Steven writes,

“Spiritual companionship is present in all religious traditions. It also serves those people who honor multiple traditions or none. Spiritual directors hold space for others with deep listening, respect for the agency of the other, contemplative practice (prayer, meditation, nature, and other ways to connect with the infinite )as well as open-ended questions that help others find their own life-giving questions. The goal is to support others as they find their own path to wholeness. As they learn.

I believe the key to such life learning is contemplative practice within a companionship model. Some folks think of the lone monk isolating for long periods when they think of prayer or meditation. This ironically fits our modern American tendency for do-it-yourself solutions. And contemplation of any kind is good. But it misses the community piece – which brings the wisdom and love of contemplative practice into our connections with other humans and all other beings.

I believe that the approach and skills of deep listening can transform all relationships. What if each person we meet offered us a chance to give and receive hospitality? In real-time. In any moment. What if we could all listen each other into self-discovery? What would that mean for families, neighborhoods, communities, nations?

This is an aspiration, of course. But it is also a “concrete” tool for ordinary folks who feel isolated and depleted by their day-to-day existence. How might they bring joy, rapture, insight, fulfillment, meaning into their lives?

Finding a daily practice that fits their faith – or their spiritual fluidity or their spiritual independence – is key. But equally important is finding someone that can walk beside them – someone who can accept them as they are and also gently challenge them to listen to their deepest truths.

In the rush of life that envelops most people these days, spiritual directors and spiritual companions are door-openers to the deepest wisdom of all – that which people hold in their hearts already, that which they can discover for themselves.

Blessings to all those who read these words.

May you grant yourselves permission to make learning your calling.

And may you all find a companion to listen with you as you find your way.”

Source:: https://www.sdicompanions.org/why-spiritual-direction-an-open-letter-to-anyone-curious-about-spiritual-companionship/