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Wilson Perkowski P/T: 517.290.8930 E: spirituallivesofwomen@gmail.com
The Benefits Of Spiritual Direction For Mothers/Women
Mothers often navigate a vast array of responsibilities and intense emotions, which can lead them to seek deeper meaning and guidance. This journey is a testament to their compassion and strength as they strive to nurture their families and themselves, continually seeking balance and fulfillment. Here are examples of questions a mom might ask:
- Questions about purpose and identity: “Who am I beyond being a mom?”
- Questions about inner peace and balance: “How do I manage feelings of guilt or inadequacy as a mother?”
- Questions about decision making and guidance: “How do I know if I’m making the right choices for me and my family?’
- Questions about connection and support: “Where can I find a supportive community of other moms?”
- Questions about spiritual practices and growth: “What does it mean to nurture my own spirit while caring for others?”
- Questions about coping with challenges: “How can I find strength to deal with loss, change, or disappointment?”
Curiosity about spiritual direction arises from a blend of personal experiences, inner questions, and life circumstances.
Motherhood, especially with a little one, can make it feel nearly impossible to carve out time for spiritual growth and self-care. Spiritual direction offers practical support and encouragement to help moms nurture their relationship with God while caring for their baby.
The journey of motherhood is deeply transformative and can spark questions about purpose, identity, and deeper meaning. Here are some of the main factors that may make mothers curious about spiritual direction:
- Life transitions & challenges
- Desire to understand life’s meaning or deepen spiritual life
- Personal & spiritual growth
- Desire for a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space
Spiritual Direction is a practice open to anyone interested in exploring their spiritual life, regardless of background or beliefs. However, whether it is for “everyone” depends on individual needs, openness, and interest in spiritual growth.
Spiritual direction, counselling, therapy, or psychology are all practices that focus on personal growth, self-discovery, and healing, but their emphasis differs. While they have unique aspects and share similarities in approach, goals, and methods, spiritual direction focuses on a deeper connection with the spiritual or divine.
Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, nor is it an inexpensive substitute; it focuses on helping someone notice and respond to God’s presence and activity in their life, with the director serving as a companion rather than an expert or problem-solver.
Why is self-care/soul-care so important.
At the heart of Ignatian spirituality is *cura personalis*, or “care for the whole person.” This concept emphasizes that spiritual growth involves our body, mind, and spirit. Ignatius of Loyola recognized that when we feel drained, it’s difficult to help others or connect with God. By addressing our own needs, we refresh ourselves and improve our ability to support those around us.
Self-Care as a Responsibility
- More Than Just “Me Time”: Ignatian self-care seeks genuine renewal, urging us to consider our physical, mental, and spiritual needs so we can be present for others.
- Finding Balance: Ignatius encouraged striving for harmony in all aspects of life, helping us avoid exhaustion and maintain hope during tough times.
Soul-Care and Self-Awareness
- Self-Awareness is Key: The daily Examen helps us recognize our needs and appreciate the joys that uplift us, both vital for our spiritual journey.
- Discernment: Help us to distinguish between what brings us closer to God and what distracts us, guiding us gently.
The Basis of Our Care
- Created for Love and Connection: Ignatius believed we are meant for love and community. Taking care of ourselves reflects God’s generosity.
- Service Comes from Wholeness: Attending to our well-being makes us better at loving and serving others. Self-care is essential for meaningful ministry.
Practical Ignatian Practices for Self/Soul-Care
- The Examen: Reflect daily on gratitude and God’s presence.
- Mindfulness and Rest: Engage in activities that restore us.
- Spiritual Direction: Seek guidance to deepen our relationship with God.
Self-care and soul-care are vital, allowing us to embrace our calling with energy and clarity, and enabling us to love and heal others.
Ways and areas which spiritual direction can help mothers
Pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, or children leaving home can trigger questions about identity, purpose, and meaning.
These transitions often prompt mothers to seek support in understanding and adapting to new roles.
Parenting brings unexpected challenges, such as health issues, family dynamics, or external stressors.
Spiritual direction assists in developing resilience, hope, and coping strategies rooted in spiritual practice.
The ongoing responsibilities of motherhood can lead to exhaustion or burnout.
Spiritual direction provides intentional time for self-care, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Mothers may wish to cultivate a spiritual atmosphere at home and guide their children’s moral and spiritual development.
Spiritual direction offers guidance on embodying and teaching faith, compassion, and resilience.
Each day of the week can be explored through Ignatian Principles
- Sunday: Homily Insight
- Monday: Call of the Queen — ways to advocate for justice in the world and in your personal life.
- Tuesday: Renew Your Life/Calling — Seeking God’s call
- Wednesday: Be Gentle with Yourself and Others — Finding goodness within
- Thursday: Connect with Others, God, and Self — We are created for community
- Friday: Share a Sacred Story and Wisdom — Showing how God is working in our lives
- Saturday: Noticing God — Sharing pictures, images, and prayers that speak of God
This is a safe space where you can openly share whatever is on your heart.
Living Out Our Baptismal Roles
St. Francis de Sales reminds us to“Be who you are, and be that well.” Through our baptism, we embrace three profound roles: we are priests, prophets, and Queen (King). There is true power in these roles.
As priests, we seek God in everyday actions, prayers, and mothering/womanly care with purpose and love.
As prophets, we are encouraged to speak through both our words and our lives in power.
As Queen are called to embrace our power, experience true freedom, and live triumphantly over the challenges. Together, we can support one another in this beautiful journey of faith and growth.
Spiritual direction can be a valuable resource for navigating difficult situations.
Compassionate support is essential in helping individuals navigate their spiritual journeys. By providing a safe and understanding space, spiritual direction encourages exploration of personal beliefs and experiences, fostering a deeper sense of meaning and inner peace. This approach can be particularly invaluable during challenging times, as it allows individuals to reflect on their feelings and encounters with compassion and empathy. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a nurturing environment that inspires growth and self-discovery.
This video explores the program for spiritual lives of women.
Wilson Perkowski
Five Things That Are Important To My Experience As A Spiritual Director
1. Motherhood as Spirituality: For me motherhood is a profound spiritual journey.
2. Faith and Support: Faith and prayer are the anchor in navigating the challenges of motherhood.
3. Divine Presence: Finding God’s presence in everyday experiences is the focus of Spiritual Direction
4. Community and Connection: Mutual support among mothers fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement.
5. Inspiration from Scripture: Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary illustrate compassion, healing, and the impact of motherhood.
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