The Art of Spiritual Curation

We live in a world of a dizzying array of choices for almost everything - from cereals to social networks, coffee pods to podcasts, TV shows to travel destinations.  It can feel overwhelming, leading us to decision paralysis or fatigue, even over things that really don’t matter all that much.

We hunger for the spiritual life, in part, as a counter and corrective to our overconsumption.  We know there is more to life than binge watching, shopping or planning our next fabulous vacation.  We long for a way of life that is more simple and satisfying, that feeds our souls.

But when we start seeking out spiritual nourishment, the choices can be just as overwhelming.  Where should we begin?  What books should we read, faith communities should we visit, spiritual practices should we engage?  There are so many different denominations and churches, theological perspectives, spiritual teachers and resources, ways to pray and serve, how do we discern what is a good fit for us?

We each are created and shaped by a loving God with particular gifts, stories and experiences.  We have unique personalities and proclivities.  And we are in different stages and seasons of life and the spiritual journey.  So I really don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all spiritual path.  We have to find our own way.

But we don’t have to find it alone.  One of the many gifts of spiritual direction is that a trusted guide can help you find spiritual nourishment for your unique soul, wisdom and guidance for your particular journey.  By listening to the story of your life, discovering the delightful particularities of how you are created, gifted and invited, learning about the specific longings and fears, questions and struggles you bring to the conversation, a spiritual director can direct your attention to a scripture passage or poem, a book or podcast, a spiritual practice or faith community intended to meet you where you are, and invite you to grow in your connection with God, your true self, and the other people in your life. 

Maybe you’re not so sure what you believe about God after some great suffering unraveled your faith.  Maybe you’d like to read the Bible but have no clue how or where to start.  Maybe you’re tired of carrying some great burden or secret that you need to let go.  Maybe you can’t bring yourself to say certain lines of a creed or a hymn because they just don’t ring true.  Maybe you’re grieving a great loss and are not sure how to come through.  Maybe you feel nudged toward some new vocation.  Maybe you left the church a long time ago, but still feel connected to God, especially in nature.  Maybe the prayer practice that has brought you this far now feels completely dry.  There are as many different reasons for seeking spiritual direction as there are human souls.  

Perhaps some of us grew up in faith communities where we were told exactly what to believe, how to pray, and what to read.  This may have felt safe and defining.  Or it may have felt oppressive and confining.  Either way, at some point, it is natural to need and want to seek and discover for ourselves, to sort out what we do and do not believe, what draws us close to God and what gets in the way, who we really are, where we belong, and how we’re called to live and serve in this world.  For a season, we may need to go it alone, not have anyone tell us what to do.  I get that.

But if you’re in that seeking, hungering, wondering season, and you’d like a little companionship, direction, and help finding your way through the thicket of possibilities, a spiritual director may be a welcome addition to your care team.  Among other roles, a director can be a sort of curator of spiritual content and experiences to help you find nourishment for your particular soul.