Johanna Utter, L.Ac., FABORM Acupuncture, Herbs, and Spiritual Direction in Davis, California

Spiritual Direction

Photo by Susan Miller

Through holy, contemplative listening and guidance, a spiritual director works with individuals and groups to facilitate their connection with the yearnings of their hearts, their spiritual path, and an awareness of the divine flow in their lives and bodies.

"Listening is the oldest and perhaps the most powerful tool of healing.
It is often through the quality of our listening and not the wisdom of
our words that we are able to effect the most profound changes in
the people around us. When we listen, we offer with our attention
an opportunity for wholeness. Our listening creates sanctuary for
the homeless parts within the other person. That which has been denied,
unloved, devalued by themselves and others. That which is hidden.

In this culture the soul and the heart too often go homeless.

Listening creates a holy silence. When you listen generously to people,
they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time. And in
the silence of listening, you can know yourself in everyone. Eventually
you may be able to hear, in everyone and beyond everyone,
the unseen singing softly to itself and to you."

Rachel Naomi Remen

 

"It's also helpful to realize that this very body that we have,
that's sitting right here right now... with its aches and its pleasures...
is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive."

Pema Chödrön

 

"Spiritual direction is like a sanctuary where I can be who I am and be loved, affirmed, and guided in my own life of the Spirit..."
– Ron Lagerstrom