Spiritual Direction: A sacred space of love
By Grace Kim, spiritual director
Although the ministry of spiritual direction is gaining recognition and acceptance, it is a mode of spiritual help and guidance that is not yet broadly embraced or sought out, especially among Protestants. Spiritual directors are guides or companions more than directors. As such, spiritual direction can be viewed as a misnomer, which may lead to the misunderstanding of this ministry. Spiritual direction is distinct from other modes of helping ministries, such as counseling or coaching, although there are areas of overlap.
One important distinctive of spiritual direction is that it is evocative or non-directive. Spiritual direction is first and foremost a ministry of presence and deep and holy listening. It is not goal-oriented. The director provides the hospitality that is a safe space for the directee’s soul to show up in all of her glory. ee cummings said, “We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.” A spiritual director is that someone who listens deeply, so the directee can experience the sacredness of her being and her story. I am often reminded of Henri Nouwen’s definition of hospitality as I practice spiritual direction. “Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend . . . Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.” This is a beautiful description of the art of spiritual direction.
Another important facet of spiritual direction is that it is content to move slowly. The cycle of spiritual direction sessions are usually monthly. It is not aimed at bringing quick solutions. Rather, the director and directee together listen to the Spirit to discern God’s presence and activity in the directee’s life. God’s movement is always a movement of love. As such, this work cannot be rushed. In his book, The Three Mile an Hour God, Kosuke Koyama says, “Love has its speed. It is a different kind of speed from the technological speed to which we are accustomed. It goes on in the depth of life at three miles per hour. It is the speed we walk and therefore the speed the love of God walks.” Spiritual direction, therefore, is a slow and patient art and discipline.
This slow and sacred space of spiritual direction allows the directee to listen deeply to her own soul and hear the invitation of God toward love. Transformation takes place within this sacred space of love.
Grace Kim is a spiritual director trained in the contemplative evocative mode of spiritual direction. She has served in full time ministry for over 25 years. See her profile on the website, under “find a spiritual director.”
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