Rule of Life: Episode 4 with Sister Heather Kristine
Apr 8, 2024
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Sister Heather Kristine, a monastic sister and spiritual director, discusses the transformative power of a Rule of Life in shaping her spiritual journey. Topics include navigating resistance in spiritual practices, exploring Benedictine and Sistertian vows, discerning desires for spiritual growth, and recognizing God's presence in everyday encounters.
A shared Rule of Life is essential for spiritual freedom and healing, not just self-improvement.
Integration of spiritual practices requires creating space and genuine engagement, not simply adding to busyness.
Resistance in spiritual practices signals growth opportunities, urging self-awareness and discernment for deeper engagement.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Shared Rule of Life
A shared Rule of Life is emphasized as a means of moving beyond self-improvement or mere productivity. The focus is on achieving spiritual freedom, healing, and formation to fulfill God's calling. Sister Heather Christine highlights the need for genuine motivations and a deepening relationship with God rather than pursuing self-betterment alone. She stresses the importance of attentiveness to the Spirit's invitations, suggesting a more sustainable and authentic approach.
Discerning the Adoption of a Rule of Life
Discerning the adoption of a Rule of Life, whether individualized or shared, involves creating space for practices and authentically engaging with them. Sister Heather emphasizes the significance of willingness to integrate practices without merely adding them to a busy life. She reflects on the importance of divine timing, recognizing moments where God prepares individuals for deeper spiritual engagement.
Understanding Resistance and Inner Work
Resistance in spiritual practices is viewed as a significant indicator for potential growth and self-discovery. Sister Heather encourages individuals to pay attention to their resistance, exploring its roots and motivations. She highlights the value of self-awareness, active listening to divine invitations, and distinguishing productive resistance from detrimental patterns, especially in contexts of intense ministry or burnout.
Community and Spiritual Formation
Community plays a vital role in spiritual formation, offering support, encouragement, and accountability in shared practices. Sister Heather underscores the communal aspect of Rule of Life, where individuals commit to a collective journey of rest, peace, and love. The shared Rule of Life allows for diverse expressions of common commitments, fostering mutual learning and growth within a supportive community.
Engaging Desires in Spiritual Discernment
Trusting and discerning desires is vital in navigating spiritual practices and discernment. Sister Heather advocates for recognizing desires as channels through which God communicates, leading individuals closer to Him. She advises on discerning the alignment of desires with God's will, guiding individuals towards formational practices rooted in authentic reflection and listening to the Spirit's invitations.
Embracing Conversa More and Obedience
The vows of Converse More and Obedience highlight the ongoing surrender to God's transformative work within one's life. Sister Heather emphasizes the importance of yielding to inner changes and staying committed to continuous personal growth. These vows encourage individuals to maintain stability, allowing God to shape them in ways that lead to deeper spiritual understanding and alignment with His will.
In our final episode of this four-part series, we host a conversation with Sister Heather Kristine who will talk more specifically about how a rule of life has shaped her journey in the monastic context and as a spiritual director.
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