TRANSCRIPT:

Hi, welcome to fiLLLed in 5 where we take 5 minutes to explore an aspect of the spiritual life. Today we are looking at healing through spiritual direction. 

First, it’s important to understand your spirit and how it functions with your mind and body. You interact with the world largely through your mind. Your interpretation of those interactions resides in your spirit, with your intuition. Your spirit is the ultimate authority and holds power over the final say in all that you do. In terms of a hierarchy, your body is the coffee kid, your mind comes in at middle management, and your spirit is the CEO. All of them are aware of their position in the pecking order. 

If you’re not spiritually well, then you will have difficulty. The master isn’t at the wheel so instead, your emotions are in control, often swallowing your intuition. They will run (or ruin) your life. The spirit is the seat of our values, guiding the mind and body. Therefore, tending to the needs of your spirit is paramount to living a healthy and balanced life. 

Healing through spiritual direction is a life-long journey that intertwines the complexities of the soul with the guiding light of faith. For me, it's more than just a process; it's a sacred dance between vulnerability and transcendence.

In the realm of spiritual direction, there exists a gentle space where one's deepest wounds and aspirations are held with reverence. It's a space where the whispers of the soul find resonance, where doubts are met with compassion, and where hope is nurtured.

At the heart of this journey lies the profound connection between the individual and the divine, a connection that serves as the cornerstone for healing and growth. In the spiritual direction space, you are invited to explore the contours of your faith, navigate the labyrinth of your emotions, and uncover the hidden treasures buried within your soul.

In my experience, spiritual direction has been a source of solace in times of uncertainty. It has been a beacon of light in moments of darkness. Through this sacred dialogue, I've learned to embrace my vulnerabilities, confront my fears, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance.

Yet, healing through spiritual direction is not merely about introspection; it's also about action. It's about integrating the insights gleaned from these sacred encounters into the rhythm of everyday life; integrating compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude into your daily interactions.

In a world that often seems fragmented and chaotic, spiritual direction offers a sanctuary of stillness, where the fragmented pieces of our being are gently gathered and woven back together into wholeness.

As we journey through the labyrinth of life, we are at our best when guided by the wisdom of the soul, and find solace in the embrace of the divine. In the sacred dance of healing through spiritual direction, we discover - not only the depths of our wounds - but also the boundless expanse of our resilience and the infinite capacity of our spirits to soar.

I’m Melissa Ebken, the pastor of the Illiopolis and Niantic Christian churches. I developed fiLLLed spirituality groups to provide a safe place to engage your spirituality. Links to engage in spiritual direction, join a spiritual direction group, or receive an email each Friday with inspiration for your journey are in the description. And make sure you hit the subscribe button! Until next time, be well, be present, and be thankful. Bye for now.