Spiritual Guidance/Direction/Companioning   The gentle art of spiritual guidance or companioning has its practitioners in every faith in the world. Sometimes called gurus, directors, mentors, or soul friends, these guides are the listeners and companions on the journey as they meet with people who are discerning the movements of the Holy in their lives.   The spiritual guide is a highly trained, attentive person who is present to people and who aids them in the discernment processes that effect their lives. Spiritual guidance encourages the expression of feelings that come from the core of each person rather than the religious "shoulds" which are so often imposed from religious as well as secular cultures. Spiritual guidance/companioning is thus an organic process, empowering people to find the Holy within and to trust the process of walking the path with Spirit.   Traditionally the spiritual companion meets with people monthly to discuss life's events and how the Holy is at work in these events. Other aspects of spiritual guidance might include prayer, ritual, or readings. However, the spiritual guide is equipped to be present to the full range of human experience, including the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of those who come. The full humanity of each person is deeply respected and acknowledge in its unique self.   Through a combination of active listening skills, prayer, literature, rituals, and discernment skills around life's experiences as well as dream analysis, the spiritual guide/companion offers support and presence to people as they find their ways through the decisions, both large and less large, that effect the quality and experiences of their live.