SPIRITUAL
DIRECTION
is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual
journey. Spiritual direction helps people tell their
sacred stories drawn from their everyday lives. Spiritual
direction exists in a context that emphasizes growing
closer to God (or the Holy or a Higher Power). Spiritual
direction invites a deeper relationship with the spiritual
aspect of being human. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy,
counseling, or financial planning. When a person feels
a pull to ask another to accompany them on this spiritual
journey, the spiritual director is a trained companion.
EXPLORE
Spiritual direction encourages you to explore a closer
relationship with God. In the midst of a busy life,
many people find it difficult to notice God's action
in their daily affairs. Yet, at the deepest level,
all of us long for a more conscious experience of God's
presence and love.
DISCERN GOD'S PRESENCE
In spiritual direction, you reflect deeply on the experiences
of your daily life. Gradually, as you contemplate,
you may begin to recognize God's presence and grace
in your life. Your may come to realize how God's spirit
is truly with you every day and everywhere. You discover
that God has been waiting for you to seek this closer
relationship.
Spiritual direction is really not about being "directedl" Rather,
it is very much about being encouraged to draw closer
to God. Spiritual direction invites you into this relationship
with God.
GIFTS OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
You might come to spiritual direction for a variety
of reasons, including to
- Identify and trust your own
experiences of God
- Integrate spirituality into your daily life
- Discern and make difficult choices
- Share your hopes, struggles and losses
- Develop a sensitivity for justice and concern for
the poor
- Live the essence of your spiritual affiliation with
integrity
MEET WITH A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
The privilege and responsibility of a spiritual director
is to journey with you as you deepen your relationship
with God. The journey takes place in the context of
confidential one-on-one or group sessions with your
spiritual director.
Most spiritual directors have extensive training and
formation and are seasoned in the art of spiritual
direction. Spiritual directors continue tending the
spiritual life by engaging in ongoing education,
confidential supervision, and also meeting regularly
with a spiritual director.
You and your spiritual director will agree on a convenient
time to meet at Saint Dunstan's in the small conference
room outside the parish office, usually once a month
for an hour. While many spiritual directors request
a fee and some receive a free-will offering, others
offer their time with no expectation of anything in
return. At Saint Dunstan's, we encourage a 'thank offering'
to be made to the church, identified as being given
for 'spiritual direction'.
After three or four sessions, you will have the opportunity
to evaluate the relationship. Whether your relationship
with the spiritual director continues for many years
or for only a short period of time, it is very important
to be comfortable with the spiritual director you choose.
What is shared between you is held in confidence.
You may discuss this with the Reverend
Stephen Shepherd or call Maureen Jenkins at703-356-1881
(or contact her via email sent to MEMJenkins@aol.com.)
Maureen has completed the Shalem Institute's Spiritual
Guidance program and meets with directees in the little
conference room outside the parish office.
WITHIN EACH OF US LIES THE DESIRE TO FIND MEANING
BEYOND THE MOMENT...
TO DISCOVER OUR TRUE SELVES...
TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD
AND TO ONE ANOTHER.
A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR CAN HELP YOU
SATISFY THAT LONGING.
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