"Do not run or fly away in order to become free.
Rather, go into the narrow space given you.
There, you will find God and all things."
Gustave Thibon
Rather, go into the narrow space given you.
There, you will find God and all things."
Gustave Thibon
Accompanying others in varying ways has long been one of my deepest joys, expressed from who I am at my core and expanding through experiences in relationship and conversation. I could listen to people tell their stories for all eternity.
Spiritual direction is a slightly unique current in that sea, wide in its scope while specific in its purpose: to offer support in your always-developing relationship with God. It's a bit of an in-between category. It's not counseling, it's not pastoral. It's not the same as meeting with a priest or therapist. It is company, listening together, soul-nurturing. It's intentional, experiential, relational. It might be an hour of talking, it might be an hour of silence, it might be a creative practice, it might be a mix. We listen in your story, not just to the story, as we attend to the conversation between your heart and Spirit. The word 'direction' is a bit misleading....God is the Director, the spiritual director is a companion and a holder. But what happens during the session, or from the session, is directive because it's about being with the Presence of God, and that is both a being and a making.
What has spiritual direction offered me?
Meeting with a spiritual director has helped me to 'stay in my life', to identify notes of gratitude and grace, to pay attention in times of discomfort or friction, to move through change, to be still. Direction has offered space to awaken, transition, be, and grieve in each season. I've been offered encouragement to rest, to relax, to trust my instincts, to play, to nurture my soul, to be present.
Spiritual direction has also provided a valueable context for considering how my childhood religious experience shaped me and for exploring new and healing ways of considering who God is, for hearing Scripture new-ly, for recognizing the voice of God-in-me-in-the-world. Through both individual direction and group courses in contemplative spirituality, I've deepened in a wide variety of practices and I've been offered reminders of God's love that I've so needed. My desire for intimacy with God has grown and felt welcomed by me. And a sense of integration in my being has increased.
What can I offer you?
I've met with a variety of directors over the course of many years and have completed a several-years'-long process to become a certified spiritual director. Spiritual direction is a companioning relationship, and that is what I offer you. It won't be advice, it won't be analysis, it won't be cerebral or teaching oriented. It will be company. It will be listening. It will be for your heart. The time a director and directee spend together can be quite dynamic even if that time is spent in complete silence, as it flows from a joint and shared listening for what is needed to unfold authenticity of heart and being in the presence of the Divine.
I presently meet with directees via Zoom or in-person. Spiritual direction is generally an hour each month. My typical individual session fee is $75 but I never want that to prohibit someone from sitting in direction so please let me know if you need to make an alternate arrangement. The first meeting is free as a way to partially discern whether moving forward together is desired.
If you would like to explore spiritual direction please feel free to contact me.
Peace to you in this time.
Warmly,
Mindy Abenroth Danylak
My related training and education include these extended programs, some of which I have also co-facilitated:
Peace to you in this time.
Warmly,
Mindy Abenroth Danylak
My related training and education include these extended programs, some of which I have also co-facilitated:
- Art of Spiritual Direction Certification. SoulStream.
- Member, Spiritual Directors International.
- Mindfulness Practice Introductory Overview. Mindfulness Northwest.
- Deepening Women's Spirituality. St Placid Priory.
- Facilitating Contemplative Experiences. Soul Stream.
- Way of the Heart. Selah Center. (facilitator)
- Living From the Heart. Selah Center. (facilitator)
- Soul Awake. Selah Center. (facilitator)
- A Way of Leading. Selah Center.
- Godly Play training. Holy Trinity Edmonds.
- Contemplative Advent Practice Series. Holy Trinity Edmonds. (facilitator)
- Adult Catechism. Holy Trinity Edmonds.
- BA Psychology. University of Washington.
