M.A. WSD
Certificate of Spiritual Director
Ministry of Presence
The core of our spirituality
evolves from the stories of our lives. In sharing and hearing
our stories, we learn to understand ourselves and one another.
In living our spirituality in the every day, we walk our talk and
ultimately have the potential to change our world. ~~ Gretchen Meyer
|
 |
We are all without absolute knowing, but our experience brings us deeper
into a different way of knowing if we have the intention and we pay
attention. I was an agnostic who yearned for something I couldn't
define. Eventually I could no longer ignore my longing. My path has been
both eclectic and grounded. My interest in spiritual direction and
healing grew as I heard a hunger in others for deepening. I am awed by
the power of meditation and prayer in my life, and I believe our dreams
can be a window to the soul.
I offer a ministry of presence in my work as a spiritual director,
listening with heart as each soul's story unfolds. My passion is
discovering how our spirituality can be woven into daily life inviting
and challenging us to be and become our authentic self. I am actively
engaged in dream exploration and use energy and dream work where
appropriate in spiritual companioning.
Professionally, I have a Masters of Arts in Whole Systems Design from
Antioch University -- Seattle with emphasis in adult learning systems
and spirituality. I have trained to be with you as a spiritual companion
through the Listening With The Spirit program at the Priory Spirituality
Center in Lacey, Washington, and I am a member of Spiritual Directors
International. I have also trained and worked as a hospice volunteer. I
have had the honor of listening as a spiritual director since 1999, and
I am affiliated with and can be reached through the Interfaith Spiritual
Center in Portland, Oregon.
As a wife, mom, step-mom and grandma, I have experience with marriage
and family issues, healing after divorce, blended families, empty nest
issues, the challenges of relocation transitions, being with the aged or
dying, grief and loss, finding meaning in work, and loving gay family
members. I am a compassionate listener. I am delighted that my clients
are in all age groups including many young adults.
My ministry is to be present with you in sacred listening as we explore
together how Spirit is present in your life. I welcome people from all
faith traditions, races, and gender orientations. It is a joy and a
privilege to do this work.
I meet with clients in Portland and Vancouver. I have been organizing
and facilitating retreats and workshops in the Northwest since 1988. I
am affiliated with and can be reached through the Interfaith Spiritual
Center in Portland. Or email me by clicking here. To learn more about
Spiritual Direction, scroll down the page.
|
Preparation for Marriage and Unions
I have had the honor of officiating at weddings since 1996. Because I
value and respect the challenges and rewards of commitment and marriage,
it is my preference to spend a few sessions helping a couple look beyond
the wedding ceremony to how their relationship may work and evolve in
marriage. I am trained to use the Prepare/Enrich process as a tool in
exploring and deepening relationship.
Each person in the couple participates in an online survey that asks
many questions that include attitudes and feelings regarding family of
origin, children and parenting, communication, conflict resolution,
financial management, role relationship, spiritual beliefs and sexual
relationship. The answers are then blended into a report that I have
found is a very effective tool to help a couple celebrate their
strengths and explore their areas of growth. This process can be done
before or after a wedding.
|
Wedding / Union Ceremony Design
My goal is to help you design a ceremony that is distinctly yours. I
have resources that help you choose how you want the ceremony to flow
and what readings will most effectively communicate your personalities
and style. One of my favorite parts is getting to know you so I can
write your personal story to include in the ceremony.
Couples often come with differing religious or spiritual backgrounds, or
none at all. I am open to including spiritual, cultural or ethnic
elements that are important to you.
|
|
Here’s what some couples have said:
Our ceremony was a culmination of our feelings and dreams and
creativity. . . you helped us fulfill it all! There is not a day that
goes by that we are not thankful and happy to have met you.”
We really appreciated our time with you and were glad to have found
someone we were both comfortable talking to.
Families and friends often say the ceremony was the best they ever
heard, so original and reflective of the couple.
|
|
|
|
|
I am authorized to officiate at weddings as a Spiritual Director with
the Interfaith Spiritual Center and ordained through two religious
institutions: the International Assembly of Spiritual Healers and
Universal Life Ministries. To talk with me about your wedding or union,
contact me at gretchenmeyer@comcast.net.
|
When someone deeply listens to you
it is like holding out a dented cup
you’ve had since childhood
and watching it fill up with
cold, fresh water.
When it balances on top of the brim,
you are understood.
When it overflows and touches your skin,
you are loved.
When someone deeply listens to you,
the room where you stay
starts a new life
and the place where you wrote
your first poem begins to glow in your mind’s eye.
It is as if gold has been discovered!
When someone deeply listens to you,
your bare feet are on the earth
and a beloved land that seemed distant
is now at home within you.
~~John Fox
|
What is Spiritual Direction?
Some people say spiritual direction is a way of hearing God. The word
“direction” may give you the wrong impression. Throughout the ages,
people have sought spiritual mentoring or companioning, someone with
whom to walk a spiritual path. These are all different ways of naming
how one person helps a seeker to uncover and discover, to see and claim,
to receive and revere the Divine energy in one’s life. There are many
names ~~ Higher Power, Great Spirit, Nature, Ultimate Energy, Great
Mother, Goddess, MotherFather God and simply God. Most of us at some
time in our lives find ourselves looking for meaning beyond the busyness
of the everyday. The companionship of a Spiritual Director can be a
great help in finding your own spiritual direction.
In our work together, I listen with you for ways to integrate your
spiritual nature into your everyday living. The intention is not to
promote any particular type of religion or belief system, but rather is
to encourage you to get and remain in touch with your own individual
relationship with the Holy, that which is Beyond Names. Reclaiming our
spiritual connections is a healing process.
Spiritual direction generally begins with one hour sessions about twice
a month as we get to know one another. After a few sessions, we begin to
meet once a month or so, but can meet more frequently if you desire.
Why Spiritual Direction? There are a variety of reasons why individuals
desire someone to accompany them in their search for the presence of God
energy in their life. Some include:
- Spiritual grounding during times of crisis.
- Articulating the meaning of God in one's life.
- Searching for Truth and Meaning.
- Identifying and trusting one's experiences of the Divine.
- Sharing struggles, loss or disillusionment.
- Finding encouragement and affirmation.
- Integrating spirituality into the whole of life.
- Guidance in prayer or meditation.
- Support during personal transformation.
- Celebrating wonder when things life is going well.
|
|
