Your Story and a Flashlight is a “Sacred Space to Rest, Reflect…”
Now the word “Reflect” has many different meanings. According to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rest there are at least 13 different ways to use the word “Reflect.”
Some examples are:
1) cause to change direction
2) to give back or exhibit as an image
3) to make manifest or apparent
4) to think quietly and calmly
The above examples of the word “reflect” paint a picture of the type of and possibilities from times of reflecting that happens during Spiritual Direction.
Sometimes during a session there are times of silence either initiated by the directee or the director. These times of quiet are meant for each person “to think quietly and calmly” about what the Spirit is trying to communicate. I will admit that it often doesn’t feel calm or quiet in my head and heart when I am a directee or when I am the director. However, if a person (I) will allow the Presence to speak/work often there is a quietness and calmness that will come (not always though) and not always right away. Be patient.
Also, through the power of reflection there can be a “change of direction” for a person’s life. I know from personal experience that this can happen. My own Spiritual Director provided me the space and encouragement (during our sessions and throughout the month or years) to ponder/reflect on the movements of God in my own life as I was trying to decide to leave an organization that I started over 20 years ago and to start this Spiritual Direction practice. Mind you this did not happen overnight, or with just one session, it was about a 5 years process. So be prepared for the long haul. Remember, there are no quick fixes.
Finally, there is a possible two-fold outcome or process that can come from taking time to reflect. I believe that what we are doing when we reflect in Spiritual Direction is pondering the depth and expanse of Gods/the Presences love for us. It may not be obvious at first. However, deep down in our souls I believe that this is what we are doing. This is what I will call the first fold, reflecting on and learning to rest (be rooted) in the ferocious love of God/Presence for us and all of creation. The second fold flows out of this, we mirror back to the world the fierce love of God/Presence has for each individual and created thing in the universe. Reflecting then means to receive and then give back, not because we must but because we cannot help it, the love of God/Presence.
Taking time to reflect should not be done in isolation. I personally have found that I need someone (specifically my Spiritual Director) or a community to process what is going on. This was not always easy. However, when I did take the time to “reflect” on the movements of God/Presence in my life a lot of cool stuff was happening. I hope that you will take the time to reflect on Gods/the Presences furious love for you and all of creation.
If you want to learn more about Spiritual Direction I can be contacted via the website: www.yourstoryandaflashlight.com or by email: mark@yourstoryandaflashlight.com
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