"Every moment and every event of every person's life on earth plants something in their soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of people. Seeds such as these cannot spring up anywhere except in the good soil of freedom, spontaneity and love." by Thomas Merton from New Seeds of Contemplation

What Is the Role of a Spiritual Director?

A spiritual director is one who willingly walks this faith journey with another. A spiritual director listens, encourages, challenges and prays with the individual who freely shares the movements of the Spirit in his life.

How does it work?

Individual spiritual direction ordinarily involves a private meeting--in person or by telephone--about once a month for an hour. The session usually begins in silent prayer as both director and directee collect themselves in the presence of God. Then, the person in direction will share whatever is real and important that is going on in their life. Together the directee and director explore where God is present and what God's invitation to the directee may be. Call Susan at 703-919-7860 or email Susan at Susan@movedbythespiritministries.com to request an appointment.

What Should I Look for in Spiritual Direction?

A spiritual director can help you to be more aware of and respond to God's revelation as you experience it affectively -- in your emotions, not just in your mind. Thus, spiritual direction deals not only with the intellect, but the heart as well. In this sense, it is concerned with the whole person.

A spiritual director can help you express your struggles, pain, joys, and gratitude, and to share these with God; to notice God's presence in your life and your prayers; to savor, relive, and respond to your experience of God; and, finally, to notice interior changes and the effects these changes have on your relationships and your life. Such a task is not easy, even though God is present and active in spiritual direction and, indeed, is the primary spiritual director.

General Questions

o Who uses spiritual direction? Anyone longing to become more aware of God's presence and how to discern where that presence is leading them. There is no prerequisite for coming to spiritual direction. If you desire it, then it is for you.

o What kinds of experiences do people talk about in spiritual direction? People frequently come wondering "where is God in all this busy-ness of my life?" Some have had powerful spiritual experiences and want to talk to someone who will take them seriously. Others come needing to make a crucial decision in their life and want assistance in prayer and discernment. Some people come because their relationship with God feels stale and they want to work on that--others come because their relationship with God is growing and they want to savor and celebrate that. Many people have simply lost sight of God's desire for them in the "busy-ness" of life and they seek a soul friend who will listen to them without judging.

o How are spiritual directors trained? Many spiritual directors have been through formation and training programs. There are many good training programs.

o What is the certification process for spiritual directors? There is no standard certification for spiritual directors either here in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. Many training programs offer certificates of completion, but those do not guarantee that a person is a good spiritual director. Only God can truly certify a spiritual director. So when choosing one, look for someone you resonate with, someone who listens well, a person who has an active commitment to prayer and meditation, and someone who helps you find the wisdom God has given you--within you.

o What if I am not religious but want spiritual direction? You are welcome in spiritual direction. In fact, more and more of you are seeking spiritual direction these days! No spiritual director worth the title is going to push you to affiliate with any particular religious tradition. We are about listening to your sacred story, not pushing you one way or another. If you find yourself in direction with someone who is judgmental or pushy, get out immediately. Spiritual direction is about freedom, not conformity. In addition, if God-language or religious terminology turns you off, just tell your spiritual director and they will do their best to use language that fits your experience.

o How is spiritual direction different from therapy or pastoral counseling? It's quite different. First of all, spiritual directors are not trained in psychotherapy or counseling (unless you encounter one who is trained to do both) so we do not diagnose or attempt to "fix" anyone's problems. We focus on God, spiritual energy and discernment. So if you are seeking to understand why you behave in a certain way or begin to ask for advice around a life problem, you need to see a therapist or counselor. We do, however, see lots of people who are in therapy. Spiritual direction seems to complement psychological counseling, but it is never a substitute for it.

o What if I want to be in spiritual direction, but I'm not sure you're the person for me? No problem. Not every spiritual director is for every person. You may be looking for a man, or a person who is ordained within a certain religious tradition, or perhaps you want a spiritual director who is also an energy healer. There are lots of different spiritual directors out there. Seek and you shall find! In fact, check out the Spiritual Directors International website's "seek and find" feature at www.sdiworld.org for starters.

Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who is also on a spiritual path and can help you discern your path. That's what a spiritual director does--gently and carefully accompany you along the journey. Mostly, we listen and reflect back to you the wisdom of God that we notice in you.

Spiritual direction is excellent for becoming more aware of God's presence, for savoring the goodness of God in your life, and for sorting out difficult life situations and choices (discernment). Spiritual direction centers around God, prayer, meditation and the holiness of everday life.

Spiritual direction sessions are always confidential. What you share with a spiritual director is between the two of you and God.