Fervent Folk: Spiritual Direction + Thoughts on Life

09/11/2025

Angela, who recently left this generous Google review, was the catalyst for the creation of a personal spiritual retreat package I made on her request for her. The Retreat package came with a little booklet I created that incorporated readings, prayers, sacred art to use for Visio Divina practice, contemplative questions, a gentle prayer template guide, and Prayer of Examen section. I was delighted how it turned out and so pleased to accompany her in this journey.

She used her retreat time to hold the questions and unknown that accompanied her current life transitions. It was sacredly Awe-Full to witness the revelations and healing she experienced as I companioned and held space for her during the sometimes difficult and uncomfortable emotions and discoveries.

Practicing Spiritual Direction is my Vocation, my Calling, and my utter delight! I rediscover this truth every time I companion someone in this way.

Curious about Spiritual Direction?
I would be happy to chat about what it's about!

You can also find information and a list of Directors based in Manitoba at spiritualdirectors.ca

I offer in person and online/virtual sessions. Check out FerventFolk.com for Spiritual Direction offerings.

07/10/2025

Check this out!

Free Scavenger Hunt | July 19-20

03/20/2025

I wrote a book review/reflection this morning, after finishing this book, How to Have an Enemy. Check it out on "Behind the Scenes" blog at FerventFolk.com

In summary: An incredibly relevant read. 4 Stars, with a warning! ⚠️

"I am happy I chose this as our book study - I think it's a great way to stir up conversation and debate on important topics, as opposed to book studies revolving around books that discuss docile topics, or controversial ones from an insulated, 'safe', and comforting perspective. 

This is not that kind of book. 

I've learned that when we get nearer to the tender areas, where people's hackles begin to rise, that's when the real work of spiritual growth can begin: because we can actually feel and see the hackles, and can get curious about them. Avoidance of vulnerable topics for fear of hurting ourselves or others makes for insipid, meaningless chatter that brings about no change. No pain, no gain, as they say. I am proud of the people who chose to participate in this book study, risking pain and discomfort. If we're gathered together in close proximity, examining our wounds and the weapons that cause them, missteps can get bloody very quickly. Blood was drawn in our conversations - nicks from the barbs of opposing opinions and fiercely held beliefs. A group who walks into such a book study with eyes open, and a commitment to graceful dialogue despite contrary opinions is a must. Yet, I feel, the gain was well worth it! I gained a great deal from this book study, not only from the book itself, which challenged and provoked my own understanding of injustice and righteous anger, but I also gained a glimpse into different perspectives. Perspectives, I confess, I find difficult to wrap my mind around."

03/12/2025

Curious about what spiritual direction is like? Hear directly from directees I've had the privilege to companion in this gentle, contemplative and soul-deep work.

Does this sound like you?
- feeling drawn to explore your spiritual life more deeply.
- longing for a quiet space, compassionate presence and deeper connection with God.
- trying to make sense of the spiritual dissonance you experience with those around you.

Let's talk!
Send me a note or book a free introductory session at ferventfolk.com


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01/29/2025

Book Discussion Group 📚
Josh and I are hosting a Book club in collaboration with our church (Faith Works) starting February 6. We'll be meeting in the FW office at 600 Shaftesbury (CMU South campus).

If you're interested in joining please send me a note.

Head to the blog post for a few words on the book and an idea of what to expect in discussion.

https://www.ferventfolk.com/post/how-to-have-an-enemy-book-discussion-group

01/03/2025

Relatable: "I have no idea where I am going"

One of my favorite prayers, and so appropriate for the start of a new year.

01/02/2025

The Great Annual Examen
Section 6: Spiritual Health

5 words that describe*my* spiritual health:
New, Different, less-dogmatic, more Authentic, Healthy

My Church experience has been renewed with joy. Amazing what being together with authentic people can do for spiritual refreshment! 🌿

My relationship with God/The Divine Presence has been challenged by the crumbling away of man-made certainties, for sure. It's no joke to experience the assumptions you were taught and have clung to for most of your life disintegrating under your feet! The emotional and mental response is wild, chaotic, and deeply unsettling. Yet there has been a calm, peaceful undercurrent throughout, inviting trust in the Mystery that passes human understanding. I'm down with that. ❤️

Happy New Year to you.
May your next season hold hope and a deeper awareness of the Mystery at work in your life.

I have openings for Spiritual Direction this year, if you're looking to deepen your spiritual health, or want a safe space to discuss what you noticed in this Great Annual Examen.

Book a free meet + greet on the website (or send me a message) if you'd like to learn more about the practice of Spiritual Direction.

🍾
Jocelyn

# spiritualhealth

12/31/2024

The Great Annual Examen
Section 5: Relational Health

Some of my answers:
I think I've *gained* deeper friendships this last year. Ones who I feel know me for who I truly am today, not who I was 15, 20, even 30 years ago. That's a gift, to be sure!

Also, our church, where we've been a part of for just over a year has been a true place of belonging. I'm so thankful!

12/29/2024

Ugh. My job... Not gonna lie, I reassess my job - and ponder what other job I could find that I could do that wouldn't drive crazy - on a weekly basis. 😬

However! I do love my vocation: room for creative expression, make my own hours, mad professional development opportunities...

So, today it's giving satisfaction and contentment. ☺️

This entire GREAT ANNUAL EXAMEN can be found on the FerventFolk.com.website (behind-the-scenes), and I've posted a link on my IG Profile.

Have you answered some of the questions? Let me know what you've discovered in the comments. 👇🏼

12/28/2024

The Great Annual Examen
Section 3: Emotional Health

We talk a lot about Feelings in Spiritual Direction, because feelings + emotions are some of the ways your spirit communicates with you. I wasn't taught to pay attention, or even value, my emotions+ feelings in my cultural community. It's taken me a long time to re-learn how to pay attention and allow the different parts of my Self to speak what they've not been permitted to say for so long. It really has been amazing to notice how letting these parts, feelings + emotions speak what they have to say allows release and healing. 💖

Feelings and emotions don't need to 'drive the bus' in order to be acknowledged and examined. There seems to be a lot of confusion - and fear - about that. Do you know how to 'have a conversation' with your feelings+ emotions, to hear what they have to say, without becoming overwhelmed by them? It certainly does take practice, and guidance, but the rewards of this internal work are worth it!

____________
Responses

1. What do despair, resolve, confusion, amazement, relief (my 5 feelings I believe dominated my life this past year) have to say to me about where I've been + where I'm going? I want them to know, I'm listening.

2. My HAPPIEST times were connected with certain friends, when I'm creating, when I'm at our current church, when I'm reading/learning new things.

5. My emotional well-being is starting to become healthier as I do the hard work of therapy and setting boundaries.
______

Tell me about your relationship with your feelings and emotions. How has it changed over the course of your life?







Questions taken from "The Great Annual Examen" developed by Stephen W Smith, President + Spiritual Director of Potter's Inn.

12/27/2024

The Great Annual Examen
Section 2: Physical Health

I get at least 9 hours of sleep per night, normally. It's what I've learned I need to function properly. I confess it feels embarrassing at times, when I hear of people who are good with

12/27/2024

Annual Examen:
Section 1 - General Examination of my Life

It's late. I'm hoping to post a few of my own reflections on these prompts in the comments tomorrow before I post Day 2, but I can tell you already: my biggest loss (question 4) in 2024 was definitely my Executive Function! Is it ADHD? PeriMeno? "Simply" Aging? I don't know. But I'm certainly aware of its absence and grieving it daily. Ugh.