Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sally Sharpe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sally, thanks for joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
After several decades in Christian publishing, I began to sense a call to something new. So I began a process of discernment that lasted several years. During that time I explored various options, including counseling, but nothing seemed exactly right. Then God brought several individuals into my life who are spiritual directors—something I was unfamiliar with at the time. As I learned about spiritual direction and came to experience it myself through retreats and meeting with a spiritual director, it became clear that this was the path I was to take. Spiritual direction is essentially spiritual companionship, walking with others on the spiritual journey to help them become more attuned to the ways God is speaking, working, and directing in their lives. Unlike counseling, which addresses psychological issues, spiritual direction focuses on an individual’s spiritual journey and connection with God in the ordinary events of daily life. This focus seemed to fit with the way I have been designed and gifted as well as my own life experiences of walking beside others as a listener and encourager and soul friend. So I pursued training and certification while still working as an editor and then began practicing spiritual direction after regular business hours. I did that for three years until I was laid off due to shortfalls as a result of the pandemic, which became the push I needed to pursue spiritual direction full time. That unexpected ending launched the beginning of a whole-hearted, passionate focus on guiding others in the care and nurture of their souls as they explore and deepen their connection with God. The road to get here was long and full of twists and turns, but it has yielded much self-discovery and spiritual growth that enables me to hold compassionate space for others. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey and the opportunity to do something that is so life-giving—to me and to others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a spiritual director, my role is more of a spiritual companion or soul friend. Believing that all people long to be seen, known, and loved, I provide space for others to share their stories, be their authentic selves, slow down and listen for God, let go of striving and learn to rest in God’s love, seek wisdom and practice discernment, pursue healing, and care for their souls. It’s a space where questions, doubts, and longings are not only welcomed guests but also helpful guides on the journey. Because I like to meet people where they are, however they are, it is a safe and personalized experience that includes both conversation and listening following the lead of the Spirit. In addition to offering in-person and online spiritual direction (for individuals and groups), I lead workshops and retreats on a variety of spiritual practices and soul care topics. Given my writing background and personal experience with the healing power of journaling, one of my specialties is leading journaling retreats and classes, including an online journaling group that meets monthly. I enjoy combining my skills in both content development and spiritual formation to create experiences and resources that help others draw closer to God and become the persons God created them to be. I also am certified to lead individuals and groups through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, a transformational retreat in daily life.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As a 2 on the Enneagram, I’m a helper by nature. My inclination is to want to help someone improve their situation, feel better, or problem solve. But in spiritual direction the intent is not to “fix” but to facilitate—to help an individual “tune in” to their own inner wisdom and the presence of God. I’ve had to learn to recognize when I’m slipping into “helping” mode so that I can soften back into the role of compassionate witness and gentle guide. It’s an ongoing process of intentional awareness. After a recent session, that awareness came after the session rather than during. So I circled back to the individual and shared my realization, along with an apology and the invitation to always let me know if a session seems to become too directive. I think this is a helpful insight for any leader or manager in any field. Healthy connection and personal growth are fostered through a gentle process of facilitation, not fixing.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
I believe the most important characteristic for a spiritual director is the ability to attune to others and be a safe and compassionate witness. Attunement is the ability to be present and “with” someone’s expression of their experience—something sorely lacking in our divided culture today. When we attune to someone, we use all of our senses to understand what the other person is feeling and to be with them in it so they do not feel alone anymore. Attunement leads to connection, intimacy, understanding, and healing. This is what is so needed today with skyrocketing levels of anxiety and mental health struggles. I believe everyone can benefit immensely from spiritual direction—a loving, gentle approach to being seen, known, and loved just as you are; becoming your authentic self; and moving toward healing and wholeness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sallysharpe.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallysharpe1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sallysharpespiritualdirection/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-sharpe-575a3156/