| How to: Find spiritual direction 03/31/2001 The ancient practice of spiritual direction is finding wide appreciation today. That's the prayerful art of assisting people in discerning God's activity in their life.
Prayer, worship and religious education are part of spiritual formation for most people. But growing numbers want guides to help them explore the spiritual life.
So how do you go about finding a spiritual director? Here's what the renowned Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, based in Bethesda, Md., recommends:
• Know what you mean by spiritual direction. It's not therapy, which focuses on helping people find healthy resolution to problems. Spiritual direction is concerned with finding and responding to God.
• Be patient. It will probably take some time to find the right match. Spiritual directors can be found among persons of many denominations and religions. Choose what's right for you.
• Talk with people whose spirituality speaks to you. Traditionally, clergy or persons in religious communities have served as spiritual directors. But the role has broadened to include a wider range of people. Be open.
• Call retreat centers, clergy or religious headquarters for the names of people trained as spiritual directors. Many either have spiritual directors on their staff, or they can identify spiritual directors in the area.
• Choose a director who's open, honest and respects your spirituality in a nonjudgmental way. Don't be afraid to ask for a director whose theological views are compatible with yours.
Susan Hogan/Albach
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