What Is Spiritual Direction?

Two people sitting at a dining table in a cozy room with large windows, a lamp, a French press with coffee, a teal mug, and a placemat. One person is drinking from a teal mug while the other, with shoulder-length hair and a brown sweater, is facing away from the camera.
Close-up of two hands gently holding each other

If you looked online, you probably found a number of “definitions.” As I see it, and practice it, spiritual direction is essentially spiritual companionship. It’s not about leading you to a particular religion or set of beliefs or dogma. 

For me, spiritual direction encourages you to explore a relationship with God, as you understand or name the Divine Mystery (God is the language I use. It may not be yours, and I respect that). In the midst of our daily lives, we may not notice God’s action. In spiritual direction as you reflect on the experiences of your busy life and as you talk—and I listen, ask open questions, reflect back—you may begin to realize God is present and speaking to you. 

I believe the spiritual journey was never meant to be walked alone. As Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr says,

“If you do not have someone to guide you, to hold onto you during the times of not knowing, you will normally stay at your present level of growth.”

Through deep listening, a spiritual companion can help you explore a deeper relationship with the Holy. Like other forms of contemplation, a spiritual companion helps you connect more deeply with the True Self, without judging, proselytizing, or preaching.

For many, the contemplative practice of spiritual companionship is a journey to expand beyond our small self and uncover who we are in the truest and deepest sense. You may awaken to new possibilities, connections, and deeper meaning. 

It would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey.

A ceramic bowl with a beige, textured surface and gold crackle glaze pattern

There are many reasons why you might choose spiritual direction.

  • You have questions about faith, religion, spirituality.

  • You wonder why your faith doesn’t fit anymore.

  • You’d like to deepen your own spirituality.

  • You’ve ignored your spiritual side up till now because you don’t have time.

  • You wonder about events you’ve experienced and have been afraid to talk about them.

  • You want to sit in a safe space with someone who will listen deeply and without judgment.

  • You desire to explore life’s big questions.

    • or to just talk about life

    • or to talk about death

    • or to pour out grief

  • You want to talk about what’s happening in your life with a wise elder (who’s not a relative or partner or even a friend).

  • You yearn to sit and decompress in a beautiful space.

  • You have something to bring I haven’t even thought about yet.

  • You’re a woman in ministry searching for a conversation partner, searching for blessing.