Spiritual Accompaniment (Direction)

What is Spiritual Accompaniment?

Spiritual Accompaniment, traditionally known as Spiritual Direction, is a process through which one might become more deeply attuned to one’s relationship with the Divine.  Through conversation with a spiritual companion in an atmosphere of trust, a person comes to a deeper awareness of the presence and movement of God in their everyday life. As those accompanied share their dreams, struggles, triumphs and fears, they open to their deepest and wisest source of freedom and joy.

A spiritual companion helps a person notice, savour and respond to the movement of the Divine in the spiritual practice of ordinary life.  The companion is a listening and supportive person who creates an environment where one can look honestly at his or her relationship with the Sacred.

The operative word in our definition is “relationship”. Spiritual accompaniment is always aimed ultimately at fostering union with God and has therefore to do with the individual’s relationship with God. The spiritual journey is about the movement towards unity of self in God, the movement towards wholeness (holiness).

Spiritual Accompaniment and Counselling: Some Differences

It should be noted that there are distinctions between spiritual accompaniment and therapeutic relationships. In general it might be said that therapy and counselling deal primarily with problem areas of one's life and attempt to bring healthy resolution to issues. Spiritual direction is concerned with finding and responding to God (in the midst of pain or disorder as well as in the rest of life). Problem solving is not the primary focus of spiritual direction.

Finding a Spiritual Companion

It will probably take some time to find the right person for you. If God is in the felt need for a director, however, then it is safe to assume that the Spirit will eventually provide the resources you need. The key is to remain patient yet diligent in the waiting, to trust God in the process, remaining attentive to the direction of the Spirit in all of life.

Choosing a Spiritual Companion

In a companioning relationship, it is important for there to be a mutual sense of the rightness of the relationship and a concern for open, honest, clear communication and a reverence for the unique way God is working in the individuals involved. Coupled with this is a mutual dependence upon the Holy Spirit at work in the relationship. Human specifics of age, sex, denomination and so forth, may assume more importance at one time in a person's life than at another. Basically it is only necessary that the two persons experience the kind of "fitness" that allows them to be free for their common purpose together without undue attention to their relationship. It is helpful to set up five or six meetings and then evaluate how things are going. After that, periodic evaluations are encouraged so that what was begun as a right thing does not continue past its time.

The Spiritual Companion

Spiritual companions may be clergy, single, married or committed to the religious life and they may seek their livelihood in a variety of occupations. What is paramount is that the director is responding to an invitation from God to participate in this ministry; that the gift of direction has been called forth by others; and that the director has sought to enhance the gift and sharpen skills through means appropriate to her or his particular needs.

The primary responsibilities of the companion are prayer for those accompanied and openness to God for what is truly called for during the sessions. This assumes that the companion is taking seriously his/her relationship with God through intentional prayer, attention to solitude and regular spiritual direction.

Further, as a means of accountability in this ministry, and growth as a companion, companions avail themselves of supervision in a one-to-one or group setting with other directors. Whatever way this supervision happens, confidentiality is observed and anonymity of those accompanied is preserved.

Spiritual Accompaniment in Canberra

Spiritual companions may be found among persons of many denominations and from all walks of life including the laity, clergy and persons belonging to religious orders. Rob Moore is a lay spiritual companion practicing in the Christian tradition. Rob conducts spiritual accompaniment from his home as well as in Parish and other religious centres. Rob is a member of the Australian Network of Spiritual Directors (ANSD) and can refer people onto other companions depending on a directee’s preferences.

About Rob Moore

 Rob:

• Is a Christian in the Catholic tradition but is open to all religions and their truths.
• Has lived in Canberra, Australia, the national capital, since 1973.
• Is employed full time in the Commonwealth Public Service.
• Is married, has seven grown up children and soon to be eight grandchildren.
• Enjoys reading, fishing and walking, especially in places he has not been before.
• Likes to take time out to observe and breathe in our beautiful world.
• Practices Centering Prayer.
• Graduated from the Australian Catholic University in 2004 with an MA in theological studies majoring in spirituality, ministry and practice including spiritual accompaniment.
• Is accredited as a Spiritual Companion by the ACU and adheres to a Code Of Ethics for Spiritual Accompaniment.

What does Spiritual Direction Cost?

In Canberra , the accepted fee for spiritual accompaniment is $40 per one hour session but this should not be a barrier to seeking spiritual accompaniment. Any  donation is acceptable and acknowledges your appreciation of the ministry of spiritual companionship. You may choose from time to time to give a material gift instead (e.g. a plant, a candle, a food item, or something else) expressive of this appreciation.

Contact Rob Moore

If you would like more information about spiritual accompaniment or would like to be referred to other spiritual companions through the ANSD please contact Rob by email rob@kyrie.com.

Date this page was last modified: 05/10/08