How do I discern if becoming a spiritual director is the right fit for me?

Oftentimes people who become spiritual directors are already offering or facilitating spiritual care in their communities in some way. So you may discern by asking yourself:

1. When needs for care or healing arise in my community, how do I respond? What is my heart’s response? 

2. What care questions arise when my community experiences trauma?

3. What does my community say about who I am and how I show up in communal spaces?

4. Do others naturally come to me to listen to them?

Sometimes, those drawn to becoming a spiritual director actually need more healing and care for themselves, which is not a fitting time to become a spiritual director. Joining a spiritual care group may be more fitting for this season to focus on caring for yourself.

1. Do I have healthy rhythms of spiritual practices and care for myself?

2. In this season, do I have capacity in my life to offer a listening space for other people? Or do I need to continue pursuing my own healing and care first during this season?

3. When I meet with others, am I able to listen in a non-judgemental and expansive posture without feeling the need to give advice or fix their problem?