Spiritual Direction
“It is by being awake to God in us that we can increasingly see God in the world around us.”
― Henri Nouwen
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is the practice of deep listening with an ear to the Holy at work in another person's life. Through this very intentional accompaniment, a Spiritual Director (also called a Spiritual Companion) can help others explore a deeper relationship with the Divine, both around them and within them. Put another way, a Spiritual Director helps the person get in touch with the True Self - without judgement, evangelizing, or preaching. The role of the spiritual companion is to sit with, listen for, and honor the Holy within.
In the words of Fr. Richard Rohr, “The job of the spiritual director is to hold on to spirit. We don’t recognize our immense need for control. Spirit can’t let you get away with that. We have to find a different meaning and expand the limits of our perspectives.”
How does a typical session work?
I always begin our time with a period silence. I believe this helps us both enter into the sacredness of this space together. I invite the directee (client seeking Spiritual Direction) to break the silence when they are ready, sharing what is on their heart. During our time together, I am focused on listening deeply to what you are bringing to the session - what images, words, or sentiments seem to rise up and linger. I will engage you with open-ended questions, mirror what I hear you saying, and listen for where the Holy is at work in your life and discernment.
How often do we meet?
The frequency of meetings is determined by the directee. Generally speaking, Spiritual Direction happens monthly. Some people might only need it for a few sessions, while others maintain a years-long relationship with a Spiritual Director.
For the most part, I prefer to meet weekdays between 8am-3pm. Though I am open to other arrangements that might work better for a directee. Please let me know if this is something you wish to discuss.
Spiritual Direction informed by...
Discerning Spirit
Inner Self
Grief & Gain
“If you do not have someone to guide you, to hold onto you during the times of not knowing, you will normally stay at your present level of growth.”
–Fr. Richard Rohr
My listening is informed by my work with death, grief, and loss as a hospice chaplain. Grief is not only an experience of physical death, but the varied "little deaths" we encounter in life. The loss of a job, a failed marriage, a severed relationship. It's my belief that Grief can be a great teacher, showing us just how expansive our capacity for love actually is. This is where one gains insight, wisdom, and eventually, the ability to move forward through loss.
Discernment is the seeking of spiritual guidance and understanding. It can be one of the most fruitful endeavors in our spiritual practice. It can also be the most difficult, confusing, and challenging. By deeply listening for the Spirit within, I accompany directees in their own discernment of God's presence and guidance. I am not the one helping you decide, but assisting the Spirit speaking within you. I believe the answer already lies within oneself.
The Inner Self, or True Self, defines who we are and how we move in the world. This informs our sense of identity and how we understand ourselves in relation to the environment and people around us. I work to affirm, encourage, and develop one's capacity to love and appreciate their Inner Self. To help others honor the Divine already in them and to listen inwardly for what God is calling them into.
Entering a Spiritual Direction Relationship
INITIAL MEETING
If you are interested in exploring Spiritual Direction, I invite you to set up an initial 30-minute conversation with me via Google Meet, phone, or in person. This will give you a chance to see if Spiritual Direction is the right fit for your needs. It will also give us both a chance to see if we are good fit for each other.
LOCATION
I am available to meet in person, via Google Meet/Zoom, or over the phone. Please let me know which option works best for you.
FEES
I use a sliding fee of $45-$75 per 1-hour session. Payment is due at the conclusion of each session. Payment via Venmo or Paypal is preferred, though checks are also accepted. If you are interested in Spiritual Direction but have financial concerns, please reach out and we can discuss an arrangement.