What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a contemplative practice that focuses on the conscious development of the relationship between a person and God. The emphasis is on the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit as the spiritual director provides companionship, recognition, confirmation and affirmation of the work of God in the life of the directee. The spiritual director helps the directee become more aware of the presence, movement, and invitation of God in everyday life and prayer. The focus of the time of direction will always be on the directee— on their experience and on their relationship with God, self, others, and the world. The spiritual director is a faith companion who listens to life stories with an ear for discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit.
What are the benefits of spiritual direction?
Deeper awareness of God’s presence, love and grace in all things
Stronger connection to your true self, others, and creation
More silence, serenity, freedom, meaning and wisdom in your life
Discerning God’s will in decisions you face
Renewal or deepening of faith, hope and life’s purpose
Support and encouragement in all life’s spiritual struggles with relationships, family, your work or calling, goals, dreams, loss, illness, recovery, religious teachings, etc.
Learning new spiritual disciplines, prayer, and meditations
Clarifying what spiritual direction is and isn’t…
Spiritual direction is not therapy, counseling, discipleship or a visit with a spiritual guru. The director’s role is not to diagnose problems or fix people, but rather to notice and help you pay attention to where God may be with you in the problems. I will not be offering advice or trying to tell you what to do. I do provide a safe/judgement-free space, reflective listening and questions for pondering as you seek to discern the movements of God within your life. On occasion, I may suggest different spiritual exercises or prayer practices, but you will always be the one to choose whether or not that fits for you. Also, as we journey along together, please know that you have complete freedom to be candid about what is or isn’t working for you.
What will our sessions look like?
We will usually meet once a month, and our sessions will be about 50 minutes. I am currently seeing directees virtually, but I’d be open to try to coordinate in-person sessions for anyone in the Los Angeles area.
Our lives can be pretty full and fast paced, but in spiritual direction we will intentionally slow down. We will make space for silence. I would encourage you to take your time in answering any questions that come up. Silence gives us a chance to pray and consider more deeply what has been said. Instead of rushing forward with another question or observation, let’s learn to loiter spiritually. Know that our sessions will be held strictly confidential and will be a safe place to share without criticism or judgement.
Have questions about spiritual direction?
Finding a spiritual director is a bit like looking for a new pair of shoes. It takes time and some ‘trying on’ to know if it is a good fit. I offer a free 30-45 minute phone consultation where we can take time to talk and ask each other questions to see if we would like to move forward together.
Who is the spiritual director?
For as long as she can remember, Mindy Painter has been interested in helping people discover and become who they are designed to be. She is passionate about listening and companioning others on their life journeys— through the joys, hardships and everything in between, as they discover who they are and how they best connect with God. Mindy has over twenty years of ministerial experience. She loves the arts and studied vocal performance at Belmont University. After experiencing some heartbreaking loss and grief in her own life, Mindy went through a season of questioning and looking for God in the midst of her pain and disappointment. After walking through her wilderness, Mindy felt a strong desire to be a safe presence for others as they try to connect with God during the various seasons of their lives. In May 2021, she completed a 2 year ESDA approved program, training in spiritual direction with Sustainable Faith and is a member of the professional organization Spiritual Directors International. She is especially drawn towards integrating the arts into spiritual direction as a way of fostering greater intimacy with God. Mindy also enjoys working as a guide and soul care coordinator in various retreat settings in Southern California.
How do I get started?
If you’re interested in exploring spiritual direction with Mindy, please contact her at:
323-412-0067