I offer supervised spiritual direction, spiritual consulting and education
for people who want to grow – who want to connect spiritual reality with everyday life. I work in-person and online – in Canada and internationally – with men and with women.
“Why the photo?” In our dim light God’s kind love sometimes leads us by unfamiliar paths, to unexpected way-stations. But in the end, it’s joyful and beautiful. Learning together to follow that kind love – that’s what I want to do.
For so many of us, life is stressful, hectic, scary. We’re trying to pay the bills, and not sure how long we can stay on the treadmill. Even when we fill up on the fruits of prosperity, life’s aftertaste can feel empty, boring, meaningless. Our daily path can leave us hungry and thirsty for more – even when we’re not sure what “more” is.
Well, click on the links to hear what these beautiful songs say. Billie Eilish’s Barbie asks, “What was I made for?“
Joshua Hyslop muses that “there’s something burning behind the light.”
Is life a long sunset into darkness? or is it a sunrise, dawning into new discovery, new life, new hope? What’s it like for you? what do you say?
What would it be like for you to find meaningful everyday connection with God, and to grow in it?
Spiritual life begins
with what we choose to notice,
with what we pay attention to.
It grows as we pay more attention.
My work with you is a series of one-hour conversations – call it “sacred listening” – sometimes with gentle homework. I partner with all kinds of people who are searching for spiritual connection – especially:
- “non-religious” but “spiritually-interested” people. For you, my work begins with listening to you. Together we’ll find your bridge into the spiritual dimension of living. Expect to discover new ways to think and feel, on your path to change and new wholeness.
- formerly religious people who have suffered because of bad experiences in your religious context. For you, my work means listening well, sharing your burden, and helping you discover your spiritual path into healing and wholeness.
- presently religious people who “know the words,” but not the experience the words talk about – people who feel more empty than the words they say – or hear – or sing. There’s more to your story. Let’s work on it together.
- people of all kinds who simply want to grow: my work begins with listening to you. I can provide resources to guide you into responding to the spiritual realities welcoming you. And you are being welcomed.
Our work together is
to discover God’s love flowing into your everyday life –
so that you can grow into healing, wholeness, meaningfulness –
and bring your refreshed life into the world around you.
“What are ‘spiritual direction,‘‘spiritual consulting,’ ‘spiritual education’ ?”
They’re different kinds of conversations – sometimes with gentle homework – focused on listening to you and to what God is saying to you in your life. Spiritual life begins with what you’re paying attention to, and it grows as you pay more attention.
“Spiritual consulting” and “education” conversations start with listening carefully to you. I’ll share relevant information and instructive tasks that can help you grow your understanding and open your life up to connection with God.
In “spiritual direction” conversations I don’t tell you what to do or think. Instead, I listen carefully to you as you bring different felt needs, different values, different life experience into our 3-way conversation with God. We work together as you change the direction of your attention toward God’s “here and now” work in your life. You’ll be surprised to discover how much God is working! Click here for more about spiritual direction.
“What kind of spirituality are you offering?”
I draw especially on resources from ancient Jewish and earliest Christian traditions. I serve you as a guide, so that you can discover your own experience of the realities behind these traditions and practices. You’re formed by your interaction with God.
For some ideas of “where to begin,” see the “From Desert to Garden” articles on this website.
“How is your work different from coaching, counselling and psychological help?”
My work complements theirs, and sometimes cooperates directly. Here’s a chart to help you compare:
Psychologists, coaches, therapists, and counsellors can help you deal with specific issues in your life: solving problems, working on goals. My work with you is about the big picture of your life, the spiritual context of your life. Grow in the big picture, discover God’s constant care for you “up close,” and watch how life’s more specific issues change! Notice the new ways you encounter life’s challenges, opportunities, and joys! Think of our work as growing from the inside, out.
I have over 45 years of formal career experience and training in various aspects of personal spiritual consulting. I hold a 60-hour Masters degree in Theological Studies from Regent College in Vancouver, BC. I also hold a Certificate of Completion for Art of Spiritual Direction from SoulStream Initiative in Abbotsford, BC. Click here and here for more about that.
I myself receive spiritual direction, training, and supervision under the auspices of the SoulStream Initiative. Click here for SoulStream’s description of spiritual direction. If you’re interested in receiving spiritual direction, get in touch and let’s talk about it!
I offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation meeting. Let’s get acquainted, and explore how what I offer could meet your questions and needs.
Yeah, so … enough about me. What’s your story? I’d love to hear it.
Kirk M. Ruch | spiritual direction & consulting - church support 