“To be human
is to become visible
while carrying what is hidden as a gift to others.”
-David Whyte
What to Remember When Waking
What is Spiritual Direction?
Within you and every human being is a spark longing to be kindled into aliveness. Life lived with meaning and purpose in synchronization with the wisdom within you – your essence. This synergy enthuses you and enables fueled confidence. This anchors you in hope through times of suffering knowing the light of the Spirit of Wisdom (Ex: God, Universe, Source, force for good, inner vitality) guiding you, though the way forward seems foggy. As you practice attentiveness and reflection using various modalities, you discern your way, experience healing of past wounds, and freedom of expression of your unique design.
Imagine a warm greenhouse, where the gardener has gently planted all kinds of seeds in rich soil. These seeds are hidden from view, until nurtured and matured enough to make their entrance into the air and sprout.
From here they continue to be nurtured with water and sunlight
growing in vigor to blossom and bear fruit.
A Spiritual Director creates a safe space with a warm, inviting, listening presence of non-judgment where your shy soul – the inner seed within you - can speak itself present and be heard, maybe for the first time. In an environment created to notice the movement of the Spirit through curious observation and inquiry, your inner seed will blossom into the authentic wholeness your heart desires, and the goodness love encourages.
"There are moments in our lives when we wake up to ourselves.
Before the moment we didn’t know we were asleep.
Afterward, we are startled to find how long we were out.”
Becca Stevens
Tea and Justice
Why meet for spiritual direction?
When in a spiritual direction session, you would be invited to share what is on your heart from your everyday life. It is in the aspects of the ordinary, and taking notice of what is happening in the present moment which will draw you deeper into awakening to your authentic self.
You will increase your capacity:
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to listen to your own inner truth,
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notice your reactions,
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pay attention to your feelings
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hear what your body is telling you
And you will move toward greater freedom, and a sense you are in alignment with who you were born to be. When this resonance with your inner self occurs, it is as if the sun just arose over the horizon kindling soul delight – and new insights.
These are transformative, life changing moments.
Spiritual direction is for anybody - at anytime in their life.
Who seeks spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is for anybody.
It is often for those:
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seeking deeper connection with God or their own inner truth.
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wondering “Who am I?.”
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seeking to discern direction for their life. “Where am I going?”
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seeking meaning and purpose. “Why am I here?”
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seeking healing/integration of past spiritual and emotional wounds. "How can I find healing?
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processing grief and loss and life changes
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facing a big decision
What does a spiritual direction session look like?
You will meet either in person at an agreed upon location, or virtually via an online platform for one hour. Exceptions can be made on session length of time, if requested in advance.
You will begin with an introductory session to discuss details of direction, expectations and hopes. We will make a determination at this session if it will be a good fit for both the spiritual director and the client.
Once you agree to meet for future sessions, upon your arrival, the director may open with a centering practice such as lighting a candle, ringing a singing bowl, poetry, reading, prayer, song, image, or form of meditation for reflection. After some time of silence, you will be invited to talk about anything on your mind and heart.
You might reflect on what you heard or saw. Some folks consider ahead of time what they want to share, others wait to see what arises. You will listen alongside each other, for the movement of the Spirit, taking time to pause for silence, or an invitation to explore something further. The director will name observations, things appreciated in your story, or wonderings as an invitation for you to do the same.
This is sacred time just for you.
What spiritual direction is not:
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Spiritual Direction is not counseling or therapy where a diagnosis is made, and steps are taken to manage that diagnosis or for a cure.
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In Spiritual Direction there is mutual listening to encourage the capacity of the client to listen with curiosity and attentiveness to their own story for the wisdom within. This is a lifelong journey to claim one’s identity, direction and purpose.
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Spiritual Direction is not a friendship – therefore the Spiritual Director will not be sharing about their own life, except in a limited capacity as it serves the purpose of deeper listening.
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This is a sacred time for the client to be heard, validating their own inner truth and wisdom for authentic living.
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Spiritual Direction is not pastoral care providing rituals, education and comfort in a particular religious practice/tradition.
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It is listening using language for the life force of love appropriate for the client’s own personal understanding as you listen together in each session. The director may give examples, always being cognizant of the client’s own path and agency.
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What is the cost for Spiritual Direction?
There is no charge for the initial introductory session.
Payment is on a sliding scale from $50.00 to $100.00 per session.
You are encouraged to consider what rate feels good, right, and fair for both parties. Amounts and options will be discussed and agreed upon in the introductory session.
(Knowing that life circumstances change and vary for each client, the director and client will work together toward a solution which honors the director’s training, time and skill as well as the client’s current situation.)
For info, email Ann Walsvik at kindlesouldelight.com
For free introductory session, register below:
