March - 2016

Welcome to Reflections on the Spiritual Life

Here you will find articles on spiritual direction, psychology and spirituality, contemplative practice, and the deeper movements of the spiritual life. Drawing on decades of experience in psychospiritual work and spiritual accompaniment, these reflections explore common themes such as shadow material, prayer struggles, images of God, dreamwork, and the emotional dynamics that shape our spiritual journey.

Whether you are seeking support in your own inner life or resources for spiritual direction practice,

I hope these writings offer clarity, depth, and encouragement.

A bearded representation of a male God in a pink robe gestures assertively, if not angrily, against a pale background. Another figure partially visible. Dynamic and powerful scene.

Spiritual Life & Our Images of God

If we are a follower of a spiritual path then our images of God (or the sacred) are key. When we try to pray, we must have some idea of God in our minds, and this idea will influence how we pray and whether we pray. It will also influence our behaviour and ethics, often without our conscious awareness. Why Our Images of God Matter But our images of God are not the same as our ideas about God. Inner images are pictures not abstract ideas; they are a powerful combination of tho

Colorful pencils in a white cup, fanned out against a light background. The vibrant colors create a lively and creative atmosphere as the tools for our praying with art.

Praying with Art: Image, Symbol, and the Inner Life

Many people discover that words alone are not always enough in prayer. There are seasons when images, colour, movement, and symbol speak more truthfully to what is stirring within us. Praying with art offers a way of listening and responding that engages the whole person — body, imagination, and soul — and can open us to God in unexpectedly gentle and revealing ways. Art as a Way of Prayer Art can be a wonderful way of communicating with God beyond words — both listening and