SoulFriend

spiritual direction by Andrew Picton

Andrew Picton

Spiritual Director

The word ‘soul friend’ which finds its origins in Britain and Ireland provides us with an insight into the character of spiritual direction which is characterised by listening, patience, compassion, humility and kindness.

As Aelred of Rievaulx wrote 1000 years ago “here we are, you and I, and I hope that Christ makes a third with us. No one can interrupt us now, no one can spoil our friendly conversation; no one’s voice or noise will break in upon this pleasant solitude of ours. So come now, dearest friend, reveal your heart and speak your mind. You have a friendly audience; say whatever you wish.”

People seek spiritual direction for many reasons including

  • wanting to reimagine/reconstruct an understanding of faith after experiencing a shift in belief.
  • looking for spiritual support during a time of grief, loss, faith deconstruction, or other major life changes.
  • asking big questions about purpose.
  • feeling a calling to something more or a general sense that something doesn’t feel right or is missing.
  • feeling a sense of emptiness and longing for spiritual practices that will create a more grounded sense of well being.
  • longing to discover more of where God is in your life.
  • wanting to discover more of who you are in God.
  • desiring to deepen your prayer life.
  • longing to grow in your ability to rest in God.
  • wanting your relationship with God to influence how you live your life.
  • willing to take time and stop a while in your busy life.
 

IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR YOU?

In spiritual direction we will reflect on your experience of daily life to discover God’s presence and grace. After an initial conversation to see if this would be a helpful relationship, we will meet one-to one every four to six weeks for an hour either face to face or online. All that you share will be kept in strict confidence. We will review our journey together after 6 sessions.

If you would like to contact me to explore Spiritual Direction please click here

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to explore Spiritual Direction through my web site. My name is Andrew Picton and my spiritual journey began at a early age when I started attending my local church, not because I had to but because I wanted to. I was strongly drawn to the presence of God and over the decades my faith has been influenced by many people, a variety of spiritual traditions and the joys and struggles of life.  I trained as a Baptist minister, enjoying this role for 20 years and now currently work as a Hospital Chaplain, as a university tutor training both chaplains and healthcare students and supporting the content for a spiritual formation app. I also volunteer as a cohort lead for the Order of the Mustard Seed, which is an international new monastic order. I have lived in Southend, Essex for over 10 years and I count it a great privilege to accompany others who are seeking to deepen their awareness of God’s presence in all areas of life through my spiritual direction practice.

Having trained as a Spiritual Director through the Encounter Course at the London Centre of Spiritual Direction, my own spiritual life has been enriched by the spiritual practices of the contemplative life.

Spiritual Direction has helped me to grow emotionally and spiritually in the presence of the Holy Spirit by discerning God’s invitation for my life. Spiritual Direction is a very old God given gift whereby a fellow spiritual traveller seeks to listen and accompany another person as they seek to grow in the things of God. I hope you will consider journeying with me for a while.