Spiritual direction is an ongoing conversation between a trained director and a person seeking self knowledge and an understanding of what the spirit invites that person to do with his/her life. This is accomplished through regular private meetings in which you, as the seeker, are invited to relate and embrace your life experiences, both conscious and unconscious; to recognize the movement of the Sacred in these events; and to respond in a way that leads to greater compassion, freedom and mission. The ultimate goal is for you to gain a conscious awareness of and participation in the ongoing dialogue with the Sacred that gives meaning to life.

The basis for the traditional understanding of spiritual direction is an appreciation of human freedom and the natural attraction toward the Sacred inherent in all of life.

The purpose of spiritual direction:

• Growth in self knowledge - by bringing to consciousness the abiding tendencies/dispositions of your heart
• Discernment – of what you are called to do through the art and gift of recognizing the movement of the Sacred in your life,
• Invitation – to respond to the Sacred’s movement in ways that are healing, just and reconciling for all creation.

Persons offering to guide others on the spiritual journey traditionally were called spiritual directors; today other terms may be used, such as “spiritual guide” or “companion.”

The goals of spiritual direction:

• To integrate both the conscious and unconscious elements of your life – which leads to greater compassion, freedom and mission
• To make conscious the ongoing dialogue with God* that gives meaning to life.