What is spiritual advising and is it right for me?

A spiritual advisor is a mentor or guide who supports and accompanies individuals on their spiritual journey. They provide a listening ear, offer insights, and help people explore and deepen their spiritual beliefs and practices. Unlike a leader who gives directives, a spiritual advisor encourages personal reflection, helps identify inner truths, and aids in navigating life's spiritual challenges. They respect the individual's unique path and growth process, offering companionship and wisdom rather than authoritative instruction.

This is the question that matters most, and the answer is: probably, but maybe not now. Spiritual direction and spiritual advisors offer assistance, guidance, and companionship for those on a spiritual journey (which is all of us). However, spiritual direction is a relationship. Your advisor is not a professor assigning exercises or a boss giving you a task list.

  • You must be willing to do the work, with your advisor’s help, support, and prayers. Inner work is often uncomfortable. It is rarely linear, and it is never finished.

  • If you are extremely comfortable with your life as it is right now, then perhaps now is not the time. But if you feel that urge to go deeper, if you know in your gut that it is time to grow, to dig into your relationship with God, or to explore your own inner landscape, or if your current practices just don’t fit anymore, then consider taking a guide along with you.

What to Expect

  • Silence

    A spiritual director’s job is to listen to, support, and encourage you. Which means you really should be doing most of the talking. This is your life, and your story to tell. An experienced advisor will be wise enough to know when to be silent and give you space. Maybe you’ll be ready to fill that silence, maybe you won’t be. But expect to encounter silence.

  • Freedom

    There is immense freedom (and responsibility) in being in charge of your own spiritual life. For many of us, raised in structure religious systems, the freedom of being in charge of your own journey can be shocking, liberating, and intimidating at the same time. Your advisor will not tell you what to do. They will not give you a neat tidy plan, or a list of things to believe. Their purpose is to support your journey and it is one only you can make.

  • Time

    Most spiritual direction meetings last about an hour. Arrive on time if at all possible as your spiritual director almost certainly has other appointments to keep. Most people meet monthly with their spiritual advisor, but your circumstances might call for a more (or less frequent) meeting schedule. Ask for what you need.Description goes here

  • Being Uncomfortable

    Growth isn’t comfortable, or easy. Spiritual direction (or advisorship) is often compared to midwifery and birth, we all know that birth isn’t easy. Bringing forth new life is a struggle, but the end result is worth it.

    You will discover things about yourself you would have never guessed. And you will discover things about the Divine that are just as surprising. No matter how well you think you know yourself, your faith, or God; there are surprises in store.

How you’ll feel

After regularly working with a spiritual advisor, many people feel a profound sense of clarity and peace. This relationship often brings about a deeper understanding of oneself and one's spiritual path.

The History of Spiritual Advising

Spiritual advising has deep roots in many traditions, evolving over centuries to support individuals in their spiritual journeys. From ancient times, people have sought wisdom and guidance from those perceived to be more spiritually attuned or experienced.

In early religious traditions, spiritual advisors often emerged from monastic communities. In Christianity, for example, the desert fathers and mothers of the early centuries acted as spiritual guides for those seeking deeper connection with the divine. They offered counsel, shared their wisdom, and helped others navigate their spiritual paths.

In Eastern traditions, spiritual advising has a long history as well. In Buddhism, the relationship between a student and their teacher, or guru, is fundamental. These mentors provide guidance, helping students understand and practice the teachings more deeply.

As societies evolved, so did the role of spiritual advisors. In medieval Europe, spiritual direction became more formalized within the Christian church, with clergy often taking on this role. During the Renaissance, the idea of personal spiritual growth gained prominence, leading to a more individualized approach to spiritual advising.

In modern times, spiritual advising transcends specific religious traditions. It embraces a more inclusive and diverse understanding of spirituality. Today, spiritual advisors come from various backgrounds and practices, united by their commitment to support others on their spiritual journeys. They offer a safe space for exploration, helping individuals discern their path, find meaning, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection.

Whether rooted in ancient traditions or contemporary practices, spiritual advising continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking guidance, companionship, and wisdom on their spiritual journey.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.

Where it all begins!

If you’re unsure of where to begin your healing journey but know you are ready for change our consultation and connection meeting is the first step.

If you have received healing services in the past, but are curious if a different healing service is right for you a consultation and connection meeting is your next step.