More About Spiritual Direction
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is …
… being hosted in warm, attentive presence.
… having your heart heard, without fear of being advised, fixed, or answered.
… being able to tell your story all the way, without fear of wearing someone out.
… saying all the truth, without fear of judgment and in full anticipation of acceptance.
… a chance to hear your own thoughts, said aloud in your own voice, possibly for the first time ever.
Spiritual direction falls into the family of soul care ministries that include therapists, counselors, pastors, coaches and mentors. While all these roles involve deep listening to the stories and experiences of those who come to them, spiritual direction differs in its purpose. Spiritual direction is not concerned with solving a problem or changing behaviors. There are no goals or outcomes to be achieved in spiritual direction.
Instead, spiritual directors are trained to pay attention to God’s presence and invitations. They are “noticers,” seeing what you may have missed as you share from your life and helping you to see with fresh eyes. It assumes both a faith perspective and a fundamental desire for prayer and intimacy with God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Direction
Who benefits from spiritual direction?
Anyone who desires to become more aware of God’s presence and movement in their life. Anyone who wants to deepen their spiritual life and discernment.
Do I need to be religious or a Christian to come to spiritual direction?
You are very welcome exactly as you are. Often, we need to try something (or someone) before we know if it’s a good fit. That’s wisdom! Spiritual direction can be a safe space for you to explore your ideas, questions, longings and doubts. We start down the path together with the understanding that you are always free to change your mind.
Will you help me find another spiritual director if we are not a good fit?
Yes! Absolutely! What is most important is that you find a spiritual director with whom you resonate. A good spiritual director will listen well, ask questions that help you to think more deeply about what you share, and honors your own ability to hear God. A good spiritual director will be on their own growth journey with their own spiritual director. I know several great spiritual directors and I am happy to connect you to them.
What would I talk about in spiritual direction?
God is to be found right there in your everyday life with its frustrations, joys, worries, and desires. This is what you can talk about. People frequently wonder: How do I know I am hearing God? How do I experience Him more? Why is my prayer life so difficult? Why don’t I feel close to God? Who can I talk with about my dreams, visions and hopes with that will take me seriously?
What happens in a typical session?
We begin with a Soft Landing to become centered, still, comfortable and present to God. This is usually prayer, a mindfulness practice, or a guided meditation followed by a few minutes of silent attentiveness to our inner self and the Spirit of God. Then you are free to share anything that you want to share – something that emerged through the silence or that you have been experiencing in your life. My role is to attune to you and The Spirit, noticing and asking questions that allow you to go even deeper into your own knowing and hearing where God is already present to you.
How often do people meet for Spiritual Direction?
That depends on what is happening in an individual’s life. Many people discover they like a monthly rhythm. Others find that meeting every two weeks is more beneficial. Let’s talk about what you think you might desire.
What is your unique “flavor” as a spiritual director?
Though I have engaged in “spiritual disciplines” and “spiritual formation” for many years, for me, intimacy with God has come through other practices: listening prayer, nature walks, silence and solitude, centering prayer, beholding prayer, poetry, and developing an inner voice of compassion. This is where I have found life and joy as I journey with Jesus. I am passionate about helping people grow in friendship and intimacy with the Trinity
When you think of who God loves and wants us to love, don’t forget to include yourself! This is the final stage of love in Bernard of Clairvaux’s (1090-1153) Four Degrees of Love, a model for spiritual development in the love of Christ. His work informs my practice.
I’d Be Honored to Support As Your Spiritual Director
Spiritual direction is gentle, spacious, and restful – like a mini spa-day for your soul.
A spiritual director...
… knows you may not know what is inside until you begin to speak about it.
… listens for the question that wants to be asked - not the curious one, but the one that takes you deeper into your own longing.
… listens with one ear to the Spirit of God - the True Director, to discover how he is gently moving and present, perhaps undetected.
… listens without attachment to an outcome.
… holds sacred the relationship between you and God and doesn’t want to come between you.
… honors your ability to hear God.
… creates a soothing, inviting space for you to relax into the love and welcome of God.
