Introduction to Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction, also known as spiritual guidance or spiritual accompaniment, is the practice of seeking the guidance and support of a trained spiritual director to deepen one's relationship with the divine and to gain a greater understanding of one’s self and the ways God is present in everyday life. The purpose of spiritual direction is to help individuals grow in their spiritual lives and to become more fully alive and present to the Spirit.

There are many different types of spiritual direction practices and traditions, each with its own unique approach and focus.

At Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, we practice Christian spiritual direction. This type of spiritual direction is rooted in the Christian tradition and typically involves the use of prayer, scripture, and other Christian spiritual practices. Christian spiritual directors may also use techniques such as contemplative prayer and the Examen, a method of reflective prayer developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola.  This is the spiritual direction we train our Tending the Holy Graduates on at Christos.

The ultimate goal is to help individuals better understand themselves and their relationship with the divine. A spiritual director can help individuals identify areas of growth and change in their spiritual lives, and provide guidance and support as they deepen their spiritual practices and experiences.

One of the key benefits of spiritual direction is that it provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. A spiritual director is not there to provide answers or to tell individuals what to do, but rather to listen to the Spirit and to support them as they explore their own spiritual journey.

Another benefit of spiritual direction is that it can help individuals to develop a more consistent and sustainable spiritual practice. By working with a spiritual director individuals can gain a deeper understanding of what spiritual practices work best for them, and how to integrate those practices into their daily lives.

In conclusion, spiritual direction is a practice of seeking guidance and support from a trained spiritual director to deepen one's relationship with the divine and gain a greater understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. If you are considering seeking spiritual direction, it’s important to find a spiritual director who is qualified, reputable, and whose approach aligns with your beliefs and needs.