Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is a holding space for people to look inward and connect with what is divine and sacred. One might use the time of deep listening to examine their intentions, reflect on spiritual experiences, and attend to their inner person through their faith framework. Many use the time to enlarge their scope of the divine's presence or the presence of what and who they know to be their guiding power. Spiritual direction is the sacred work of restoration- making space to be present with our wounds and allowing ourselves to be transformed through healing or acceptance. In this practice we are affirmed and validated for our unconditional worth. It is a way to honor the self and open the heart.
Who Uses Spiritual Direction?
Anyone can begin spiritual direction, however, a seeker typically has a formed concept of their guiding force, accepted belief system, or faith tradition and wishes to deepen their connection with the divine through that established framework. Essentially, the sessions are for spiritual maturation and not formation.
Why Do I Need Spiritual Direction?
As humans, we are deeply vulnerable, experience loss, and endure day-to-day wear and tear on our spirits. Sometimes we must carry significant burdens or live in situations where our true selves are ignored or invalidated. A quiet space for reflection and unconditional acceptance can provide a sense of sanctuary and self care, to utilize in both times of struggle and serenity.
What Are The Benefits Of Spiritual Direction?
Over the course of time with your director you may find that you have greater clarity, feel more grounded and are more aware of your spiritual needs. Hopefully, you will be more enlightened with a richer understanding of where you are on your journey and where you are going.
Questions one may ask in
Spiritual Direction
What is my purpose?
Is there life beyond this life?
How do I recover from spiritual woundedness?
I feel distant from God. How do I change that?
For questions and moments such as these, the seeker may turn to a spiritual director. Spiritual directors are those who typically help individuals move towards greater soul wholeness. They listen to stories of loneliness and spiritual struggle. They help a person to name stories of hope and to discover resources of strength within their spiritual tradition or within the even larger framework of spiritual discovery. The director is also a seeker and knows the geography of spiritual questioning. The title "Spiritual Director" is somewhat of a misnomer. The Spirit is the true director. The human spiritual director is one who is trained in knowing the questions to ask. A spiritual director does not have a textbook answer for the suffering person. Rather, a spiritual director spends much time being available to the spiritual companion who has come to explore. Sometimes spiritual direction is simply a ministry of presence. The spiritual director can assist the seeker to relish the best of humanity and offer hope during a time of struggle or suffering.
The most typical form of spiritual direction is a sixty minute session in a quiet place where conversation can flow between spiritual director and spiritual seeker.