While our innate belovedness by the Creator of everything is the same, our experiences in life and faith vary in endless ways. One of the ways this truth is lived out is when offering a contemplative practice to begin a session of Spiritual Direction.

Beginning sessions with a contemplative practice is one way we intentionally enter into a session of Spiritual Direction together. As we move through a routine of awareness of self and the Loving Presence of God, to a few rounds of breath together, then a check-in and prayer, we land at a space of practice. During this time, the practice varies by directee— what is their temperament? How do they feel most connected to God? What stirs within me as I practice discernment and prayer with God about what kind of practice to offer them? While practices vary from directee to directee, with the liturgical calendar as a guide, I will often bring in something suited to the season.