Emerging, Inward, Outward

I often say God when talking about the spiritual journey. 

I know the word is fraught with ideas, opinions, and personal histories that sometimes makes using it uncomfortable. Problematic even. I also use words like the Divine, Spirit, Presence, Buddha Nature, and My Darling. But I always come circling back to God. Maybe because it is easy. Maybe because it is so common. But I also kinda like it. 

For me, the word God is pointing to something behind the word. God behind God. I use it to indicate a transcendent encounter with Creation. Still, the word feels loaded even to me, even when I know what I mean when I use it. 

And I’m not alone in this. A quick search on the internet comes up with hundreds of versions of Meister Eckhart’s prayer asking God to “rid him of God” referenced by people writing of their desire to let go of their attachments to things they no longer believe. Our ideas of God seem to create a sense of separation instead of intimacy. Perhaps we might interpret our longing to be rid of the idea of “God” as a longing for greater intimacy.

When I look at the collapse of organized religion, I don’t see a desire to flee from God but a desire to be closer, for a more authentic relationship, than the beliefs we used to hold.

A little over ten years ago, I looked at my spiritual practices…mostly contemplative silence, particularly Zen meditation…and realized I wanted more. Sitting on a cushion remains a central religious discipline but the more open I became to the interwovenness of life, the more I longed for a spiritual practice that mirrored that interwovenness. 

“If God is an interconnected experience,” I wondered, “why am I not rehearsing this interconnectedness with other people? Why do my spiritual practices not approximate the God I want to encounter?”

This question led me to group spiritual direction (GSD), a modern adaption of an ancient tradition that helps me feel connected, heard, and held both by God and other people. Unlike meditation, which can sometimes augment our sense of isolation and overwhelm, especially if people are not working with a skillful teacher, group spiritual direction helps people access the Divine using a structured approach to spiritual growth within a supportive community setting.

I truly believe if this practice were more widespread, we would see a transformation in how we treat ourselves and others.

What is Group Spiritual Direction?

Typically, GSD gatherings consist of 3-5 people who meet once a month and flow through an established pattern of contemplative silence, individual sharing, and group reflection. The core aim is to help participants recognize and respond to God's presence in their daily lives. Unlike traditional forms of spiritual direction or contemplative reflection, GSD focuses specifically on discernment within a communal setting. It is a practice of noticing through others.

Group spiritual direction can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to maintain a consistent individual spiritual practice. There is an accountability built into the form and because the practice encourages us to take time to pray for the other members of our group, it also helps reinforce the daily contemplative reflection.

The process usually begins with a period of silence or guided meditation, allowing participants to center themselves and transition into a contemplative mindset. Following this, one member shares personal spiritual experiences or challenges. The group then responds with thoughtful questions, observations, or silent prayers for the presenter. This cycle repeats for the other members.

Throughout the session, participants listen attentively, refraining from giving advice or trying to "fix" problems. Instead, they focus on discerning God's presence and movement in the sharer's life. This structure encourages participants to become more attuned to the Divine in their own lives and in the lives of others. The process fosters a unique blend of individual reflection and communal support, creating a powerful environment for spiritual growth and discovery.

In an earlier letter, I said that some of the overwhelm we’re struggling with would diminish if we were able to tap into a source of collective wisdom and support. And while there are lots of ways of doing this, I’ve come to believe that group spiritual direction combines a low bar of entry (making it quite accessible) with a powerful spiritual practice that can help us navigate the fast-paced and often disconnected world that surrounds us.

In my experience, the regular commitment to a group has provided accountability, consistency, and growth over time. This shared journey creates lasting bonds of friendship and support, extending the benefits of spiritual direction beyond the formal sessions. Because of the deep level of sharing, everyone I have shared this practice with has become woven into my journey in a way few others have.

Emerging, Inward, Outward

I first learned about Group Spiritual Direction from the Shalem Institute for Spritual Formation and the students of Sister Rose Mary Dougherty (a Catholic nun and Zen Sensei!). I’ve since trained with them a couple of times to be able to bring this practice to others. I’ve also learned a great deal from the writings of people like Alice Fryling and Roslyn G. Weiner, who have adapted the model by incorporating poetry and liturgy to evoke deeper spiritual insights. 

Spiritual direction as a practice is said to have begun with the 4th Century Christian Ammas and Abbas of the Egyptian desert. But the flexibility of the GSD model allows for it to be adapted and shared across belief systems often leading to new insights and spiritual breakthroughs. The key is maintaining the core elements of deep listening, honest sharing, and mutual support while adapting the specific content and practices to align with the group's spiritual framework. This adaptability makes group spiritual direction a versatile tool for spiritual growth in our diverse, multicultural world.

For me, this practice also asks us to think about our spiritual lives from an ethical standpoint. 

Phil Halstead, inspired by Jeremy Cowart's work, proposes a model for spiritual growth groups centered on three movements:

1. Upward: Deepening engagement with spiritual texts and aligning ourselves with God.
2. Inward: Addressing personal conflicts and fostering inner growth.
3. Outward: Extending spiritual growth into acts of service and justice

While I take slight issue with the directionality (Is God up? I prefer Emerging), I appreciate and recognize the distinctions he is trying to make. The upward/emerging movement speaks to the longing to cultivate a stronger connection with the Divine, while the inward focus promotes self-reflection and healing. The outward movement then channels this growth into meaningful action, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the world. By balancing these three dimensions, group spiritual direction can foster a more comprehensive and transformative spiritual journey, which often results in renewed energy, deeper insights, and a stronger sense of purpose in their faith lives.

Group spiritual direction can be a lifeline during times of spiritual struggle or "desolation." When facing doubts, confusion, or a sense of disconnection from God, the support of a spiritual community can be invaluable. And when so many people are no longer formally connected to traditional religions, group spiritual direction can help people create safe spaces for honest expression and exploration of difficult emotions.

Have you participated in that have “rehearsed the interwovenness of Creation?” What did you learn?