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© Neil Bhatia

In all situations of life the “will of God”
comes to us as… an interior invitation of personal love.


Thomas Merton

People have been seeking connection and union with the divine since the beginning of humanity. Spiritual direction developed centuries ago as an intimate and personal way of seeking God. In Christianity, its roots can be traced to the third century AD when people began moving to the desert to seek a life of asceticism and prayer. These desert fathers and mothers, as they were called, were sought out by religious seekers for counsel in the Christian life. Often seekers would ask for “a word,” a teaching or practice that would be unique and personal. Over the centuries the form of spiritual direction has changed, but the personal seeking of the divine has remained.

 

Spiritual direction today is an intentional conversation in which we listen and attend to the Spirit at work in one’s life experiences, creating space for a deeper connection to self, others, creation, and God. It is a place to explore, as Thomas Merton says, the “interior invitation of personal love” that is extended to every person. It is a set-apart space to experience the fullness of life, with attentiveness and intention.


Spiritual Direction now comes in many forms and through many different religious traditions (including no religious tradition). My own practice of spiritual direction takes the form of individual meetings, group spiritual direction, and retreats. To learn more about spiritual direction visit Spiritual Directors International.

 

I have a deep appreciation for the ministry of spiritual direction and enjoy connecting people to this tradition. Feel free to reach out to me for more information.

Retreats & Workshops

  • Reading Accidental Theologians with the Expressive Arts
    Reading Accidental Theologians with the Expressive Arts
    Wed, Jan 10
    Virtual Event
    Jan 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST
    Virtual Event
    Jan 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST
    Virtual Event
    A Four Week Online Retreat
  • The Gift of Time
    The Gift of Time
    Fri, Oct 13
    Sophia Center
    Oct 13, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT – Oct 14, 2023, 3:00 PM CDT
    Sophia Center, 801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, USA
    Oct 13, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT – Oct 14, 2023, 3:00 PM CDT
    Sophia Center, 801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, USA
    Benedictine Values, Music, and the Expressive Arts
  • Releasing and Transforming: A Storytelling and Ritual Retreat
    Releasing and Transforming: A Storytelling and Ritual Retreat
    Sat, Apr 15
    Warrensburg
    Apr 15, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Warrensburg, 702 E Hale Lake Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
    Apr 15, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Warrensburg, 702 E Hale Lake Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
  • Living Harmoniously: Exploring Benedictine Spirituality through Music and Poetry
    Living Harmoniously: Exploring Benedictine Spirituality through Music and Poetry
    Fri, Mar 24
    Sophia Center
    Mar 24, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT – Mar 25, 2023, 3:00 PM CDT
    Sophia Center, 801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, USA
    Mar 24, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT – Mar 25, 2023, 3:00 PM CDT
    Sophia Center, 801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, USA
  • Stepping into Image: Art Journaling as a Contemplative Practice
    Stepping into Image: Art Journaling as a Contemplative Practice
    Wed, Nov 02
    Virtual Event
    Nov 02, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    Nov 02, 2022, 7:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    A Four Week Online Retreat
  • The Tenderness of God
    The Tenderness of God
    Fri, Nov 12
    Virtual Event
    Nov 12, 2021, 7:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    Nov 12, 2021, 7:00 PM
    Virtual Event

For more information about upcoming events please see this page

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