I am:
~a lifelong seeker of truth, a listener, a survivor, and a lover of connection, Mother Earth and kindness.
~a retired educator who created environments that optimized the potential of students who were differently abled.
~finding joy with my life partner, our four kids, three kids-in-law, five granddaughters, two grand dogs and two grand cats.
~having fun helping with my partner’s business providing Your Hit Parade era music to elders in retirement communities and memory care centers.
~filled with awe and wonder when birding, traveling, taking pictures (sometimes all three at the same time), gardening, and finding my ancestors.
~steeped in connection when facilitating a group, offering a meditation, or being present with someone.
~a believer in love, mystery, and the possibility that we can all deeply listen to what is stirring within ourselves and make meaning of it.
~on my spiritual journey as a Spiritual Independent, as Rabbi Rami Shapiro describes it, a seeker without borders. No one single source contains all of my beliefs and experiences. I seek wisdom and inspiration from many sources, wisdom that resonates not from where it comes, but from its capacity to create compassion and the unity and interdependence of all.
~a Unitarian Universalist, on my own free and responsible search for truth and meaning. My interspiritual influences are Buddhism, process theology, the Quakers, perennialism, the Christian mystics, earth-centered religions, and nondualism . . . so far. I continue to learn and reflect, feeling the connection with myself, others and the world that underlies my being.
Why the spiral?
The spiral is an ancient symbol found in many cultures and religious traditions. It symbolizes the life cycle, change and growth, spiritual development and movement into a higher level of consciousness, among others. The Celtic spiral represents the consciousness of nature starting from the center and expanding outwardly, the mystical way of all things. Scientifically, it’s the golden ratio and nature’s pattern of growth and way of transmitting energy. And, it’s beautiful.
What are my qualifications?
Learned mentoring and facilitation over a long career in education
Trained in pastoral care and was a member of a church Pastoral Team
Member of a Covenant Group
Participated in and then facilitated Wellsprings, a spiritual development program of the Unitarian Universalist Congregations
Graduated from the Wellstreams Program in Spiritual Formation and the Art of Spiritual Direction, a part of The Spirituality Network in Columbus, Ohio
Member of Spiritual Directors International, the Spiritual Directors Association of Ohio and of The Spirituality Network Board of Directors
Facilitated groups, including Soul Matters Small Group, using the Circles of Trust Touchstones from Parker J Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal
Volunteer manager of The Oasis, an online offering of The Spirituality Network providing a weekly time of mindful reflection
Member of and contributor to, the Interspiritual Contemplative Circle
Stay centered and growing through a yearly personal retreat, my own spiritual companioning, supervision, and ongoing professional development through conferences, workshops, online offerings and in-depth study and reflection.
I abide by the Spiritual Directors International’s Guidelines for Ethical Conduct
Where do I come from?
Dwelling in Gahanna, Ohio, within the Big Walnut Creek watershed that flows through the Scioto River watershed to the Ohio River and beyond.
Residing on the lands of the indigenous ancestors and within the traditional homelands of the Shawnee and Myaamia people who along with other indigenous groups were forcibly removed from their homes.
Honoring my ancestors from parts of Europe without whom I would not exist.
Gratefully inhabiting Mother Earth.
Our group is led by Karen McGuire, who does an incredible job of facilitating the discussions. This process lends itself to deep introspection, and the sharing of this information with the group members brings about a connection rarely made in group discussions. This practice has helped me to share things in my own life, that I have rarely shared with others, knowing that it will be received without judgment. I’ve listened to profound insights from each group member, and as a result, I feel a deep connection to each person in the group. They are all dear to my heart. I knew few people when I moved to Ohio a little over a year ago, and the necessary isolation during a pandemic exacerbated the loss of connection with others. The Soul Matters group has allowed me to once again have a connection to others and to meet wonderful people. It has enriched my life in countless ways. ~ LM
