Experienced Spiritual Companion

I prefer Spiritual Companionship because it signifies a collaborative journey. I won't dictate or impose beliefs; instead, we'll focus on what matters most to you.

JOURNEYS THROUGH LIFE
a. Spiritual companions listen deeply and respond without judgment.
b.Spiritual companions tend to be intuitive, contemplative, and compassionate.
c. Spiritual companions recognize and honor your ability to make your own choices.

While we each bring our own history and experiences to the companion relationship, in general, spiritual companions are inclusive and authentic, and have wisdom developed through training and from a variety of life experiences.

Most of the major world religions have some form of spiritual formation or direction. I (Georgia) prefer spiritual companionship because it indicates that I will not tell you what to do, how to do it, or what to believe. You may have a deep faith or none at all. Through our time together, you will focus on what matters most to you.

My spiritual life began in a high school/ study group at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church. At Occidental College, each year I sang choral music by Johan Sebastian Bach. I appreciated his deep compassion and spirituality. Later, in Sea2le, I found value in the Dances of Universal Peace sponsored by a Sufi group. After law school(at what is now Seattle University), I was active in a small UCC congregation in Ashland, OR, for about a decade, before I returned to California. In Pasadena, I attended All Saints Church (Episcopal) for a 7ew years. I have been a Quaker for 20+ yea/«.

7he Quaker practice called “worship sharing“is precious to me. While regular Quaker worship is primarily silent, in “worship sharing“ the participants gather in a small group to reflect upon and share their experiences in response to queries or questions. The questions address a specific issue in each session. The issues usually 7ocns on one text, teaching, or topic per session.

I have felt called to offer worship sharing regularly in my home meeting and within the wider Quaker community of Southern California for 20› years.

This is a Zoom or telephone consultation of about 30 minutes. The purpose is to begin getting acquainted and sharing information to see if we are a good fit to work together.

Questions that I may ask you include:

a. What brings you to seek spiritual companionship at this time in your life?
b. Are you comfortable telling your spiritual story to me?
c. Is this your first experience with spiritual companionship? Or – What have been your other experiences?
d. What other questions do you want me to ask you?

Interviewing more than one spiritual companion is recommended. We will come to a mutual decision regarding the “fit’’ between us.

If we decide that we are a good It to work together, we will also discuss what the appropriate fee will be. I (Georgia) use a sliding scale that ranges from $30 to $90 per session. If you have financial concerns that would preclude your participation in spiritual companionship, please let ma know. We might be able to work out an alternative.

sdicompanions.org is an international website dedicated to the art and practice of spiritual companionship. I, Georgia, follow the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (2018) published by SDI (Spiritual Director International).