* Spiritual direction is the honest sharing of one’s journey with God in a safe, and loving environment with a trusted director.

 * Spiritual direction is an opportunity to listen to the movement of the Spirit in one’s life and to help if we feel stuck, unsure, confused, resistant, etc.

 *Spiritual direction is the sacred sharing of one’s spiritual journey with another.

 *Spiritual direction is not therapy nor is it about finding “answers”.

 * Spiritual direction is an opportunity for one to focus specifically on one’s journey with God with another who is sensitive to the movement of the Spirit.

What is a Spiritual Director?

 * A Spiritual Director is one who seeks through prayer and the guidance of the Spirit to hear and discern God’s movement in another’s life.

 *A Spiritual Director is a companion on the journey who assists the directee in identifying the particular path on which God is leading you and encourages you to faithfully follow that path.

 
Is Spiritual Direction New?
 
* No.  In the first centuries people sought out the Desert Father and Mothers desiring spiritual guidance.

 * The term “Spiritual Direction” became common in the late Middle Ages.

 * Spiritual direction has been part of Christian spirituality for centuries.  Although it was most known within the Roman Catholic Church, it is becoming more a part of all denominations and other religious traditions.

                                                                                          
How Do I Find A Director?

* Pray.  Ask others you trust.

* Retreat centers, monasteries, religious communities, churches are all possible sources.  Do not assume, though, that because a person is ordained or in a religious vocation that s/he is trained or gifted as a spiritual director.

* There is a directory of Episcopal Spiritual Directors in the Diocese of Western North Carolina on the Centers’ website: www.centersforchristianstudies.org listed under the area School for Spiritual Formation.

* Spiritual Directors International also has a website, www.sdiworld.org/ where you can find spiritual director in your area.

 
Is There A Fee?

 _*  Most Spiritual Directors ask for a donation.  The amount will vary but no one is denied spiritual direction because of finances.  The concern is more for your spiritual journey.

 Do I Need A Spiritual Director?

  * Only you can decide that.  If you desire to talk with someone about your prayer life, about your questions, struggles, desires and joys, if you are willing to be honest and open with another about your journey with God, then you may want spiritual direction.

 * The Spiritual Director’s job is not to change you or your walk with God but to support you, affirm you and sometimes challenge you.

 *  ”In order to know ourselves, it helps a great deal to speak with someone who already knows the spiritual world for what it is.”    Teresa of Avila +1528

What Do I Tell My Director?

  *  That is entirely up to you.  What you are experiencing in your prayer life, what is blocking your growth, where you are struggling, etc.

 * As your relationship with your director deepens, so will the depth of your sharing.

Some Resources: