Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the role of rituals in healing and wholeness. Joining me is Jennifer Zona from La Loba Soul Support, who shares her expertise in Spiritual Direction and psycho-spiritual coaching. We discuss how rituals can provide structure and meaning, especially during chaotic times, and how they facilitate connection, integration, and personal transformation.

We explore: The definition and significance of rituals across various cultures and spiritual practices. The psychological benefits of engaging in rituals, including stress reduction and fostering stability. Practical examples of rituals that listeners can incorporate into their daily lives, such as morning intention setting and gratitude practices. The concept of ritualizing dreamwork, referencing Robert A. Johnson's Inner Work. How rituals aid in integrating life experiences and the journey from wounds to the sacred. The invitation of Spiritual Direction and how rituals support the process of wandering within our experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson – A valuable resource for exploring the role of dreamwork in personal transformation.

Timestamps:

54:13 - Introducing Jennifer Zona

4:44 - Defining Rituals

12:05 - The Psychological Benefits of Rituals

19:41 - Practical Examples of Rituals

26:05 - Ritualizing Dreamwork (with reference to Johnson's Inner Work)

31:40 - Rituals of Integration

35:17 - The Invitation of Spiritual Direction (including a quote from Joseph Campbell)

40:10 - Conclusion

Note: There is a brief notification sound early in the episode. Our apologies. Thank you for your understanding!

Connect with Jennifer: La Loba Soul Support

Connect with me: Instagram: @bethany.s.ward

Email: bethany@bethanysward.com

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In this conversation, I’m joined by Spiritual Director and artist Heather Berndt. We talk about how the soul speaks through images and how those images guide us into the next stage of our lives. We begin with the image of recovery (AA and Al-Anon) as a shared image that invited us into transformation. From there, we explore personal symbols, dreams, archetypes, and creative practices that help us hear the soul more clearly.

We reflect on a quote from Meister Eckhart: "When the soul wants to experience something, it throws out an image in front of her and then steps into it." This idea shapes the heart of our conversation. Heather shares her process, Mappa Divina©, and how it helps people engage with the images that show up in their lives. Whether those images come through art, intuition, or unexpected moments, they often carry meaning. We talk about how to listen, how to trust, and how to work with what arises.

Topics We Cover: The image of recovery as an entry point to inner work Meister Eckhart and the soul’s movement toward experience The difference between collective and personal imagery Dreams, symbols, and recurring patterns as soul language The archetype of the Mystic Working with images through art, journaling, Tarot, and collage Heather’s approach to Mappa Divina© and midlife discernment

About Heather Berndt: Heather is a Spiritual Director and visual artist who helps others connect with their inner wisdom through image-making and creative reflection. She is the creator of Mappa Divina©, a contemplative process rooted in trust, curiosity, and soul listening. You can find her work at https://www.heatherberndt.com

Connect with Me: You can find my offerings, writing, and updates at bethanysward.com. Subscribe to the show, share this episode with someone it might serve, and leave a review if you’d like to support the work.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mappa Divina©

Meister Eckhart’s quote

SoulCollage®

Archetypal Spiritual Direction Practices for working with image and intuition

Welcome to Path to Wholeness You’re searching for something—whether it’s clarity, meaning, or a deeper connection to yourself and the unseen. That’s why you’re here. Path to Wholeness is a space for seekers, night time dreamers, and those drawn to the deeper currents of life. Through Spiritual Direction, Dream Work, Intuitive Guidance, and the language of symbol, we explore the patterns shaping our lives. Listen in and begin your path to wholeness. Topics We’ll Explore: Spiritual Direction as a path of deep listening Dreams and symbols as messengers Intuition and the unseen world Meaning-making and personal transformation 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Website: bethanysward.com Instagram: @bethanysward Substack: https://bethanysward.substack.com If this speaks to you, I’d love for you to join me. Your path starts here.