CALLING

NEW TO SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?

For many years, I had a calling, a deep yearning to further my relationship with God. Despite a long vocation in religious life, I did not know where to go or whom to turn to. After many years of wandering and studying, I discovered there were individuals known as spiritual directors, who offered a spirit of hospitality, a listening presence, graciousness, and welcome toward my longings. If you have never heard of spiritual direction, take heart — you are not alone. It remains new and unknown by many, even church members. However, it has endured for a long time, dating back to the third and fourth centuries. With more prominence and practice in the Catholic tradition, spiritual direction emerged within Protestant communities in the last several decades.

If you are looking for understanding, encouragement, and support, spiritual direction is for you. If you are seeking deeper meaning and purpose in your life and faith, you are a great candidate for beginning a relationship with a spiritual director. If you are struggling in your relationship with God, feeling alone or alienated, perplexed from the harsh realities of a cancer diagnosis, fractured relationships, bereavement from the death of a loved one, separation and divorce, I am ready to accompany you along your journey toward healing and wholeness through the art of spiritual direction.

MISSION AND GOAL

I believe in the divine purpose of spiritual direction as a gift from the Spirit. My mission is to offer a calling of authentic and contemplatively faith-based spiritual direction to individuals and groups. I understand the boundaries, similarities, and distinct differences between therapeutic counseling and spiritual direction. I treasure sacred relationships, remaining committed to trust and confidentiality. My goal is to provide a holy place of deep-hearted listening and contemplative presence while trusting the work of the Spirit in periods of silence.

When I feel a divine nudge or a beckon from God, I offer reflections and thoughts toward discernment and resolve. I provide resources for journaling, sacred reading, meditation and prayer, the Enneagram, Ignatian practices such as Examen, Native American spirituality, and Quaker decision-making. I offer book studies in relation to the spiritual life, small study groups, consultations with congregations toward leadership strategies, community outreach programs, initiatives focusing on social justice, racial and gender inclusiveness.

SERVICE AND BENEFITS

As sacred beings, we are meant for companionship with each other. In a world of mixed messages and confusion, spiritual direction offers the opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and deep longings with a trained spiritual director. The value of confiding in an individual whom you trust offers rewarding benefits. Working with a spiritual director can provide new perspectives, values, and deep meaning in your life, particularly when experiencing a period of change, uncertainty, or adversity. For one seeking a greater sense of purpose or identity, contemplative spirituality offers opportunities to embrace the sacredness waiting to be discovered throughout subtle moments in life.