By Dr. Karen Shields Wright When asked an Evocative Question When I was new to spiritual direction, I found many of the questions my spiritual director would ask me, frankly, a bit odd. For example, one of the common contemplative evocative questions asked by a spiritual directors is: “ What is happening in you?” Where to begin and to even answer such an inquiry sent me into a quandary. “ In me ?” Why are they asking that ? What does that have to do with prayer ? Nevertheless, being a...

Spiritual Direction in the Journey of Illness Person As Patient: Though I stand at heaven’s gate, holding onto a remembrance yet feeling far from it waiting for a miracle, within the chalice of pain I encounter God as my brokenness longs in longing to be redeemed from this immanent of experience. Person As Spiritual Director Caregiver: Traveling into the inner world of unknown darkness of another, I hold onto the light of life, keeping a vigil listening for the far off rumbles and catching...

Spiritual Direction in the Journey of Illness ERIKSON’S STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT My personal notes and notes taken directly or paraphrased from John Shea’s Illness and the Quest for an Adult Faith ( Spiritual and Psychological Aspects of Illness. Ed Beverly Musgrave et al.) Uncovering where is the person in their development is by listening within one’s narrative for key elements and what areas of ‘virtues’ to support. 1. TRUST VS MISTRUST Birth to age one Learn from your mother,...