Another Question About Spiritual Direction

[Faith1960]

I’ve seen two different spiritual directors in the past 4 or 5 years and wonder if I don’t need one or if I just don’t get what it is supposed to gain from spiritual direction.

I spent all my time with my first SD complaining about all my problems, treating her as a inexpensive therapist.
The meetings with my second SD was even less fruitful than the first time, when I rarely had anything to discuss as all, with the exception of needing answers to religious questions that would come up, much of which she didn’t have the answers to.

I know some people have the same SDs for years.

So…what is discussed and accomplished in spiritual direction?

 

[thequietsinger]

I’ve seen two different spiritual directors in the past 4 or 5 years and wonder if I don’t need one or if I just don’t get what it is supposed to gain from spiritual direction.

I spent all my time with my first SD complaining about all my problems, treating her as a inexpensive therapist.
The meetings with my second SD was even less fruitful than the first time, when I rarely had anything to discuss as all, with the exception of needing answers to religious questions that would come up, much of which she didn’t have the answers to.

I know some people have the same SDs for years.

So…what is discussed and accomplished in spiritual direction?

To me, spiritual direction is to help you personally, and with your spirituality. It is meant to strengthen you, to give you the guidance you need in your life. Whether or not you have a ton of problems shouldn’t matter, as long as you are there to seek the help and guidance of your spiritual director. I noticed you said “she” for both of your previous SD’s. Have you thought about asking your Priest about spiritual direction? Lay people, especially of the same gender, can make excellent SD’s, you can trust me on that. But sometimes, we need the knowledge and support from our Priest, no matter what problems we are facing or dealing with. If you are able to, I would highly recommend asking your Priest about this. I can’t exactly say what is discussed during spiritual direction. For me, my discussions with my Priest varied from me talking about discerning a vocation to the Sisterhood, to college, to my family, and to what I did yesterday. It all depends on the day and what you have going on. I hope I could help you, and if you need more information or anything feel free to PM me. I would be more than happy to help!

 

[JM3]

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=829072

 

[SinnersAnonymus]

In my experience my current director is very insightful to issues and problems I may face and offers very wise advise. He honestly saved my bacon more than once, but than again he is known in the area for his excellent direction.

I have come to believe that profound spiritual direction may be a Charism from our lord. The reason I say this is because my spiritual director was insightful and accurate to predicting issues and dangers I may face up to a year in advance and I learned to mind any cautions he gives me.

This man has also suffered a great deal in life so that may play a large part as well.

I can say that a good spiritual director is worth its weight in gold.

As far as your question, we normally discuss difficult spiritual issues I cannot find answers to, problems in my life I am having a hard time with navigating, and people I am trying to help and discerning how to help them best.

Some of the warnings he gave me that proved true were that one person would turn on me. (happened two weeks after he told me)

And that another persons family might blame me for the consequences of their bad parenting. (happened about 8 months later)

At first I could not believe that these would happen but I prepared any way. Being well prepared for both of these examples saved me from a lot of headache, violence and even legal issues.