Reflection
Reflection is a critical element of pastoral counseling. It helps us maintain our mental health and supports our spiritual growth. Part of the pastoral counseling process involves reading or writing material that helps us through our time of pain. In therapy, we are often encouraged to journal.
Our mission here is to provide spiritual writing that may bring new insight to a problem or experience. Spirituality is an inward concern with things of the spirit. As we reflect on those inward concerns, we often find our stress relieved. Theological reflection helps us seek meaning, using the Christian tradition as a source of wisdom and guidance.
For visitors to this site, we hope these reflections are a ministry, an expression of faith. If you are a Pastoral Counselor and a member of the AAPC Northwest Region you may email your reflection to be considered for posting. Reflection may include entries about professional formation or your spiritual journey. Other topics might include your pastoral identity, faith experience, psychological theoretical orientation, life experience or clinical experience. Writing may include a poem or other forms of prose.
Reality
Harsh sun slashing through the mists of truth,
Judicial ear seeking only voices safe to hear,
Observer of the obvious, blind to subtlety
Battle planner bent on brutal conquest of the facts,
Reality is so unyielding in its certainties.
It is the human heart that lives the journey rather than the end.
It is mystery winding through complexity.
It walks through dappled lights that may or may not be.
It treasures faiths both hidden and revealed.
It honors love if given or received.
The human heart is so much wiser than reality.
Written by AAPC Northwest Region Member Ellen Conroy, 12-05-09. Ellen is from Sherwood, Oregon. |
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