Spiritual Direction and Guidance
Different spiritual traditions give different names to the One in whom we live and move and have our being. Whichever the name, it points to a living experience beyond words and doctrine.
Spiritual direction encourages you to explore you relation to that Mystery, and to know personally that Mystery which some call True Nature / Being / God.
Sometimes our relation to the Mystery is uncertain, unclear, or problematic. My purpose as a spiritual director is to offer you an unconditionally supportive non-sectarian environment within which you can safely explore your relationship to the Mystery and the Mystery itself.
Persons Come to Spiritual Direction for Many Reasons Including:
- Deepening your experience of True Nature / Being / God
- Learning spiritual practices such as meditation and presence
- Exploring spirituality and spiritual options
- Deepening your understanding of spirituality
- Integrating your spirituality and practice into your daily life
- Discerning and making difficult choices
- Sharing your hopes, struggles, and losses
- Surviving a crisis of faith
Michael's Background as a Spiritual Director
I have more than 40 years of experience with diverse spiritual practices including Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, esoteric, Taoist, Sufi, Advaita, non-dualism, and contemporary teachers. I consider the teachings of these diverse traditions to be sourced in truth, but only verbal metaphors which point to a wordless experience of True Nature. The doctrines are like fingers pointing to the moon; they are not the moon.
As a spiritual director, I am uninterested in your becoming a believer or follower of any doctrine or any person. The spiritual Greats did not leave their teachings to gather believers, but rather to promote knowers. With guidance and the teaching of various practices, my intention is to direct you to your own personal experience of that Reality.
Consider a Free Consultation
Spiritual direction is a transformative relationship shared by two persons. So, I believe that it is important that you take the time to check out the person with whom you might work. Is the chemistry between the two of you right for you? Does the counselor’s background, abilities, and experience meet your needs? Would a referral be appropriate? Because it is important that you explore such questions before beginning work, I offer prospective clients the opportunity to meet with me for a free 50-minute consultation.
How Do I Arrange a Complimentary Consultation or Session?
The easiest way to arrange a consultation or sessionn is to use this "Online Appointment Booking". There you can book a consultation (or appointment) at a day and time of your convenience. Of course this can be done by phone (503.226.2771) or email, but given my busy practice, I may not reply to you in a timely manner.
Directions and maps to my near-downtown office may be found using this "office location" link.
Keep Informed of Michael's Classes and Workshops
Currently I offer an ongoing spiritual drop-in group, "Engaging Being" to which you are welcome, if the subject interests you. For further information about the group, click: group information .
Periodically I offer both classes and workshops which address spiritual practices and the issues which sometimes interefere with deeper spiritual realization. If you are interested in subscribing to email notifications of my classes, click here: Subscribe to Michael's Notificatons of Classes and Workshops .
