Spiritual Direction
A Sacred Invitation
Spiritual direction is the ancient practice of paying attention to how God is moving in your life. It's not about fixing or solving, but about noticing, wondering, and receiving. In this sacred space, we create room for greater awareness, deeper embodiment, authentic expression, and a profound sense of belonging with God, yourself, and the world around you.
“There is in every person an inward sea. And in that sea, there is an island. And on that island is an altar. And standing guard before that altar is the angel with the flaming sword. Nothing can get by that angel to be placed upon that altar unless it has the mark of your inner authority. Nothing passes the angel with the flaming sword to be placed upon your altar unless it be a part of the fluid area of your consent. This is your crucial link with The Eternal.”
Who is Spiritual Direction For?
Anyone! Whether you are skeptical about God or the church or a lifelong church-goer, seminarian, or pastor, spiritual direction is an opportunity to show listen to the longings of our heart in the light of God’s love.
Does One Only talk About God?
Nope. You can talk about anything! The Holy Spirit moves through every aspect of our experiences—our dreams and disappointments; our desires and hesitations; our questions and insights; our routines and adventures; our annoyances and our celebrations. Nothing is too mundane, too messy, too shocking or too far from grace. In short, spiritual direction is about going deeper wherever you are.
The Difference between Therapy & Spiritual Direction
Therapy often focuses on understanding behavior patterns, healing from the past, and developing healthy coping strategies for present challenges. Spiritual Direction centers on the present moment and how the Spirit is inviting you into greater life and freedom. It’s focused on your spiritual unfolding rather than psychological healing. Both are valuable, and there may be times when therapy is recommended to strengthen your growth.
The Role of a Spiritual DirectOr
As a spiritual director, I am a gentle companion and compassionate witness to your life. Through deep listening, I offer questions that invite wonder and a non-judgmental presence.
What to Expect
Sessions last one hour and are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks. We can meet on Zoom, or if you are local to the DC area, in person in southern Maryland. Each session begins with a poem, Scripture, grounding word, or prayer. What follows is a time for you to share whatever is stirring in your heart and soul. I may offer gentle questions, invite you into deeper reflection, or simply hold space in loving silence as you explore your inner landscape. As our time comes to a close, we pause to notice what has emerged. We end as we began, in the quiet presence of the Divine.
Maria's direct and insightful approach, combined with her deep cultural and historical appreciation, makes her guidance transformative. She listens deeply to uncover the throughline of passion, calling, and individual strengths, empowering you to make meaningful decisions.
~The Honorable Adam Hunter, Administrative Law Judge, District of Columbia