By guest blogger, Anne Randerson, PhD
In my previous post, I wrote about taking a Whit Monday stroll through our local park to get some fresh air and inspiration. Nature is a healthy option for combatting stress and fatigue; it nourishes my soul. I wrote about the obstacles, inspiration and discernment I experienced along this walk.
In our capacity as spiritual directors we help our clients—our spiritual directees and companions—navigate the spiritual meaning that permeates their lives, including any unexpected obstacles that may crop up. We do our best to offer them a sacred space, and quiet, contemplative moments, to help them find discernment for their most important questions. During spiritual direction sessions, brief moments of grace—divine light and love—may illuminate their thought process: they may realize what they need to do, or perhaps not do, at any given time. Sometimes, what is needed are merely moments of silent reflection.
In our ministry, we strive to offer our clients a safe, accessible place—even through online sessions—to help them understand the most pressing matters that arise in their lives, whether spiritual, professional, or personal. This is why we usually adopt our clients’ specific terms regarding how they choose to name the Divine: God, the Holy Source of Wisdom, etc. And, like many of my colleagues, I respect the fact that some of my clients prefer not to identify with any theistic terminology or ideology.
Discernment and contemplation, along with a hefty dose of patience, help us decide what is right for us and our loved ones: whether to act, react or respond in accordance with what we feel deep down, what we feel in the moment…what comes across our paths. Yet, despite our best intentions and planning, we might find ourselves unexpectedly derailed, like my father-in-law’s heart attack and sudden loss of memory, and the burden it has placed on our entire family, especially his wife, who, unexpectedly, has taken on the role of constant caregiver.
Just in the past week, two of my friends have experienced enormous loss through chronic illness and the abrupt death of a spouse. It is so hard to navigate the shock, pain, and grief that arise during devastating times like these. Illness, accidents, and death are occurrences most people never want to go through, nor discuss, even though they will eventually touch most of us, or our loved ones, at some point. That’s how life works. However, despite the intense feelings of sadness and sorrow that stem from loss, life is still beautiful. That is why it is important to remember to cherish the moments and things we have, such as tall grasses and fragrant flowers in spring.
I am grateful for the inspiration I received in the park on Whit Monday. Now, as I sit at my computer—overlooking my overgrown lawn and its wildflowers—and type, I hope my slice of life in Belgium resonates with you. Wishing you and your loved ones blessings for peace and good health.
Many thanks to Teresa Blythe for this opportunity to contribute to Spiritual Direction 101.
Anne Randerson, Ph.D. graduated from the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction Apprentice Training Program in January, 2024. Anne lives in Brussels, Belgium and is a spiritual director, writer, mindfulness-based transitions coach, teacher of contemplative practices and creative expression, and a member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI). In 2003, Anne earned her Ph.D. degree in Human Life Studies after six years of research in northern Japan. Her dissertation was titled: Human lifestyle and sensitivity towards nature—A comparative study between Japan and the West from a religious perspective. Anne has lived in five countries, speaks six languages, and currently offers online sessions to spiritual directees from multiple faiths, cultures, languages, and backgrounds. She especially welcomes individuals from LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent (including ADHD), global and creative communities, and those facing chronic illness, grief, and loss. Anne also facilitates interfaith group spiritual direction, contemplative nature-based retreats, and plans to lead international pilgrimages soon. To reach Anne, please visit https://evocativesoul.com or email: info@evocativesoul.com.
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