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Listening to Soul |
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What is Spiritual Direction? Some people say spiritual direction is a way of hearing God. The word “direction” may give you the wrong impression. Throughout the ages, people have sought spiritual mentoring or companioning, someone with whom to walk a spiritual path. These are all different ways of naming how one person helps a seeker to uncover and discover, to see and claim, to receive and revere the Divine energy in one’s life.
There are many names for the Mystery humans call God ~~ Higher Power, Great Spirit, Nature, Ultimate Energy, Great Mother, Goddess, MotherFather God and simply God.
Most of us at some time in our lives find ourselves looking for meaning beyond the busyness of the everyday. The companionship of a Spiritual Director can be a great help in finding your own spiritual direction.
How does it work? Usually I meet with a client (directee) about once per month for an hour. Sometimes if there is a lot going on or a client is new, we meet every couple weeks for a few sessions if you wish.
During spiritual direction sessions, we weave memory, story, experiences, emotional and body feelings, relationships with others and with the Divine, meditation, prayer and listening into our conversation. The intention is to get in touch with the Sacred in everyday experience.
To assist you in determining your goals for Spiritual Direction, here are some questions that are some of the issues that arise in Spiritual Direction:
· What are my great hurts, sorrow, grief experiences that I carry in my heart? What do I need to heal these? What have they helped me understand better with my head and my heart? How might I transform these into my personal strengths or my abilities to serve others in my world?
· How would I describe my personality type? What do I judge to be my limits to becoming fully the person I want to be? What do I see as my strengths that convince me that I have something to give?
· When do I feel most at home with myself? What attracts me and makes me come to life? When I have leisure time, what do I enjoy doing?
· When do I feel most ill-at-ease with myself, most uncomfortable? What repels me? What blocks me from enjoying each moment in life? Being myself? · What are my night dreams trying to tell me? Are there recurring images or events? Would I be interested in exploring dream metaphors to move toward healing and wholeness?
· What is my “dream job?” What am I doing now? Do I have plans of “getting there from here?
· When and how and where have I experienced God/the Divine in my life?
· What pattern of coming into my life does God/the Holy seem to use with me: prepares me ahead of time? Gives me many messages many ways about the same issue? Lets me know in dreams? Lets me know through friends? Give me clues as I read and study? Teaches me through many daily activities? Gives me messages through beautiful things (poetry, art, music, nature, etc.)?
· What kind of person does my heart (or head, or stomach) seem to be inviting me to be 5 years from now? What are some concrete steps I could take to get there: this year, in two years, in three, in four, in five?
· What immediate “calls to change or growth” have I been experiencing this current year? What obstacles do I experience? Can I by-pass these, or do I need some assistance in learning how to use these as stepping stones to growth? If I could take one step ahead to answer this invitation to growth, what would this step be?
· What are my questions about: God/Goddess/Supreme Being/the Absolute/the Divine, after-life, human freedom, evil, goodness, loving kindness, compassion, forgiveness, etc.
· What are my questions about: spiritual practice, finding a spiritual home?
· What are my questions about “call,” vocation, mission in life?
· How do I think a spiritual director/companion/guide/mentor might best facilitate personal and spiritual growth for me at this time of my life? |
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Testimonial: Gretchen was my Spiritual Director for a year and assisted me through some important transitions in my life. She provided a supportive and healing presence while I explored how my life was growing spiritually. There were important moments she witnessed and held the space for me to discover what I needed to learn. She offered wisdom, life experience, and an openness to discover how I spiritually discern. I was blessed to receive her insight and companionship. ~~ SW ~~ |
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I offer my services on a sliding scale for a full hour. Payment accepted by credit card, check or cash. Because I believe in giving back, I donate 5% of my income to charitable organizations that promote peace, equity and compassion. |
