What is Spiritual Direction?
 The following
is my personal approach to spiritual direction:
A spiritual direction
session is a time set aside for exploring one's
life stories with special attention to how spirit
(life, energy, mystery, soul, love)
is moving through the events of one's life.
It's a time to ask
and to listen within, to become quiet so that
one can hear the answers that arise from that
deep place of knowing.
The spiritual director does not teach or preach,
but listens deeply in order to help the directee
experience insight into his or her journey,
story, action or relationships.
Spiritual direction
is an opportunity to develop a richer language
for talking about the sacred mystery that has
many names, but is called God or Mother-Father
God by some, Higher Power by Others, and Spirit
by many.
What Is the Agenda?
There is no agenda for spiritual direction sessions
except for what one brings to it.
Frequent topics brought to spiritual direction
concern relationship issues, change in jobs,
loss, grief or a search for deeper meaning in
one's life.
The relationship between the directee and spirit
is primary. The spiritual director acts
as a helper, listener and facilitator to this
experience.
Is it Counseling?
Spiritual direction is neither counseling nor
life coaching, though elements of those fields
are contained within spiritual direction. Spiritual
directors do not diagnose illnesses or label
and work towards changing behaviors. Spiritual
directors do sometimes work with counselors
or other healing professionals as part of a
team. Referrals to other helping professionals
will be made as needed.
Do I Have to be
Christian
or of a Certain Religious
Philosophy in Order to Book
an Appointment with You?
No. I do not teach religion nor do I attempt
to convert anyone to a specific belief system.
Being a spiritual director, for me, is listening to
people tell their story and helping them listen to
themselves and spirit so that they might become more
clear as to how the spirit is moving in their lives,
not mine.
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Why Do People
Come
to
Spiritual Direction?
Some frequent
reasons for coming:
1. For help in developing a prayer or meditation
practice in order to deepen their experience
of Spirit
2. For help in making a decision relating to one's
purpose in life, or one's mission
3. To connect with another who becomes a listener
and a witness to one's journey
4. To
have a place to talk, with an impartial
observor, about what is happening in one's
life
5. To be in a safe place where
one can be candid and open with themselves
as they struggle with or celebrate the
events in one's life
How Much
Does it
Cost?
The fee is
$60 per hour, with once-a-month sessions
recommended, though not required.
If this amount presents
a financial hardship, please discuss this with me.
Money is
simply an exchange of energy. It indicates an
intention on the part of both parties
that something is given and something is received.
There is no charge for the first 1/2-hour
introductory appointment.
What is OK to Talk About
in Spiritual Direction?
Anything. Anything.
Anything. Anything.
Are You
Under Supervision?
Yes.
I have my own spiritual director to whom I take my
own issues. I also am part of a spiritual
direction supervision group wherein we prayerfully
uncover and reflect on any button issues, judgments
and beliefs that may be interfering with our
individual spiritual direction practices.
Sessions are private and confidential.
If I need to consult with a professional
regarding an issue that comes us in direction, I
alter the identifying information.
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How Many Sessions Should I
Expect this to take?
Some people go to spiritual direction once or twice
to discuss a specific event or decision.
Others enter into long-term relationships wherein
the spiritual director becomes a witness to the
continuing movements in the directee's life.
It is important
that clients feel comfortable with me as a spiritual
director, so, if the sessions are ongoing, after 3
or 4 sessions there will be an opportunity to
evaluate the experience to see if both parties wish to
continue.
Why are you a spiritual director?
See the About
Maureen page.
More Information:
Spiritual
Direction Guidelines
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What is your location?
Spiritual direction appointments will be held at:
Maureen Carlson's Center for Creative Arts
102 Water Street
Jordan, MN 55352
USA
Map of Jordan, MN USA
I
also accept appointments via Skype.
Please call or email for details.
phone: 651-460-0725
mailto:maureen@weefolk.com
Occasionally I will meet directees at prearranged
locations.
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