What is spiritual direction?
Something of a misnomer, for starters, since we don’t direct people as in telling them what to do. Here’s my take on the whats and the whys. Note: I use various words for the unnameable—most often God and spirit--and that’s true on this page. You are most welcome to substitute whatever word or name has meaning for you.
Why would I do spiritual direction?
Maybe you’re facing a big decision and you want God’s help with it. Maybe you yearn for more depth or focus in your spiritual life. Perhaps your deepest beliefs don’t fit an established tradition or the tenets you were taught as a child. Whatever the details, something is nudging you, it has to do with spirit/your life/your future/etc., and you want a companion to help you address it.
How does spiritual direction work?
You tell me what’s on your mind. I listen with full attention and a wide open heart. I ask open-ended questions to help you go deeper. Together we see where spirit might be present, active, speaking in your life. Ideally, you gain clarity and insight and a more joyful connection with spirit.
Still unclear? Of course it is. That’s why I offer you your first session at no charge.
Sounds like therapy.
They do look alike. One big difference: In therapy, only two people are involved and the goal is the client’s mental health. In spiritual direction, there are three people in the room—you, me, and spirit, all listening to one another—and the goal is to connect you to spirit more closely.
Why would I do spiritual direction with you?
Different directors offer different strengths. Here’s some of what I bring to the table:
How do you meet with people? And how often?
My two favorite methods are face-to-face (in a location of your choosing) or online (via Zoom). Once a month is usually the best idea.
Do you charge for this?
Yes. Ask me for details.
I might want to do this, but I’m still not quite getting it.
I’d be surprised if you were. That’s why I offer your first session at no charge. Try it out and see.
Why would I do spiritual direction?
Maybe you’re facing a big decision and you want God’s help with it. Maybe you yearn for more depth or focus in your spiritual life. Perhaps your deepest beliefs don’t fit an established tradition or the tenets you were taught as a child. Whatever the details, something is nudging you, it has to do with spirit/your life/your future/etc., and you want a companion to help you address it.
How does spiritual direction work?
You tell me what’s on your mind. I listen with full attention and a wide open heart. I ask open-ended questions to help you go deeper. Together we see where spirit might be present, active, speaking in your life. Ideally, you gain clarity and insight and a more joyful connection with spirit.
Still unclear? Of course it is. That’s why I offer you your first session at no charge.
Sounds like therapy.
They do look alike. One big difference: In therapy, only two people are involved and the goal is the client’s mental health. In spiritual direction, there are three people in the room—you, me, and spirit, all listening to one another—and the goal is to connect you to spirit more closely.
Why would I do spiritual direction with you?
Different directors offer different strengths. Here’s some of what I bring to the table:
- An open heart. No judgment here. All your stuff is welcome. (While I’m aligned with both Christianity and Zen, you don’t have to be either to work with me.)
- A you focus. I’m big on starting with you—your stuff, your issues, your values, your beliefs, etc.—and helping you find spirit within that. Conversely, there’s less focus on established doctrine or structures unless that would help you.
- Deep listening. With as close to full attention as possible. I’m listening not only to your words and nonverbal cues, but also to what might be happening beneath the surface. I’m also listening to spirit and to my own reactions.
- Really good questions. The questions arise from the deep listening, so they often uncover something—a new perspective you’ve never seen before, a tender nerve that needs gentle care.
- Safety. Everything we discuss is confidential. Beyond that, the open heart and “you focus” create a safe space in which you can explore at will.
- Credentials. I’ve been an active Christian for 40+ years, engaged in contemplative prayer and spirituality for 30, and maintained a daily zazen practice for a few. I’m a member of Spiritual Directors International and completed my training in 2016 at the Linwood Spiritual Center. When not “directing,” I write extensively on ancient spiritual wisdom and its surprising relevance for today’s world (among other topics).
How do you meet with people? And how often?
My two favorite methods are face-to-face (in a location of your choosing) or online (via Zoom). Once a month is usually the best idea.
Do you charge for this?
Yes. Ask me for details.
I might want to do this, but I’m still not quite getting it.
I’d be surprised if you were. That’s why I offer your first session at no charge. Try it out and see.
