Spiritual Direction is a chance for young people to remember who they truly are. It is an opportunity for them to share their lives, questions, dreams, and worries with a compassionate listener. It is a time to listen to the still, small voice of God. It is a moment to take a deep breath and know that they are beloved and they are never alone.

 

Our time sometimes begins with the Examen prayer. This contemplative prayer allows us to reflect on our day and look for places where we have felt God’s presence. After we have been present with our hearts, we might choose some tactile experiences that allow the child to share the things that are most important in their lives on that day. Young people are often talked “to,” and having someone dedicated to listening to them without the expectation that they have the right answer can feel different and new. It can also lead to deeply profound conversation. Lastly, we will respond in some way to the Love that is always with us. This could be through art, music, story, sharing new prayer practices, meditation and mindfulness techniques, or taking a walk and letting the sun hit our faces.