Testimonials from Jade's directees.
Spiritual Director & Soul Friend
Supervision: In 2017, I completed a certified training program as a supervisor for spiritual directors at North Park Theological School, Chicago, IL. I currently offer supervision for peer groups and individual spiritual directors.
"...you are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention, philosophy and definition. When you are blessed with an anam cara you have arrived at that most sacred place: home." ~John O’Donahue
- Meetings are most often scheduled once a month for an hour. I usually allow an extra 15 minutes in my schedule in case the Spirit moves us to something of importance toward the end of our time. I encourage directees to also allow for this extra time if possible.
- Directees are encouraged to spend time in meditation and prayer prior to our meetings to help clarify any topics or concerns they would like to bring forth.
- Directees are sometimes (but not always) given assignments to help focus their minds and open their hearts to specific topics or areas for concern.
- Fees are based on a sliding scale, and available upon request at: jadeangelica@gmail.com
Over the centuries, spiritual directors have been described as "Midwives of the Soul."
Accordingly, the process of spiritual direction has been described as "listening into being."
Combining the tradition of the Celtic Anam Cara (Soul Friend) and the classic spiritual practices of the ancients in the desert, I listen to and for, foster contemplation, and accompany fellow seekers on their life journeys into the Spirit. . . . wherever the path might lead.
The decision to embark on this path of Spiritual Direction is a conscious and deliberate decision to invite the Spirit into our lives. Coming face to face with the Spirit through this process will encourage us to more clearly see ourselves, our choices, and the way we live our lives.
The emphasis in Spiritual Direction is on the relationship between the seeker and the God of his or her own understanding. The “spiritual director” becomes a companion who encourages each seeker/directee/friend to be authentic before their God, who is always the true director on this journey.
My practice of Spiritual Direction integrates the classical tradition of the early desert mothers and fathers – who began their deliberate quest for God in the second and third centuries in the deserts of Egypt – and the ancient Celtic Anam Cara (Soul Friend) process. The desert mothers and fathers believed that the path to knowing God was through self-discovery, that enlightenment was within us, and that identifying our passions, attachments, desires, and motivations would help to clear away obstacles and fears. In the Celtic Spiritual tradition, it is believed that when we connect with another person and become completely open and trusting with that individual, our two souls begin to flow together. Should such a deep bond be formed, it is believed that we have found an Anam Cara or soul friend.
An Anam Cara always accepts us as we truly are, holding us in beauty and light. In order to appreciate this relationship, we must first experience our own inner light and beauty. This is not always easy to do. But, the process of Spiritual Direction helps us awaken to the awareness of our own nature and the experiences of others.
Seekers of all Faith traditions from anywhere in the world are welcomed into my practice of individual, group, and private retreat Spiritual Direction. Since 2004, I have offered a specialized practice of Distance Direction via telephone, Skype, and Zoom.
“The call of the spirit is up and out, beyond our self, to places of self-transcendence and spaciousness. Soul, on the other hand, calls us down and into a place of roundedness with the realities of our lives and the human condition.” ~ David Benner
“Soul takes us to the deep places, the valleys and shadows, and seeks to be grounded in the earthly. Spirit seeks the heights, ascendancy where life is light and bright.” ~ Thomas Moore