Rule of Life: Finding My Vocation

The first decision I presented to the Lord after completing the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius (see previous blog post here) was about what further education I needed to prepare for my life's journey in the days, months, and years ahead. I struggled with this decision for a year, feeling pulled in three directions: chaplaincy, natural alternative medicine, and spiritual direction. All three had appealing aspects and much of my indecision was based on my uncertainty about what type of help I wanted to offer other people after I retire from my current career. My heart cry is for those who are old, sick or dying. I want to help followers of Christ who find themselves in crisis to see God in the midst of the chaos, and to welcome the peace of God into their pain, confusion and loss. All three educational options had beneficial aspects of strengthening me in my ability to do this work. The question was where to start. With the help of a group of friends who were praying for me and offering helpful thoughts and questions, I finally decided to enroll in the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction. Through this school I learned first and foremost how to listen and honor the words of those deemed invisible by society. Through attentive listening and insightful questions, I learned to aid those in crisis to find a sense of inner peace in their soul. If you are interested in learning more about how to become a spiritual director, consider training with our order. Click here for more info. During my spiritual direction training, it became apparent to both myself and my instructor that the vision God had given me did not quite fit under the spiritual direction umbrella. Once again, my discerning community offered me prayer and companionship as I embarked on a program of study on holistic healing and began to explore deeper into the vision and burden God has laid upon my heart. A clearer image of the synergy between my vision, my life experience, and my authentic and true self took form. Now came the job of finding the appropriate credentials that would match the work God has given me to do. Finally, I stumbled across the Wellness Inventory and the whole person wellness model aligned perfectly with my vision. I completed the Wellness Inventory Facilitator training in May, 2019, and have stepped into my vocation in all aspects of my life. If you are interested in learning more about the Wellness Inventory, visit bodymindspirit.com. Physical, emotional, and relational healing rarely can flourish if the soul is not at peace. Through my training in spiritual direction and Wellness Inventory, I became better equipped to walk alongside the old, the sick, the dying and their caregivers as they present their life questions before God and dialogue with Him about their situation.​ I am convinced that monastic practices have significant health benefits and that the monastic tradition has stewarded these beautiful gifts of healing throughout the ages. My current vocation is built on the foundation that wholeness can be found physically, intellectually, emotionally, relationally and spiritually through engagement with silence, solitude, contemplation, simplicity, generosity, hospitality, mission, and the many other trademarks of the monastic way. If you would like to explore the holistic nature of a monastic rule of life, consider joining us for our midwinter retreat. For more info, visit our Events page here.