Individual spiritual direction or mentoring is an ancient practice found in many of the world's wisdom traditions. It is for anyone who is searching for deeper spiritual insight. If you long to explore and deepen your unique understanding of the Divine, with a seasoned guide lending support, spiritual mentoring may be for you. I would be honored to assist you in this way. Through mentoring, you will be encouraged to slow down and develop contemplative practices, which will enable you to tune in and focus on life’s deeper issues from a spiritual perspective. For me, it is a delight to journey with another in this capacity, especially with an interfaith, non-denominational focus. In this way, I can better serve anyone who is seeking support or guidance for their journey—no matter their spiritual persuasion.
As a trained and certified Spiritual Director, I meet with people of all traditions. Since 2003, I have also served as adjunct staff at Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, MI., where I mentor spiritual directors in training. I meet privately with directees/mentees in both Grand Rapids and Traverse City, MI. Long-distance mentoring over the telephone is available for those who desire it.
Who Benefits from Spiritual Mentoring?
Mentoring may be right for you if you are experiencing:
* Spiritual uncertainty
* Stress, worry, depression, or anxiety
* Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
* Health issues
* Parenting challenges
* Job dissatisfaction or loss
* Conflict with others
* Grief or loss
* Relationship difficulties, separation, or divorce
Or, if you are simply looking for support for your life journey ...
I can assist you in connecting with your calm, clear, wise self. Mentoring can introduce you to a greater daily experience of inner peace and joy.
How Does Spiritual Mentoring Work?
Each session begins prayerfully. We come together with a few moments of silence, creating sacred space within ourselves and for one another.
You bring to the session what is on your heart. This is a time of deep sharing and entrustment when you share what is happening in your life: challenges, joys, sorrows, worries or fears. Persistent issues from the past can be discussed or dreams for the future. Everything we experience in life is central to our spiritual journeys, so anything can be discussed.
As a mentor, I listen deeply to all that is said and unsaid. Both of us “lean into the Sacred” together by using mindful, openhearted listening practices. If you are not familiar with these, we will cultivate these practices together, particularly "sacred listening" and how to engage in the act of discernment. We maintain a contemplative stance, seeking insight from a higher perspective. We ask for guidance and open ourselves up to inner knowing. (Might I add that sessions are not always “serious.” There is much joy and laughter and celebration to be found here, as well.)
I may also invite you to explore new spiritual practices that could enhance your experience of the Holy (journaling, prayer, meditation, creative expression, body movement, etc., that you may wish to try at home). I may suggest certain readings or books.
And, sometimes, there is very little direct guidance offered on my part at all. I simply listen, reflect what is shared back to you, and allow the telling of your story to open you up to new ways of being. The telling of one’s sacred tale is often “enough.” Doing so creates a renewed sense of inner calm, clarity, and insight.
In some cases, I may suggest other healing modalities or therapeutic counseling. Sometimes spiritual direction/mentoring is not what is needed at this time, and the mentee would be better served by another form of counseling or healthcare.
At the end of each session, we pause for a few more moments of silence to reflect on what has transpired or to access gratitude.
You may schedule a follow-up appointment if you desire. Participating in this process is based upon your needs and you will discern how often we meet (within the suggested guidelines). You may terminate our relationship at any time.
If at any time you desire to make a personal retreat in Michigan (where I am located), you can request on-site personal mentoring and I will meet with you in person. Contact me for details. I can also provide suggestions for soulful places for retreat.
How Does Long-Distance (Telephone) Mentoring Work?
Mentoring over the telephone is a bit different and has a unique set of requirements. The format is the same; sessions are usually held once a month.
~You must be able to place yourself in a private and intentional space where you feel relaxed and be uninterrupted.
~You must have an ability to listen well and be comfortable with pauses or silence. Some people are not (which is necessary for deep listening and contemplation) so they feel they must talk their way through the session. If this is the case, I will likely suggest that phone mentoring may not be for you.
~Prepayment for a session is made by sending a check ahead of time, or over the telephone with a credit/debit card or Pay Pal account.
Is There A Cost for Spiritual Mentoring?
Yes. A donation for services is requested. The suggested donation is $50 per hour. Cash, checks, credit cards, and Pay Pal are accepted. If there is a financial concern, please share that with me and we can make arrangements.
Questions? Need to talk?
Contact me to discuss if spiritual mentoring might be for you or to request an "Application for Spiritual Mentoring." I can also be reached via fax: at (231) 346-5926. I look forward to speaking with you further.
Believe, breathe, and be well!
Testimonials from Previous Directees/Mentees
"I was fortunate to benefit from Jan’s wise and accepting spirit in Spiritual Direction for over six years. Through her gentle, resourceful and supportive guidance my spiritual life became clear and my life’s journey more easeful and purposeful. I am forever grateful for her presence in accepting me just the way I am, while offering suggestions to bring even more light to my life. Jan is truly a gifted companion with a pure heart who profoundly helped me walk this path called life with a deep sense of joy and serenity."
~S. D., Yoga Instructor
"In 2005, I was given a health challenge, breast cancer. I had multiple tests and opinions to sort through to help determine the right course of treatment for me. It was at this time that I sought out spiritual direction. I choose Jan Lundy to be my spiritual guide.
This was the best "therapy" for me at this time in my life, because I needed to learn to listen to the voice within me, God, the Holy Spirit. I appreciated the fact that Jan was a woman, who has the experience of married life, parenting and a health challenge herself at one time in her life. These real life experiences gave me automatic respect for her journey in life and the ability to provide me with some wisdom. It was also important that there be a spiritual component to whatever process I choose to help me make the decisions I needed to make. The time with Jan provided just that and more."
~A.C., Health Professional
"Having Jan as a Spiritual Director was a very good thing for me. She helped me discern what the next part of my life might look like. She listened to me and helped me to find God in whatever was happening at the time. If I was upset about something, I always left a meeting with Jan feeling more peaceful. She would give me a different way to look at things and helped me to see that this was another way for me to see God's action in my life. When it came to discernment, she helped me to listen to the Spirit and realize what the Spirit was saying."
~C.B., Episcopal Priest
"Spiritual direction with Jan showed me how to love myself again. She helped me get reacquainted with "me" and my spirituality, the bare essentials of simple living, and learning to be present in the moment. With Jan, nothing is ever "wrong," it just is, and she gives you guidance on how you might approach the issues in your life. Her books have encouraged me as a woman. She is a true blessing to anyone who meets her."
~K.M., Parole Officer
Posts
