Who is a spiritual companion?
Spiritual companions support people on their spiritual journeys through life.
Spiritual companions are welcoming and present with those they companion, listening and responding without being judgmental.
Spiritual companions are contemplative and honor silence as a spiritual practice.
Spiritual companions recognize the agency of the people they companion.
Spiritual companions are intuitive spiritual friends — accountable and compassionate, hospitable and open, loving yet independent.
Spiritual companions come from many walks of life and vocations, including:
- spiritual directors and guides
- religious leaders (imams, pastors, rabbis)
- chaplains
- health care workers
- activists
- writers
- teachers and educators
- artists
Are you a spiritual companion? Consider the following:
- Do you journey with others, walking alongside as a spiritual friend?
- Does your work require you to be present to people as a compassionate listener?
- Have you ever been identified as a compassionate listener?
- Do you encounter people in the depths of their being, as they process big question in their life?
- Do people naturally seek you out when they need to talk about things on their heart?
Meet a few friends from the SDI Public Square
Karen Erlichman
Spiritual Director, Psychotherapist, Supervisor
Ravi Verma
Spiritual Director
Sr. Alison McCrary
Catholic Nun, Attorney, Reiki Practitioner
Mona Haydar
PERFORMING ARTIST, ACTIVIST
Brian Gaeta-Symonds
Pastor, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Rabbi Amy Eilberg
Spiritual Director, Interfaith Justice Activist
Preeta Banerjee
ENTREPRENEUR, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR
Sr. Kathleen McAlpin
CATHOLIC NUN, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Bayo Akomolafe
AUTHOR, SPEAKER, PUBLIC INTELLECTUAL
Nicholas Collura
Palliative Care Chaplain
Azra Rahim
MEDICAL DOCTOR, SUFI PRACTITIONER
Jade T. Perry
Writer, Educator, Folk Healer
All are welcome in the Public Square of Spiritual Companionship
All kinds of people from all walks of life identify as spiritual companions – are you one? We welcome you!
