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 is Spiritual Direction for?
It is for everyone! You may be drawn to spiritual direction if you desire to become more aware of God’s presence and movement in your life, or if you want to deepen your discernment and intimacy with God. Spiritual direction can be a safe space for you to explore your ideas, questions, longings and doubts.
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.
What foundational belief infuses all your work as a spiritual director?
When Moses asked God what his name YHWH meant, God said, “compassionate, gracious, full of lovingkindness, and slow to get angry” (Exodus 34:6).
About 1500 years later, God came to earth, incarnated as Jesus, to reinforce this description because the religious leaders had gone so far astray from this truth. They were misrepresenting God as demanding, critical, exacting, and judgmental. Jesus showed us God’s beautiful character and heart – compassionate, merciful, self-giving, full of kindness.
God is compassionate. God is love (I John 4:8) What we think about God is the most important thing about us (A.W.Tozer). It informs how we relate to God, others, and ourselves.
I am passionate about helping people connect with, get to know, and become securely attached to this Compassionate God.
What is my time investment for Spiritual Direction?
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 my financial investment for Spiritual Direction?
One session (55 minutes) per month = $75/session
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Two or more sessions per month = $60/session
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.
