What Is Spiritual Direction?
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Let's begin by exploring briefly what spiritual direction is not...
It is not counseling, therapy, advice giving, fixing, life coaching or directing. However, it can have similar benefits.
Rather...
A Spiritual Director companions another person to help them explore the movement of The Spirit in one's own life. A Spiritual Director helps "hold space" for God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit to be the TRUE Director in one's life. It is a great way to delve deeper into ones spiritual thoughts, beliefs, emotions and experiences using the material of every day life. It is meant to increase one's personal relationship with God and orient one toward a deeper and more profound connection. Likewise, often a person might use Spiritual Direction for discernment in order to make daily impactful and meaningful life choices that are 'rooted' in God's will.
One can have faith, religion, spirituality or none at all. There is no pre-requisite other than the desire to expand and grow in one's spiritual life. Should you be new to Spiritual Direction, know that you will be gently guided and adequately prepared to embark on this journey. It can last for one session or for a lifetime. It typically means dedicating 1 hour a month to sit with a spiritual director in person, via video conferencing or by phone. Be prepared to enter into a space of feeling deeply listened to and called to spiritual reflection and contemplation which in and of it'self is a gift.
Personally...
"Spiritual direction has been one of THE most profound experiences of my life. I've seen a spiritual director for many years which has resulted in a spiritual deepness that cannot be described and has contributed to the unfolding of God's plan and purpose for my life" ~AngelaRequest An Introductory Conversation
We can learn more by leaning on others to help us explore what spiritual direction is ...
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience" ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
"To recieve spiritual direction is to recognize that God does not solve our problems or answer all our questions, but leads us closer to the mystery of our existence where all questions cease." ~Henri Nowen
"The whole purpose of spiritual direction is to penetrate beneath the surface of a man's life, to get behind the facade of conventional gestures and attitudes which he presents to the world, and to bring out his inner spiritual freedom, his inmost truth, which is what we call the likeness of Christ in his soul." ~Thomas Merton
"It is easier to find guides, someone to tell you what to do, than someone to be with you in a discerning prayerful companionship as you work it out yourself. This is what spiritual direction is." ~ Eugene H. Peterson
"Spiritual direction is an interpersonal relationship in which we learn how to grow, live, and love in the spiritual life." ~Richard Foster
"Henri Nowen once asked Mother Teresa for spiritual direction. Spend one hour each day in adoration of your Lord, she said, and never do anything that you know is wrong. Follow this and you'll be fine." ~John Eldredge
"If there is a single factor that makes spiritual direction effective as a change agency for the soul, it is this; spirtual direction holds our shame at bay long enough for us to see ourselves as God sees us in Christ." ~Gary W. Moon
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~The Prophet JeremiahRequest An Introductory Conversation