Small Sphere Spirituality is a ministry of spiritual care by Carrie M. Allport.
We all have our spheres of influence. However, our most significant spheres of influence may not always be the largest ones. It is perhaps in our smallest spheres of influence, the most intimate relationships we participate in regularly, that we have the most outstanding and lasting effect. Our covenantal partnerships, children, and/or familial relationships that constitute our households all make up small spheres of relationships with the potential for the greatest influence in our lives and those we love.
Broadly understood, spirituality is our orientation toward what, outside ourselves, we find most intrinsically important in life and how we demonstrate that individually and with others. Another way of expressing this, according to Christian sexual ethicist James B. Nelson, is that spirituality is "the response of our whole beings to what we perceive to be the sacred." Our deepest desires to be known and to know, to be loved and to love, and to be connected authentically to something bigger and beyond ourselves, drive us into relationships with the Other and others. When we experience the fulfillment of our most basic need for connection within these relationships (that need to not to be isolated or alone) we flourish - physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally - and so do others in our spheres of influence.
By focusing first on an authentic, loving relationship with that which we believe to be the source of Ultimate Influence in our lives, that which is the most sacred and set apart, yet simultaneously the most intimate and present (some call this source G-d or Christ or the Spirit or Higher Power or any number of names based on familial influence, faith formation, or personal experience) - when we focus our attention on this Source first - not only can we personally thrive, but overflow with loving, life-giving influence on the thriving of others.
This overflow from the Source communicates through us, shaping our relationships with our people so that they may flourish too! When our beloved ones in our small sphere prosper, they in turn overflow with loving, life-giving influence to the people in their spheres of influence, so that their neighbors and co-workers may blossom. These neighbors and friends then share loving-kindness throughout their own spheres of influence. And so on and so forth, until the bounty of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), found in our own joy-filled life, is shared. This overflowing multiplies out in concentric circles throughout numerous other spheres of influence. It can be imagined as the ripples on a pond, or even the movement of a sacred current through our relationships and interactions.
The greatest commandments challenge all of us to love G-d and to love others as we want to be loved. This challenge seems to be found in most faith traditions, doesn't it? Thus, the desires we have for ourselves are also the desires we are challenged to have for all others, regardless of which sphere of influence our neighbors reside.
Through spiritual companionship, as found in Spiritual Direction relationships, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with the Divine Lover, experience our own belovedness, and equip ourselves to love others (even imperfectly) throughout our spheres of influence. By focusing on our smallest spheres of influence first, we have the challenge and the privilege of discovering what it means to love with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The spiritual significance this will have on our spheres of influence can be likened to the ecological power of a mustard seed, or throwing mountains into the sea, or maybe even breathing underwater.
Carrie M. Allport is a beloved child of G-d with a small sphere of influence. She is a covenant partner, mother of two, lifelong student, budding gardener, and spiritual companion to those seeking to connect with their Ultimate Influence, as they know that Source. Although steeped in the Anglican tradition as a life-long participant in Episcopal worshipping communities, she identifies as part of a lost generation in the institutional church. Our current re-formational epoch continues to prompt the ongoing de-construction and re-construction of her faith, which she approaches, with the help of the Holy Spirit, with awe and wonder.
Raised in the Bible Belt, her spiritual formation is rooted in Jewish and Christian scripture, but she recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit across faith traditions and diverse spiritual practices. Carrie has a special interest in the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, as well as how we understand and experience that in our bodies, relationships, and daily experience. She shares spiritual direction with individuals and groups, and has a tender spot for offering spiritual companionships with covenant partners. Additionally, she is passionate about spiritual care for clergy households.
She earned her Master in Theological Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary and Master in Arts focused in Spiritual Direction from General Theological Seminary. As part of a clergy household, she is answering her call to the priesthood of all believers one day at a time.
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