Spiritual Journey Companion and Coach
Meeting with a spiritual journey companion and coach can be a meaningful step to help you find wholeness and balance in life, not to mention a sense of connection with Spirit. Below are some resources to help you understand the healing modality of spiritual companionship.
Common Spiritual Companionship Questions & Answers
What is spiritual companionship?
Spiritual companionship is a relationship in which a companion allows through deep listening the spiritual story of the other to unfurl. Through this relationship, the person seeking companionship is empowered to explore a deeper relationship with Spirit.
Who is a spiritual companion?
A Spiritual Companion is an inclusive term which includes:
- Healing professionals
- Life or Soul Coaches
- Spiritual Counselors
- Spiritual Directors
- Clergy and Wisdom Teachers
- Anyone who offer listening care
Where did spiritual companionship originate?
The term “spiritual companion” has many associations and a long history in the Abrahamic faith traditions, where it has been closely associated with certain strands of Judaism, with spiritual directors referred to as “Hashpa’ah” or “Mashpai’h,” (depending on the strand); Christian and, much later, in particular Ignatian spirituality; and in the Islamic Sufi path, where the spiritual director is known as a “Murshid.” But even within these traditions there is great (and increasing) variability in how the terms are used, defined, and contextualized. The common approach that they share is that in all of them, the spiritual director is a spiritual companion who looks to engage with seekers in an open and non-judgmental way, steeped in contemplative practice and deep listening, to provide guidance and enable seekers to get closer to God.
In Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism, spiritual teachers or guides are referred to as “gurus,” which in Sanskrit means “weighty or grave,” with the connotation of “elder teacher” or esteemed teacher.” But the long story of that term contains overtones of someone who removes spaces and obstacles that may lie between us and our spiritual evolution. Gurus can develop highly personalized relationships with seekers, with a dynamic that is distinct to each teacher but that is deep and all pervasive.
In most strands of Buddhism, it is more common to refer to spiritual “friends,” rather than to “directors,” “guides,” or even “teachers.” These friends encourage and allow us to evolve, such that the Buddha was reported to have said that spiritual friendship is the sum total of the spiritual life (in the Meghiya Sutta of the Pali Canon). Spiritual friends help seekers by fostering intimacy; virtuous conduct; conversation that inspires and encourages practice; diligence, energy, and enthusiasm for the good; and insight into impermanence. Spiritual friends, therefore, are the most important key in the spiritual path.
Other examples include followers of Indigenous religions, who usually work with Shamans, or Taoists and Confucians, who learn how to connect with their true natures through wise and learned teachers.
Finally, a significant portion of the over 1.1 billion people worldwide that the Pew Research Center refers to as “unaffiliated,” many of whom describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” seek connection with a higher power and a larger meaning in variety of ways: for example, by working with philosophy teachers as their guides, or through their work with psychologists, and other types of counselors.
In Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism, spiritual teachers or guides are referred to as “gurus,” which in Sanskrit means “weighty or grave,” with the connotation of “elder teacher” or esteemed teacher.” But the long story of that term contains overtones of someone who removes spaces and obstacles that may lie between us and our spiritual evolution. Gurus can develop highly personalized relationships with seekers, with a dynamic that is distinct to each teacher but that is deep and all pervasive.
In most strands of Buddhism, it is more common to refer to spiritual “friends,” rather than to “directors,” “guides,” or even “teachers.” These friends encourage and allow us to evolve, such that the Buddha was reported to have said that spiritual friendship is the sum total of the spiritual life (in the Meghiya Sutta of the Pali Canon). Spiritual friends help seekers by fostering intimacy; virtuous conduct; conversation that inspires and encourages practice; diligence, energy, and enthusiasm for the good; and insight into impermanence. Spiritual friends, therefore, are the most important key in the spiritual path.
Other examples include followers of Indigenous religions, who usually work with Shamans, or Taoists and Confucians, who learn how to connect with their true natures through wise and learned teachers.
Finally, a significant portion of the over 1.1 billion people worldwide that the Pew Research Center refers to as “unaffiliated,” many of whom describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” seek connection with a higher power and a larger meaning in variety of ways: for example, by working with philosophy teachers as their guides, or through their work with psychologists, and other types of counselors.
Who qualifies as a Spiritual companion?
First, spiritual companionship is an inclusive, rather than an exclusive concept. A spiritual companion always strive to welcome and invite, rather than to separate and divide.
Second, at their roots, spiritual companions are individuals committed to helping others seek and find connection with a higher power, however that power might be defined. This characteristic always holds true, regardless of one’s particular religion, spiritual understanding or orientation.
Some other key identifying factors of a spiritual companion can include:
Second, at their roots, spiritual companions are individuals committed to helping others seek and find connection with a higher power, however that power might be defined. This characteristic always holds true, regardless of one’s particular religion, spiritual understanding or orientation.
Some other key identifying factors of a spiritual companion can include:
- being rooted in personal experience, and displaying “depth.”
- engaged in following and upholding universal ethical guidelines, summarized as “Do no harm.”
- accountable in a community setting.
- committed to contemplative, compassionate listening, with respect for the agency of companions they accompany.
- seeking supervision by others and being accountable to their communities.
- committed to ongoing education and learning.
Meet Your Spiritual Companion
Rev. Pamela (Pami) Parker, M.S.International known as a dynamic and enthusiastic Spiritual Companion, Coach, and Wisdom Teacher, Pami masterfully guides and supports those she serves to create authentic lives. Her practice implements a holistic approach to conscious (mindful) living.
Pami has practiced spiritual companionship since 2008:
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