“[A]lways God is doing something before I know it. So the task is not to get God to do something I think needs to be done, but to become aware of what God is doing so I can respond to it and participate and take delight in it.” Eugene Peterson

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual direction is listening to God together--asking for ears to hear and eyes to see what God is doing in the ordinary day-to-dayness of a person's life. It is grounded in a deep confidence that God is always working for good. In the words of Susan Currie, "spiritual direction is God-oriented rather than goal-oriented—giving one's attention to God rather than to a particular problem that needs to be fixed or behavior that needs to be modified. It is responsive rather than directive, listening together to the Holy Spirit's presence and ways rather than the director telling the directee what to do. It is about listening with—together noticing senses of God's voice and direction—rather than talking to." It is a wondrous, mysterious, and gentle process. “The soul speaks its truth only under quiet, inviting, and trustworthy conditions. The soul is like a wild animal—tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient, and yet exceedingly shy. If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is to go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out. But if we are willing to walk quietly into the woods and sit silently for an hour or two at the base of a tree, the creature we are waiting for may well emerge, and out of the corner of an eye we will catch a glimpse of the precious wildness we seek.” Parker Palmer

Spiritual direction is not one person telling another person how to live, what to believe, or what to do. Rather, it is trusting that, if we ask and listen attentively together, God will gently and gladly direct. The spiritual director simply holds the door open for God, always with, as Evelyn Underhill puts it, a healthy dread of "pushing souls about." In the words of Ted Wueste, “[o]ther kinds of spiritual companionship may center on giving advice or fixing a problem. However, directive advice or ‘fixing’ frequently causes the soul to go back into hiding. In a direction session, we sit quietly and notice, listening to God and the soul, gently asking questions that give courage and allow resistances to fall. A spiritual director offers deep companionship for our soul, entering with us into these deep places with tenderness and patience. When we are seeking God, spiritual direction is a safe place where the soul can open up to the depths of His love.” 

Is spiritual direction new?

Christian spiritual direction has a long and rich history. Spiritual directors have been likened over the centuries to midwives—men and women who wait patiently and hopefully with others as God births new life in them. In spiritual direction, many people throughout the history of Christendom have discovered that they "within did flow with seas of life, like wine." Thomas Treherne (b. 1636).

Do you receive spiritual direction?

Yes, I have received spiritual direction for nine years. At first, I was skeptical—I have a busy life, so why not listen to God by myself or with a friend instead of adding one more thing to my to-do list? As it turns out, that ‘one more thing’ has become a lifeline. My director's arms-wide-open hospitality gives me breathing space and fresh, life-giving perspective.

What is a spiritual direction session like?

We meet once a month for an hour, either in person or remotely. It is a safe and sacred time, unhurried and luxurious. The directee is free to talk about any aspect of her life. Everything said during the session remains there, and nothing is judged. Things that have been in the dark can come out into the light in safety. I listen, ask open-ended questions, make observations, and, from time to time, offer suggestions. Almost always there are times of silence during the session. Sometimes there is laughter, sometimes tears. 

How long does a spiritual direction relationship last?

Each direction relationship is unique. Some last for months, and some last for years. A good director invites feedback and reassessment at regular intervals, so that the directee is free to change or end the direction relationship at any time.

How can I test the waters?

If you think you may be interested in pursuing spiritual direction, please contact me to set up a time to talk. Even if my practice is full, I would be happy to talk with you about spiritual direction and help you to find a spiritual director.