In Vulnerable Spaces Together
by Jen Manglos (Seattle, WA) originally published in Edition 2 of Inicio, Jan. 28th, 2026
I’m still amazed at what can happen when a group of people come together. A little over a week ago, our first year spiritual direction cohorts met in person to share about their lives. As a facilitator who has both experienced and witnessed the process of life mapping, I find myself like a kid on Christmas morning, shaking with anticipation over what will happen during the retreat.
This isn’t to ignore that our stories contain much pain. I’ve heard enough life stories by this point to know that we all have encountered situations and relationships that legitimately crack our hearts open. But I do also know that something beautiful and transformative can transpire when we let these cracks be seen by others. I’ve born witness to the multitude of ways that God cares for and tends to our broken hearts through each other.
If I look back through my own life, and similar moments of risk with others, I recall times of disappointment yes, but also times when I felt seen and known and loved in deeper ways. These are the times when I am shocked to realize that someone can hold what I share, can meet me and make the lonely places of my heart a little less lonely. These moments give me just that much more courage to risk again. To trust, to open up, to hold tight to God, take a deep breath and say the truth that needs to be said about my life to another. These moments of risk become their own sort of act of creation, almost as if this universe is opening up before me with all kinds of new possibilities as I get vulnerable about my life. And then the discovery begins.
If you want to deepen in your ability to facilitate transformative group spaces, join us for Group Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Basics, starting February 2.
In Reflection
Begin this time by closing your eyes, taking some deep breaths, and invite God into this time of reflection.
Take a few minutes to gaze at the image above from the James Webb Space Telescope. Notice with curiosity how you respond to this photo.
Now consider a moment when you felt seen, known, and loved within a group as you shared about your life. Once more, notice with curiosity how you responded at that time.
What new possibilities emerged for you from that moment? What opened up in you, what opened up relationally from that point in time?
Close your time of prayer by imagining holding these experiences in your hands as God holds them with you. Feel free to express any responses with God, or just sit in silence, letting yourself experience the sensation of being seen, known, and loved by God.
In the Nuosphere
Group Spiritual Direction Training: Beyond the Basics
Ready to take the next step in deepening your skills in group direction work. This course is for the spiritual director who has already learned the basics and is seeking to develop more advanced skills in group work. This 3-session course begins February 2, 2026.
Professional Formation Group Spiritual Direction
Does the work I do matter to God? This monthly one-hour group is a contemplative space for business professionals to bring real-time questions, tensions, and longings from their work life into a spiritual formation community. Next session is February 12.
Receiving the Gift of Limits
Join Nuos on March 14 for a Lenten Retreat for women exploring embodiment and creativity. Through individual reflection and group spiritual direction, we will be discerning how our vulnerability and our limitations can be at work on us.
1:1 Career Transition Coaching
Do you find yourself at a crossroads in your career? This 8-week personalized program supports professionals navigating job loss, burnout, or transition. Through guided reflection, one-on-one coaching, and community, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection between your authentic self and meaningful work.