Spiritual Direction

Where can we find God? Anywhere, if we look with the right attitude. But so often we are rushed, busy, concerned with so many things that our life lives us instead of us living our lives. We need to stand back. We need to reflect.

This is what spiritual direction is all about. Spiritual direction is the traditional name for a simple reality-looking at your experience in the company of a spiritual companion. A fellow traveler who can share your hopes, support you through your fears, and help you notice and respond to God.

In spiritual direction three people are always present-you, the director and God. The focus of the spiritual direction conversation is God. A good spiritual director will constantly be helping you turn your gaze to this ever present third person.

What to Expect

Spiritual direction is for anyone who wants it. If you want to grow in the knack of finding God in your daily living, spiritual direction may be a good thing to try. If you have the desire, don't worry about being a beginner. A spiritual director is a fellow pilgrim on the same journey, but one who puts their experience and skill at the service of your relationship with God.

They will listen to you, and help you listen to yourself. S/he will help you notice those hints of God's presence in your experience-that walk in the rain; that moment of peace at the end of the day; that flash of anger at injustice-and help you deepen your appreciation for the God who comes to meet you there. A director will help you find ways of responding to this God that work for you-ways of praying.

When you first meet a director you may spend a little time telling your story-who you are; what you care for; what you desire-and talking about who God has been in your life. Basically, it's a conversation with a focus, and what you share is up to you.

Finding A Spiritual Director

There's no one right way to find a spiritual director, and often one is found by the recommendation of someone you trust. You can also ask your priest, minister or rabbi for assistance, as spiritual direction is a practice found in both the Christian and the Jewish traditions.

If you would like more information about spiritual direction, or would like assistance finding a spiritual director, you are welcome to contact Fr. Roger de la Rosa in University Ministry at (415)-422-4463 or email um@usfca.edu. A member of the University Ministry staff will meet with you for about an hour to discuss what you might be seeking in a spiritual director. Our goal is to work with you to decide if spiritual direction is a process that would be helpful for you at this time in your spiritual journey, and to recommend some possible directors.