Rev. Susan Cyr answers frequently asked questions

Q. What does Interspirituality mean?

Interspirituality is a worldview that  seeks to honor the meaning-making that is common in all the world’s wisdom and religious traditions. The great traditions throughout history began as people  asked questions about the cosmos, about the meaning of life on Earth. While  theologies vary through time and across cultures, a common theme emerges in human spiritual experience:  a deep and abiding sense that we are all  interconnected; that we are related by the spark of unnamable divinity within us; that our mutual well-being is our path; that kindness and love for self, Earth, other beings and The Divine leads to peace; that there are many names for the unnamable, many paths to God. No one way is the only way. I am an Interspiritual Counselor and Minister, as I find bits of meaningful truth in  many sources:  in nature, in Eastern traditions, in indigenous Earth-based wisdom, in psychology, in poetry and literature. . . to name only a few of my favorites.

Q. Is Interfaith the same as Non-Denominational?

No, not according to my connotation of the words. Non-denominational faiths, in my experience, are different sects of Christianity. Non-denominational institutions are those not formally aligned with an established religious denomination and are historically Protestant.

Interfaith, according to my connotation, is a view that includes all religions and wisdom traditions  of the world, indigenous wisdom, honors the truths to be found in all of them. As human institutions, all religions are subject to distortion and politicization. We see this in the news almost daily. Yet, at their core, the great traditions teach forgiveness, love and kindness, the inherent dignity and love that is our birthright as beings on the planet. I seek to live with respect for those deep truths we hold in common. The human family varies so widely by race, culture, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender . . . yet, we are one. In our need for love and kindness, we are one.

Q. What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is synonymous with counseling. In my view, all matters of the heart and mind are as spiritual as they are secular. I prefer to think of the process as one in which you, the client, discover your own, personal direction in conversation with me, your counselor.