Spiritual Direction is an ancient practice of accompaniment and listening with those who are looking for evidence of God in their lives.  I find that the term Spiritual ‘Director’ is incredibly misleading.  I am a co-listener, a ’soul friend’ and a companion with you on your journey.  A fellow director said it best: I come alongside you as you explore your own soul’s landscape. On your behalf, I listen for the Holy and presence of Divine Love in your life.

 

When first learning about Spiritual Direction, it can sometimes be easier to say what Spiritual Direction isn’t rather than fully capturing the essence of all it is and can be.  Spiritual Direction is not therapy, pastoral care, mentoring or personal coaching.   A spiritual director is not listening to fix or instruct you. 

 

Spiritual Direction is experiential.   A Spiritual Director will: Listen. Celebrate. Affirm. Encourage.  Ask Questions.  Engage curiosity. Support and sometimes Challenge.  Spiritual Direction offers a sacred and safe space that is compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental. Directors are also trained in helping Directee’s navigate life and spiritual discernments.

The descriptions below can be helpful to those new to the practice. 

 

Walter Burghardt described Spiritual Direction as “a long, loving look at the real”.  Director Cindy S. Lee describes listening “for how [the] Directee is becoming more fully their sacred self.” Howard Thurman’s words beautifully describe the experience as “listening for the sound of the genuine in your life.”