Tag: spiritual formation

What is Spiritual Direction?

Posted on by Michael Rose
Spiritual direction is an ancient practice where an individual seeks guidance and support in their spiritual journey from a qualified and experienced spiritual director. “Director” is kind of a misnomer. It’s more like spiritual companionship or a “soul friend.” It involves a safe one-on-one relationship with a spiritual companion who offers a compassionate presence and listens attentively as the individual shares their spiritual journey.
Read more

“God gives but doesn’t share”

Posted on by Michael Rose
This little saying was in my inbox the other morning.  It is a snippet from Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder,  the story about a person named Paul Farmer and his work in Haiti, Peru, Cuba and Russia. Farmer is a physician and medical anthropologist spending his career working to improve healthcare for some of the poorest…
Read more

Deep Dream – Redux

Posted on by Michael Rose
[I recently shared this poem and a Lectio Divina type exercise – you can read it here.  In this post, I share my own experience and thoughts.  Again, you are most welcome to share your experience with the poem in the comment section below.] Deep Dream I’ve spent many years learning how to fix life,…
Read more

A Deep Dream

Posted on by Michael Rose
I’ve spent many years learning how to fix life, only to discover at the end of the day that life is not broken There is a hidden seed of greater wholeness in everyone and everything. We serve life best when we water it and befriend it. When we listen before we act. In befriending life,…
Read more

Welcome to my Garden

Posted on by Michael Rose
Take your shoes off in the garden of my soul for it is holy ground. You are welcome in the vulnerability of your bare feet to spend some time and be refreshed. All I ask is that you stay to the path as not to trample and crush the most delicate of new vegetation, and…
Read more

From your Head to your Heart

Posted on by Michael Rose
“You must descend from your head into your heart. At present, your thoughts of God are in your head.  And God himself is, as it were, outside you, and so your prayer and other spiritual exercises remain exterior. Whilst you are still in your head, thoughts will not easily be subdued but will always be whirling about, like snow in winter or clouds…
Read more

Stepping Stones – A Soulful Exercise

Posted on by Michael Rose
“Each breath, a stepping-stone to God” Here is a lovely contemplative prayer exercise from Margaret Silf’s book The Inner Compass.  Margaret is a delightful writer, a lovely soul, and companion for the journey.  I invite you to get comfortable, take a couple of deep cleansing breaths, and let your feeling paint a picture for prayer for…
Read more