September - 2017

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 themes such as shadow material, struggles in spiritual practice, images of God, dreamwork, and the emotional dynamics that shape the 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.

Colorful glass sun and dream catchers in various shapes hang outdoors, reflecting light. Green foliage and a sunny garden are visible in the background.

Working with Our Dreams in the Spiritual Life Part II

When we begin to attend to our dreams, we often sense that they are carrying more than we can grasp at first glance. Their meaning unfolds slowly, inviting imagination, reflection, and prayerful engagement rather than quick interpretation. In this second article, I explore ways of being with a dream more deeply, allowing its symbolic language to open and speak in its own time. In the previous article, Working with Our Dreams in the Spiritual Life – Part I , I explored some in

Colorful word cloud with "symbol" central, surrounded by "love," "peace," and "freedom" on a blue-purple gradient background, conveying calm and wide nature of the symbols we use in life.

Symbolic Life & the Spiritual Path

Much of the spiritual life unfolds through symbol rather than explanation. Images, dreams, metaphors, and stories carry meanings that cannot be reduced to concepts alone, yet they shape how we encounter God, ourselves, and the world. This short reflection explores why symbolic life matters so deeply for spiritual maturity — and why reconnecting with it is essential for inner work on the spiritual path. Modern society may have lost something of the power of symbolic life, but

Silhouetted face with glowing lines, colorful clouds, and a textured sphere in a cosmic background, conveying a dreamlike mood.

Working with our Dreams in the Spiritual Life Part I

Dreams have long been recognised as one of the ways the deeper life of the soul comes to expression. They arise unbidden, speak in images rather than concepts, and often linger with us in ways that invite reflection. In this first article, I explore why dreams matter in the spiritual life, and how we might begin to listen to them with attentiveness and care. Why Dreams Matter in the Spiritual Life In the Christian tradition, many people are becoming more interested again in w

Sailboat with spiral patterns on a tan sail, set against a marbled red sun. Words "Sacred dream" on the hull. Blue watercolor sea.

Spiritual Life & Our Dreams: Dreams in the Christian Tradition

“Spiritual directors and gurus have always been listeners, but the language to which they listen is the ‘forgotten language’ of myths and dreams and symbols, the language of fundamental human experience.” — Kenneth Leech, Soul Friend Within the Christian tradition, dreams have long been regarded as one of the ways the inner life speaks — not in the language of doctrine or argument, but in symbol, image, and story. Dreams do not arrive as theological propositions. They arise f