How Is your soul?

yHow is your soul? This simple question—or one like it—is how I often begin a spiritual direction session, after a few moments of greeting and settling in. It's an invitation to move beyond the surface, where most of our conversations tend to stay, and turn inward. It leads us to the deeper places within: where hurts, fears, and losses dwell, but also where hopes, longings, and dreams live. 

Asking How is your soul? encourages us to listen more closely—not only to what's happening in our lives, but also to what's stirring beneath the surface. It helps us to notice the emotions, stories, and patterns shaping our responses—and more important, to discern how God might be present and at work in the midst of it all.

One of the greatest gifts of spiritual direction is having someone—a spiritual companion—who offers you their full attention. Someone who listens deeply, both to you and to the Holy Spirit, and asks gentle questions that help you notice God's invitations in your life.

In a world filled with noise, busyness, and distraction, this kind of holy listening is more important than ever. It helps us quiet the chaos, reconnect with our true selves, and walk more closely with God. It's a pathway to a fuller, more grounded life—and a more compassionate, connected world.

A spiritual director serves as a kind of soul companion, someone who walks alongside you, gently helping you listen for the voice of God in your questions, struggles, longings, pains, and joys. Whether you are in a season of clarity or confusion, are seeking discernment, or simply are longing for deeper connection with God and others, spiritual direction offers a sacred pause where you can...

• slow down and pay attention
• be seen, known, and loved
• tell your story
• seek God's wisdom and guidance
• be still and listen for God's voice
• hear God's invitations
• explore new spiritual practices
• connect more deeply with God
• learn to rest in God's love
• become more aware of God's presence and activity in your everyday life
• discern God's will and leading
• experience God's comfort and healing
• seek peace in the midst of pain or difficulty
• explore doubts, questions, or fears
• surrender control
• discover your true self
• be more present in the moment
• care for your soul
• pursue healing for your relationships with self, God, and others
• learn to abide, not strive

Listening to your soul in spiritual direction is not about fixing problems but about tending to your soul with care, curiosity, and compassion as you seek to notice and respond to God's presence in your everyday life. A spiritual director or soul companion can serve as a kind of "mirror" to your soul, helping you to see and understand yourself and God's activity in your life better and say yes to God's invitations.