Op Ed

What is Spiritual Direction and Is It For Me ?

Spiritual growth can be fostered in many ways. The day, evening and weekend programs of Spirituality Matters might be just a beginning. Of course, staying in touch with our community can provide an ongoing environment for further development.

But our experience tells us that when a person who is seeking is introduced to the principles of spiritual living, and gets a taste of what it can mean to follow this path, the desire to go deeper is likely to be sparked. When it is, spiritual direction may be just the thing to help take the next steps forward on your spiritual journey.

Spiritual direction is an active conversation between two people that centers on the directee’s relationship with God. You and your director will discuss spiritual and personal matters on a regular basis, allowing you to become more attuned to God’s presence in your life. You are invited to look at the events of your life through a different prism, by asking the question “where is God” in this particular moment, decision or feeling. In direction, you are provided with an opportunity to stop and look at the desire of your heart and mind, and enter into a new and more intimate experience of God.

By exploring the three primary relationships in your lives -- relationship with yourself, with other people, and with God – the director will help you to recognize how and where God is present in your life, and then assist you in responding to that presence, by hearing and trusting the God within you. Spiritual direction can be valuable to anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God. God is present in all of our lives, but sometimes we need help to see that. Spiritual direction provides that help.

The Spirituality Matters team includes a number of Certified Spiritual Directors who would be happy to speak with you further about whether spiritual direction is right for you, or to help you find a spiritual director who fits your needs.

For further information, please write to us at spiritualdirection@spiritualitymatters.org.