Blog

What Is Spiritual Guidance? Students' Views

1/7/2020

It's not unusual for any of us here at SGTI to be asked by someone, "What is spiritual guidance anyway?" Wonderful question!

In one of our early learning modules in the 18-month training program, students are asked a similar question: What is spiritual guidance? Here are some of their answers:

• Spiritual guidance is a form of helping relationship in which together, one is guided in the discernment and development of intimacy with the Divine. Through deep listening and in creating and holding sacred space, the spiritual guide listens into being the Divine Story of the seeker. (M.W.)

• Spiritual direction is a dedicated container for exploration of the inner life through the lens of the sacred or the deeply meaningful. A spiritual companion’s role is to hold safe, nonjudgmental space for your questioning, healing, and deepening in your spiritual life and your relationship with the Divine as you understand it, with the understanding that you are the authority on those topics. (C.O)

• "Seeker and guide create an interconnected orb in sacred space and time – an orb in which the Divine is invited to join. In this sacred human/Divine triad intimacy between seeker and Divine grows. Often the guide strengthens her own intimacy with the Divine." (C.R.)

In a publication offered by Spiritual Directors International, "Portrait of a Spiritual Director," one gets a more complete picture of who spiritual companions are and the purpose they serve, their "call" and skillset, along with their hopes for the people they companion. It says:

"Spiritual directors or companions support the unique spiritual journey of every individual. They are welcoming and present with those they companion, listening and responding without being judgmental. They are contemplative and honor silence as a spiritual practice. They are intuitive spiritual friends—accountable and compassionate, hospitable and open, loving yet independent."

To read the essay in its entirety, visit this page.
Locate the link which says, "Click here for a printable pdf version of the "Portrait"

If you feel the call to explore spiritual companionship/guidance training yourself, we'd love to chat with you. We are already accepting applications for the 2020-2022 training program which begins in August. You can contact us here.

Spiritual Fluidity ~ New Podcast

5/21/2019

Friends, we are pleased to announce the release of a new SDI (Spiritual Directors International) podcast featuring SGTI cofounders, Jan and Jeanette, on "Spiritual Fluidity." Please take a listen as they are interviewed by SDI's Matt Whitney. This conversation may speak to your heart, especially if you are a spiritually independent person, or someone who companions people who are inclined this way.

Here is how Matt introduced us in the podcast:

Jan Lundy and Jeanette Banashak are longtime members of SDI, they are spiritual directors, and founders of a unique training program called the Spiritual Guidance Training Institute – which educates and equips people to be spiritual directors and companions.

This episode is Part 1, with a focus on what it looks like to be a “spiritual independent” or “spiritually fluid”. It doesn’t mean you have no faith tradition (though it might), but in your life’s journey to commune with mystery and the ground of all being, you may find that no one particular tradition has all the answers you seek. What is perhaps most true is that each person’s spiritual journey is unique, and not easily identified by a way of thinking or an ideology. Jan and Jeanette both have been on this journey personally and vocationally.

Part 2 will premier next week.

You can listen to (and download) the podcast on these channels:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dt3O436sjqzfbPwPvJ9dO

Podbean:sdiencounters.podbean.com/?fbclid=IwAR2HV2b0rqlcg13FTwZU8M3OXyjXDUvu4yk-8aQITyJLExcd_EOF4HgF9LQ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sdi-encounters/id1451231142?mt=2&fbclid=IwAR23dNyG5b-uGelb0qHJbJ3wwCwz1wiCs1iU3r23QR2OR0CJZJUMFB4LIC4

Encore Presentation Sept. 15 - Interspiritually Present

8/8/2018

SGTI is pleased to announce a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about what it means to be "interspiritually" present as you companion others.

Interspiritually Present:
Exploring the One Heart of Spiritual Companionship

an interactive, day retreat will be offered by Drs. Jeanette Banashak and Janice Lundy on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, MI.
We hope you will join in.

This is the same presentation made by Jeanette and Jan in an all-day institute at the recent Spiritual Directors International Conference in St. Louis in April.
Details below.

As spiritual companions, how do we sit with others who have different practices and beliefs, yet similar longings for connectedness?

In this full-day seminar on spiritual companionship, we will:

Begin with recognition and understanding of the Perennial Tradition and what our place is within it
Learn who the spiritually independent is
Learn tools for contingent communication
Practice with others using Pure Presence® - an interspiritual model of non-judgmental, compassionate listening and presence
Explore the relationship and interconnectedness between our identity within our particular tradition and other religious/spiritual/ethical traditions

As we discuss the major shifts in this interspiritual age, we will consider how our religious/spiritual identity intersects with our companions.

This program is open to spiritual companions, spiritual directors, chaplains and ministers in healthcare settings, ministry leaders, and related spiritual companionship roles.

Cost: $85; $65 for spiritual directors actively practicing at Dominican Center
(use code "Present" for this price)
Price includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.
Participants encouraged to bring a comfortable cushion.

Date: Saturday 09/15/2018
Time: 8:45am - 3:00pm
Register: dominicancenter.com/checkout/

Light a Candle, Dispel the Darkness

2/22/2018

We live in challenging times, divisive times. How do we keep faith and hope alive? How do we continue to believe in the power of good? In the love and reconciliation of which each person is capable?

SGTI co-founder, Jan Lundy, believes it is "important it is that we help one another reorient toward the good, the higher emotion, the life-affirming virtues that we carry within us, especially during challenging times."

Read her essay originally published by Spiritual Directors International here:
http://www.sdiworld.org/blog/light-candle-dispel-darkness

One Golden Rule to Guide Them All

1/11/2018

SGTI Co-director, Jan Lundy, has had a new essay published at the Spiritual Directors International blog. "One Golden Rule to Guide Them All."

Her perspective invites us to revisit this "rule" which is found in one form or another in each of the world's wisdom traditions. What does this "rule" mean to us today, and how could it impact our relationships with one another if we actually applied it? Dr. Lundy also offers a reflective exercise and prayer to help us to step into the deeper invitation of The Golden Rule.

"When I think of the Golden Rule, of course, I ponder how each of us could be more kind, open and accepting. My heart knows this is possible if we could only do what William Blake wrote: "Bear the beams of love." But this is not always easy..."

Read more here.

Spiritual Companionship and Emotions

1/4/2018

Dr. Jeanette Banashak, co-founder and co-director of SGTI, has recently had an essay published by Spiritual Director's International for their website/blog. "Spiritual Companionship and Emotions" lays out a noteworthy method of working with personal emotions which can be of benefit to spiritual guides.

"No matter how, where, when, or by whom we were raised, scholars agree that there are 5 emotions that we all have in common: enjoyment, sadness, disgust, fear, and anger.

As a spiritual guide, I am constantly looking and listening for clues that help me understand what a seeker is feeling. At the same time, I am listening for clues in myself that let me know what I am feeling.

This self-listening and self-awareness grows as I learn which emotions and conscious feelings I am experiencing in any given moment." (cont'd)

Read the post in its entirety here:

http://www.sdiworld.org/blog/spiritual-companionship-emotions

Celebrating Spiritual Difference: Curiosity, Connection and Hospitality

11/28/2017

SGTI co-founder, Jan Lundy, has had an article published by Spiritual Directors International on their blog. Her piece, "Celebrating Spiritual Difference: Curiosity, Connection and Hospitality," features "5 Steps to Fostering Interspiritual Hospitality."

She writes, "I sense, however, because our rational minds are habituated to dominating every conversation, even the most mystical, that we may have to unlearn and relearn new ways of welcome; of holding presence for and being in Presence with others whose traditions may differ from our own. Let us consider the following ... (read more)

Journey to Sacred Breath

11/16/2017

SGTI cofounder, Jan Lundy, offers this reflection on a powerful spiritual practice that can be engaged in by any person of any spiritual tradition. She provides an interspiritual breath prayer (peace inducing!) you might find useful for your inner life, as well.

This piece is currently being featured on the blog at Spiritual Directors International. View it here:
www.sdiworld.org/blog/journey-sacred-breath

When it comes to accessing inner calm, my "go to" practice has always been connecting with my breath. As a young yoga student, I was amazed at the power of breath to take my mind off current stressors and into bodily ease. Even with that, I had a sense that "something" was missing when it came to a breath practice.

Lamaze classes in my 20s and 30s helped me understand that physical and emotional well-being is restored with an out-breath. It wasn't about breathing in (as in, "Just take a deep breath," sage advice from well-meaning others in a moment of distress), but releasing the pent-up carbon dioxide .... (Read more)

Long-Distance Spiritual Direction: Benefits, Blessings and Drawbacks

10/27/2017

This article authored by SGTI co-founder Janice Lundy is currently being featured on the Spiritual Directors International blog:

"Many years ago when I was training to be a spiritual director, the kindly Sister who led the program made it very clear to us that spiritual guidance over the telephone was not acceptable. More specifically, that good spiritual guidance could not happen unless two people were face-to-face and the “third chair” was physically present in the room.

Today, I know better and do offer spiritual guidance via Skype or over the telephone. I have found it to be a very useful modality benefitting some seekers, in some situations, but not all. Without a doubt, it can have a providential outcome as I have experienced with seekers outside the U.S. (my home), homebound seekers, and those whose lives present varied and difficult circumstances in terms of travel, child-care needs, or work schedules. Grace can move through the ethers across telephone lines and satellite networks. Who are we to say it can’t?" ...

Read the article in its entirety here.