Spiritual direction is a space to intentionally pause and listen for the presence and the call of the holy in our lives.
Spiritual direction has a long history in Christian tradition and the practice of spiritual companionship is present in many of the world’s traditions. It is a time set aside to intentionally listen for the presence and the call of the holy in our lives–within us, around us, and beyond us.
Individuals usually meet with a spiritual director once a month. The role of the director is not to instruct or lead, but simply to help an individual explore their relationship with the Divine or with their own sense of soul or spirit.
Through the practice of spiritual direction, individuals move towards greater wholeness and integration. This can happen through sacred conversation, guided imagery, art, poetry, storytelling, silence, and prayer.
As a member of Spiritual Directors International, I am committed to maintaining SDI’s Guidelines for Ethical Conduct. This includes honoring each directee or companion’s values, beliefs, and spiritual insights. I also meet regularly with my own spiritual director.
Spiritual direction is also a practice mindfulness. In spiritual direction, a director joins an individual in paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally to the presence and the voice of the Holy in that individuals life.
It is a time in which we intentionally foster greater awareness about our emotions, thoughts, and concerns.
Mindfulness practices, such as formal sit and body scans, can also be helpful practices during a spiritual direction session as ways of grounding and turning inwards.
Spiritual direction can explore a range of issues in a person’s life, including discernment, major life transitions, changing or evolving beliefs, grief, relationships, work, and sources of joy and strength.
Spiritual direction is not therapy or pastoral counseling and does not replace these important sources of care. For individuals addressing their mental or emotional health, spiritual direction can compliment other therapeutic relationships.