What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is a covenant companionship relationship focused on listening to the Holy in our life. With a trained guide, we can explore who G-d is, who we are, and how we want to be in relationship with G-d and others. In Spiritual Direction, we have a committed companion as a voice crying out in the wilderness of our daily lives to prepare the way for our true Director. The Spirit is the real Spiritual Director; spiritual companions escort us on our homecoming. 

Spiritual Direction is a bespoke process of listening and responding to G-d by recognizing and pondering the works of the Divine already present in our life and relationships. With a trusted companion, Spiritual Direction offers us a time and space to stop, breathe, listen, reflect, discern and discover the movement of the Holy Spirit in our everyday interactions. Rather than just reacting to the circumstances of our life, we have the option, through Spiritual Direction, to respond to G-d’s invitation to live, move, and have our being in relationship with the Holy One.

Spiritual Direction conversations are confidential and shaped by covenant promises agreed upon at the beginning of the direction relationship. The length and duration of the relationship are determined by the one seeking spiritual companionship (sometimes referred to as a directee), but most sessions occur once a month for about an hour. The Spiritual Direction process is gradual, taking commitment and patience (like all successful relationships) for the fruit of the Spirit to sweeten.

Each Spiritual Direction conversation prayerfully considers what seems to have the most meaning at the time in the life of the directee. It could be exploring critical life issues, the directee's spirituality, or different meditation practices. It could be discerning a life choice or the significance of dreams or desires. It could be asking how to have a more fulfilling relationship with G-d. A trained facilitator of these conversations holds a brave space for open & honest questions leading to courageous conversations and insights. The director honors the directee through deep, attentive listening and supportive presence and prayer, along with promptings for further consideration.

Spiritual Direction is not counseling and spiritual companions are not trained therapists. Counseling, in general, attempts to name problems in your life and offer steps to solutions for these issues. Spiritual Direction does not give resolutions or answers to life’s challenges. Spiritual Direction does not attempt to solve emotional or psychological hardships. Instead, it offers contemplative companionship and intentional listening to how the Holy One is already guiding us through our hardships and relationships. Christian counseling may offer to be with us for G-d’s sake, but Spiritual Direction will be with G-d AND us for our sake. With a committed spiritual companion, we have the opportunity to communicate and connect with the Divine in a more meaningful and satisfying way.

Spiritual Direction is for anybody at anytime! It may not be for everyone all the time. Depending on each person's own spiritual becoming, Spiritual Direction may offer just the right space needed to pay attention to the movement of the Spirit in your life. This season in your spirituality, faith journey, or prayer life may be ripe right now for spiritual companionship. It can offer you support in discovering what you desire most in your life, as well as encourage you to ask honest questions without judgement. Spiritual Direction is for you if you’ve ever asked yourself...

Who is G-d?
Where is G-d when I need G-d most?
Who am I?
What is my identity vs. my biography?
What are my deepest desires?
What is my purpose?
What am I called to in this life?
What are my gifts?
How can I discern my giftedness?
How can I grow in my faith?
How can I have a closer relationship with the Holy?  

Interested in Spiritual Direction? Contact Carrie M. Allport at smallspherespirituality@gmail.com to begin an easy, free, and low risk conversation to explore if Spiritual Direction is right for you right now.