spiritual direction
Many people who watched the reality TV programme The Monastery have been touched and affected by the life and ministry of the monks at Worth Abbey. Following this series, the Abbey web site received thousands of hits.
This confirms a growing trend over the last few years of people searching for personal spiritual growth and development with the guidance of a Soul Friend or Spiritual Director, on their faith journey.
So what is Spiritual Direction? To encapsulate this into a few sentences is extremely difficult. Hundreds of books on Spirituality and Spiritual Direction and associated subjects have been published in recent years exploring matters spiritual. However here is one definition:
The role of a Spiritual Director, Spiritual Guide or Soul Friend (there are many different names to describe the role), is someone who accompanies another person on their spiritual journey, enabling them to listen to the movement of God’s Spirit in their lives and to respond with generosity. The Spiritual Director helps that person to look at themselves and their developing spiritual life. This involves encouraging the directee, usually on a one-to-one basis (though this can be undertaken in small groups), to share honestly what is going on in their lives and in their relationship with God in and through Christ. The Guide offers support and guidance through scripture, in prayer, meditation and contemplation.
If you would like to find a Spiritual Director, contact the Adviser in Spirituality.