Spiritual direction session

I offer one to one spiritual direction session, usually takes an hour once a month. I can meet you in central Wellington or in Tawa. If you are not in Wellington, we can also meet by zoom.

Why do we need Spiritual Direction?

There are many good ministries and they all help us in one way or another. Spiritual direction help us by paying attention to and responding to what God might be doing in our lives specifically at this present time.

Where is God working? How is God in this situation? How am I connected to or not connected to God?

What is Spiritual Direction?

Whereas in many counseling or pastoral contexts there is an emphasis on problem solving, spiritual direction focuses on the signs of grace at work in the midst of each situation, helping the individual both to recognize God’s unique communication and respond to God’s invitation to growth and healing. 

Bev and Lew Marsh

Spiritual Direction is about slowing down in our lives and listening well. Often times, God’s presence surprises us when we pay attention. As a spiritual director I walk alongside your journey to listen to the music of the soul, and encourage you to respond to God.

This ancient art of accompanying others in the spiritual life has many names: soul friend, prayer companion, spiritual guide, along-siders. The relationship involves listening, asking good questions to help you reflect and connect with what is happening for you, confidentiality, non-judgement and is, paradoxically, non-directive.

Association of Christian Spiritual Directors NZ

We listen together for the movement of God in your life. A director does not give instructions or ‘direction’ as such, and many would see it more as ‘spiritual companion’ or ‘spiritual carer.’ My role is to facilitate a safe space for you to connect to your deeper self, where God dwells.

For some people, it helps to explore connecting to God in new and creative ways. It may be helpful to explore some contemplative practices or creative prayers if you are up for it!

Here is a page about the work of spiritual direction you might find helpful.

Who need Spiritual Direction?

Anyone who would like to pay attention to their spirituality will find spiritual direction helpful!

• You may be struggling with your faith and finds it hard to belong in a church setting, but still want to grapple with your relationship with God.
• You may be faced with a decision or dilemma and wish to listen for God’s guidance through it.
• You may have ministry in church or live in a remote place and wish to talk to someone who can attend to you spiritually.
• You might be looking for a safe space to be honest with Yourself and God.
• You might simply felt a ‘tug’ in your heart to go deeper with God.

What do we talk about?

Often we start with something you want to talk about. This can be anything that is significant for you at the moment.

If you don’t know what to talk about, maybe start with how you feel about prayer, or about God at the moment. Perhaps you want to talk about a dream you recently had or something you noticed that seemed significant or simply your job or relationships.

It can be anything, since God is in all things, we listen together for God’s presence in them in your life. If you are not sure, just start a conversation and we can see where it takes us.

As a spiritual director, I am here for you, meeting you where you are at with God, but I’m not necessarily giving you ‘direction’. Though I might offer some suggestions or insights from time to time, the aim is to help you to listen more intently to how God is speaking to you.

Sometimes we may use drawings, poetry or collage to help connect with what is going on inside, but only if you feel comfortable with it.

First meeting

Still feeling that ‘tug’ in your heart? How about giving it a go?

Taking the step to meet with someone can feel a bit daunting. However, just moving towards a place to pay more attention to your relationship with God is already a important step, you are well on your way!

You might find this page helpful about how to make the most of a spiritual direction session:

Please know that:

• The first session will always be free.
• We can chat and figure out whether this is a good fit for you.

Cost

There are costs involved with ongoing spiritual direction sessions. The contribution goes toward my ongoing supervision, spiritual direction and professional development. Your contribution allows me to sustain my ministry and provide for those who may not be in a position to pay. We can discuss this when we meet to see how or whether you might contribute.

I hope the cost will not hinder anyone to have access to spiritual direction, so if that is a factor for you, please let me know.