Maitri: Lovingkindness

I get asked every once in a while what Selah means, what the heck spiritual direction really is, and what I do for, you know, life (a living). And in light of all the change going on around here (seriously, have you subscribed so you can keep up with all of this change? It is all going to be so good!), I have been putting specific prayer and energy into finding a really clear way to describe it all.

I have also been reading this incredible book called “When Things Fall Apart,” which you can just go ahead and buy here because ooooo man is it good!

Anyway, the point is, she mentions this Tibetan word ‘Maitri’ which she describes as lovingkindness.

Here is what the interwebs say:

Definition - What does Maitri mean?

Maitri is a Sanskrit word which can be translated as "friendship," "friendliness" or "benevolence." It can also be used to describe the mental union that takes place when two people are on the same wavelength. The Pali version of this word that is often used is metta.

Another way of describing maitri is a form of love which excludes the suffering that can arise from attachment (known as upadana).

There is a similar Hebrew word used in the Old Testament, ‘chesed,’ which is translated as lovingkindness. “The theological importance of the word chesed is that it stands more than any other word for the attitude which both parties to a covenant ought to maintain towards each other.”

If you’ve stuck with me this far, it’s safe to say this (a) makes sense to you, (b) appeals to you because you are seeking it out, or (c) also love words and semantics and connecting important things together. And that’s what I love about you.

This Maitri is what we work to create at Selah Space. Selah, (as you may have read here) is a Hebrew word in the Psalms that they haven’t been able to translate for certain, but generally means to take pause and notice what was just said.

My purpose, as a spiritual director at Selah Space, is to create space for you to notice in a loving, gentle, deeply connected way the inner workings of your life.

That’s it. That is the only rule. That’s the only set intention. Everything else is yours to manifest, come to, settle into, experience based on your beautifully unique life experience, needs, and the desires of your heart.

So as we step into this season of Selah Space running out of my home and then into a season of a new space all together, I hope to keep this at the forefront of my mind. Maitri is a powerful, gentle, friendly, connected way to be with one another. And it’s the purpose and intent of everything I offer, from spiritual direction, to singing bowls, and all the way back around to Reiki. It’s all for the friendly, lovingkindness, and connected spirits of the people I share that with and with the sweet, sweet Holy Spirit who is ever-present in all of it.