Spiritual Journeys
In the words of a Common Ground Professional:
My Philosophy - A Fellow Traveler
As a guide, it is my initial responsibility to determine where the traveler would like to go and help them get there. What is her reason for coming? What will success for this person look like? As I listen to the stated problems and solutions, I also listen for the struggles and desires that are not so openly spoken. I ask about areas of concern and suggest potential outcomes. I subtly encourage the inclusion of God honoring choices. After much discussion of dreams and obstacles, I aid the traveler in deciding the best possible destination, along with realistic milestones along the way.
It is important to appraise the voyager’s preparedness before beginning the journey. There must be time for the traveler to assess the potential benefits and risks. The danger and discomfort associated with travel should be discussed. Only the most committed will complete the journey. A time of relationship strengthening is mandatory. Encouragement and positive regard are fundamental. Additional equipping including instruction in basic communication and positive coping skills may also be necessary pre-travel work. As the navigator is it my job to try to help the traveler understand the terrain ahead. This is an area where my personal experience can be beneficial, although no two journeys are ever the same. Even paths that appear to be straight can be fraught with danger, so I will seek support from many sources, such as colleagues, research, and prayer. I will use what I learn to inform my fellow traveler, holding to the understanding that this is her journey and she is the one who must ultimately do the hard work of making progress.
How is the destination reached? One step at a time. In the heat and healing of the relationship, as I point toward truth and together we wrestle through their pain. At times there may appear to be no progress or even destructive backsliding. It is at this point in the journey that my faith, in the renewing power of God, is most tested. It is my job to have enough hope for both of us - to never loose sight of the goal and to not abandon the client to the darkness. I must stand firm and represent the Creator by showing compassion and strength.
Another important function of my navigator role is to recognize our arrival at milestones. These critical accomplishments must be acknowledged and commended. Celebration may be in order. Clients gain momentum from successful endeavors and positive change. Unfortunately most clients are so focused on the destination that they are unable to see their own progress. The navigator is a mirror to the individual and a witness to the work of re-creation.
In the rare and wonderful times when I am able to guide fellow travelers to their appointed destinations, it is also my responsibility to remind them that they are not at the end of the road. I must review with them the lessons that they have learned, in order to guard against the desire to turn back.
What are these journeys like for the guide? They are terrifying and tumultuous, wild and wonderful. It is the most frightening work I have ever done and the most gratifying. I have the honor of entering deeply into the hearts of others, to see their beauty even in their brokenness.
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