By Ramona Pauls

The practice of spiritual direction helps us remember who we are: embodied spiritual beings that carry the Divine spark in the world. It is in the healing space of direction that I remember my wild spirit, my welcoming heart, and offer my gifts of deep listening and curiosity.

Spiritual Direction has been the space where I have learned that my nature is that of a spiritual archaeologist. I long to create a healing space where we can dig up the lies and old patterns, and uncover deep truths. Where we learn to listen to our own voice, reconnect our relationship to our bodies, and remember our true selves.

My spiritual roots are found in the Mennonite Church, where I have done a fair bit of excavation work, re-interpreting and reclaiming what holds true for me today.

My own archaeological deep dig came after some personal earthquakes: major shifts in my grounding, which included navigating big losses and changing relational roles. These cracks in my foundation opened me up to explore, to question, and to re-evaluate. Our grief and suffering often serves as that opening to re-examine life.

It was at this time I also discovered the enneagram, a new lens to help me see myself, my past, and my future. The lens of the enneagram served as an archaeologist’s tool for uncovering my patterns, and for reconnecting me to my gifts, and purpose.

It is this tool, along with others, and the space of open exploration that I work to create in each session. I’m particularly interested in journeying with folks who are deconstructing old beliefs, offering opportunity for exploration, and holding space for those in that dark in-between place, as old pillars fall and a new framework is being built.

I also long to foster spaces of community, belonging, and support, creating a 4-month Support Group for those deconstructing old religious frameworks that no longer serve them. It is a space for anyone on the journey of deconstruction (whether it be a fresh endeavour, or a path started many years ago) to find healing, belonging, and a deeper sense of self. The next cohort begins this October.

If you are looking for space to dig into deeper self-understanding and discover the treasures buried deep, I’d love to accompany you on the journey.

-Ramona