What is Spiritual Direction...

​      This post has been a long time coming! First I want to share an experience around my very first spiritual direction session 10 years ago. It was a major shift in perspective although I did not understand the depth of it until a couple years later. I accredit my own spiritual director (with some years off in the beginning, I still see her monthly to this very day) for igniting my God flame. 
     It was in 2010 out of pure curiosity (NOW I would call it the movement of Spirit) I went to have a session with a lady in the networking group I led that offered Spiritual Direction.

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​I honestly had no clue what it was or even what spirituality was but sounded interesting so I thought I would check it out.  Our first meeting was a time where she kind of got to know me and pieces of my story. I shared with her that I grew up going to church with my grandma but did not really get it or pay much attention besides the time spent with my grandma, when I moved away at 15 kind of left all that behind but now that I had kids of my own things were starting to peak my interest a bit, and by a bit I do mean very little because I could not see lugging 3 kids to Catholic church (which is all I ever new existed). Then I shared a little of what I was currently doing that I was absolutely loving! I had begun a part time gig, one day a week working on an organic farm for vegetables. She said I lit up, I sat up tall and I just carried on with amazement. A few minutes later she looked at me and said, "Beth, you find God at this farm and in those vegetables!" Long story short...I was perplexed, excited, unable to really process the "BIG"ness of those words. And that very moment was the greatest GIFT that has kept on giving AND that very moment set me on an ADVENTURE of LIFE transformation!! Pretty sure that is why it has become such a deep desire for me to hold that space for others on the journey back home!!
What is Spiritual Direction (guidance)... Midwifery for the Soul 

• a sacred dialogue between a guide and a seeker (you)
• a dialogue with intent of letting the Spirit within you "reveal to you" the story you are living that is your life
• presence focused listening which can help seeker to be known
• holding space with Compassion and Grace
• a place for those who desire to be heard
• you do not have to "know" God to come to spiritual direction                               (I certainly did not)

Getting Started... laying the foundation

• the guide/seeker relationship is a gradual unfolding over time
• sessions are usually an hour in length and on going monthly
• the first session begins with a series of exploration questions as we begin to get to know each other
• I will mostly listen, inquiring further when clarification is needed
• you may observe more clarity in your mind as you put you story into words
• the first session will also have space for you to ask me questions
• we may find more time is needed and can easily pick up next time

 The process...

• all parts of your life are relevant;  EVERY part is spiritual
• looking around within; uncovering the hidden gems
• growth opportunities in authenticity and responsibility
• reflecting you back to you the best I can
• we will be companions and co-listeners for the voice and movement of God

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In Conclusion...
​     The spiritual guide/seeker relationship is nothing short of a pilgrimage to the Soul, back to the very spark that you burst into this world to become. You will uncover, discover and recover the TRUTH of who you are and who you came here to be. The time is Sacred and the space is open for movement, unfolding and opportunity. Just as you would not climb Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide neither should you take the spiritual journey alone. 
     It would be my honor and privilege to walk with you. I will bring to you the gifts of openness, compassionate listening and grace for those who desire to be heard for the purpose of seeking, healing and nourishing the Soul<3 Namaste.

references and resources
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/11/15/why-non-christian-seekers-are-trying-spiritual-direction
Vision: The 2006 annual religion guide