Everything belongs and everything can be received. We don’t have to deny, dismiss, defy or ignore. What is, is okay. What is, is the great teacher.
Richard Rohr
It starts with a Question
Many times we find ourselves in seasons of transition, of feeling weary, of loss, and experiencing changes in our lives. When we find ourselves in this position, often we begin to acknowledge deeper questions that seem to surface…
Why am I here? What is happening in my life right now? Why am I experiencing doubts? I feel stuck, how can I move forward? And many more.
We find ourselves desiring more… More clarity, more groundedness, more stillness, more support, and more out of our relationship with God. But many times we don’t know how to gain access to the “more” that we’re looking for!
If you find yourself in a position like this, then I invite you to consider meeting with a spiritual director.
So WHAT IS spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction has been around a long time, but is currently experiencing more exposure and becoming increasingly accessible. If you’d like to read more about it’s roots, and definitions of soul companioning, feel free to check out SDI’s website for more information.
In essence, this practice involves creating a safe, confidential space, a meeting between a director and a directee. This usually happens about once a month for an hour long session. During that time the directee is invited to be present to what is true about their life in that moment, and to explore God’s invitations.
Imagine, if you will, spiritual direction as the unraveling of a tightly wound thread. I believe that we all have life circumstances, wounds, and ways we’ve needed to behave in the world to find love… these things become like threads that keep us wound up and distracted. My role as spiritual director is to partner with the Holy Spirit and help you notice the threads, to ask questions, and provide a compassionate space for you to explore those threads in God’s presence. What is happening in our lives, what we perceive as both good and bad, can be clues to lead us to find God in the everyday moments.
“To receive spiritual direction is to recognize that God does not solve our problems or answer all our questions, but leads us closer to the mystery of our existence where all questions cease.”
— Henri J. M. Nouwen
Who is a good candidate for Spiritual Direction?
While spiritual direction might not be appropriate for all people in all seasons, I believe it is deeply beneficial for anyone who is desiring to grow in their awareness of what is happening in their lives, both on the inside and the outside, and who desire to experience God in a deeper way.
Below is a list of common situations that have drawn people to spiritual direction:
- Walking through a time of discernment, and needing a space to honestly process the ins and outs of big decisions and shifting dynamics.
- Experiencing burnout, and wanting to experience rhythms of rest, and engage in practices of sabbatical.
- Hearing someone else mention spiritual direction and how it’s been meaningful for them, and feeling a sense of curiosity to try it out.
- Entering into a new season and wanting to live with greater intentionality.
- Coming out of a difficult season and wanting to gain perspective and healing.
- Hoping to grow closer to God
- Hoping to grow closer to themselves.
- Wanting to reflect on their life with someone (and are already in therapy or have been and want something a bit different in this season)
- Finding that former spiritual practices don’t work or give life anymore, hoping for new ways to pray, love, and “be”
- Working in a non-profit, ministry, or church and needing someone “outside” it all to process with and to stay connected to themselves
How does it work?
Usually, meeting in person is preferable, but meeting virtually is also great. I’ve done both, and while I prefer face-to-face, I have experienced an incredible depth of freedom and encounter with God through tele-direction!
I meet with people in person out of my home office in Acworth, GA, USA, and I can meet online through Zoom or google meet.
If you have more questions about spiritual direction, feel free to check out my FAQ’s page! For more information about scheduling, cost, and where to find me, click below!