Show Notes
There are many attempts at categorizing those walking a path of spiritual freedom. We see, and use, broad terms such as ‘Spiritual Independents’, ‘Spiritual but not religious’, or ‘The Nones’. These categories, as any, are ultimately limited. As spiritual directors and companions, we know each person’s spiritual story is unique, regardless of spiritual tradition and orientation. So all that said, how do we companion the spiritual explorer – the wayfarer who has left the religion of their upbringing, practices more than one religion, or does not see themselves as rooted in a particular religious tradition or spiritual orientation? How do we nurture the increased spiritual curiosity and playfulness our companions bring to their sessions with us? How do we help others navigate the rejection of an upbringing, or subjection to a religion and spirituality they found stunted or even harmful? What if that tradition they’ve left behind is one we cherish? These questions are the underpinnings of our new online series from SDI – Seeking Spiritual Freedom – about companioning those who have entered the spiritual wilderness, and earnestly tread a “wayless path” that is beyond what they know, and possibly what others have known. However one’s unique journey manifests, the diversity of the paths walked by those we companion will only continue to grow. In this podcast I talked with all our presenters for this series, about their work and service to others, how they understand the path of spiritual freedom, and what to expect from our upcoming series – which you can register for now on our website, sdicompanions.org. I’ll introduce each of them as we go.
More from SDI Encounters
What happens when we step away from the noise of ordinary life and enter a landscape that invites us to listen more deeply? In this conversation, Executive Director Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares, and author Mirabai Starr, explore the contemplative life through the powerful images of striving, yielding, and returning. Drawing on the metaphor of a salmon pushing upstream, they consider the tension between effort and surrender—and the surprising possibility that both are essential to the spiritual path. And, they share about facilitating SDI's upcoming six-day retreat at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, April 4-9, 2027. What does it mean to “push the river” when life asks more of us than we feel capable of giving? When is it time to stop striving and listen for the current beneath us? And how might presence, even in the midst of difficulty, become an expression of love? Together, we’ll consider what our spiritual practices are really for—not to protect us from the difficulties of life, or to help us rise above them, but to teach us how to remain present and responsive when life asks more of us than we imagined we could give. Through contemplative practices, teachings, silence, writing, time in nature, conversation, and community, we’ll explore the wisdom of multiple spiritual traditions and the possibility that even our struggles can become part of the path. And we’ll do it together. You are invited to join Mirabai, Rev. SeiFu, and other spiritual companions in Ghost Ranch, April 2027! Learn more, including registration details, at https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/ghost-ranch-retreat-2027/
On this brief episode we talk about SDI's upcoming webinar series, The Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship.
Dear Community, During these deeply disturbing, harrowing and convulsive times, what are spiritual directors and companions to do? How can we respond? Please listen to this episode for a special message I wanted to share with all of you. We need to stand together as a community, faithful to our calling and practice, because spiritual direction and companionship heal, and are needed now more than ever. Warmly, Rev SeiFu, and the SDI Team
Cinema Divina is the creative, contemplative practice of media artist and writer M Freeman. M re-imagines the ancient ritual of sacred reading or lectio divina in today’s audiovisual vernacular as Cinema Divina—a contemplative screening process designed to increase access to one’s deeper wisdom, healing, and peace.
In this episode hear from Christina Roberts, author of My Spiritual Journey, a new children’s activity book designed to help kids explore wonder, stillness, and the gentle presence of Divine Love. Christina shares the inspiration behind the book, why children are naturally attuned to the sacred, and how simple practices like drawing, gratitude, and quiet reflection can nurture a child’s inner life. Whether you work with children, care for children, or simply want to reconnect with your own sense of wonder, we hope this new activity book from SDI invites you into a deeper appreciation of the spiritual wisdom children carry and the gentle ways we can help it bloom.