Soul Care

We cannot control what happens to us. All we can do is work with what happens moment to moment. - Rabbi Rami Shapiro

What if you had a spiritual companion who would both welcome your wild and bend with you toward the light? Often, we go through some of the most complicated and tragic circumstances without the witness(es), practices, or care necessary to embody the wholeness from which we came. When life gets hard, we're at a loss on how to be present with what is and/or find higher ground.

I've been there. Out of my advocacy and activism for us has come the ability to hold space for some of our most tender lived experiences including grief, trauma, illness and loss (amongst other complicated things) at the intersection of motherhood and caregiving. Some of my most personally challenging moments have come as I've provided care not only for my own body and family, but my community. Because of this, our soul care sessions and group events are a safe, sacred space for women, mothers and non-binary folx who have taken on the art and science of care work.

The way we tend to our caregiving bodies ripples out; impacts generations.

What does spiritual companionship look like?

When I think about spiritual companionship, I think of the character Ana in The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. At the beginning of the story, Ana is living one life - but she’s dreaming of another. A different experience than one she’s been born into. A different experience than the one that she is presently living.

Of course, it’s not an easy journey.

But really, what story is all ease?

Instead, suffering and joy co-exist. For Ana (and for many of us) loss after loss occurs. Trials that separate her from good and/or God. And yet, Ana’s experience is witnessed and attended to by fierce, soulful companionship (and us, the readers, too). In the end, her perfect and right lifepath and voice is found in part because of these witnesses.

I can say the same of my own journey.

I believe that for certain experiences and in many different seasons and times, we need someone to witness us. Our expansion and contraction. Our growth and our grief. I often say that our time together in spiritual direction (also known as companionship) is part the art of anam cara or soul friendship & part spiritual midwifery. It is the offer of solid ground and safety as you ponder and wander through what’s complicated and complex. It is the gift of time that supports you in hearing your own voice & that of the God of your understanding. Most importantly, it is an open-hearted space where “you can be reflected to you” as you pursue the wisdom, radiance and resilence of your own soul.

Here, you are seen.

And oh, how glad I am to see you.