What is Spiritual Direction?
Tending the Holy
Although spiritual direction is an ancient practice in the Judeo-Christian tradition, it has only recently started to grow as increasing numbers of people have decided that they are not receiving the ongoing personal spiritual nourishment they need from their houses of worship.
When you can have someone listen with you to how that Spirit inside is moving you, and what is calling you to a deeper place of understanding, a qualified director is an invaluable assistance. In our complex world of today with all its cultural influences and pressures, we often need someone who keeps us focused and centered. Direction typicaly consists of monthly, hour-long sessions during which the director listens to the person describe their spiritual path. Often it is spent in silence or simply praying together. In contrast to both psychological therapy and pastoral counseling, which are usually about a temporary crisis and more focused on a troublesome issue, spiritual direction is "an ongoing process and not problem centered." Spiritul Direction assists the directee to his/her relationship to God and develops that relationship.
The Spiritual Life Center presently offers the following:
- Individual Direction - By appointment - Sliding Scale donation
- Group Spritual Direction - open to all every 4th Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 12 noon at the Center office. Call the office to receive a monthly email reminder. Donations are welcomed.
- Supervision of Directors - 1st Saturday of each month - 9:30 to 12 noon - The supervision opportunity is in conjunction with the Spiriutal Direction Formation Training for individuals who have completed the 2 year Mercy Center Direction training or a similar program. Confidentiality is a main criterion for all the the direction programs. We are intentionally Christian based but we welcome all traditions to participate. Donations are welcome to cover the basic use of the space, refreshments and mailings.
A register of local spiritual directors with brief bio's and pictures is in the making. Contact the office at 523-1170 for information and recommendations.