spiritual archeology
I just finished writing a little blurb for my spiritual direction school’s newsletter. I was invited to write about my perspective on spiritual direction, and the particular way that I offer sacred listening space. It was really lovely to come back to some of my foundational beliefs, and find a new image for what I love to offer to this world.
The image that landed was of a spiritual archaeologist. There is an unstoppable drive in me to uncover the truths buried deep, those hidden gems covered by layers of cultural expectations, whether they be familial, societal or institutional. My own archaeological deep dig came after some personal earthquakes: major shifts in my grounding, which included navigating big losses and changing relational roles. These cracks in my foundation opened me up to explore, to question, and to re-evaluate.
Spiritual Direction is the space where we dig up the lies and old patterns, and uncover deep truths.
Where we learn to listen to our own voice, reconnect our relationship to our mind, body, and heart, and remember our true selves.
The lens of the Enneagram has served as an archaeologist’s tool for this work: helping me see patterns in myself and the world, and discovering the hidden gems, my truth, gifts, and purpose. keep discovering new tools for this kind of archeological self-reflection and healing, and that has taken me into the world of Archetypes.
-Archetypes are universal ideas, symbols, and images that are present in the collective- and help us to work with our intuition, and introspection.
They are found in Astrology and Cyclical Wisdom (understanding nature’s rhythms) , in Tarot and Oracle Cards, in the symbols and images we hear of in all storytelling.
These symbols guide us in making sense of our experiences, and can help lead us back to ourselves. To what is deeply true, and waiting to be discovered.
I often find that in a session, as I’m listening, your words will evoke an image, a familiar pattern, or symbol. Once shared, that symbol becomes a guiding light, a way to illuminate the truth.
The discovery of this archetypal image, The Archeologist, helped me build confidence in aspects of my personality and skill. It helped me trust my own voice, and strengthen a sense of my purpose. Knowing this archetype also helps me remember I have to take breaks, and stop to admire the discovery, when I find myself getting exhausted because from incessant digging.
I take on this role of archeologist with much care, this is slow, and deeply personal work. My job is in offering space, guidance, and some tools for your deep exploration of your world, your purpose and the treasures waiting to be discovered.
-RH
