I am grateful for the support and encouragement of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.  They gave me a “shout out” on their newly designed web page.  Being an associate with the community has been a blessing and a source of spiritual growth.

To paraphrase one of my favorite Star Trek lines “I have been and always shall be a Franciscan”.

Congratulations to Chris Wesselman

Blessings,

Christy

 

 

What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet. –  Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare 

Another name

Naming an endeavor or a business entity or a ministry is daunting to say the least. In the business world, a name becomes a “brand” although I never really cared for that word probably because I’ve watched too many Western movies!  In any event, to come up with a name which tells others what is my life’s work and my passion is a rather serious undertaking.

I felt that a name for the services I provide needed to include all aspects of what I feel called to do and offer to the greater community.  The first name I chose was one already in use by another entity in my state and didn’t quite feel “right”.  I spent more time in prayer and reflection, sitting in the stillness and in discernment waiting for the Spirit to form the words in my heart.  I heard the words but I followed up with the practical business stuff of looking up the name to see if anyone else was using it, checking on domain names, drafting a business card, etc.

Next step as part of the discernment process, I asked questions like what do I offer?  I offer individuals one on one confidential spiritual companioning.  I attentively and deeply listen with a compassionate heart to their joys and sorrows, their doubts, fears, worries and certainties, thanks and peaceful moments.  What did my heart and soul tell me about the name I had in mind? Did it “feel” right?  The facilitators at the Spiritual Direction Internship at Benedict Inn in Beechgrove, Indiana taught me – and showed me – that spiritual companioning or listening was to “listen with the ear of the heart.” Yes! That was it! Through my mind, heart and soul, and through discernment, a name emerged.  I offer a listening heart to others in all that I do and so was born, Listening Heart LLC.

What else do I offer?

In addition to spiritual direction or companioning, I offer my gifts and talents as a retreat and workshop facilitator.  I feel at home as a teacher but it is life-giving to me to be a facilitator – one who enables and empowers adult learners and seekers to learn and grow.

Do you have a small group in your church or neighborhood who would like to engage in a spiritual journey? Want to learn out to be more mindful or aware or learn to meditate and pray?  Would you like to know how to use Scripture to enhance your spirituality? What if you could learn about other faith traditions, religions, and spiritualities?  Do you like to read but want something with a little more “umph” and would like to talk about it with like-minded people? Call me and let’s talk.  I am here to help.  I have prepared ready to go programs however, I am willing to work with you on developing a program to meet your needs.

I offer Reiki energy work.  In this work, I am merely an instrument of peaceful, healing energy wherever YOU need it – body, mind or spirit.  I am a conduit for the healing energy of the Universe and make no claims of cures or specific results.  If you would like to know more, please contact me.

I am a trained mediator.  I have over 80 hours of mediation training and I have participated in numerous mediations as a law practitioner.  Are you involved in a conflict with your neighbor or your ex? Do you feel “stuck” in your position but want a way to resolve the situation amicably and peacefully?  Do you have conflict in your place of business and would like to see everyone “just get along”?  Have you been ordered by a court to mediate a dispute instead of going to court? I can help you.  I believe everything is workable.  Please contact me to discuss how we can restore your relationships.

Sweet Fragrance

As I continue on this human journey as a spiritual being, more and more opportunities and grace moments  will arise.  The sweet fragrance of Grace and Love will bring  moments to share my gifts and talents. I look forward to companioning with you and sharing your journey with a Listening Heart.

Blessings,

Christy

Thanks to Spiritual Directors International for this practice challenge.  (Photo is mine)

PRACTICE CHALLENGE

1) Go outside and find a big tree, or at least a tree that is taller or older than you.

2) Look from the roots of the tree to its uppermost branches. Let your gaze linger at the top of the tree. Listen.

3) Invoke and welcome stillness.

4) Imagine yourself as that tree, firmly anchored and freely moving at the same time. Your roots hold you steady in the earth. Imagine how you are connected and held – both physically in the ground and spiritually in the legacy you carry of generations of trees that have gone before you. Feel your limbs move with the wind. Feel yourself bend and sway — you are flexible and yet strong. The sun shines on you. Your leaves turn this sunlight into energy. Feel the mystery of photosynthesis within you as you make food from light.

5) Breathe out as the tree, breathe in as a human.

6) Listen.

7) Discern.

 

 

Blessings to you all,

Christy

“Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I’ve got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky” –  Pippin

I’ve always loved the 1972 Steven Schwartz musical, Pippin.  The music is downloaded onto my iPod amid thousands of other songs.  On my drive today, “Corner of the Sky” cued up and I really listened to the lyrics.  They spoke to me in different way this morning.

In the past, this was a song of longing to find a “place” in the world, and questioning “why” it hadn’t happened yet.  After all, everything else had their place, right? Rivers and eagles had a place – why not me?  Where was MY corner of the sky? When will MY ship come in?  Doggone it anyway – why can’t I seem to figure it all out?  How do I figure out where my place is so I can be free?

Today was different. No longer did I feel a longing to find a place, to create it, to make something happen, or question why it hadn’t happened.  Instead, I felt my corner of the sky is here and now.  My spirit is free when I surrender, accept and lean in to the present moment.

Finding one’s corner does not come about by anguish and longing or aggressively creating it.  Rather it comes from being aware of what is NOW in THIS time and THIS space is what is important.  Being mindfully present to NOW is where my spirit is free – free and open that THIS is my time and place.  There is a Zen saying “wherever you go, there you are.”  I am here. I am in my corner of the sky.

What is YOUR corner of the sky? How do you know you are where you are supposed to be? What causes your spirit to run free?

 

Jan Richardson is one of my favorite authors and artists.  Whatever emptiness you feel today, whatever longing you experience, may this blessing infuse you with hope for the seeds of something new.

Christy

BLESSING THAT HOLDS A NEST IN ITS BRANCHES
The emptiness
that you have been holding
for such a long season now;
that ache in your chest
that goes with you
night and day
in your sleeping,
your rising—
think of this
not as a mere hollow,
the void left from
the life that has leached out
of you.
Think of it like this:
as the space being prepared
for the seed.
Think of it
as your earth that dreams
of the branches
the seed contains.
Think of it
as your heart making ready
to welcome the nest
its branches will hold.
—Jan Richardson
The blessing is from The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief.