The 5 Ws of Spiritual Direction: WHERE and WHEN

This is the last in my 3-part series looking at the basics of the ministry of spiritual direction.  In two previous posts, I answered WHAT spiritual direction is as well as WHO should receive direction and WHY one might be led to explore direction.  As we continue to explore the basics of spiritual direction, an important question that often comes up is WHERE do I go for direction?  

As I have mentioned before, spiritual direction in and of itself is not necessarily a Christian ministry.  The first thing to consider in finding a director is if Christian direction is important to you.  Assuming it is, different faith traditions may have people set apart for this ministry, so one way to find someone is through your own church or denominational office.  The Catholic church has a strong tradition and practice of spiritual direction and it has been my experience they are open to meeting with people no matter what faith tradition they come from.  Other faith traditions/denominations may have offices of spiritual formation that may offer direction, or at the very least, help point you towards someone.  If those options don't pan out or you are simply wanting to see and know all the options, another resource is Spiritual Directors International, a website with a very helpful director locator tool that will point you to directors within your region.  While I am a big believer in meeting in person, in the quiet of an office or other set-apart space, some directors are open to meeting via Skype or telephone for those who are not within an easy distance to meet.  My personal preference is to meet in person -- there is an energy, an intimacy, and a meeting of the Spirit that is difficult (though not impossible) to be experienced outside of the person-to-person community that is formed when in a shared space.  

Once you have a basic understanding of the what, who and why of spiritual direction and you have sought ought where to go for it, you may be wondering WHEN is a good time to start this journey of growing closer and deeper in relationship with God.  My first answer is NOW -- TODAY!  But if you are looking for a more concrete answer, I give you this:  whether your soul feels full or is running on empty, God desires to be more connected with you.  Whether you are celebrating the joys in life or hanging your head feeling like you are fighting a losing battle, God longs for you to know God's presence with you.  Whether you are a long-time person of faith or feeling like you are just starting to get your feet under you on this journey, God seeks you out, calls you by name, and reaches a hand out for you to hold.  There is no wrong time to start direction -- don't wait until you have your life in order or feel like you are in a good place, or conversely, don't wait until it is all falling apart.  Just begin where you are -- a step at a time. In doing so, be amazed at how you will find God.  Be encouraged by how God is traveling with you on this journey.  And be ever assured of God's faithfulness in all of our living and loving of life.  Spiritual Direction simply helps us to see God at work.  To know God is near.  To affirm and confirm the hope we have in Christ.  

Spiritual direction may not appeal to all people, but it is accessible to all who want it.  If you find yourself connecting with what this ministry has to offer, I encourage you to seek out a spiritual director and begin this new journey in faith.  I promise you, God WILL show up and meet you there.  

The 5 Ws of Spiritual Direction: WHAT

I encounter people daily who ask me about my journey in spiritual direction which often results in conversations that lead to a better basic understanding of this ministry.  Over the next few posts, I will lay out the 5 Ws of spiritual direction -- the who, what, where, when and why that makes it happen.  Today, I bring you the WHAT.

Maybe we start with the what spiritual direction is NOT.  It is not a counseling session.  It is not confession.  It is not a place to come and have someone tell you how to behave or what to do.  It is not a time to have someone make your decisions for you. It is not a place to learn the basics about Christianity -- it presupposes a life of faith.

Spiritual direction IS a ministry of being aware of God's presence and activity in life.  A spiritual director is a person who companions with -- journeys alongside another -- as they look at life events and seek to better understand and be aware of God's working in it.  Direction is an intentional conversation where the Holy Spirit is welcomed in and we trust we will somehow be different after we leave -- different because we have experienced the Holy Spirit and seen God's heart for us more clearly.

Spiritual direction can take many forms, but typically has some commonalities: sessions are typically an hour and scheduled monthly; they begin and/or end with prayer, and continue to draw us to the Holy rather than the worldly.  As an example, a session can start  in prayer as the Holy Spirit is invited to be present in the conversation.  The conversation is Spirit-led based on an event, memory, challenge, or thought that is on one's mind.  During the session the directee is affirmed, invited to linger with God in the moment, and allowed the space and time to become more aware and bear witness to God's working in life.  Sometimes it feels warm and fuzzy, other times it is more difficult because when God really works on us from within, we can be surprised at what we find.  Personally, I never know how I will leave a session, but I always leave different from how I went in.  I leave more peaceful and calm.  I leave with my soul having been tended to with deep care.  I leave filled with hope for what's ahead.

Spiritual direction isn't about finding all the answers, but it IS about having a safe place to ask the questions.  It isn't about getting to a final destination, but it IS about having someone with whom to travel.  It isn't about finding an easy way out of our dark places, but it IS about being with someone who knows the dark and can hold the flashlight while you explore those places.  Spiritual direction is a grace.  It is a gift to all who take advantage of it.

WHO should be in spiritual direction and WHY?  Stay tuned for the next post in the series.