Approach to Spiritual Direction
As a spiritual mentor or guide, I offer a deep listening presence and guidance while also holding you and your life life journey in sacred presence. I have a pluralistic spiritual perspective with a variety of experiences and resources to offer. I offer approaches that access the mind, heart and body’s wisdom and connection with the Divine through inquiry and exploration.
- Breathing, Sensing and Movement Practices
- Developing a Centering prayer or Meditation practice
- Body Centered Awareness
- Guided Imagery
- Basic Healing Touch Energy Work (Level 1 & 2)
- Visual Journaling
- Enneagram
- Impact of inner critic and shame
Individual Spiritual Guidance/Direction
You may have a desire to find meaning or insights, to open new possibilities, or discover a deeper connection with the sacred, yourself and others. You may be experiencing significant grief and loss and wondering about the purpose of your life or how to engage the current world. LBGTQIA concerns and all sexuality issues are welcome as part of your spiritual expression. Topics to bring to a session may include day-to-day life concerns, anxieties, creative efforts and celebrations; dreams, mystical or religious experiences and questions; discussion about prayer, spiritual disciplines and practices, and more. Your felt experience in the present moment is always a great place to start and return to.
The responsibility for the topic or topics is yours. How the hour shapes is our creative exploration together.
Spiritual Direction can be experienced in person or over Skype or Zoom technologies.
How Often to Come
Spiritual Direction is a confidential professional relationship with a spiritual director, with meetings generally scheduled every three to four weeks. There are a variety of approaches about how often people discern when to come. Some people come during a transition or crisis, and when the phase subsides they stop. Some people come infrequently, depending on their inner pull to do so. More commonly, people view their once a month spiritual direction sessions as a spiritual practice that helps them stay centered and connected to their sacred source. This latter group understands the director is like a container for their life stories; she understands their history, sacred processes, struggles and celebrations and offers discerning presence and spiritual tools to assist the life journey.
Session Time
Each session is 60 minutes. We will end our conversation at about 55 minutes and allow time for transition and setting the next appointment, if desired. Occasionally, time conflicts will surface and one of us will have to reschedule. It is expected that we will give each other a 24 hour notice of cancellation.
Fee
The standard fee is $85.00 per hour.
I do not want a concern for finances to be a reason you do not come; therefore, payment concerns may be raised at any time. One half payment is expected for missed appointments and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. If I miss our appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, I will charge half at the next session.
Group Spiritual Direction
Experiencing the benefits of shared companionship and exploration, group spiritual direction offers a facilitated space to grow with others. Spirit-mind-body centering exercises and reflections are offered during each session, as well as time for individual focus. Modalities such as:
- Body Centered Awareness
- Meditation
- Poetry and Sacred Reading reflections
- Visual Journaling
- Breathing, Sensing and Movement Practices
- Singing and Chanting
- Various prayer forms
Frequency and Session Time
Groups are designed to meet monthly for six months and then have the option to continue.
If interested in group availability please contact me at: sherylstowman@gmail.com
Sessions are generally 2.5 hours
Fee
Group Spiritual Direction fee is based on the number of participants, but generally around $40-50.00 per session.
Rev. Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, B.A. Theater Arts, Master of Divinity, A.C.P.E. Clinical Pastoral Educator, Spiritual Direction Certification, Ordained Teacher of the Ridhwan School/Diamond Approach.