The journey of faith is a deeply personal one.
Usually a decision to seek spiritual direction comes out of an awareness of a relationship with God and a desire to deepen it. The person feels an invitation, however subtle and unclear, that has a persistent, recurrent strength, and finally leads to seeking a spiritual companion for guidance in the journey. Spiritual direction opens new horizons of self-awareness, compassion and deeper oneness with the Spirit of God.
In Spiritual Direction I offer you this kind of companioning on your spiritual journey.
Growth in the spiritual life is accompanied by a “letting go” process. So often our high need for control and predictability, and the anger when we don’t get what we expect, can block us from experiencing the flow of Spirit in our lives. There may be times of inner struggle that leave us feeling alone in the darkness, asking, “Where ARE you God??” In these times, a spiritual director holds open this space of waiting with you, and with quiet discernment and support, often God’s presence is revealed again, in a new, much more profound way.
If you do not have someone to guide you, to hold onto you during times of not knowing, you will normally stay at your present level of spiritual growth. ~Richard Rohr
In essence, it is the Spirit of God who is the Spiritual Director, and that “direction” refers to the guidance of the Spirit. In spiritual direction we are guided, supported and encouraged to deepen connection with the Spirit of God. In gratitude, need, prayer, desire and longing, the seeker is drawn toward the deeper presence of God. .
How it works:
Most often, we will meet monthly, for an hour. Lighting a single candle we acknowledge the spiritual intention of this time together and open with a prayer of gratitude.
After we sit quietly together in the presence of God for a few minutes, I will ask you what you want to talk about today, listen deeply, help you to reflect, offer thoughtful questions and at times suggest a reading or spiritual practice, then close in prayer.
Our daily lives are the very dwelling place where we meet the presence of God.
You will feel at home here. All are welcome.
The Spirit we have received is God’s Spirit, helping us recognize the gifts God has given us. (I Cor. 2:12)
God bless you and keep you, make the light shine upon you, and give you peace.
“God gives us everything we need to be happy in the present moment, no matter what the evidence to the contrary may be. A good spiritual director helps us to sustain that trust.” ~Thomas Keating
When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love. Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment. ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Trish is an ordained and active in ministry, and a graduate of the Living School – a program founded by Richard Rohr, with Cynthia Bourgeault, and James Finley – and a long-time student of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.
She is familiar with 12 Step recovery, Christian scripture, and buddhist teachings. She has had a lifelong practice of mindfulness meditation, ministry, and contemplative prayer as both teacher and participant.
She is a member of Spiritual Directors International , a good resource for further information.
