Our life experiences can deeply affect us in ways we may never be able to clearly describe. It is the effects of the most challenging experiences on our sense of certitude that often draws us to seek an Anam Cara/Spiritual Director. As we begin to question our values and beliefs, and as we sense the loss of stability around what we thought we knew, we may seek the assistance of someone who can help us navigate the uncharted waters of our life.
“The spiritual director is a midwife of the soul, present and attentive as new life emerges. The spiritual director offers hospitality, in the holy tradition of Abraham entertaining the angels. The spiritual director is a teacher, after the model of Jesus, who was called ‘Teacher’ by those who loved him. But whether we call that trusted person teacher, midwife, or host, the spiritual director is always and above all a holy listener.” — Rev. Margaret Guenther, Holy Listening
In what may be an upsetting, chaotic and confusing time, a spiritual director can be present to help you discover for yourself that all life contains the Universal Energy of The One who is present in some way, in and through the process of the disruption that has occurred. In the lost and broken places, this Source provides the opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
The Anam Cara as Spiritual Director
“Anam” is Gaelic for “soul” and “cara” is Gaelic for “friend.” In Celtic tradition, an Anam Cara is a soul friend, teacher, spiritual companion, spiritual advisor.
In the Celtic Spiritual tradition, the Spirit or soul radiates throughout the physical, mental and emotional body. This is what some refer to as one’s auric or quantum field of energy.
When you connect with another, becoming open and trusting with that individual, your two souls begin to flow together. Your Anam Cara listens to you deeply while holding you in beauty and the light.
With the help of this relationship, you begin to get a sense of your own inner light and beauty. The Celtic Christians came to believe that forming an Anam Cara friendship would help you to awaken the awareness of your own true nature; foster an experience of deep connection with others; and develop a deeper connection with the Divine. This ancient yet eternal, non-dual way of being present in the world cuts across all barriers of time, conventional thinking, philosophy and religion, for both giving and receiving are part of the life-long flow/process of becoming.
John O’Donohue explains: “The Celtic tradition recognized that an anam-cara friendship was graced with affection. Friendship awakens affection. The heart learns a new art of feeling. In Celtic tradition, the anam cara was not merely a metaphor or ideal. A soul-bond existed as a recognized and admired social construct. It altered the meaning of identity and perception. When your affection is kindled, the world of your intellect takes on a new tenderness and compassion. You look, see and understand differently. Initially, this can be disruptive and awkward, but it gradually refines your sensibility and transforms your way of being in the world.”
In his book, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, O’Donohue describes an Anam Cara this way:
- “someone who joyfully embraces (another’s) life, questions and suffering as an extension of (her) own
- “someone with whom we can speak the language of the heart
- “someone one’s soul cannot be without
- “…another with whom to pray, to seek advice, to help discern the sometimes imperceptible movements of the heart.
- “a way toward union with God.”
What an Anam Cara/Spiritual Director is not
Although it may be a healing, supportive adjunct to other therapies, Anam Cara/Spiritual Direction is not Physical or Mental Health Counseling or Psychotherapy.
As a professional Anam Cara Practitioner, I am skilled in creating a welcoming sacred space for deep listening; assessing ones spiritual pain; providing emotional/spiritual support fostering healing in those going through life’s challenges and changes as well as those seeking to connect more deeply with Spirit.
This Spiritual Companioning is not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment. I abide by the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct developed by Spiritual Directors International.
How are Anam Caras/Spiritual Directors prepared?
Most of us have received specific formation/training in providing spiritual guidance and spiritual support. However, there is no formally recognized standard curriculum or certification. We come from all different faith backgrounds and with widely varied additional training and experiences. My training and experience includes being an ordained Religious Science Minister, a Health Care Chaplain, and an Anam Cara. You may want to read Education & Experience and How I Became an Anam Cara.
How to choose an Anam Cara
The good news is that every Anam Cara/Spiritual Director brings different gifts to our work. Sometimes it takes a few meetings to see it’s a “good fit” for where you are in this moment.
A valuable resource for finding an Anam Cara/Spiritual Director is the Spiritual Directors International website. There is a seek-and-find service that lists many of the Spiritual Directors in your area.
If you are connected with a specific faith tradition, you may wish to check your denomination’s local listings. If you do not find someone in your area, you may wish to connect with a Spiritual Director via phone, Skype, and/or email.
To learn more about working with me, please contact me.
An Anam Cara’s role is definitely not to rush through the process to achieve a specific goal. It is to be with the person in his or her place of trauma, loss, confusion or longing. This is the process of integrating and healing body, mind and spirit that occurs within a time frame we don’t control.
As an Anam Cara, my goal is to create a safe and sacred space, bringing an attitude of peace, deep listening, authentic acceptance and loving kindness to our relationship. The Mystery provides the Spiritual direction.
Learn more:
- Read “Working with Rev. Elle”
- Read about Rev. Elle’s Spiritual Journey
- Contact Rev. Elle for more information or a consultation[/mantra-column] [/mantra-multi]
