The word direction has lost favor in our “spiritual direction” world, and for good reasons. We know it’s important to steer clear of controlling the content of sessions, driving the agenda, or forcing an outcome. After all, isn’t the heart of this work about spacious listening, gentle companionship, and allowing the client to lead?
Yes. And no.
I believe there is a way in which we must, in fact, direct. The question is not whether we direct but how and where we do so:
Pointing Toward the Contemplative Life
The key to understanding our role lies in clarifying the deepest purpose behind our work. Spiritual direction isn’t primarily about more problem-solving, more analysis, or endless self-examination—though each has its place. If sessions circle only around problems or psychological ponderings, we risk leaving people stuck in their struggles, and detract from a basically spiritual posture toward life.
Our deepest work is to help clients find an inner still point in the midst of demanding and noisy lives. In today’s culture of relentless stress and change, I am convinced that the heart of our work is nurturing a contemplative awareness. Without this grounding, people inevitably slide into restless, anxious, and ungrounded living.
As spiritual directors, we are entrusted with the task of guiding clients toward their “still waters,” the place where their souls can breathe again. At some point in each of our sessions, our focus should be on guiding them in the direction of their contemplative lives—places and practices of spiritual rest, a pampering of their souls, and nurturing an inner spaciousness that reconnects them to their Source.
Reconnecting With Their Re-Source
At its core, spiritual direction is not about controlling or fixing but about Re-Sourcing—helping people reconnect with the Source of life.
When they sink into their contemplative center, they often find Sabbath rhythms and practices arising within them. When they breathe in Divine presence, they rediscover an inner quiet and strength. And they meet the demanding and noisy parts of their lives with renewed clarity, courage, and compassion.
Their struggles don’t vanish, but they face them with a deeper resilience and an abiding sense that they are held.
So Yes, We Must Direct
We must direct as we do spiritual direction work—not toward our own agendas, but toward the Re-Source that deeply matters in our wild and crazy world: the contemplative path.
It is there, in the quiet grace of Divine Presence, that clients find the life-giving strength and guidance they most need. And they leave sessions feeling as if their souls have been refreshed and renewed.