When I mention I am in training to become a spiritual director I find most people asking me what that is. Even though it has been around for a very long time and has been part of almost every religious/spiritual tradition at some level it is not something most people are aware of. I borrowed most of the following from the blog of Jim Palmer who has been a spiritual director for many years. I feel it is one of the better explanations of what spiritual direction is and why a person would want to enter into such a relationship.
Spiritual direction offers a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental space where another human being can be truly seen and heard and have the freedom to express where they are on their spiritual and life journey. Spiritual direction explores the meaning of one’s life, and supports a person’s unique journey toward wholeness, self-actualization and relationship to the sacred or transcendent. In spiritual direction one investigates their inner self, what matters most to them in life, and the root causes of chronic unhappiness and disharmony. In spiritual direction a person has the freedom to determine what “spirituality” means to them, and how to cultivate meaning, happiness and peace in their lives. Spiritual direction encourages and guides a person to strengthen their relationship with themselves, and to find wisdom and answers they seek inside themself. Spiritual direction explores a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspect of being human. It is not a quick fix for life’s problems and issues but rather a long term relationship of unfolding spiritual development.
A spiritual director is one who accompanies another on their spiritual journey. It involves being fully present to another human being, deep listening, and seeing and honoring the sacred mystery of the soul of another. A spiritual director does not give directions so much as reflecting back what the directee may not be fully aware of and pointing them back to their own inner knowing.
Some of the reasons a person would seek spiritual direction include:
- Desiring to explore ultimate reality outside the framework of religion
- Seeking a more expansive, meaningful and human spirituality
- Interested in investigating the meaning behind their spiritual experiences such as dreams, synchronicity, and peak or transcendent moments
- A life crisis has caused them to question their personal or religious beliefs
- Searching for answers to life’s existential questions such as the meaning and purpose of life
- Interested in exploring spirituality beyond the boundaries of their religious background or tradition
- Wanting to address the root cause of unhappiness and disharmony in their life
- Desiring a whole relationship with themselves through self-discovery, self-acceptance, self-trust and self-care
- Needing to unshackle themselves from toxic religious beliefs
I hope that answers some questions for those who have been curious. I am now completing my first year of the two-year program and I am doing practicum work. If you are interested in entering into this kind of relationship with me, I have my meetings over Zoom, so it doesn’t matter where you live. We usually meet once a month for an hour or so and I am offering this on a love offering basis for the next year. I recommend committing to at least 3 meetings to start with then assessing if this is for you or not.
You can call me at 780-913-6466 or email me at yvonneracine@shaw.com for more info or to set up a meeting.
