Integrative voices for real-life journeys
Integrative voices for real-life journeys
Spiritual directors come from all walks of life and many religious traditions. Here are a few of my mentors and heroes, both ancient and modern. If my circle of voices feels welcoming, you'll feel right at home in our conversations.
As a disciple practicing in the Episcopal tradition, Jesus is the primary voice of wisdom and instruction for my spiritual life. I believe the narrative of triune love in Creator, Christ and Spirit brings powerful consolation and guidance. While I'm a regular church attender, I recognize not all people find this experience helpful in all seasons. Whether you belong to a Christian community or not, the journey is open to you.
St. Francis of Assisi saw God in brother son and sister moon, in flowers and in birds. Bark and stone, water and metal, glass and plants all decorate my personal altar in their season. I sense God in the tiniest skink and the highest peaks of western North Carolina and find endless connections to my spiritual life in nature.
This ancient personality archetype system utilizes knowledge of one's own strengths and weaknesses as a powerful tool for personal growth. I've studied the Enneagram deeply and found it transformational for my own journey. I enthusiasitcally share it to help people recognize their innate giftedness and open their eyes to paths of growth.
As a novice under Thomas Merton and then a career psychologist, James Finley brings a beautiful blending of psychology and spirituality to his teaching on meditation, mysticism and spiritual union. As a trauma survivor, Finley's teachings helped me weather my own journey of childhood trauma and powerfully informs my view of the innate preciousness of humankind and our potential for ultimate communion with God.
Cynthia's works never fail to challenge my mind and grow my spirituality. Her rigorous research, deeply mystical transformation path, and intellectual acumen inspire me to keep taking the next steps of metanoia and kenosis, renewing my mind and self-emptying into love.
Despite the patriarchy of her day, Mary "The Tower" Magdalene played an influential role among Jesus' disciples and was the first person to see the risen Christ. Yet her voice is lost to most of history. As a chronic illness survivor, I sometimes feel like my voice gets lost in the grand scheme of society, yet Mary's heart-forward faith and conviction reminds me that we can all participate in the divine plan of redemption.
Father Richard was one of my first voices into the contemplative journey. His warm and inclusive theology integrates the voices of wisdom across the globe while holding all disciples to the high standard of transformative love. It is from this perspective that I seek to walk with directees toward greater love in their hearts and justice in the world.