I have listened or been listened to, experience burns like wood in that eternal fire and I find myself in the presence of love.”
— Mark Nepo, The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life
About the Author
Annette Garber is a certified Spiritual Companion (Spiritual Director) who offers presence, curiosity, and compassionate listening to those exploring their spiritual lives. Through her work at Healing Phases, Annette supports individuals seeking meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging to themselves and the Sacred, Both in-person in Reading, PA (Exeter), and virtually throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Learn more about this gentle and ancient practice here.
