What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction, also known as spiritual guidance or spiritual accompaniment, is the practice of seeking the guidance and support of a trained spiritual director to deepen one's relationship with the divine and to gain a greater understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. The purpose of spiritual direction is to help individuals grow in their spiritual lives and to become more fully alive and present to the world around them.
There are many different types of spiritual direction practices and traditions, each with its own unique approach and focus.
Christian spiritual direction is practiced at Christos. This type of spiritual direction is rooted in the Christian tradition and typically involves prayer, scripture, and other Christian spiritual practices. Christian spiritual directors may also use techniques such as contemplative prayer and the Examen, a method of reflective prayer developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The ultimate goal of spiritual direction is to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with the divine. A spiritual director can help individuals identify areas of growth and change in their spiritual lives and provide guidance and support as they deepen their spiritual practices and experiences.
One of the key benefits of spiritual direction is that it provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. A spiritual director is not there to provide answers or to tell individuals what to do, but rather to listen and to support them as they explore their own spiritual journey.
Another benefit of spiritual direction is that it can help individuals to develop a more consistent and sustainable spiritual practice. By working with a spiritual director individuals can gain a deeper understanding of what spiritual practices work best for them, and how to integrate those practices into their daily lives.
In conclusion, spiritual direction is a practice of seeking guidance and support from a trained spiritual director to deepen one's relationship with the divine and gain a greater understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. There are many different types of spiritual direction, each with its own unique approach and focus, and can be beneficial for individuals looking to develop a deeper and more consistent spiritual practice, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. If you are considering seeking spiritual direction, it’s important to find a spiritual director who is qualified, reputable, and whose approach aligns with your beliefs and needs.