I’ve been asked “what do you do” numerous times. In the past, I tended to focus on the events and “tools” in which I’m trained. Recently, I was challenged to come up with a 30-60 second “pitch” stating what I do. They say is “you have to market yourself.”
Most people don’t have any idea what a spiritual director or companion does. It’s been my experience that even fewer people consider spirituality important and of value, which I find surprising. I’ve always felt a deep desire to connect to something larger than myself. For as long as I can remember, I’ve asked “who am I? why am I here? and what is all THIS about?”
What I’ve learned through years of experience is the specifics of the answers to these questions may be different for everyone but those who ask them to recognize we are spiritual beings having a human experience. They want someone to help them discover their own answers.
Spirituality is a way of connecting with something larger than yourself even if you don’t believe in a specific religion or faith. Spirituality is what gives your life meaning, purpose and finding peace within yourself.
Spirituality can be about your values, the things that inspire you or how you make sense of the world. It’s not necessarily tied to a particular belief system although it can be for some. Spirituality is the search for what makes YOU feel grounded and centered. It is about what makes you feel connected to others in community.
Practically speaking, there is a plethora of processes and tools to support growing and nurturing your spirituality. They include things like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, self-reflection, living with intention, learning ways to manage difficult emotions, balance mental health and reduce stress and boost creativity.
I know what it means to crash and burn and put a ton of energy and effort into doing the work to rise from the ashes. I experienced illness, the loss of a career, and the death of my mother in less than a year. I know the challenges of healing and re-making myself. I know what it means to surrender to Spirit and trust the process of becoming something different and new.
You may not believe that Spirit exists – that there is a greater consciousness, presence or evolutionary intelligence that guides your life forward and this Spirit is concerned about YOU. That’s okay. You may not ask the “who, what and why” questions noted above. Spiritual coaching is not for you, then.
But . . . if you are asking questions about meaning and purpose, desire a more peaceful and intentional way of living then Spiritual Direction is for you! I operate under the assumption that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
After working with me, people feel seen and, heard, have a deeper sense of inner knowledge and meaning, and have practical tools for continued spiritual growth and transformation.
You may seek spiritual coaching for a reason such as a desire to manage stress through meditation, discerning and navigating change, or seeking support as a caregiver. Spiritual direction can also be accessed for a season such as moving through mid-life or entering retirement or wanting support during spiritual seasons of dryness, waiting, grinding or challenges.
In some cases, you may continue to see your spiritual coach for a lifetime because he or she has become a trusted friend and provides a safe and confidential space for you to be authentic and genuine. One client wrote “working with Christy through spiritual direction was such a blessing. She introduced me to the SoulCollage® process as a way to give voice to questions about spirituality I didn’t know I had, as well as answers I already had. Her retreat space is inviting and restful in a beautiful nature setting. I would recommend her spiritual direction and retreats to anyone looking to explore spirituality in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.” Jennifer P. Indiana
Spiritual direction is not for everyone. It is for the person seeking to live fully and live deeply feeling connected to something larger than themselves called Spirit. We ARE spiritual beings on a human journey.
Let’s talk. I want to hear your story and support your journey.