What is a spiritual director?
One who offers guidance to another in a relationship known as spiritual direction. A spiritual director listens to the one seeking guidance with openess and trust in the movement of the Spirit in their presence. In the Celtic tradition, a spiritual director is known as anam cara or soul friend.
What is spiritual direction?
An ancient practice that connects one to another in community with the Creator. Spiritual direction conversations center around daily life experiences, both ordinary and not-so-ordinary. The purpose and desire in spiritual direction is to pause long enough to find the “golden nuggets” in what is often over-looked in the rush of life.
What should I expect in a spiritual direction session?
Hospitality: “I came as a guest and you welcomed me.”
The gift of confidential space and calm atmosphere
One hour of undivided attention
Prayerful silence
Encouragement in prayer
Collaborative conversation
Guidance in discernment
Exploratory session – including mutual expectations
Not finding, but rather "noticing" what is already there
Why would I see a spiritual director if I have a priest, pastor, or rabbi?
Spiritual direction does not take the place of conversations with your priest, pastor or rabbi, it complements those conversations. The spiritual direction process is different in that a spiritual director is not there to give you theological answers to questions. Your religion’s traditions/beliefs may be part of spiritual direction conversations, but the focus will be on your lived experience of your tradition, and how you make sense of it.
Why do I need a spiritual director?
You may wish to speak with a spiritual director to help you make sense of your life experiences in a way that's meaningful to you.
What is the difference between counseling/therapy and spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction does not take the place of counseling or therapy. It complements them. The spiritual direction process is not the same as psychotherapy or counseling which both focus on psychological healing and help with problems. Your problems may be included in spiritual direction conversations, but the focus is on the presence of the Sacred in the midst of them and in your life. Spiritual direction assumes your wholeness in the Creator’s eye. Healing often happens over time in the spiritual direction process.
How long are sessions?
Generally sessions are 50 minutes to one hour long. Sessions are usually scheduled for once a month.
Is spiritual direction religious?
Many spiritual directors have a belief in God. Beliefs are not imposed on you in spiritual direction, rather, a spiritual director helps you articulate your understanding. Conversations with a spiritual director assist you in bringing into awareness the part of yourself where the Divine dwells within.
What if I don’t know what I believe about God?
Spiritual direction conversations often center around questions about God. The spiritual direction process is a good place to live into those questions and be supported by one who will treat your questions with respect.