SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Spiritual direction is a ministry of accompanying and supporting others as they strive to discover, develop, and deepen their relationship to the Divine. A spiritual director makes a commitment to walk compassionately with another person on their spiritual journey and offers guidance in bringing clarity and conviction to their spiritual search. Spiritual direction may be short term, focusing on a specific area of a person's spiritual life or a specific issue of discernment, or it may be a long term relationship in which the fullness of one's spiritual journey is shared as it unfolds.
My Approach
I offer contemplative spiritual guidance to those seeking to live an authentic life. Through a process of deep, empathetic listening, insightful questioning and reflection, and creating an atmosphere of safety and trust I will help you discover your own unique truth, cultivate the capacity for inner peace, and fully accept the belief that you are valuable and your life is meaningful. I also offer guidance in choosing and establishing healthy and transformative spiritual practices in your life.
It is important to note that my role as a spiritual guide is not to offer you answers, but to help you ask the questions you need to ask and to discover your own answers. I work with people from a variety of religious backgrounds. I am trained and educated in an interfaith approach to pastoral care and spiritual direction. I will discuss with you which types of religious language and symbolism are meaningful for you and I will respect the sacredness of your unique journey and story.
It is important to note that my role as a spiritual guide is not to offer you answers, but to help you ask the questions you need to ask and to discover your own answers. I work with people from a variety of religious backgrounds. I am trained and educated in an interfaith approach to pastoral care and spiritual direction. I will discuss with you which types of religious language and symbolism are meaningful for you and I will respect the sacredness of your unique journey and story.
How Can Spiritual Direction Help?
When we establish a spiritual direction relationship you can expect:
A safe space and time set aside where you can share your story and speak your truth without fear of criticism or judgment.
Compassionate feedback and guidance concerning spiritual questions or issues of discernment from a person educated and trained in theology and pastoral care.
Accountability and guidance in establishing healthy and transformative spiritual practices in your life.
Respect for the sacredness of your unique spiritual journey.
A safe space and time set aside where you can share your story and speak your truth without fear of criticism or judgment.
Compassionate feedback and guidance concerning spiritual questions or issues of discernment from a person educated and trained in theology and pastoral care.
Accountability and guidance in establishing healthy and transformative spiritual practices in your life.
Respect for the sacredness of your unique spiritual journey.
Who Can Benefit From Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction may be especially beneficial if you are:
Serving in professional or volunteer ministry
Experiencing a major life transition
Struggling to find a lasting sense of peace or purpose in life
A spiritual person, but who does not identify with an organized religious institution
An artist or creative person seeking to open more deeply to the capacity for creativity
Looking for a safe space to ask questions and explore issues of spirituality
Serving in professional or volunteer ministry
Experiencing a major life transition
Struggling to find a lasting sense of peace or purpose in life
A spiritual person, but who does not identify with an organized religious institution
An artist or creative person seeking to open more deeply to the capacity for creativity
Looking for a safe space to ask questions and explore issues of spirituality
Let's Work Together
I am available to meet with people at The First United Methodist Church, 600 State St., Salem, OR. Please contact me directly to make an appointment. If you would need to meet in a different location please contact me and I will work with you to make the necessary arrangements. An initial half-hour meeting is free of charge. Subsequent hour-long meetings are offered on a sliding scale.