“The goal of spiritual direction is spiritual formation—the ever-increasing capacity to live a spiritual life from the heart.” -Henri Nouwen
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is letting a companion walk alongside you as you grow into your spiritual life. Your companion does not have all the answers. They are there to bear witness to what God is doing in you, how much Jesus loves you, and how the Spirit is calling you. Spiritual direction isn’t receiving instructions and orders. Spiritual direction is about helping you orient yourself in the direction of the divine.
How do I know if you’re a good spiritual director for me?
Spiritual direction is personal, and not all spiritual directors are for everyone. It’s important to find a spiritual director that you feel safe and connect with. I’d suggest reading over my statements of belief and seeing if they resonate with you. Then, we can have a conversation and see if we’re a good fit for each other.
What if I’m unsure of my faith?
Spiritual direction isn’t about certainty. It’s not about having or even finding answers. Spiritual direction is about helping you see God in the world around you, and in yourself. This can lead to bigger, better questions, and that’s ok. A spiritual life isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about entering into our place in the mysterious work God is doing to bring about new creation. Uncertainty is to be celebrated because it’s what opens us to new possibilities.
Why do I need a spiritual director?
Spiritual direction isn’t something everyone needs. But for some people, having a soul companion to help them see Jesus with more clarity helps them grow in their spiritual life. Spiritual directors aren’t magic gurus. They are people who, full of prayer, walk beside you as you grow, explore, question, and come to see God in new ways.
Hi. I am a writer, a theologian, and spiritual director who draws from the traditions of Christian desert mothers and fathers (patristics) and Christian mysticism. I’ve been deconstructing and reconstructing my faith for over twenty years, and I believe that faith is a process, not a set of certainties.
When approaching spiritual direction, I don’t believe I have all the answers to offer, but rather I offer a presence and the ability to hold space for what you are going through as the Spirit does her work in your life. I offer another ear to help hear what God is saying to you, what you are saying to God, and what you are saying to yourself.
Hearing the divine through a trauma informed lens allows you to trust yourself, find healing for spiritual wounds, and open space in yourself to trust what you and God are doing.
I am fully queer inclusive, love working with people who are deconstructing their faith, and I believe that no matter what your relationship with church is, you have a place at God’s table.
Please, explore my statement of beliefs, my writing at The Book of Common Words, and if you feel a connection or a draw, contact me about being your spiritual director.
Questions about spiritual direction with me?
Let’s start a conversation and see where it takes us.