Spirituality
Spirituality and visual art are closely connected in both my personal practice and my work with others. As an Anglican priest, trained spiritual director, and visual artist, I am interested in the many ways we become attentive to the presence and activity of God: through prayer and Scripture, but also through images, creativity, silence, reflection, and the experiences of ordinary life.
I hold a Diploma in Spiritual Direction from Regis College at the University of Toronto, with training in the Ignatian tradition. I offer individual and small-group spiritual direction in person and online.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a practice of attentive conversation and discernment. Rather than providing answers or prescribing a particular spiritual path, the spiritual director accompanies another person as they reflect on their experience, their relationship with God, and the movements, questions, difficulties, and possibilities emerging in their spiritual life.
Sessions can be open-ended or can focus on a particular area of spiritual practice. Depending on the needs and interests of an individual or group, our work together may include:
- ongoing spiritual discernment and accompaniment
- contemplative prayer and guided meditation
- Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, Christian meditation, and Ignatian forms of prayer
- prayer and meditation through visual art
- spiritual direction for theological students, postulants, and new clergy
Individual sessions: $80/hour
Two or more participants: $50/hour per session
Sessions are available in person or online.
Art as Spiritual Practice
Visual art can offer another language for experiences that are difficult to approach through words alone. Art-making can slow our attention, create space for contemplation, and allow images, memories, questions, and spiritual insights to emerge without requiring us to explain them immediately.
I incorporate visual practices into spiritual direction where appropriate and also offer sessions specifically devoted to art as prayer and meditation. No previous artistic experience is necessary: the purpose is not to produce accomplished artwork, but to use the creative process as a form of attention, exploration, and prayer.
Six-Week Guided Programs
I also offer several six-week programs for individuals or small groups. Programs are adapted to participants’ experience, circumstances, and spiritual goals.
Retreat in Everyday Life
An introduction to the spirituality and practices of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, adapted for people whose family and work responsibilities make an extended residential retreat impractical. The program can provide a period of focused spiritual reflection or accompany preparation for a significant season or transition.
Advent and Lent
Guided spiritual practice through the seasons of preparation for Christmas and Easter, combining prayer, reflection, Scripture, and practices appropriate to the season.
Drawing to God
An introduction to visual art as a vehicle for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection. No previous art training or experience is necessary.
Learn to Pray
An introduction to several major traditions of Christian prayer and practical ways of developing a sustainable personal prayer practice.
Six-week program: $400
Please contact me if you would like to arrange an initial session or discuss which form of spiritual direction or guided practice might be appropriate for you.