Spiritual Direction
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is “help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” (William A. Barry and William J. Connolly, The Practice of Spiritual Direction).
“Through regular meetings of conversation and prayer, the spiritual director helps another to notice the work of God in one’s life and respond to it as promptly, vigorously, joyfully and consistently as possible.”
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction offers a safe and sacred space to contemplate your life’s journey with someone who provides support and encouragement along the way. It is a place where someone sits with you, holding space without an agenda. I don’t necessarily consider myself a “director” as much as someone who provides a sacred space to walk alongside another and listen for the voice and movement of God in that person’s life.
What Happens in Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction involves meeting in a quiet, contemplative space for approximately one hour, usually on a regular basis. Many people opt for monthly appointments.
When we meet, I may offer up a prayer or a spiritual exercise to help transition our often-busy minds to a space that feels more sacred and contemplative.
After a moment of silence, I will encourage you to share anything you feel God may be asking you to offer up to the session. We may use our first few meetings for you to share some of your “God story”. If you are prompted to enter right into a specific question or reflect about something that needs unpacking, that is fine too.
Some common topics people bring to spiritual direction include (but are not limited to):
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- Increasing intimacy with God
- Processing confusion/disillusionment with faith and/or God
- Seeking new rhythms for spiritual renewal
- Exploring more God and Self awareness
- Being provided care and guidance during a spiritually desolate time
- Celebrating God’s big moments and praying about how to integrate more of them into your life
- Discerning big life decisions
How Often Do You Meet?
Most people choose to come monthly, although some people prefer to meet more often. Monthly meetings can be times of noticing what moments drew them closer to God and what obstacles blocked their way. They are always times to offer up questions specific to the various topics included above.
Is There a Fee?
Most spiritual directors ask for a donation or charge a reasonable sliding scale fee. I ask for directees to consider anywhere in between 75.00 to 100.00 However because spiritual direction is a ministry, I will never turn away anyone who cannot afford to pay. I will be offering Spiritual Direction sessions on Fridays as my psychotherapy/counseling practice is actively meeting with clients throughout the rest of the week.
Are Spiritual Directors Trained?
Yes, most are trained. I received my training through a two-year certificate program through Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction.
I am currently participating in a third-year pilot program through the same school to further enhance my knowledge and skills as a spiritual director.
Here are some resources you may find helpful:
Podcast: Spiritual Direction for Beginners. Emily Freeman
What is Spiritual Direction? Richard Foster
“The soul speaks its truth only under quiet, inviting and trustworthy conditions. The soul is like a wild animal, tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient and yet exceedingly shy. If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out. But if we are willing to walk quietly into the woods and sit silently for an hour or two at the base of a tree, the creature we’re waiting for may well emerge.”
