"Above all, trust in the slow work of God." ~Teilhard de Chardin
Here’s a definition of spiritual direction that we like from Spiritual Directors International (SDI), written by SDI member Marian Cowan:
“Spiritual direction is a time-honored term for a conversation, ordinarily between two persons, in which one person consults another, more spiritually experienced person about the ways in which God [or however one names the Divine, Holy or Universal] may be touching her or his life, directly or indirectly. In our postmodern age, many people dislike the term ‘spiritual direction’ because it sounds like one person giving directions, or orders, to another. They prefer ‘spiritual companionship,’ ‘tending the holy,’ or some other nomenclature. What we call it doesn’t make any real difference. The reality remains conversations about life in the light of faith… Although spiritual direction has had a burst of new life, it is really quite ancient. Across both the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures, we find people seeking spiritual counsel. The Queen of Sheba sought out the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus gave us examples in his conversations with Nicodemus, with the woman at the well, in the ongoing formation of Peter and the other disciples. In the early church, people flocked to hermits in the desert for spiritual counsel. Across the centuries we find striking examples in some Irish monks, in some German Benedictine nuns, in Charles de Foucault, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis de Sales, and others. Today, spiritual directors come from many traditions … [including Judaism, Sufism, Buddhism and other faiths].“
PCSF offers opportunities to explore spiritual direction with individuals with whom you might resonate. See the bios and contact information below.
PCSF Affiliated Spiritual Directors
Andrew K. Lee
web designer and spiritual director
Andrew is a Ph.D. student at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, where he studies medieval mysticism and spirituality, Christian history, and comparative religion. At Graduate Theological Union and at San Francisco Theological Seminary, he has taught the academic study of mysticism as well as practical courses on contemplative spirituality. Blending teaching from the mystics with contemplative practices, he has created and led meditations and retreats for San Francisco Theological Seminary, the Marin Interfaith Council, the Episcopal School for Deacons, and the Episcopal Diocese of California.
Kathryn Lee
board member and spiritual director
Kathryn is passionate about sharing contemplative practices and helping cultivate new contemplative lay leaders as a lay leader herself in the Episcopal Church. She explores and shares contemplative practices through restorative circle practices, chant, and exploring art as a contemplative practice, especially knitting and crochet. She serves as a retreat leader and a beginning spiritual director. At Christ Episcopal Church, she leads the prayer shawl ministry, which makes knitted and crocheted shawls as physical expressions, and also provides spiritual formation workshops.
Kevin Omi
Board member and spiritual director
Kevin Omi is a spiritual director who helps directees discover themselves in God and to be anchored in what Thich Naht Hanh describes as the “present moment, wonderful moment.” He leads retreats and gatherings using both Christian and Buddhist practices for the Pacific Center for Spiritual Formation. He is a graduate of and peer group leader with Shalem’s Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats program; and member of the Shalem Society. He has served three congregations as a United Church of Christ pastor and was previously a co-chair of a Committee on Ministry.