Spiritual Companion

What if one of the greatest gifts we could offer anotherperson is not advice, answers, fixing, or even a really impressive motivational speech, but simply the willingness to listen deeply? In this episode, Michelle explores the idea of a spiritual companion, someone who pays attention not onlyto the words we say, but to the subtle movements of the divine within and around our lives. Through the beautiful image of “grace with meat on the bones,” she considers what it means to have someone sit with us in the messy,mysterious, beautiful, and sometimes horrific experience of being human without trying to make it all better. Maybe we all need someone who can listen beneath the problem of the day and notice something sacred happening there. And perhapsbefore we go searching too far for that person, we can begin by learning to listen that deeply to ourselves and then offering that same kind of presence to someone we love.Questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you! [email protected] the podcast? Help us reach more people by liking,commenting, following, subscribing, or sharing the podcast with someone who might enjoy these conversations too.Reflection QuestionsWhat would it mean for you to have someone listen deeply toyou without trying to fix, solve, advise, or change anything?Who in your life has offered you “grace with meat on thebones” by simply being present with you when life was difficult?Where have you noticed subtle patterns, nudges, mysteries,or movements of the divine within your own life lately?How well are you listening to yourself beneath theresponsibilities, assignments, errands, and demands of everyday life?Who in your life might need you to become a spiritualcompanion for a moment and simply listen more deeply?