48 The Art of Accompaniment
The primary goal of human formation is the increase of the mentor's
self-awareness. In learning to become more self-aware, the mentor is able
to name things about themselves, their personality, or personal history that
lead them closer or drive them away from a relationship with God, their
truest selves, and others. Self-awareness also leads to the identification of
the mentor's communication habits, strategies for coping with stress or dif-
ficulty, and interactions with others. In first being able to name these as-
pects, mentors are then able to pinpoint objectives for human formation.
Self-awareness aids in the development and maintenance of mental health,
healthy relationships with others, self-esteem, maturity, and an appropriate
sense and exercise of sexuality.
In addition to self-awareness, human formation also includes a com-
mitment to overall health of body, mind, and soul. Mentors participate in
human formation by promoting a healthy lifestyle so as to “love the Lord,
your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with
your whole strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). This includes maintaining work-
life balance, having interests and activities outside of ministry, taking care
of their physical health, and remaining committed to their own spiritual
growth.
Practices that assist in a mentor's human formation, overall health, and
growth in self-awareness include seeking the support of a therapist, rec-
ognizing emotions, having clear and direct communication with others,
participating in daily self-reflection through practices such as journaling,
engaging in conversations with trusted peers, paying attention to physical
health, and being committed to personal growth.
Community
Although accompaniment involves an intentional relationship, its foun-
dation is built on the support of the various iterations of community in the
Church. Human formation can be carried out and strengthened by commu-
nal formation. Community encompasses the unity of believers who share
one faith, but have diverse gifts that build up the Church: “For as in one
body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function,