What is Spiritual Direction?
At its heart, spiritual direction is a conversation.
Through deep listening, a trained spiritual companion can help others explore a deeper relationship with the sacred, with mystery, or with one's own inner wisdom. The spiritual journey is often a lonely path, especially in difficult or trying times. A spiritual director can guide and reflect back to us the presence of the sacred in our life and the world—awakening new possibilities, connections, and deeper meaning. Check out the Spiritual Directors International website for more resources!
Common Techniques used in Spiritual Direction
Deep Listening and Presence
Silence
The primary tool of a spiritual director is conversation. We listen with an open heart and ask questions to help you access your inner wisdom.
In the noise and rush of the modern world, silence can be a rare gift. Silence allows us the space to really hear what our inner self needs.Â
Poetry/Guided Meditation
Creative Expression
Guided meditation and poetry can be easy introductions to contemplation. They can help reframe our questions and deepen our understanding of the world.Â
For some people, creative expression like art and journaling can help anchor our reflection and mark growth.Â
Opening:
You may be offered the option of a few moments of silence or a short poem (if that's your thing!). Your spiritual director will then invite you into conversation, asking what is arising for you today.
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What happens in a typical session?
Conversation:
This is the majority of the session. Your director will ask open-ended questions meant to help you reflect on where you notice the sacred in your life or the circumstance you are bringing to the conversation. If there is interest, you may be offered a creative practice or guided meditation to help deepen the reflection and invite new insight.
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Close:
You are invited to reflect on what you are taking from the conversation. Any housekeeping issues like scheduling may be addressed, and your director may offer to send you resources related to the conversation.Â
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm not religious/I have religious trauma. Can I still meet with a spiritual director?Â
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A: Yes! A good spiritual director will invite reflection on your journey, not prescribe a path for you. We want to help you discover your own connections to the sacred, whether that is within a religious tradition or outside of it. Check out the article on Embracing Spiritual Fluidity for further reflection!
Q: How is it different from coaching or therapy?
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A: Coaching is a good fit if you are looking to work on specific goals, where the focus is on an achievement. Therapy focuses on a person's emotional life and the focus might be on healing past trauma or managing a crisis. Spiritual Direction may integrate some of these, but the focus is on noticing and connecting with the sacred. For further info, check out John Mabry's pamphlet on Starting Spiritual Direction, written specifically for people considering spiritual direction.
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Q: How much does a session cost? What types of payment do you take?
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A: A 50-minute session is $75, and I accept Paypal, Venmo, and Zelle.
My Philosophy
The Blessing of Air: May I cultivate an expansive, generous heart that creates space for everyone's story to be heard, received, and welcomed.
The Blessing of Earth: May I practice a grounded, contemplative presence that learns from the wisdom of Mother Earth, Brother Sun, Sister Moon and all the ancestors.
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The Blessing of Water:Â May I nourish a fluid, playful mind that embraces transformation as I chase the endless river of the sacred.
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The Blessing of Fire: May I offer lovingkindness to all living things, creating a warm hearth that provides deep, compassionate love that changes the world.
