Foundation Course
Accredited by the Foundation for Holistic Spirituality
A Holistic Spiritual Companion is someone who provides a supportive presence that enables people to clarify their own processes and practice, according to their own spirituality. Our premise is that at the heart of all the different spiritual traditions, ancient and modern, faith and non faith, are some underlying core principles, practices and skills; yet how each individual applies them is a matter of personal discernment. We have sought to identify these common features and portray them in as simple and inclusive way as possible. The result is the following three ‘foundation stones' of Holistic Spirituality..
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION AND ALIGNMENT: There is an innate spirituality within each person that is activated and nourished through connection with the transcendent dimension of life.
INNER PERSONAL WORK: The path of spiritual transformation begins with acknowledgment of imperfections of the human condition and our ability to transform these. Recognition and acceptance are key attitudes, as that which we cannot accept, we cannot transform.
SERVE: Guide your life so it does no harm and actively supports the community of life.
In the spiritual companion programme, participants are invited to reflect on and develop their own personal practice with respect to these areas, as we believe it is important that Spiritual Companions are authentic in their modelling of holistic spirituality. In addition to building on their own spirituality, Spiritual Companions develop key skills, which will assist them in providing companionship to others on their spiritual path, in both formal and informal settings.
However, we are clear that how you practice your spirituality must be authentic to you and guided by your own ‘inner experiencing’. We only ask that you do it on a regular basis, as we believe, like with any sport or the arts, it takes commitment and practice to develop competence.
Our intention with the following Spiritual Practice Guidelines is to provide a framework to cultivate spiritual experiencing. Its purpose is not to enforce specific teachings, but to help you develop your best spiritual practice, in your own particular way. It maybe what you are already doing works for you. That’s great. This course is not about changing your spirituality, but encouraging and deepening.
As you progress through the course, always check that what you are understanding rings true for you. If it does not, either let it go (it is not for you) or enquire further (sometimes semantics can get in the way of understanding). At the end of the day, each of us has to uncover our own approach and, whilst we hugely value companionship, ultimately only you can be responsible for your spiritual growth.