"...the scope of our art is to
provide the soul with wings"

These words were written by Gregory Nazianzen to describe the work of a spiritual director, which he refers to as "physician of the soul."

Other people have called this ministry mid-wife to the soul, companion on the way, soul friend.

Spiritual direction is a charism - a gift - and this gift is exercised as an art form. In direction, a space is set aside in order that the soul may begin to realize, or wake up to, the consistent presence of the Holy Spirit. When we speak of space we mean appropriately still physical surroundings, but also an atmosphere of safety, intention and invitation.

Our canvas is the sacred space into which we bring the openness of the heart and the soul. Our life experiences become our medium as we fill the canvas with the colors of the accumulated wisdom that each one brings to the meeting. Through deep listening we begin to illuminate a new view of the reality of our lives. Each time we go back to the canvas, possibilities we hadn't even considered become part of the picture. Through prayer, silence and deep companionship we are led to new life within the freedom of God.

The whole purpose of spiritual direction is to penetrate beneath the surface of a person's life, to get behind the facade of conventional gestures and attitudes which are presented to the world, and to bring out inner spiritual freedom, which is what we call the likeness of Christ in the soul.

-Thomas Merton
(paraphrased)

© 2008 The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James Monkton