What we offer...
Spiritual Direction
Sometimes referred to as ‘faith accompaniment’ or ‘soul-friending’, spiritual direction is an ancient and well-tested practice within Christianity. One of the early Celtic saints claimed that ‘a person without a soul friend is like a body without a head!’ Both Barbara and Ruth have trained as Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian tradition. However, they also call upon the wisdom of other graced pilgrims who have shared their experience of God across the centuries: Augustine of Hippo, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and more recent guides, such as Jean Vanier, Henri Nouwen and Br Roger of Taize. The list is long; the people and perspectives excitingly varied!
Seeking spiritual direction or accompaniment is an important decision worthy of great reverence. The director / directee relationship is conducted in an atmosphere of respect and confidentiality. (Sessions usually last one hour, except for retreats, when they would take place daily and be shorter). Three sessions are recommended before assessing whether the directee/director pairing will be a fruitful or good ‘fit’. The role of the director is to listen, and, with the directee, to explore the sacred terrain of prayer, life and the desire for God. The director may help with the process of discernment – detecting where and how the Holy Spirit may be moving in a person’s life - and offer guidance and resources to encourage or support the journey being taken.
Life Coaching
A powerful and empowering conversation between the Life Coach and the individual who seeks a practical kind of ‘supportive relationship’. People may enter into a life-coaching contract because they know, or sense, that it is time to look at where they are – in life, career, creativity, relationships etc. Perhaps they want to make choices and decisions that will enable them either to live more effectively in the ‘here and now’ or empower them to move towards where they want to be. The Life Coach works from a foundation of belief in the individual’s own store of inner resources, something they already possess and can call upon to take those practical steps. Uncovering this sometimes forgotten treasure can refresh the way in which life situations are seen, managed or lived.
Body Awareness - Rythmic-Breathing-Movement
Rhythmic-Breathing-Movement opens the way to enlivened humanity and deeper relationship. Through gentle body awareness we are invited to listen to our true self and become more aware of what it means to trust in God. Through attentiveness to the body we can let go of unnecessary tension - a good foundation for becoming receptive in prayer. RBM helps us to be present to whatever is the reality of our lives, enabling us to root more fully in the present moment.
Ruth has had a long and deeply held belief in the value of ‘body awareness’ and began to offer this practice to individuals and small groups in 2009.
Suggested donations for Spiritual Direction, Life Coaching and Body Awareness vary – please contact us if you are interested in receiving further information.