Spiritual Direction & Companioning
Spiritual direction is the process of sharing one's sacred stories with a trained, compassionate listener. It can be helpful to anyone thirsty for a connection with the Divine. Direction and companioning supports those of any or no faith base who are seeking spiritual growth, healing, or a deeper connection with God and others. It is a time-honored practice of compassionate, non-judgmental listening to another in a safe setting where what is shared is held with reverence and confidentiality.
A spiritual director listens intently, patiently, and confidentially as you share your sacred stories. Your spiritual director journeys with you as you navigate through life's complexities and transitions, and can be a trusted guide as you discover your inner wisdom. Spiritual directors and companions do not offer counseling, advice, or problem solving. Rather, they accompany you as you explore your own spiritual path and empower you to identify patterns and practices that no longer serve you. In addition they help you to explore new practices that may be helpful to you.
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We also offer group spiritual companioning circles where these same principles are applied in a group setting. This allows a greater diversity of stories, perspectives, listening, questioning, and reflection often leading to greater individual and group insight and healing.
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When might you seek out a spiritual director?
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When desiring a guide on the way
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When finding yourself in the wilderness
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When heading out on a path of growth
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When seeking God in the complexity of life
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When needing wisdom from within and without
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When making decisions on life direction
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When needing discernment in decision making
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When experiencing a season of deconstruction
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When desiring new language or experience of God
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is the practice of coming alongside people to assist them in attuning their hearts to the movement of God in their stories. In individual and group sessions, the facilitator provides the gift of holy listening, a sacred practice of welcoming the presence of the other and of God in a contemplative and transformative experience.
Will a spiritual director tell me what to do?
No. Spiritual direction is not about proselytization, propaganda or control. The aim of spiritual companioning is not to tell another person what to do or to control their spiritual journey. Your story is uniquely your own, including your experience of God. A spiritual companion’s role is to assist you in discerning the movement of the Spirit of God in your life, and to help you to align yourself to that movement.
Are you associated with a church?
Greater Grounds is a non-denominational organization. We welcome individuals from all denominations and faith journeys. Our founder, Lisa McClanahan, is a member of St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church in Blanco, Texas. She has journeyed through and with different denominations, including the Catholic church, non-denominational Bible church, and house churches-which she is grateful to all of them. While Lisa lives out her faith in the Anglican tradition, her practice is open and welcoming to all.
What typically happens in a spiritual direction or companioning session?
Spiritual direction sessions are typically 50 minutes long. Group spiritual companioning sessions are typically 3 hours. A session generally begins with a time of silence and centering, as well as a short time of prayer, if that is comfortable for you. Then, you and your director/facilitator will often spend time discovering and dialoguing about the movements of God in your life recently. The session will usually end with a time of prayer or silence as closure. A spiritual session is a place of openness and safety, where you and everything you bring are welcome. Everything that happens in a spiritual session is confidential.
Where do you meet with people?
Lisa meets with people in person in the Blanco area. She can also travel, which incurs a travel fee. Lisa also meets with people over the phone or via Zoom. The latter is preferred for distance meetings.
How often would I meet with my director?
In general, our directors meet with directees monthly or every two weeks. Occasionally, life circumstances warrant meeting with the directee once a week. However, that intensity of direction is only meant for a season before returning to a twice-a-month schedule.
Shouldn't spiritual direction be unnecessary if the church is being the Church?
Ideally, the answer to that question is yes. However, we’re a long way from the ideal Church. We have forgotten—or not been taught—the very things that would allow us to truly be soul friends to one another. We live in a busy, distracted society and often congregate in busy, distracted churches, looking for the newest program for godliness.
Spiritual direction reminds us how to slow down, showing us what it means to truly listen to one another. It helps us practice the spiritual disciplines of silence, solitude, and guidance. It equips us not only to have a deep, transformative relationship with God, but also enables us to move in peace and love toward others. And when we have worked on interior freedom with a spiritual director, we often become agents of peace and change in our churches and our world.
How much does it cost?
The rate for spiritual direction is $75/50 minute session.
Our spiritual companioning circles cost varying rates based on the duration of the circle.
If you are in financial distress, other arrangements can be discussed.