Art of Spiritual Companioning 1 (DD8202W)

Content

This unit has a vocational focus and contemplative posture introducing students to the foundational graces and practices that are core to the art of the ministry of spiritual companioning.
Students will explore:

• How to accompany and listen to another in a spiritual companioning conversation from a contemplative posture;
• Internal dynamics at play as they listen to another’s experience;
• Their own spiritual practices, lived, human experience and articulation of relationship with the Divine in order to be ready to accompany others;
• The theological, historical and practical basis for this ministry;
• The distinctive purpose and contemplative orientations of spiritual companioning and how it differs from other helping professions.

Students will be invited to engage in these exercises, as well as reflect theologically, personally and practically on how the graces and postures of spiritual companioning are both enhanced and inhibited in their own lives.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Applicants are required to have some current, ongoing experience in receiving personal spiritual companioning. It is recommended that they complete the Art of Contemplative Practice 1 (DS9201W) or equivalent prior to or during the first year. Each candidate will be required to undergo an interview prior to acceptance into the unit.

Pedagogy

Seminars, Workshops, Supervised practice in triads and peer groups. Blended (both online and in person). This unit is explicitly formational, meaning learning will be primarily experiential, through facilitated learning activities, spiritual exercises, reflective practices aimed at fostering the graces of practicing presence, contemplative awareness, reflexive listening, discernment, and reflective inquiry framing human dynamics and contextual issues in relation to one’s lived, felt sense of the Divine.

Indicative Bibliography

• = set texts recommended for purchase

• Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. Revised & Updated. New York: Harper Collins, 2009.

• Benner, David G. Presence and Encounter: The Sacramental Possibilities of Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2014.

• Biddulph, Steve. Fully Human: A New Way of Using Your Mind. Sydney: Pan Macmillan, 2022.

• Bourgeault, Cynthia. Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. Cambridge: Cowley, 2004.

• Edwards, Tilden. Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul. New York: Paulist Press, 2001. (Recommended class text).

• Laird, M. S. Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.

• Lee, Cindy S. Our Unforming: Dewesternizing Spiritual Formation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2022.

• McHugh, Adam. The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction. Downer's Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015.

• Pickering, Sue. Spiritual Direction: A Practical Introduction. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2013.

• Ruffing, Janet. To Tell the Sacred Tale: Spiritual Direction and Narrative. New York; Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2011.

Assessment