Welcome, friends!
The goal of this new blog and website is to serve as a resource for those in the southern Ohio area, and beyond, about the lifechanging ministry of spiritual direction.
Spiritual direction--sometimes known as soul friending (from the Celtic anam cara), discipling, or holy listening--has ancient roots in Christianity and other faiths, but is perfectly suited to the spiritual searching of modern people. It balances communal worship with a one-on-one or small group experience of spiritual sharing which assists seekers in sensing and responding to the overflowing love of God in prayer, spiritual practices, and the entirety of life.
Spiritual direction is a ministry rooted in God's gifts and call, and one which is often exercised informally and powerfully among close friends or family members. In its more formal incarnation it is also a profession which requires study, training, ongoing formation, and commitment to ethical guidelines safeguarding the welfare of clients. Thus, most spiritual directors request a sliding scale stipend for their services--in my case, $30.00 to $60.00 per 60 minute session for individual spiritual direction and $15.00 to $30.00 per person per 75-90 minute session for group spiritual direction.
Spiritual Directors International, also linked on the sidebar, is the primary professional organization of spiritual directors in the world. Its website is a rich source of information about this ministry and contains a searchable directory assisting people to locate spiritual directors in their area, as well as some who--like myself--offer direction via phone or email.
If you would like to learn more about spiritual direction and how it can enrich your spiritual journey, or schedule a complimentary trial session, feel free to email me at lauraATgrimesDOTws or call (937) 581-7996. Blessings on your sacred path!
