what is spiritual direction?

Are you interested in spiritual direction but wondering what it’s really like?

We are spiritual beings and the whole of life is our spiritual life. God is in every part of it.

Spiritual direction is a practice where the “directee” seeks companionship and guidance from a trained spiritual companion. It’s an ongoing relationship focused on deep non-anxious listening, discernment, awareness of God’s presence and leading, and spiritual growth.

It differs from therapy in many ways- the focus is not on trying to examine your past to understand your present behavior or solve a problem, but rather to grow in your ability to be in the present moment and to notice what and how you feel, to listen for the stirring and whisper of the Divine in your life, to deepen your spiritual awareness so that you can live from a place of love and rootedness in God. As we grow and heal, we expand our capacity to offer love and compassion in all our relationships. God desires our healing and wholeness. Sessions are one hour long, once or twice a month.

It is one beggar telling another beggar “follow me, I think I know where to find food.”

It is an art, not a science.

It’s a relational process.

It’s personal training for the soul.

Richard Foster says “Spiritual direction is an interpersonal relationship in which we learn how to grow, live, and love in the spiritual life”.

It is a sacred space created in the presence of God and each other, where God is the true director and the answer to the deepest questions is the Presence of Holy Mystery.