The Midlife Initiation – It’s a Thing!
By the time we enter our 40’s, our psyches are ripe for checking-in with how our life is going as we acknowledge that we have arrived in a different chapter of life labeled “midlife”, whether we welcome the idea “holy crap, I’m 40” or resist it.
Like it or not, arriving at midlife is no different than other life passages, like teenage-hood or marriage/partnership or parenthood. With my background in psychology and shamanic medicine traditions I remember learning that each of these passages were “initiations” into different expressions of self, with their own challenges and opportunities for growth.
Midlife too often brings about significant changes, challenges, and opportunities, only this time it comes with an opportunity for self-reflection at an approximate half-way point in our lives. Spiritual companionship, which is a process of exploring and deepening our spiritual journey or inner life with the guidance of a trained spiritual guide, can provide valuable support and insight during this phase.
Here’s how spiritual companionship can be particularly beneficial during midlife:
Self-discovery and meaning-making: Midlife can prompt questions about the meaning and purpose of life, as well as a desire to explore one's values and beliefs more deeply. Spiritual companionship provides a safe and supportive space to engage in these explorations, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and find greater clarity about their spiritual path.
Navigating transitions: Midlife often involves significant life transitions such as career changes, empty nesting, and shifts in relationships. A professional spiritual companion can offer guidance on how to navigate these transitions from a spiritual perspective, helping individuals find balance, resilience, and a sense of grounding.
Healing and integration: Past experiences, both positive and challenging, can come to the forefront during midlife. Spiritual companionship can aid in the process of healing, forgiveness, and integrating these experiences into one's life story in a way that fosters growth and transformation.
Renewed perspective: A professional spiritual companion can help individuals examine their beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes, allowing them to develop a more expansive and open perspective on life. This can be especially valuable during midlife when people might be reevaluating their values and priorities.
Connection with something greater: Many individuals seek a deeper connection with something greater than themselves during midlife. Spiritual companionship can assist in exploring this desire for connection, whether it's through sacred practices, meditation, mindfulness, or other forms of spiritual engagement.
Coping with mortality: Midlife often brings an increased awareness of mortality. Spiritual companionship can provide a space to explore existential questions and come to terms with the finite nature of life, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance.
Soul Expressions offers a sanctuary for exploring these themes, leaning into the perennial wisdom of the ages and various spiritual traditions. The goal is to help you feel safe as we explore often-times challenging terrain from our past and present, without needing to fix anything and accepting that life can be hard.
But it can also be healing and inspiring as we look forward. So, if you find yourself in the middle part of life with questions and curiosity about the next few steps in life, book an exploration chat to see if Soul Expressions can support you.
