When we refer to workplace spirituality, we usually speak about organizational generalities and possible effects to the group. We can worry about religious or denomination pressure negatively affecting our workplace; we can rejoice at the many benefits that come when the human spirit is engaged. But I think we often overlook the truth that spirituality is essentially a personal choice and journey. While spiritually grounded people influence the work environment with presence and personal power, their positive influence is a result of their inner work. This article considers the individual perspective on integrating the spiritual into our lives at work.

Not at all about religion, spirituality really speaks to the deep sense of connectedness that we feel/know--to one's interior self, to one another, to nature, and ultimately, to the Source of all being--and how that connectedness manifests itself in our behavior. A deepening spiritual awareness results normally in calm, personal stability, resiliency, and better decision making. It guides us toward wisdom—an attribute desperately needed in today's world. (Guillory)

Developing wisdom is a dynamic process that affects how we think, what we do, what response we get, and how we respond, as well. Greater awareness leads to attitude and behavior change, in ourselves and potentially, in others, too. But it depends on a growing understanding of what we believe is most important and how our lives are shaped by those values. Wisdom guides us in the necessary and dynamic process of self-renewal--maintaining our essential identity while changing our external form.

Who am I? What am I about? What do I hold sacred? What affects me? How do I affect others? These start the process of looking at our inner world and seeing the congruence with our outer world. If we look honestly and openly at ourselves, we come to understand more, bringing that bigger perspective to the service of all whom we meet.

This deeply personal journey toward wisdom has a very public expression when we undertake it at and through our work. Facing the ongoing process of organizational self renewal that is critical to survival today, we can tap into essential resources--stronger relationships, resiliency, greater calm--resources more important to this process than technical skills. We can have both a clear sense of core identity and an openness to the possible. (Wheatley) It doesn't matter where we are in the organization, we can ground ourselves in our beliefs and make a difference; we can make work a spiritual practice. (Richmond)

This ongoing process of attitude and behavioral self examination is a practical expression of a 12th century definition of theology--faith seeking understanding.* This type of deep seeking is a process best undertaken in a context of human community, with companions whom we trust and who help us make sense of events and decisions, as well as seeing opportunities that life presents. The spiritual journey, while still intensely personal, need not be a lonely one.

There is a long-standing tradition of this type companionship that is increasingly being sought to help integrate our spiritual journey with our work. Variously called spiritual guidance or direction, it is a relationship of another's loving listening to us as we search for deeper understanding. (Guenther, Wicks/Rodgerson) Historically seen in a context of personal growth and, often only within religious denominations, Spiritual Direction is now being recognized as relevant to workplace decisions and behavior. While far from common, this companioned searching for understanding about and through work was newsworthy enough to be reported by the Wall Street Journal in July, 1998. It would seem that Spiritual Direction is increasingly going to work.

From years in management training and leadership development, I have seen the hunger of people to connect their deeper spirit with their work. Prompted often with a desire to solve a specific problem (frequently stress-related) , they begin meditation, yoga, chanting etc and find that those practices create a quiet space and centering that opens for them an awareness of deeper issues that need exploration. Those places of quiet and stillness are often where we meet the Sacred within who calls to us through all parts of our lives, including our work.

Becoming aware of and deepening our connection to the Holy is the essence of the spiritual journey. Our own spirituality flourishes as we more consciously participate with the mysterious Divine expressing itself in and through us. But we don't always see it because we are so close to it and that's where Spiritual Direction comes into the picture.

In this relationship of loving listening, the Spiritual Director looks with us at our lives and listens with us for the song of the Spirit that is breaking through our resistance and awakening us to new possibilities. In asking for deeper reflection on an event or feeling, the Spiritual Guide widens the space to let us to see if (and how) Wisdom is speaking to us. In that space, we can perhaps recognize more fully where self, a hunger for meaning, and Divine Energy interconnect and then understand better this juncture of belief and its lived application. The long-term goal of Spiritual Direction is to be a companion to another in the ongoing process of discovering the Great Mystery present in our lives.

Training and development led me to personal coaching and then to formal studies in and the practice of Spiritual Direction. I now do team building, training, coaching within the context of this type of companionship, weaving it into how I listen, facilitate meetings, and develop curricula. I have come to believe that it is impossible to separate sustained high performance from the enthusiasm of the engaged human spirit. Because I see the workplace as full of opportunity to liberate human potential, to make a meaning-filled difference, and to strengthen the fabric of our society, for me, the workplace is full of hope for everyone. But these incredible possibilities require that we see work in a new way--as perhaps a spiritual journey, certainly an opportunity to serve the greater good. (Griffin) And many clients and work associates share this vision of the possible.

Who am I? What am I about? What do I believe matters? How do I live those beliefs? These questions lift us from the mechanics of performance improvement and reframe the issues, defining performance improvement in a context of living authentically. It is a breakthrough realization that changes our view of the world, and I illustrate it with these stories.

1. Through mutual employment, I met and came to know somewhat a very talented, driven, and accomplished salesman. As he faced a very difficult personal situation, he asked me to listen and provide some perspective. His greatest need was for a safe place to explore his deep hurt. Knowing clearly that my role was not to advise, I suggested that he begin some meditation and allow the inner stillness to provide him with the answers he sought. Although he did not get the answer he wished, he did receive inner guidance that has, over time, opened his life to establish a balance that meets family and professional needs. His overall approach has moved from intellectual-only decision making to values-centering in his life. Now, a consultant who operates independently, he combines his new awareness into his work. His professional planning services gain him entrance into a company and he then works with top management to examine company processes and cultures to find ways to free the people to do their best--to find wholeness and satisfaction instead of frustration. Doing this work requires that he continually learn new skills and he sees work as a wonderful vehicle for his own growth and development. Always an energetic salesman, now he is an enthusiastic person.**

2. A colleague who moved from a speaking and training career into non-profit work with a marginalized population did so initially as a marketing strategy for her business and career. She quickly realized that the work itself "touched her heart"; she was energized by helping people realize their innate dignity and value. Believing that the path to a good future requires changing our attitude from "being victimized" to "being accountable", she encourages personal responsibility non-stop. Coming to know me after her organization was established but when she was becoming discouraged and weary, she found that it mattered greatly to her that someone could hear and understand how her heart was calling for this work to be done. Asking for help to make the organization more effective was ostensibly to develop better infrastructure and training programs, but it was also to affirm the value of what she was doing. She needed someone to hear how the Spirit of Life had enveloped her in and through her work; once heard, she could continue with enthusiasm. The organization's mission is to help welfare women become economically self sufficient, but her deeper purpose is cultivating "hope"-- and it fills her heart with joy that she wants to share.

3. I met a woman through a professional association, who, on the heels of a serious emotional trauma asked me to work with her as a personal coach to help her develop better personal/emotional boundaries. Coaching questions invited her to look at her life, its influences, and her worldview, in general. In that process, she deepened her awareness of who she is and how she has viewed God, historically and currently. In the protected environment of a trusted conversation, she has begun to examine her spiritual and emotional wounds, treating them with loving, compassionate care. She is coming to like herself more, to care for herself more fully, and to face the future with more hope. The boundary issue is taking care of itself. This integrated, stronger person is becoming more aware of herself within her environment and much more effective in her teaching and training role.

For each of these people, and for many others, as well, work is an opportunity to reflect on what is important and come to new insights. Seldom are the insights earth shaking, but they have a deep impact on the ordinary and on self-esteem. (Wicks) We begin our conversations to accomplish some stated goal and, in the process, we do the work of becoming more integrated and whole. These conversations let the Spirit take center stage. Not a one-time fix-up, but an ongoing relationship--shaping the context to develop greater resiliency, wisdom, and peace.

When we are centered in our core values, we can adapt without losing our identity. (Wheatley) We can be a contributing part of a system of growth and change, not lost in the seeming chaos. We are better able to integrate new information and to contribute to healthy organization/system development. Through our personal stability, we bring calm to our work environment, become a yeast for change, and influence good decision making. This path of wisdom comes from the conscious integration of spirit and work and provides needed navigation as we venture into the unknown.

I met each of these people through work. Not one found me in my role as a Spiritual Director and yet each has received Spiritual Direction. While they use different words to describe and name the Sacred, the One, the Divine Energy, they are all keenly aware of how they have been touched by the Holy in their lives. They are more alive today than before we began our conversations.

For me, this process has been and continues to be an exciting one. I began with a confident, although vague belief that people are hungry to find meaning in their work. Now, I see evidence that people want to speak about how their work is part of their connection to the Mystery that we call God. In the workplace, we can explore new understandings of what it means to live fully, to live in hope, to make a difference. My own views have been stretched and challenged. My work and beliefs have become enriched with meaning. With clients and colleagues, I realize an unfolding awareness of the Divine becoming more visible through people and events, understanding that every place hosts the Sacred. This brings me back to my own issues, which include theology.

If theology is the process of seeking understanding, then to "do theology" requires that we ask the tough question, stretch out of our comfort zones, and look at things with new eyes. Theologians think boldly and imaginatively about what faith means. (McFague) For too long, we have thought that theology was about proof texts of some stated dogma, missing the point that it is about how our beliefs about God inform the way we live. We are called to challenge our beliefs and our behavior until new understanding leads to new ways of being. Theology like this will inevitably take us from theoretical and conceptual statements to a values centered way of living.

People shake their heads at me when I speak of the workplace as full of hope. It is bold, imaginative thinking to see business as celebrating the human spirit, unlocking potential, and illuminating the Sacred ever present in our lives. (Novak) This is a vision of the possible (not the easy). As people look more deeply at themselves and their work, they often find a values center that gives hope and a vision that propels them forward. This is transformational thinking, the Good News bringing new life into the world of numbers and bottom line.

As I have walked with others on their search for meaning and peace, I have discovered my own spiritual path. Through the tools of training and development, of consulting and coaching, I have become a theologian of the workplace.

For Further Reading

Griffin, Emilie. The Reflective Executive - A Spirituality of Business and Enterprise. Crossroads Press, NY, NY. 1993 A profoundly practical commentary on how to integrate management and scriptural resources to see God's presence in work, even in the details. Draws from 30 years of marketing, poetic wisdom of Christian mystics, and visionary business thinkers.

Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening - The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cowley Publications, Cambridge, MA. 1992. A practical explanation of the incredible gift of spiritual direction--listening wholly to another, helping that person get his inner house in order and await the arrival of divine messengers who wait for an audience.

Guillory, William. The Living Organization - Spirituality in the Workplace. Innovations International, Salt Lake City, UT 1998. Incorporating previous work on empowerment to understand the positive effect on an organization when people consciously embrace their spiritual selves and journey as part of their lifestyle.

McFague, Sallie. Models of God - Theology for an Ecological, Nuclear Age. Fortress Press, Philadelphia, PA. 1987 Let us not narrow God, but engage the imagination about this all encompassing reality and free ourselves to a change in consciousness that can open us to new action to accomplish good.

Novak, Michael. Business as a Calling - Work and the Examined Life. The Free Press, NY, NY. 1996. Winner of the Templeton Prize in 1996, Novak examines the concept of vocation—a calling to wholeness—and its deep integration with business.

Richmond, Lewis. Work as a Spiritual Practice - A Practical Buddhist Approach to Inner Growth and Satisfaction on the Job. Broadway Books, NY, NY. 1999. The active, engaged side of Buddhism draws people into the creative, inspiring, and accomplishing that is necessary in our workplace world. Invites empowerment in all work.

Wheatley, Margaret. Leadership and the New Science - Learning about Organization from an Orderly Universe. Berrett-Kohler Publishers, San Francisco, CA. 1992. A synthesis of new understandings from science—systems, relationships, and that chaos is change toward a new order—that prompt us to look at organizations in a new way, seeing change as the impetus toward higher development and understanding.

Wicks, Robert. Touching the Holy - Ordinariness, Friendship, and Self Esteem. Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN,1992. A look at truth and our search for it through the simple, ordinary aspects of every day life and relationship.

Wicks, Robert and Rodgerson, Thomas E. Companions in Hope - The Art of Christian Caring. Paulist Press, NY, NY. 1998. A companioning guide for those who wish to care deeply for another through presence and conversation.

* Anselm of Canterbury (d. 1109AD) is credited with this definition as part of his contribution to the growing emphasis on merging reason with faith. This definition helped shape theological study and discourse from the 12th century forward. (McBrien, Richard. Catholicism. Winston Press. P. 26)

**The root of enthusiasm is “en theos”, translated as the Spirit of God within—a radiating internal energy.