I am entering the final year of my Ignatian Spiritual Direction training on the Ignatian Spirituality Course through the London Jesuit Centre. A large part of my final year is spent practising direction with others.
I hope my need to practice giving spiritual direction will be an opportunity for some friends and those who read my site. If you want spiritual direction with me, please use the ‘click here’ button below to register your interest.
(Update 31st August 2024. Due to the volume of requests, I have had to close the signup link)
What is Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction has its roots in the early church, when people sought input from the desert fathers and Mothers. Christian spiritual direction is a process in which a person seeks guidance and support in their spiritual journey, typically through the help of a trained spiritual director. The aim is to deepen one’s relationship with God and enhance personal spiritual growth. This practice involves reflective listening, prayer, and discernment to help individuals explore their experiences, feelings, and spiritual practices, allowing them to better understand God’s presence in their lives and respond to their spiritual calls. It can be a valuable experience for those looking to integrate their faith more deeply into their daily lives.
What is Ignatian Spiritual Direction
Ignatian spiritual direction helps Christians develop a deeper relationship with God by using the principles of Ignatian spirituality, which is rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This approach emphasizes discernment, reflection, and finding God in all things. Some key areas it helps with include:
Discernment: It guides individuals in making decisions by helping them recognize and understand their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in light of their faith.
Prayer: It enriches one's prayer life through various Ignatian practices, such as the Examen, which encourages individuals to reflect on their day and recognize God’s presence in everyday experiences.
Finding Meaning: It assists in uncovering deeper spiritual insights and understanding one's purpose in life, promoting a closer alignment with God's will.
Emotional Awareness: It fosters greater emotional awareness and the ability to process feelings in a constructive way, linking them to personal faith and spiritual growth.
Integration of Faith and Life: It encourages individuals to integrate their spiritual experiences into daily life, helping them recognize their faith in action and promoting a holistic approach to spirituality.
Thank you for offering your time and experience and expertise. Having heard you speak at wildfires, whoever you discern is/ are the right people to take on will be very blessed 🕊️
Thank you for holding space for those of us who have lived long and faithfully followed but want to still mine the depths of faith.