A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction (also known as spiritual companionship or mentoring) is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with God, or to learn and grow in their personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of their encounters of the Divine, or how they are cultivating a life attuned to spiritual things. The director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction (also known as spiritual companionship or mentoring) is a way of meeting with someone - a spiritual director or guide - to share your thoughts and reflections about your faith.
You may experience spiritual direction while on retreat.
You may also meet with a spiritual director regularly throughout the year.
You will usually meet with your spiritual director every 6-8 weeks for about an hour.
Who is a Spiritual Director?
A spiritual director (also known as a spiritual companion or mentor) is someone who has specific skills in:
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listening
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helping you to reflect more deeply about your faith journey
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helping you to reflect on your relationship with God.
Many spiritual directors have received specific training in spiritual direction.
Spiritual directors represent a wide variety of ages, denominations and traditions. They may be ordained, from a religious order or they may be a lay person (not ordained).
The choice of who you meet with as your spiritual director is up to you.
The most important thing is to find a spiritual director with whom you feel comfortable.
How do I find a spiritual director?
If you would like to find a spiritual director (also known as a spiritual companion or mentor) or have any further questions about it, please contact us.
Is there a charge for spiritual direction?
Directors may ask for a donation for their time and suggest a suitable fee.
Concessions are usually made for unwaged.
Who is spiritual direction for?
Spiritual direction is open to anyone wishing to explore their faith journey.
There are no expectations or special requirements, just an interest in sharing your story with another person.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more about spiritual direction on the following sites, or contact us for more information
London Centre for Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction - IgnatianSpirituality.com
What is Spiritual Direction? - Richard J. Foster
SDI - The Home of Spiritual Direction and Companionship
Please note: these links take you to other websites on the Internet. They are provided as a possible resource for your spiritual journey.
The Retreat Association is not responsible for the content of these other sites nor does it necessarily support or condone the opinions expressed on these sites.
"To receive spiritual direction is to recognise that God does not solve our problems or answer all our questions, but leads us closer to the mystery of our existence where all questions cease."
Henri Nouwen, Spiritual Direction