Spiritual Direction & Companionship

What is Spiritual Direction & Companionship?

Spiritual direction is a confusing term to understand and describe. Eugene Peterson used to say that spiritual direction was like Grape-Nuts — because, just as Grape-Nuts contains neither grapes nor nuts, spiritual direction is neither “spiritual” nor “directive.”

Spiritual for many means that which is not material, not ordinary. Spiritual direction is ready to spot God anywhere, not only in a church pew but also in the workplace or baseball field. A remark by a child can carry as much immediate weight as a Scripture passage. Spiritual direction deals with prayer and sacred texts and service, but it also deals with groceries and tennis and cars. The word spiritual refers to the work of the Divine in which we participate, and which includes and integrates all of life.

Direction carries an obvious connotation of taking charge and showing the way. But spiritual direction is more likely to be quiet, gentle, and unassertive. One of the core tenets of spiritual direction is to “get out of the way,” to be really present without being obtrusively present so you can notice yourself and the Holy.

Spiritual direction creates a sacred space for you to get in touch with God, with yourself, and with your life. It is a place to discern the movement and activity of God in your life and offers a deepening and widening of your self-awareness.

Why would you participate in spiritual direction?

To have a space to attend, explore, and reflect upon your inner journey and what it means for the world you live in. To listen and tend to the longings in your heart and life. To deepen your intimacy and relationship with the Divine.

What is my role in the relationship?

I companion you through listening, dialogue, and discernment by hosting a place to attend, explore, and reflect upon your inner journey and what it means for the world you live in. It is a sacred conversation, in which you can begin to notice what is obvious but has previously gone unnoticed. The conversations consider how Love has been present in life, or perhaps how the Divine has not been present in ways you hoped. We will not try and come up with solutions to the struggles along the way but listen to what the Holy has to say about living life in His / Her presence, amid the struggles, suffering, and joy.

What is my approach?

My approach is holistic, addressing the brokenness of life while focusing on the hope that is available to you. I place a high value on being a safe person and creating a safe and sacred space to explore and connect with yourself and with the Holy’s activity in your life. I hold all conversations in the strictest of confidence, unless mandated by law or the courts.

Why would you seek a Spiritual Director or Companion?

• Feeling distracted and disconnected from life, self, others, or the Holy.

• Standing at a crossroads in your life.

• Yearning for a deeper relationship with the Holy.

• Questioning how the Spirit is working in your life.

• Longing for a space to be still and reflect on your inner journey.

• Seeking ways to connect with the Spirit in more intentional ways.

• Looking for a safe place to talk about spiritual questions and the paradoxes of life.

• Considering how to live a more integrated, whole, and holy life.

• Discerning a ministry call or change of vocation.

I welcome and invite you to a conversation, where we can decide if this type of relationship may be a helpful practice for you at this stage of your journey. If you decide that I am not a good fit for you, I am always happy to recommend others.