| Re: O
I would say that Spiritual "Director" is too much, but "mentor" is
about right. I don't think any person should submit their mind, thus
their life, totally to another, as "Director" denotes to me.
However, I would say that every one requires a "mentor" at some time in
their lives. I think the scriptures NT says something about "being
under teachers and governors" for awhile.
The reason and benefit of having a mentor, teacher, etc. is the reason
seeds need a planter. No seed is technically "self planted", even
falling from the tree, or an exploding pod, requires wind and other
factors to get the seed in a place where it may grow, but such are wild
plants, like the "wild olive tree". The good olive tree, is planted by
someone and watered and nurtured til it bears fruit. Anyway, what I'm
trying to say is sometimes it takes another to introduce thoughts and
perceptions that we would never have come to on our own. As it is
written, "How can they believe in whom they have not heard, and how can
they hear without preacher."
Playtoe
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| Playtoe,
You know, last night I nearly deleted this note since it drew no
interest.
I believe a Spiritual Director or Mentor, as you prefer, can be
an enormous benefit. Such a person may not necessarily tell you what you
need to do or where you need to be spiritually, but such a person can ask
probing and stimulating questions which may facilitate in discovering for
yourself what you need to do and where you need to be spiritually.
A solid rapport and mutual trust are essential.
Peace,
Richard
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| RE: 2
Yes, I agree, having a Mentor can be an enormous benefit.
I'm stilling thinking about whether a "solid rapport and mutual trust"
are essential. In my experience with mentors, it was only necessary
that they have the knowledge I needed and be willing to share it. I
think a rapport developed once I began to find the growth and
development I hoped for, but trust was something that I didn't totally
have (never that comfort zone), but more than this I began to feel a
great admiration and honor for the person, because they were able to
help me grow and develop. But to say "rapport and trust", doesn't
quite capture the unconditional nature of mentorship.
I don't know, maybe I'm being argumentative on this...
Playtoe
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