Contemplative Tradition
Contemplative Spiritual Direction
Grounded in silence, stillness, and the apophatic tradition, contemplative direction accompanies you into the depths of prayer where words fall away and God speaks in the quiet.
Directors joining soon
Sr. Margaret Therese
Benedictine
Fr. David Chen
Ignatian
Rev. Sarah Blackwood
Contemplative
Dr. James Okonkwo
Dominican
Martha Sullivan
Ignatian
Pastor Michael Torres
Christian (Ecumenical)
Understanding the Tradition
What Is Contemplative Spiritual Direction?
Contemplative spiritual direction is rooted in the ancient Christian tradition of apophatic (imageless) prayer and the teachings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. It emphasizes that God is ultimately beyond all concepts, images, and words — and that the deepest encounter with God happens in silence and surrender.
Modern contemplative direction draws heavily on the Centering Prayer movement pioneered by Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and Thomas Merton. A contemplative director helps you develop and sustain a regular practice of silent prayer, and accompanies you through the interior transformation that unfolds as you consent to God's presence and action within.
This tradition is especially attentive to the process of purification — the gradual loosening of attachments, false self-identities, and emotional programs for happiness that obscure our deepest identity in God. A contemplative director holds space for the discomfort of this process and helps you trust the Spirit's work, even when it feels like darkness.
Is This For You?
Who is Contemplative spiritual direction for?
- You are drawn to silence, stillness, and prayer beyond words
- You practice or want to learn Centering Prayer or Christian meditation
- You are experiencing a deepening of prayer that feels like emptiness or unknowing
- You sense God calling you beyond familiar devotional practices into something new
- You are navigating a "dark night" experience and need a guide who understands it
- You value a director who holds space rather than offering answers
“The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.”
— Parker Palmer
Voices of the Tradition
Key Figures
Thomas Keating · Thomas Merton · Basil Pennington · Meister Eckhart · The Cloud of Unknowing (anonymous) · John Main · Cynthia Bourgeault · Richard Rohr
Getting Started With Contemplative Direction
Learn
Explore what Contemplative direction involves and whether it resonates with your spiritual life.
Connect
When our directory launches, you'll be able to find vetted Contemplative directors near you or online.
Begin
Schedule a first conversation. Many directors offer this free so both of you can sense the fit.
FAQ
Contemplative Spiritual Direction FAQ
Begin Your Contemplative Spiritual Direction Journey
Connect with a trained Contemplative spiritual director who will walk alongside you as you deepen your relationship with God.