If someone truly listens to me, my spirit begins to expand…

If someone pays attention to the part of me

that struggles to know God, my search intensifies.

The questing spirit grows bold enough to claim its path.

If someone believes with me in the amazement of grace,

prays with me, and reminds me of God’s tenderness,

I live more thoroughly and bravely

in sacred time.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION with Victoria S. MacDonald, MA

Spiritual Direction is really about listening…sacred listening…listening in a way that becomes attuned to the how and in what ways the sacred is present in our lives. Meeting with a spiritual director, a person trained to listen attentively and without judgment, offers you an opportunity to explore, reflect and grow in this special, sacred way of listening.

The title…spiritual director…however, is somewhat of a misnomer, as a spiritual director does not so much direct as guide. A spiritual director is much like a “sherpa.” A sherpa, (usually found on the mountain borders of Tibet and Nepal) is a trained mountaineering guide, who knows a number of the trails up the mountain, and can carry luggage and equipment for the travelers he is guiding. Mountain is one of the oldest symbols, throughout time and cultures for God and sacred presence, and so the term, sherpa, seems even more appropriate.

I consider spiritual direction privileged work. To companion you on your faith journey and listen with you to the movements, actions and surprises God’s sacred presence offers, is quite an honor. As we journey together, you will notice invitations to develop a deeper and more expansive relationship with the God of your understanding and tradition.

Regular sessions are best, usually one hour once or twice a month, and held in my office in Oakland or in Alamo. There is a standard fee for spiritual direction, however a sliding scale is available.

To schedule an appointment, call (925) 820-2161 or email: victoriamacd@yahoo.com