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The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies)

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A 'technical' book about spiritual direction. Tips for both spiritual directors and directees - what makes a good spiritual director, what can directees expect out of spiritual direction, pitfalls that both director and directees fall into.

If you want to know what it takes to be a spiritual companion (mind you, this is a God-given calling), read this book. Most books on spiritual direction are about specific prayer styles and methods, or they provide 'practicums', that is, those books contain "To Do" and the exercises can be used for reflection and meditation purposes. "The Way of Spiritual Direction" however offers no such exercises except for a bit of bible references in the last part of the book under the chapter, "Personalized Retreats".

What I find helpful in this book are the topics related to listening, loving the directee, and how the relationship between director and directee can be sustained in the light of God's holy presence. The topic on listening is extensively dealt with by the authors and I am made more aware of the 'technicalities' of listening, in other words, the art of listening to another without prejudice and preconceived ideas on my part. I find this to be one of the best books on the art of listening with a spiritual heart.

Listening in a companionship such as spiritual direction is not one-sided. The authors present "Difficulties for the Directee in Listening" as well. Good food for a directee.

Discernment, a hot topic in spiritual direction, is also dealt with in the book. How does one discern Divine Wisdom? How does one test out if indeed the inspiration is from God? How can a director be a co-discerner with his directee in listening to God's voice and inspiration?

The writing is easy and light, sans technical jargons. A superb book to understand about spiritual direction - what "makes" a spiritual director and what makes a discerning directee. For one who is already a director, it makes food for thought - have I the qualities of a director? Am I called by God, or did I "make" myself a spiritual director? For one who is the directee, this book makes food for thought - do I understand why I am in spiritual direction? Is spiritual direction what I need now? Whom should I call upon to be my director?

The authors have taken great care to not only give a great deal of information on spiritual direction, including plentiful references from scripture and other religious sources, but to cover many of the pitfalls and difficulties of establishing and maintaining effective and useful spiritual direction. I get a sense that the authors have personally spent a great deal of time both providing and receiving spiritual direction and have experienced both its benefits and potential difficulties. I think this is a must read especially if someone was intent on developing a resource (retreat center or such) for spiritual direction.

This is an excellent book on the practice of spiritual direction. It examines the the relationship in more depth and intimate detail than other books I've read. The writing is clear and well organized, reflecting a qualitative wealth of experience in the authors. This book makes a good companion to their other book on human spiritual development, The Spiritual Journey: Critical Thresholds and Stages of Adult Spiritual Genesis as the cover art would suggest. I highly recommend it for those who feel inclined to offer spiritual direction to others.

"The Way of Spiritual Direction" is well worth reading for established spiritual directors, anyone interested in becoming a spiritual director, and those who go to spiritual direction or are considering it. The book covers many aspects of spiritual direction and addresses various problems that may arise. I would also recommend these authors other books including "Discerning Vocations to Marriage, Celibacy, and Singlehood", which I found very enlightening as well. Discerning Vocations to Marriage, Celibacy and Singlehood

Kathryn Marcellino
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