Embracing the Divine Dance of Spiritual Formation and Self-Discovery

Spiritual direction and soul care provide guidance and support in the formation process. The process helps us discern how we are channeling our inner fire and whether it is bearing fruit in our lives. These practices are essential for mental health because they encourage reflection, healing, and growth.

Spiritual formation is a journey that begins long before we take our first breath and continues throughout our lives. It is the process by which God, the Creative God, shapes us from conception onward. This shaping is not static; it is an ongoing invitation to enter a dance with the Divine, a dance where we bring all our questions, doubts, and hopes. Understanding this dance helps us engage deeply with our spirituality and mental health, offering a path toward soul care and spiritual direction.

The dance of spiritual formation invites freedom and creativity

What We Mean by Formation

Formation refers to the way God forms us, starting at conception and continuing throughout our lives. God’s creative power is at work in every moment, shaping our character, spirit, and purpose. Spiritual formation is not about perfection but about allowing God to work within us, guiding us through life’s challenges and joys.

This process is like a dance where God leads, but we also move with intention and openness. The invitation is to dance like no one is watching, to be authentic and vulnerable in our journey. Bringing all your questions to God is part of this dance—there is no need to hide doubts or fears.

Linda Serepca often prays a simple yet profound prayer: “O God who are you? O God who am I?” This prayer echoes the words of St. Francis de Assisi, who said that if this is the only prayer you pray, it is enough. It captures the essence of spiritual formation—seeking to understand both God and ourselves deeply.

Understanding Spirituality

Spirituality asks: what is the condition of your spirit? How alive, open, or restless is it?

Ronald Rolheiser, in his book Holy Longing, describes spirituality as the energy or fire placed within us by the Holy Spirit. The Greeks called this energy eros, a passionate desire present in every person. This fire is always with us, whether we recognize it or not.

Spirituality is how we channel this fire. It is not limited to religion; religion is only one way to express spirituality. For example, some people might channel their inner fire through busyness, shopping, or other habits. The key question is whether this channeling is healthy and life-giving or harmful and draining.

Moving Forward in Your Spiritual Journey

Your spiritual journey is unique. Embracing the divine dance means allowing God to form you while actively engaging with your spirit’s condition. Bring your questions, doubts, and hopes to God. Use spiritual direction and soul care as tools to nurture your mental health and deepen your connection with the Divine.

Ask yourself regularly: Am I channeling my inner fire in a way that brings life and growth? If not, seek guidance and support. Remember, spirituality is a living energy within you, waiting to be expressed in ways that bring meaning and peace.

Learn more at Peacock Spiritual Care (PSC) builds on a long history of organized training in spiritual formation and soul care from the African American spiritual tradition. Understanding and learning this history may enrich your appreciation of how spiritual direction has evolved and continues to serve diverse communities: www.peacocksoulcare.com