Spiritual Companions
Tending to the holy together on the journey.
Susan Etherton
Spiritual Director
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction (also known as spiritual guidance or spiritual companionship) is an ongoing relationship between two people in which one person (the directee), wishing to tend to the holy in their life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's Presence, in order to respond more fully to that Presence in all of life.
One seeking spiritual companionship will most likely have begun a journey with God long before they come into spiritual direction. This intentional journey will continue long after leaving a particular director.
The person seeking direction will choose to be genuine about intentional prayer and reflection on the Presence of God in everyday life. The directee assumes responsibility for their life with God.
"Spiritual guidance is being present in the moment, seeing and honoring the sacred mystery of the soul of another. It is witnessing this mystery and reflecting it back in word, prayer, thought, presence, and action. Spiritual guidance is modeling a deep relationship with the Divine and standing in faith and love with the other as that relationship unfolds. Spiritual guidance is a journey of deep healing and an affirmation of Holiness (wholeness), the Sacred, and the Mystery of all of life." (Carol A. Fournier, MS, NCC, Interfaith Spiritual Director/Guide, Silver Dove Institute, Williston, Vermont, USA)
How does this work?
During a monthly meeting of about an hour or so, the director and directee seek to enter a prayerful atmosphere where together they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit. The primary focus of each session is the directee's relationship with God as it is reflected and challenged in all of life.
The director may question, challenge, suggest, support, as seems called for by the Spirit, but it is the directee’s prayerful openness to the Spirit that determines whatever insights are uncovered or the course of action that may be taken. The primary responsibilities of the director are continual prayer for the directee and openness to God for what is truly called for on behalf of the directee during the sessions.
It is important to remember that the true Director is the Holy Spirit — a spiritual guide is only a facilitator in the process. The directee, therefore, must be the one to claim the journey.
How do I find the right director?
It is important to pray about finding a spiritual director. While in prayer, you may explore avenues already known to you for persons whose spirituality speaks to you though they may not name themselves as spiritual directors. Such persons may be found in your church or may be someone with whom you have shared small groups.
If no one rises from these more natural settings, then you might check out nearby retreat centers, religious communities, or centers which offer programs for spiritual directors.
It will probably take some time to find the right person for you. Trust that God is in the process and that the Spirit will provide the resources you need. The key is to remain patient yet diligent in the waiting, continuing to be attentive to the direction of the Spirit in all of life.
