The Spiritual Movement Matrix consists of four arenas or dimensions:^19
Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Structural, and Environmental. The first two categories
are self-explanatory; the Intrapersonal dimension focuses upon the relationship with
self. Further dividing it into two separate categories will expand the Intrapersonal
category: Ambrose’s experience of God through his annual retreats, and the struggles
of his soul. The second dimension, the Interpersonal, relates to Ambrose’s interaction
with others. The next two dimensions require greater clarification. The third
category is the Structural. This systemic category includes the whole constellation of
larger relational groupings, including, families, churches, communities, and
organizations. Normally the focus is upon specific roles a person engages with others
within those structures. The final dimension is the Environmental, or as it will be
named here the Geo-Environmental, and “it draws attention to the interdependence
among all the creatures in the universe and to the reciprocal influence between the
natural world and the individual person.”^20 Therefore, the focus turns to the
uniqueness of place and how specific environments shaped Ambrose’s experience.
Before examining the experiences of Ambrose the strengths and limitations of
the Spiritual Movement Matrix need to be considered. There are four strengths to
this interpretation method. First, as previously indicated, the Matrix was developed to
help spiritual directors and supervisors guide others in better understanding their
experiences of God. Therefore, the Matrix offers a practical means for reviewing
Ambrose’s
19
While both the Matrix and Circle refers to these categories as “arenas” the term“dimension” seems more expansive and open (^20) Liebert, “Supervision as Widening Horizons,” 132.-ended and will be employed h ere.