What Is Spiritual Direction?

Here are several answers...

Spiritual direction is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey. Spiritual direction exists in a context that emphasizes growing closer to God (or the holy or a higher power).

Spiritual direction explores a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. Simply put, spiritual direction is helping people tell their sacred stories everyday. Spiritual direction has emerged in many contexts using language specific to particular cultural and spiritual traditions. Describing spiritual direction requires putting words to a process of fostering a transcendent experience that lies beyond all names and yet the experience longs to be articulated and made concrete in everyday living. It is easier to describe what spiritual direction does than what spiritual direction is. Spiritual direction helps us learn how to live in peace, with compassion, promoting justice, as humble servants of that which lies beyond all names. (Liz Budd Ellmann, MDiv, Executive Director, Spiritual Directors International)

Spiritual direction is the contemplative practice of helping another person or group to awaken to the mystery called God in all of life, and to respond to that discovery in a growing relationship of freedom and commitment. (James Keegan, SJ, Roman Catholic, USA, on behalf of the 2005 Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International) .


The Process of Spiritual Direction

The process of Spiritual Direction usually involves choosing a director and meeting with the director for a period of time (oftentimes for several months and sometimes for years).  A spiritual director (who may or may not be a clergy person) is trained to lead and encourage persons in their spiritual journey.  Choosing the right director that you feel comfortable with is important and you may have to try several before you feel comfortable.  This is quite normal.  Please know as well that spiritual direction is considered confidential and thus you may feel welcome and encouraged to share deepest thoughts, as you may feel the need to do, in a spirit of trust. 

Spiritual direction can be short-term or long-term in the course of the relationship between the director and the person seeking direction.  The frequency of visits is determined by the director and the person seeking direction together.


How To Seek Spiritual Direction

If you wish to avail yourself of spiritual direction, if you feel this need in your life, then there are resources for you.  You may contact one of the clergy at Trinity Church and request spiritual direction.  The priest or deacon at Trinity may be able to provide the direction or they may refer you to another source.  St. James' Church in downtown Baton Rouge also has a Center for Spiritual Formation which may be able to assist you in finding a spiritual director.

Please consider utilizing spiritual direction in your life.  It is a great and powerful way to seek, determine and live God's plan for you.  To contact one of the parish clergy, please call the Church office at 225-387-0396.