Spiritual Direction and Companionship
My Approach to Spiritual Direction and Companionship
I have lived all over the United States – east and west coast, midwest, and south. Every place, person, and culture is so unique and I am in awe of its beauty of diversity. I have learned and experienced much through each home. Most importantly, I’ve learned that God doesn’t exist in a box, but rather in the wide open space that allows us all to be who we were uniquely created to be.
“Spiritual Direction is a spacious place where one comes as they are, to pause and breathe in the midst of our chaotic world, and connect with the compassionate heart of the Divine.”
Ravach [raw-vakh’] is a Hebrew word that means wide open space. It also means to breathe freely, to be refreshed, and full of compassion. This is the essence of my hope for spiritual companionship – a spacious place where one comes as they are, to pause and breathe in the midst of our chaotic world, and connect with the compassionate heart of the Divine. Spiritual direction is a sacred space for you and God. It may bring an awareness of the workings of God and a peace that God is always present. It might plant seeds of inspiration to take steps toward becoming the person you are created you to be. The space is whatever you need it to be – wide open and compassionate.
People seek out a spiritual director or companion for many reasons. Some are looking for spiritual growth, some personal growth, and some need a space to rest and reflect on life and God. Many people seek spiritual direction when they feel stuck in their faith or in their circumstances. A spiritual director asks insightful, open-ended questions that help you connect with your authentic self and find freedom in becoming who you were created to be. Your spiritual companion may help you explore and interpret your experiences of God, integrate spirituality and practices in your daily life, discern and evaluate decisions, spiritually heal from past wounds, and share your joys, fears, desires, and struggles in a safe environment (Source).
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
2 Samuel 22:20
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of spiritual direction?
The benefits of spiritual direction are unique to each individual, as people seek out companionship for many different reasons. You may experience a deeper connection to a higher power. You may discover a sense of peace, freedom, and joy. You may see an increased awareness of holiness in the world. And you might discover that you are on a journey to become the person you were created to be.
What does a typical session look like?
A spiritual direction session is personalized for your needs and desires and lasts about an hour. We often start with some space to breathe, center, and listen to what God has for you that day. We might start with a reading, prayer, or just silence. And then the time is yours and God’s - whatever you need to talk through, process, pray about, or rest in. If appropriate, I might offer an exercise or reading.
How does it differ from counseling?
Spiritual direction or companionship and counseling or therapy are similar in that they both take place in a quiet, safe place, where trust is sacred and protected. All involve sharing of your life and attuned listening by the director / counselor. While counseling will focus on a client’s life experiences, spiritual direction will focus on a directee’s experiences of God.