“The work of paying compassionate attention is, in a sense, learning to steward for ourselves what God already believes about us—that we’re valuable and loved.”
-Aundi Kolber, Try Softer
What is spiritual direction?
A trained listener serves as a compassionate, non-judgmental companion for the spiritual journey. Together, the director and directee discern and respond to the voice and active presence of the Holy in order to experience greater freedom. Spiritual direction helps people awaken to the reality and movement of divine Love in their lives so that they may participate in Love’s restorative, transformative work in the world. Spiritual directors help through the use of reflective listening, questions, noticing, and sacred pauses to allow space to reflect and discern. Read more about what spiritual direction is here.
Spiritual Background & Areas of Interest
I am passionate about providing protected spaces for seekers to experience the divine in new, more expansive ways. I am especially drawn to providing support for clients who are grappling with foundational questions about their faith and/or are grieving the loss of their faith communities as they seek to connect with a kind and compassionate God in new ways. Together, we seek healing and wholeness in relationship with God, self, others, and creation. Along with the other students in my program, I abide by the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct from Spiritual Directors International.
I have spent nearly a decade re-examining my beliefs while embracing a more inclusive and contemplative spirituality than that of my upbringing. I welcome clients from all (or no) faith backgrounds and welcome and affirm all identities and expressions within the LGBTQ+ community. Some of my areas of interest are:
- Faith Deconstruction/Reconstruction – Read more here.
- Self-Compassion
- Enneagram Work – Read more here.
- Shame Resilience
- Grief Work
- Contemplative Activism
- The Divine Feminine
- Racial Justice & Healing
Who is spiritual direction for?
Spiritual Direction may be helpful if you:
- desire a deeper, more authentic connection with the Holy
- are experiencing a shift in your beliefs
- are grieving the loss of a faith community
- are exploring your vocational calling
- feel spiritually “stuck”
- need a safe place to explore spiritual questions, doubts, or grief
Now accepting new directees for spiritual direction!
I have been trained through the Certificate of Spiritual Direction program at the SMU Perkins School of Theology. The fee for each (usually monthly) session is $75, with a limited number of discounted rates available upon request. Appointments can be in-person in Richardson, Texas (Dallas area) or remote via Zoom.
If you are interested in a free 30-minute introductory session via Zoom, please contact me via the form below. I can answer any questions you have about spiritual direction, and we can have an abbreviated session so you can get a feel for what a typical session would be like.
Questions?
If you have questions about spiritual direction or would like to check availability for a meet and greet, please contact me below. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Lindsay L. O'Connor 