“You are the result of the love of thousands.”
- Linda Hogan, Native American Chickasaw
More about Lee…
I’ve noticed in the world of spiritual companioning, and spiritual practices it can sometimes feel very serious. As I journey I have found it helpful not taking oneself too seriously, and recognize the fun and creativity when possible. I have to stop and remember this sometimes. There is a word I love, “FRISSON” If you have ever listened to an amazing song that physically caused you to get goosebumps, that physical reaction is called Frisson. As an avid, life-long music lover (particularly live music and vinyl), I experience this intriguing gift of Frisson a great deal; that wholly immersed experience…in the moment, that takes over one’s entire being. I think Frisson is something worth paying attention to. Here is one article you can check out, (there are several) that talks about Frisson. As a trained holy listener, I’ve experienced Frisson when I am deeply listening to another person, during a major perspective life-shift, or while dancing in the desert to a new, amazing song, or while walking a labyrinth. Even certain bands I’ve noticed can cause this for me consistently. Over time, I have come to follow this mysterious, soul-filled, transcending feeling; It has served me well in spiritual companioning, relationships, and growing closer to God/Spirit, and most often, experiencing so much joy. Somehow, I believe it’s connected to my intuition. My experience has been that the more we practice paying attention, making intentional space in our lives for spiritual practices, creativity, and genuine presence to moments and others, the more we can gain capacity for this connected, and gifted experience; taking the time to wonder about the mystery that might be surrounding it.
Some of Lee’s Spiritual Background...
Growing up during my grade school years, I was raised from Roman Catholic roots on my mom’s side. As long as I remember I have felt a sense of creative guided intuition, and had regular, ongoing conversations with God. My dad’s “religion” was music, and his consistent and constant rotation playing his thousands of vinyl records, which showed no boundaries to genres, had a significant and direct impact on my spirituality. Over my lifetime, my journey has gently led me to an interspiritual path. Most people I speak with are much more interested in Spirit moving in their lives, and what gets them excited, rather than their religion. How we relate to others, ourselves, our environment, how we create with our gifts, are all Spiritual questions and inquiries. There are many paths as seekers, yet love and compassion are universal commonalities connecting us all. Our practices are different; the way we glance toward God or Spirit is different; but interspiritual direction honors the interconnectedness of all things. When individual, creative gifts transcends understanding, yet moves others…
My experience with spiritual direction has had a transcendent effect on my heart. Spiritual unfolding is being attentive and interested in how we are living out spirituality (life) with every aspect of being human, and experiencing God/Spirit through all of our senses. As a dancer, artist, music lover, I experience the Divine through the body as life, creativity, and energy. (This is what has led me to the study and practice of Yin Yoga, as mind, body and soul are all intertwined).