Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a traditional practice founded in the monastic settings of the world religions, and I’m still quite unsure how I managed to find my way to it. If you’re new to spiritual direction, know that you aren’t alone. If you’re familiar, then you may be aware of its transformation. In an age where mental health, physical health, and emotional health are prioritized to an utmost degree, it is only natural that we also nurture and develop our spiritual health.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a practice of deepening spirituality. A confidential meeting with a trained professional, it cultivates a deeper understanding of the wisdom inherent in you. By developing and nurturing our relationship with the mystery at the heart of our existence, we are better able to become and celebrate the unique persons we are.

Traditionally, spiritual direction was offered solely under the institution of religion — primarily through the monastic tradition. Clients (often called directees) would travel miles to visit monks for spiritual guidance. Today, spiritual directors are trained globally within and without the religious institution in an effort to maintain the Presence and power of this ancient practice needed to meet the needs of our current reality.

For many, the Western church has failed to provide authentic spiritual guidance in dire times of development and need. For others, the church has lived out its mission and offered sincere spiritual support. No matter where you come from, you can trust that in meeting with me, I will hold your spiritual experience with reverence and Presence.

Spiritual Direction is not:

– Only for Christians
– A “guru” relationship
– Psychotherapy; counseling
– Fixing anything; problem solving

My Approach

My approach to spiritual direction is rooted in the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct as outlined by Spiritual Directors International. My personal practice invites the wisdom from many traditions while grounding firmly in my own faith tradition of Christian spirituality: that which you need is already within you. I meet regularly with individuals of a diverse or no faith background.

As an artist, I believe that spiritual direction is inherently a creative space. To cultivate spiritual insight in the lives of others, I find it helpful to enter into a creative process that includes areas of exploration such as journaling/writing, guided imagery, meditation, and much more.

My Qualifications

My practice in spiritual direction began in 2017. I have an M.A. in Spiritual Formation with a focus in spiritual direction from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Tx where I recently served as a member of the advisory committee to reimagine the M.S.F. and spiritual direction programs. I am fortunate to practice Spiritual Direction as part of my role as Formation Manager at Ascension.

Additional Info

Fee: Sliding scale $30-$100; we’ll work together to find what’s comfortable for you.

Rhythm: 1 hour sessions; repeated biweekly, monthly, or whatever fits your needs.

Location: Virtual via Zoom and Google Meet.

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Scheduling

Interested in scheduling a 30-minute consultation?

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People are sick and suspicious of words. They want the nonword, unword, silence, touch, dance, music — i.e., a new deeper word that the mystic who rejects society’s language comes to utter. – Matthew Fox

Yes, the world is full of pain, uncertainty and injustice. But in this vulnerable human life, every loss is an opportunity either to shut out the world or to stand up with dignity and let the heart respond. – Jack Kornfield

The goal of spiritual direction is spiritual formation — the ever – increasing capacity to live a spiritual life from the heart. A spiritual life cannot be formed without discipline, practice and accountability. There are many spiritual disciplines. Almost anything that regularly asks us to slow down and order our time, desires, and thoughts to counteract selfishness, impulsiveness, or hurried fogginess of mind can be a spiritual discipline. – Henri Nouwen

Thus, Spiritual Direction can be defined as a relationship initiated by a spiritual seeker who finds a mature person of faith willing to pray and respond with wisdom and understanding to his or her questions about how to live spiritually in a world of ambiguity and distraction. – Michael J. Christianson and Rebecca Laird