Individual spiritual direction:
Spiritual Direction centers in “deep listening” which invites a deeper connection with our soul. Spiritual guidance and companionship are central to the relationship. I find great meaning in the ancient Irish Celtic tradition of an anam cara or "soul friend." John O'Donohue describes it as follows:
"The anam cara was a person to whom you could reveal the hidden intimacies of your life. This friendship was an act of recognition and belonging. When you had an anam cara, your friendship cut across all convention and category. You were joined in an ancient and eternal way with the friend of your soul."
Engaging in spiritual direction is a way to create space to hear the whisperings of your soul. It is not about someone telling you what to do, or how to do it, but is about creating sacred space with deep intention and openness. Generally, we meet for an hour once a month, although this is flexible due to individual needs or schedules. Spiritual direction is NOT psychotherapy or counseling. It is rooted in a deep tradition of seeking the Divine and opening ourselves to the Spirit.
While my spiritual life is rooted in the Christian tradition, I have been enriched and expanded by other World traditions. I find our words often limit and divide us, for in our attachment to words, we lose sight of the Truths we share. Whether we say God, Jahweh, Allah, Divine Source, all express the Source of life.
There is no set fee for spiritual direction, rather each individual determines the amount paid based on ability to pay, and perceived value. 10% of all monies received is donated to efforts which honor the vital importance of tending the soul--especially providing holistic healing opportunities to those who do not have access. This donation celebrates the interconnectedness of one soul to the world as a whole.
It is the tiny, particular acts of love and joy which are going to swing the balance. Madeleine L'Engle
Group Spiritual Direction:
“And the world cannot be discovered
by a journey of miles, no matter how long,
but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch,
very arduous and humbling and joyful,
by which we arrive at the ground at
our own feet, and learn to be at home.” Wendell Berry
Group spiritual direction recognizes that our Souls are fed by community and fellowship, and great healing can occur when we come together to explore our common human experience. Groups are comprised of individuals seeking deeper connection with one another, with a mutual desire to support each in creating sacred space. Often these groups emerge naturally from connections formed through work, church, neighborhood, athletics, as well as families.
Group spiritual direction is NOT group psychotherapy or counseling. Each group develops its own rhythm and determines the frequency of gatherings, usually weekly or semi-weekly for a mutually determined time frame.
There is no set fee for group spiritual direction, rather the group is asked to determine the amount paid, based on ability to pay, and perceived value. 10% of all monies received is donated to efforts which honor the vital importance of tending the soul--especially providing holistic healing opportunities to those who do not access. This donation celebrates the interconnectedness of one soul to the world as a whole.
The love of God, unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way that light rushes into a transparent object.
The more love that it finds, the more it gives itself; so that, as we grow clear and open, the more complete the joy of loving is.
And the more souls who resonate together, the greater the intensity of their love, for, mirror-like, each soul reflects the other. Dante (translated by Stephen Mitchell)
