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Many people want to grow and develop in life, whether this is through what is traditionally called 'spirituality' or through a deeper understanding on who they are and how they operate in the world. 

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An Anam Cara* is a companion on this journey called Life! Like you I am a spiritual seeker, or someone who values deep personal growth; I have not arrived, I am still very much on the way. I seek a livelier sense of alignment with the Divine (or God or whatever term works for you). With this alignment I am seeking to live a life with purpose, even if this purpose is to live with more love. Some have called me wise, or older than my years, but I am very human and understand what it is to live with all of life's challenges and still try and be the best me I can be. 

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My role as an Anam Cara is to be a companion, a more experienced traveller, walking with you on a journey of self discovery and growth. I am here to accompany you, to hear your story, your hopes, your dreams, your challenges and what all this means to you. I am not an expert on you or how you live your life. I am travelling with you as an equal, but with skills I have developed through ongoing personal and professional development. Journeying alone can leave us vulnerable to getting trapped in our minds, going round and round in circles, missing the core of the matter and remaining lost. As one client stated - "it is the support I didn't know I needed!"

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The process of working with me unfolds gradually over time; it is a series of conversations, usually about an hour once per month. To enjoy its benefits you have to give it time, it takes time for me to get to know you and you to build up trust in me. 

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Initially I will ask you a few questions, such as what brings you here? Tell me what you are hoping for and any relevant history you would like me to know at present? You will notice ongoing that I mostly listen, sometimes I ask for clarification or elaboration, inviting you to unfold. It may be a while before I have much feedback for you, however you will probably notice that you are becoming clearer in your own mind just by having to put your experience in to words for another person. Don't worry if you don't feel you have much to say, or any issues to address, just living becomes our topic of conversation and I am here to support you when you get stuck.

 

You are your own expert, even if it doesn't feel like it at times. I am not here to tell you what to do, I am here to help you find your inner wisdom and to watch out for when and how the Divine is working in your life, even when it is not clear to you. 

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So how do we know if you are making spiritual progress? Are you becoming more hopeful or serene? Simpler in your lifestyle? More generous towards others? More accepting of each person as is, readier to forgive? Are you growing more grounded in the gracious Mystery from whom and for whom you live? Are you less anxious, less controlling, more trusting?

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"This is the spiritual life. This is the practice of holy living. How profoundly challenging and rewarding it is. It is a love affair with the Divine, a venture of open-ended growth, the project of a lifetime!"*

 

*Anam Cara is from the Celtic, and roughly translates as a soul friend. Many words can be used in a similar way, depending on your traditional background. An Anam Cara can be anyone who shares a deep spiritual connection with you and supports you on your journey of self-discovery and development. The above information is summarised from an excellent article by Thomas Hart on Spiritual Direction, which you can find in the Reflections section if you are interested.