Definitions:

Yoga:

Restorative Yoga: Restorative Yoga is the practice of asana (yoga pose/posture), making use of props like blankets, bolsters, etc., that are held for longer periods of time. The positioning of these props is strategic, allowing the body to relax completely into the props. It is all about grounding (feeling stable and held) and letting go (relaxing from tension, patterns of holding, and stress.) Restorative yoga works with the parasympathetic nervous system allowing practitioners to move from flight, fright, freeze, and fawn to rest and digest. As the body relaxes into the props, the mind follows and begins to calm. Repeated practice helps practitioners cultivate a healthier nervous system, improves digestion, lessens anxiety and depression, and so much more!   

Gentle Flow: While Vinyasa style yoga is “one movement to one breath,” gentle flow is a little slower. Standing, balance, and the dance-like style of Vinyasa is present, it is simply done at a slower pace. 

Yin: Yin Yoga helps practitioners get into the connective tissues of their bodies. Muscle and fascia are stretched with longer holds in asana (pose/posture.) Unlike Restorative, where practitioners are asked to “let go” into the props, Yin asks that we allow gravity and time to lengthen and stretch into the connective tissues. Props can be used, but it is not always necessary.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Yoga can be used as an accompaniment to therapy. Various styles, depending on need, can be adapted for a Trauma-Sensitive approach. Instruction, asana sequencing, and props can be offered with a Trauma-Sensitive lens. These practices can be offered to individuals and groups. Many therapists partner with Trauma-Sensitive trained yoga instructors to support their client’s healing through the mind-body connection. 

Somatics: In these sessions, we explore the mind-body connection, helping practitioners access more information about the ways they may hold on to experiences in their bodies. Breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement, along with various styles of yoga, can be used depending on the needs and desires of the client.

Meditation:

Mindfulness: Jon Kabat Zinn defines Mindfulness as “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” Mindfulness can be used in everyday life through mindful eating, meditation, mindful movement (slow controlled movement strengthening the mind-body connection), etc. It is as simple as paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally!

Meditation: Focused yet relaxed attention on a particular object or thing. The most common is focus on the breath, but some find it more accessible to focus on a bodily sensation or sound (i.e., hands/feet, surrounding sounds, etc.) Here I use traditional techniques to cultivate a relaxed focus, strengthening concentration, and bringing ease into our everyday lives as we declutter our attention.

Contemplation: In contemplation, we direct our attention to God. This can be done using various prayer/scripture or imaginative traditions/techniques. Lectio Divina and the Examen are two of the most notable traditions. While a contemplative practice might begin with breath focus to help one center themselves, attention turns to God as the primary focus.

Spiritual Direction:

A Spiritual Director is a “Soul Friend.” Someone who will “hold space,” listen with the intent to truly hear, ask questions, and pray with and for you. A Spiritual Director's direction is more like reorienting you to Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, pointing you to the Lover of your soul.  The real Spiritual Director is God Himself.

Spiritual Direction...

• is a quiet, gentle, reorienting to the Presence of God in our lives.

• connects you to someone who will come alongside you to help you attune to God’s personal communication to you.

• connects brothers and sisters in Christ, listening for Jesus' movement, following His gaze, asking some of the questions we never think (or are too afraid) to ask.

Spiritual Directors can help you...

• reflect on God's love for you in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of your life.

• feel seen, heard, and valued.

• reorient you to Jesus' every day, all-the-time, deeply personal movement in your life.

• cultivate secure attachment to Abba, Jesus & Holy Spirit.

What Does Spiritual Direction Look Like?

It’s casual...

We meet in coffee shops, at a local church (our city has an ecumenical Christian house of prayer), or on Zoom... Coffee, tea, or matcha in hand, we spend time talking, reflecting on your life, and listening to Jesus together.

How Do We Listen for God?

Sometimes we do this in simple conversation. Other times we use the gifts of the church over thousands of years! Gifts like Lectio Divina, Examen, Listening & Healing Prayers, Ignatian Meditation, Breath Prayers, Immanuel Journaling, etc., allow the directees to attune to Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

What Kinds of Things Will We Talk About?

Absolutely anything!

What is important to you right now?

Are you seeking guidance from God about something, and you want a co-prayer & co-listener?

Are you grieving, anxious, having trouble connecting to Abba...

It’s wherever you need or want to go!

Why Would I Need Spiritual Direction?

Having a co-listener who asks me questions and redirects my attention to Jesus' work in my life has been a huge blessing! I become aware of His everyday involvement, His attention to me, His pursuing love. This redirection and attunement has cultivated in me a greater love for Him and others. I pray that this will be a blessing to you as well!

Is Spiritual Direction Biblical?

Such a good question. Yes!

We are, in these beautiful moments, carrying each other's troubles (Gal. 6:2) and encouraging and comforting one another and building each other up (1 Thes. 5:11).

Who is a Spiritual Director?

Spiritual Directors attend a 2-year training program focused on theology, prayer traditions, and deep listening. They complete a practicum, receive supervision, and earn certification. Spiritual Directors are incredible listeners who offer you empathy, helping you connect to Jesus' love and guidance. We pray and seek the Lord with you!

I received my certification through Soul Shepherding Institute, which is led by both doctors of psychology and pastors.

How is a Spiritual Director Different from a Friend, Pastor, or Counselor?

Spiritual Directors primarily focus on your relationship with God, prayer life, and noticing where the Holy Spirit is moving in your daily life. While we do attune to the work of God in the whole person (mind, heart, body, spirit), we don’t address mental health needs best left to therapists. We use a contemplative, one-on-one companionship (or small-group Spiritual Direction) focused on listening rather than fixing or problem-solving. Again, our direction is more like a reorienting to Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, pointing you to the Lover of your soul.  

This is different from Friendships, Pastoral care, or Counseling in that...

Friendships are a two-way street with emotional reciprocity where struggles and joys are shared equally.

Pastors have a shepherding role tied to a faith community and often offer guidance and leadership.

Counselors offer a structured, clinical treatment relationship with professional boundaries and therapeutic goals.

*Read the Embracing Shalom Blog about Spiritual Direction to Learn More.