Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Spiritual Direction?
- Will a spiritual director tell me what to do?
- What typically happens in a direction session?
- How often would I “meet” with my director?
- Isn’t someone local better?
- How do I get started?
- What does it cost and how do I pay?
- Do you accept requests from areas outside North America?
- Is this spiritual direction available through e-mail?
- If I have more questions, who do I contact?
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is the simple gift of offering to another the gentle but tenacious encouragement to open fully to God’s loving presence, and to discern the action of the Spirit in every aspect of life. This encouragement comes from a “spiritual director,” a person who has long and deep experience in living a spiritual life.
Will a spiritual director tell me what to do?
No. Spiritual direction is not a means of control or proselytization. Although the title “spiritual direction” has sometimes been misused, the real task of spiritual direction is not to tell another person what to do or how to be spiritual. Your journey of faith is uniquely your own. It is the responsibility of the director to discern together with you the movement of God’s Spirit in your life and to assist you in following that movement.
What typically happens in a direction session?
Normally, each session is a 45-minute phone call. In preparation for the call, your director may also ask that you take time to reflect on your experience and write an email of your observations (see Preparing for Spiritual Direction). The phone call itself generally begins with a time of quiet centring, followed by a review of the preparation sheet and a time for you to share whatever seems important. Then there is interaction between you and the director as you seek together to discern the intimations and invitations of the Spirit’s presence in what you’ve been experiencing. The session ends with a brief time of closure.
How often would I “meet” with my director?
That really depends on you. Once a month is a common pattern, although more often, especially at the beginning, may be helpful. Some people contact their directors only when they are ready. The frequency will be determined by your needs at the time.
Isn’t someone local better?
Yes. If you can find someone near you who is experienced in spiritual direction, that would be the best. Remember, however, that religious training or position does not guarantee wise spiritual guidance. If you don’t have a qualified and experienced person near you, long distance direction may be the very best resource possible.
How do I get started?
1. Review the List of Spiritual Directors and choose one that seems most suitable to your situation.
2. Complete and submit the Initial Information Form.
3. The program coordinator will email you an acknowledgement of the form and arrange to have a brief telephone call with you to get better acquainted. Then they will contact the spiritual director and have that person contact you directly.
What does it cost and how do I pay?
The cost is $50.00 per session in US or Canadian funds, depending on your residency, payable to the spiritual director. At this time we can only accept cheques and money orders. If this is too much for you to pay, please discuss this with your spiritual director. The Henri Nouwen Society has some limited funds to provide subsidies, and is committed to making sure that no one fails to benefit because of lack of financial resources.
Do you accept requests from areas outside North America?
At this time, we can only accept requests from within North America.
Is this spiritual direction available through e-mail?
Our spiritual direction is by telephone, with the exception of spiritual director Ivan Lange, who works through e-mail.
If I have more questions, who do I contact?
Feel free to contact Maureen Wright at the Canadian office of the Henri Nouwen Society:
Maureen Wright c/o The Henri Nouwen Society
10265 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada
L4C 4Y7
phone toll-free: 1-866-226-2158 x110
fax: 1-905-884-4819
