I'm trying to make sense of life

Do you ever find yourself wondering?

• Is this all there is to life? Isn’t there something more?

• What is my purpose in being here?

• Is there something greater than ourselves at work in the world?

• Do you feel like your belief system is no longer working and you don’t know what to do?

• Have you experienced significant losses or changes, and you don’t know how to make sense of them?

• Do you struggle to see the good in humanity?

• Do you wish you had a safe place where it’s okay to be yourself and ask the difficult questions?

What is spiritual companioning?

It is the time-honored practice and process of listening to God* with another person, traditionally called Spiritual Direction.  It is a helping relationship in which the companion, during a confidential conversation, listens deeply to your story with an ear to the Holy, to the Divine.

Who might benefit from spiritual companioning?

If you are seeking a deeper meaning or purpose in life,  you may benefit from spiritual companioning.  Persons have various names for what they are seeking for:  the Holy, the Divine, God, Spirit, Transcendence, Higher Power, Mystery, etc.* Seekers come from a variety of spiritual orientations, religions or traditions, or no tradition at all ("nones" - spiritual but not religious).  All are welcome to Spiritual Companioning.  You may want to come to an initial session of spiritual companioning to see if it could be helpful for your journey.

*For simplicity, we will use the name "God".

What would I talk about in the conversation?

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but rather spiritual beings on a human journey.  Thus, the whole of your life can be the content of the conversation as you and your companion together seek the presence of God,* however mysterious or unrecognized.

In this conversation, you may simply want to share your experience of God,* or you may come with a somewhat vague sense that you need something, but you don't know what that is.  Alternatively, you may come with a specific concern such as:

• A need for a guide or "soul friend" to accompany you on your spiritual journey
• A desire to discern the best choices for your life...a turning point in your life
• An impetus to journey toward deeper, more authentic faith
• A yearning to spend more time in prayer
• A crisis of faith in which the old answers no longer suffice
• A would, injury or grief that needs tending, healing or forgiveness
• A struggle with a church community, its leaders, policies or practices
• A need to discover the divine in the ordinary events of daily life
• A hunger that nothing will satisfy, a thirst that nothing will quench

How does it differ from pastoral counseling, coaching or therapy?

The companion is a trained listener who can be helpful as you travel on your life's journey.  The companion offers you a safe and welcoming space to sort out what you're thinking and feeling as you attend to the questions that are stirring in your spirit.

Other types of support - pastoral counseling, coaching, therapy, or peer support - each have their distinct focus.  The unique focus of Spiritual Companioning is your seeking within a spiritual context and the associated questions you bring.  Companioning can be a complement to other forms of support.

How often would I come to spiritual companioning?

Some people find just one or two conversations helpful.  Others come every month for a while.  Still others come regularly over a span of years.  The determinant is what is most helpful to you and your journey.  Companioning is typically available both in-person and by Zoom or phone call.

How do I sign up for an initial spiritual companioning session?

Click here to sign up for spiritual companioning.

Is there a cost?

The suggested fee for Spiritual Companioning through Mercy Conference and Retreat Center ranges from $55.00 to $70.00 for a 50-minute session.  This can be paid on our website or given to your companion at the time of your appointment.  A reduced fee is available if necessary.