In the midst of a busy life, many people find it difficult to notice God’s presence in their daily affairs. Yet, at the deepest level, all of us long for a more conscious experience of God’s presence and love. Each of us has a sacred story unfolding and inviting our attention. Spiritual direction provides a place to notice, reflect, discern and discover where God is present and active in our everyday lives. Our Ministry of Spiritual Direction brochure is available below.
What is the Purpose of Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is about responding to God’s invitation to draw closer in relationship. It is meant to help a person learn how to be attentive to God’s presence in his or her life and to make choices based on that awareness.
What are the Gifts of Spiritual Direction?
- Notice and savor your own experiences of God
- Integrate spirituality into your daily life
- Find understanding, encouragement and affirmation
- Share challenges, losses, or disappointments
- Celebrate joys and accomplishments
- Grow in relationship with God, self, others, and creation
- Deepen your freedom to live a more authentic life
What Happens in a Spiritual Direction Session
The subject matter of spiritual direction is what seems significant in the life of the person seeking direction. It could be exploring a critical issue discerning life choices or a dream, discovering ways to pray, or simply acknowledging a longing or question that persists over time. The spiritual director/companion remains present to the individual through deep listening, evocative questions, support, and creating a safe environment where one can openly and prayerfully explore where God’s spirit is leading.
Who are the Spiritual Directors?
San Damiano’s team of directors have all received extensive training and formation in the art of spiritual direction, and bring years of experience to this ancient ministry. Our team has a deep commitment to ongoing spiritual formation and growth, both personally and with those they companion.
Our spiritual directors are: Nancy Jokerst, Kathy Miranda, Bidi Millet, and David Williams. To learn more about them, click here.
If you have questions about spiritual direction at San Damiano, please call 925-837-9141 ext. 311.
Download Our Spiritual Direction Brochure
Resources
The Spiritual Directors International website www.sdiworld.org is an excellent resource of information to discover how to seek and find a spiritual director in your area.
“The art of spiritual direction lies in our uncovering the obvious in our lives and in realizing that everyday events are the means by which God tries to meet us.” — Alan Jones Dean Emeritus, Grace Cathedral San Francisco
“Wisdom is the art of balancing the known with the unknown, the suffering with the joy; it is a way of linking the whole of life together in a new and deeper unity . . . Wisdom is the art of living in rhythm with your soul, your life, and the Divine.” — John O’Donohue, Anam Cara, Author/Poet