Awareness of God

The first step in any spiritual journey is awareness–becoming open to a reality beyond yourself.

Many people enter spiritual direction to become more aware of God’s presence in their life and in the world. They want their belief in a Higher Power to make that journey from head to heart. They want to feel the love of God so they can live in harmony with that love.

Even if you seek spiritual direction for some other reason, a good director will draw your attention to awareness. You will likely be asked, “When are you most aware of God’s love in your life?” Or, “How have you experienced your Higher Power lately?”

You may enter spiritual direction because you are not at all sure if you are aware of God’s presence. You may not even know what the phrase “God’s presence” really means.  And in spiritual direction, it’s OK to admit you aren’t sure “what’s what!” Exploration and discovering for yourself how God interacts with you is our only goal.

Jesus spoke frequently of us staying “awake and aware” for the kingdom is near. So, how do we do that?

Awareness of God is enhanced primarily through:

• Dedication to a regular spiritual practice that fits your personality
• Spending time in silence, meditation or centering prayer
• Noticing daily where you experience life, energy, joy, peace, wisdom and other “fruit of the Spirit” that points us to God. (A daily practice of journaling about your discoveries can help).
• Talking with a trusted friend or guide, such as a spiritual director, about those experiences in life that transcend “business as usual” and seem to shimmer with holiness.

In our next session, how to savor that awareness of the Holy One.

For more about spiritual direction as I practice it, check out my website. If you have questions or comments about the content of Spiritual Direction 101, please let me hear from you in the reply section below.