Group spiritual direction is the gathering of individuals who are all committed to increasing their awareness of God in their lives. Participants support one another through deep listening and a commitment to trusting the process rather than forcing it. The author and educator Parker Palmer says that our souls are like wild animals in hiding and that they need plenty of silence and space to emerge. In group spiritual direction, we provide plenty of both—so that we may witness one another and allow our tender souls to emerge.

Each group member is given time to speak uninterrupted about what is alive for them on their journey. We respond with questions and comments designed to help deepen the speaker’s experience. By being together and holding the space intentionally, we allow room for God to enter. We generally meet once a month.

As the leader, I stay connected to God and provide the space for group members to do the same. It is not the spiritual director, or even the group, that provides the healing, but the divine energy that we open ourselves up to when we are together in this way.

See more information on Co-parenting with God, a monthly spiritual direction group for parents.

See more information on our monthly Saturday morning drop-in group at Mishkan Shalom.