In the Catholic faith, spiritual direction is a sacred and personalized process of guiding and nurturing an individual's spiritual journey. It is a form of companionship and guidance where a trained spiritual director, who may also be known as a spiritual guide, assists a person in deepening their relationship with God and discerning God's presence and actions in their life.

Spiritual direction is a contemplative practice rooted in prayer, discernment, and attentive listening. The spiritual director provides a safe and supportive space for the directee (the person seeking spiritual direction) to share their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and questions related to their faith and spiritual life.

Through attentive listening, the spiritual director helps the directee explore their experiences of prayer, their relationship with God, and the movements of the Holy Spirit in their life. They may offer insights, wisdom, and guidance from the Catholic spiritual tradition and scriptures to help the directee grow in their understanding of God's love and guidance.

Spiritual direction is not counselling or therapy; instead, it is focused on the spiritual aspects of the person's life. The spiritual director does not impose their beliefs or agenda but helps the directee recognize and respond to the promptings of God in their unique journey.

Spiritual direction is a valuable practice for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual life, discern God's will, overcome challenges, and grow in holiness and intimacy with God. It is often recommended for those who desire a closer relationship with God, wish to explore their vocation or life purpose and seek guidance in navigating spiritual challenges and growth.

The practice of spiritual direction has a rich history in the Catholic Church, with many saints and spiritual masters encouraging the importance of seeking wise counsel and spiritual guidance on the journey of faith. It continues to be an essential and meaningful aspect of the Catholic spiritual life for those who seek to grow closer to God and live in alignment with His divine will.

One of great sources of spiritual growth is the meditation on Sunday Gospel. Therefore, under the "Online Retreats" section, I provide some questions that may help you reflect on your relationship with God. Anyone who wishes to share their reflection in the safe and confidential environment of a spiritual direction session may do so by sending me an email for further discussion of this matter: monika@contemplativeretreat.com