What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is an hour you commit to sit with a trusted Spiritual Director and explore how God is moving in your life. The purpose of each monthly session is for you to become more aware of the stirrings and presence of the Holy Spirit within you. Amazing things can happen when we take the time to listen for the voice of God with a safe companion. The Spiritual Direction relationship can be as short as a single session; it can go on for years; or it can happen intermittently (eg. 3 monthly sessions followed by a break, and then resume for 2 more, etc.).
Spiritual Direction: Frequently Asked Questions
We begin with some quiet time, giving space for silence so we can both escape the busyness of daily life. When you are ready, you are invited to speak on any part of your life story that you would like. It doesn’t have to be specifically faith-oriented unless you want it to be. Every moment of life has a spiritual component, and every part of your life story is welcome in session.
I will listen in order to truly hear you, and give plenty of space for you to hear yourself. You might notice that I leave time for silence between our turns to speak. I also invite you to create as many quiet moments as you want.
I may offer noticings, reflective questions, or seek clarification. I will likely offer a suggestion from time to time, but far less often will I teach or instruct — it is my belief that answers you seek will be found in the quiet of your own soul rather than in my voice. Ultimately, Spiritual Direction is so you can learn to hear the Spirit of God in and for your own life.
When our hour is nearly complete, I will offer to conclude with a blessing or some quiet time.
The most important thing to bring is an open and invested heart. This is for you, and I want you to have the best experience possible. It often helps to have a topic in mind, though this is optional; some people just like to see where the Spirit moves them in the moment.
On the practical side, many people find keeping a dedicated Spiritual Direction journal to be profitable, and you are welcome to jot notes during a session. I also encourage you to write reflectively afterwards, while the session is still fresh in your mind.
There is nothing wrong with sitting quietly in the presence of God for a while. That may be just the nourishment you need in your life at that moment.
In our culture, we tend to fill every moment with noise, so much so that we’ve lost the ability to embrace and enjoy quiet. It is in quiet that many people hear the stirrings of God inside themselves for the first time. Often, after a bit of quiet, just the right part of your life story will arise in your heart.
If some time goes by and you want a little help, I will be happy to offer one or two open-ended questions to get you started.
Please be assured that Spiritual Direction is a loving, judgment-free zone. These sessions are for you to find wholeness and know you are loved as you are. I will do my best to help you know and feel that you are in a safe space, and I will do everything I can to create a comfortable atmosphere for you to share any part of your story.
It may take time to build up the courage to share something heavy — that’s ok. There is no rush, and you will know when it’s the right moment. In the meantime, you are building strength and trust within yourself. Finding healing and spiritual growth for yourself is the most important part of this process.
I believe everyone has a spiritual dimension to themselves. Many people who are searching (or fleeing!) still have spiritual wants and longings and curiosities. Spiritual Direction can be a life-giving process for you on your spiritual journey, even when you feel completely ungrounded in your faith. If you want to explore your spiritual side, Spiritual Direction is for you.
Never. I will keep all our sessions confidential, except under very specific and rare circumstances required by law. In addition, I will not even tell anyone that you are seeing me for Spiritual Direction — that information is yours to share, not mine. You own the content of your sessions, and are free to discuss whatever you wish with whomever you wish; I will not.
I provide Spiritual Direction to anyone who wants it, member or not. I have experienced the power of Spiritual Direction firsthand, and I want to make that experience available to you.
This service is free to parishioners of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, included as part of their regular offerings. If you are not a member of Holy Trinity Church, please visit soulquiet.life for pricing and to receive an agreement form.
Scheduling is easy! Just click the Schedule Appointment button on this page to access my appointment calendar, and choose any available time.
Please limit appointments to once a month. This pace is optimal for your spiritual growth (I would be happy to discuss why!), and it also respects the time I need to dedicate to other people and church ministries.
You may, of course, schedule less often if desired — even just a single session. In the end, there’s not really a should — you do you.