Are you curious about Spiritual Direction?
Have you been searching for something that you struggle to name and the idea of spiritual direction seems intriguing? Worried that spiritual direction is just for “religious” people?
Well, let’s clear up some things.
The first thing you need to know about spiritual directors is that we don’t do much “directing”.
“The term spiritual direction has a long, rich history, and it is still used today, even though the practice of spiritual direction consists much more of “holy listening,” rather than “direction” in the sense of offering guidance or direct advice.”(1)
Spiritual Direction focuses on your relationship with and experience of God, Spirit, Holy Wisdom (however you may refer to that which is source or ground of all being). It is not so much about being directed, but rather, it is about being accompanied and encouraged to draw closer to God, Spirit, Holy Wisdom. The process is contemplative and reflective and may include exploring and creating supportive practices and habits to integrate spirituality into your daily life.
To meet with a spiritual director, you don’t need to be “religious” or even actively engaged with any faith tradition, although many people are. There are many reasons people decide to meet with a spiritual director.
1 Stillpoint: Center for Christian Spirituality website
Know all about spiritual direction and just want to find out if we might be a good fit?
The best way to do that is in conversation.
Spiritual direction might be a good fit if you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the following:
Do you desire to:
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Identify and trust your own experience of God, Spirit, Holy Wisdom (or however you name that which is Source)?
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Cultivate or integrate spirituality into your daily life?
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Discern the movement of the Spirit as you make important life choices?
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Reflect on religious assumptions (from past experience or current practice)?
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Discover and give voice to your soul’s longing?
Yes? Let’s talk.
“Meeting with a spiritual director or spiritual companion can be a meaningful step to help you find wholeness and balance in life, not to mention connect with God, Allah, The Universe or however one names the ground of all being.”
-Spiritual Directors International Website
As a Spiritual Director I commit to:
being grounded in prayer and meditation
being attentive to the spiritual life and journey of the seeker/ directee
drawing upon prayer, sacred scripture and practices as a means to enhance and deepen the relationship between the seeker/directee and God/Spirit/Divine Presence
have been formally trained in the art of spiritual direction and holy listening
engage in ongoing formation and confidential supervision
meet regularly with my own spiritual director
As a member of SDI Companions (Spiritual Directors International) I follow their Guidelines for Ethical Conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IS the difference between Coaching, Spiritual Direction and Counseling?
Read more here to help you decide which approach is best for you at this time.
Why do you “blend” coaching with spiritual direction?
The people I work with best are spiritually minded. They meditate, pray, journal, read holy scripture, do yoga, walk labyrinths or some other form of ‘spiritual practice’. Exploring the movement of God/Spirit in their life and/or deepening their spiritual practice often goes hand-in-hand with the work of discovering and clarifying their true purpose. This can also be an important part of the ongoing support and structure that helps in fulfilling one’s purpose, mission or call.
How do you “blend” coaching with spiritual direction?
This depends a lot on the needs and desires of each coaching client. It might be a regular part of each coaching session with opportunities for deeper reflection and direct conversations about the movement of God/Spirit in their lives as they work towards their identified goals. Or it might be as simple as providing support and accountability for maintaining their spiritual practice or exploring new practices. It also guides the recommendations I make for assignments or readings between sessions. The type and extent that we engage with a person’s spiritual life is always determined by the coaching client.
Resources to Support You on Your Journey
Books
Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer
Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
Devotionals
You Are Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living by Henri J. M. Nouwen
A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions & Reflections by Marianne Williamson
Podcasts
The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
The Growing Edge with Carrie Newcomer and Parker J. Palmer
