Spiritual Direction Is A Time of Reflection
Spiritual direction offers a gentle space to contemplate your life’s s journey with someone who provides support and encouragement along the way. Your spiritual director offers the gift of “holy listening” to you and to your story with an ear to the movement of the Holy or the Divine.
What Happens in Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction involves a private meeting in a quiet, contemplative space for one hour, usually on a regular basis. The session typically begins with a time of silence or prayer which helps the director and directee ground themselves in God’s presence. After this, the person often starts by sharing whatever is significant that has been happening in their life. The directee and director explore together where God is present in those experiences and what God’s invitation may be. Spiritual directors are trained to focus on your spiritual questions—your deep longings, your sacred experiences, and your response to what is holy and meaningful in your life.
What Does the Director Do?
Sometimes it is said that spiritual directors act as guides who help people “find their way home.” They reflect back the wisdom of God that they see in you. They help you uncover God’s nudging and God’s actions in your life so that you are able to discover for yourself where you are being led.
How Often Do You Meet?
Most people choose to come monthly, although some people prefer to meet more often. Monthly meetings are “gentle check-in times” of spiritual self-reflection. Directees look over their experiences, noticing which ones drew them closer to God and what obstacles blocked their way.
How Will It Benefit Me?Typically, when spiritual direction is fruitful, people find that they experience a sense of inner peace and calm, a sense of direction in their life, and a clarity in their decision-making. Over time they become more attuned to the workings of God in their everyday lives.
Do I Need a Spiritual Director In My Own Faith Tradition?
While this is really a matter of personal preference and comfort, spiritual directors are skilled at listening to people from a variety of faith experiences. A spiritual director does not need to be a member of your own faith tradition or denomination because if he or she is truly listening for the movement of God, they are listening beneath all the externals.
What is the Spiritual Direction Environment Like?
The place of meeting has a quality of the sacred in the air. There are obvious symbols that draw your attention to the Holy placed around the room. There is usually a candle on a table, and there are often other symbols placed nearby: a cross, something from nature (a feather, a stone, a flower, a shell), a bible or spiritual text, a spiritual quote, a meaningful object, statue, piece of art, or even the simplicity of water.
Is There a Fee?
Most spiritual directors ask for a donation or charge a reasonable sliding scale fee. Because spiritual direction is often considered a “ministry,” most directors will not turn away anyone who cannot afford to pay. Some spiritual directors are supported by religious orders and do not charge a fee. Any religious order or retreat center can help you find these directors.
Are Spiritual Directors Trained?
Spiritual directors must first have the gift, which can be then be fine-tuned further by training. This gift is very important. It is called a “charism,” which essentially means “a gift that flows from God’s love for the good of others.” There are about 350 training centers worldwide that train spiritual directors. The training usually takes two to three years and involves study, practice, and direct supervision. Most training centers issue a Certificate of Completion. Many spiritual directors belong to an international organization called Spiritual Directors International.
How Do I Choose a Spiritual Director?
Start with prayer and end with prayer. Think about what you are looking for. What is your desire? (A deeper relationship with God? Someone to listen? A companion on your faith journey? Discernment of life choices or decision-making? A safe place to talk about meaning and mystery?) Look for someone with training. Interview several directors. Get a sense of your connection with the person. Be open about your desires. Ask questions. You will want to feel a sense of comfort and a goodness of “fit.” Spiritual direction is a sacred relationship, never to be taken lightly. Let your inner wisdom guide you to the right person for you.
If You Choose To Work With Me
I will ask that you take time to pray about and reflect upon your decision. If you decide you would like to try working with me, we will make an agreement with clear expectations about meeting for a limited time. After that, I will check in with you periodically to see if the direction experience is meeting your needs. The more honest you are with me about your thoughts, feelings and experiences, the more helpful I can be to you.
