Spiritual direction is an ancient practice with roots in both the East and the West. It takes the form of a conversation between two people, in the presence of the Holy, in which one person talks about his or her spiritual life and experiences and the other acts as witness, companion, and guide. Together they look for the presence of Spirit in the life of the directee and explore ways in which the directee can deepen his or her relationship with Spirit.
Sometimes it takes some digging to discern the presence of the Divine. Depending on the needs of the directee, spiritual direction can be as much about questions and doubts as it is about joy and connection. The literature of every spiritual tradition speaks of the inevitable dark places on the path: the times of loss, doubt, fear, and searching. They are as valid -- and valuable -- as the times of conviction and certainty.
"Direction" was once a hierarchical relationship, but that is not the case any more. Some people prefer the term "spiritual companionship" or anam cara ("soul friend") to describe the relationship between the participants. The director does not have authority over the directee, and should never tell a directee what she or he "should" do. Instead, a director will ask questions, make observations, share insights, and suggest options for the directee to explore. Most importantly, the director listens and bears witness to the journey of the directee.
Spiritual direction is not therapy or counseling, and a spiritual director will never give financial or legal advice.
For more information about spiritual direction, please visit the website of Spiritual Directors International: http://www.sdiworld.org
