Meet Lauren Phelps, Spiritual Direction for the Spiritually Curious
“If I’m not Jewish, what am I?” At 14 I asked myself this question as I felt disconnected from the religion in which I was raised and began my spiritual journey. Since then, my path has been the study and practice of many of the world’s religions. From Wicca and Earth-based traditions to contemplative Christianity and Hinduism, from Sufism and Islam to the Baha’i faith, I have searched for a spiritual home and a sense of inner peace.
Gradually I came to realize that I am most drawn to the mystical and the meditative, to stillness and solitude. For the past 17 years Buddhism has been my primary spiritual home, along with contemplative Christianity. And my spiritual life continues to be informed, inspired, and enriched by all traditions. The universal love, awareness, and Oneness that lie at the heart of all spiritual traditions sustains my practice and informs my style of spiritual direction.
As an interfaith spiritual director, I am committed to celebrating the unique spiritual journey of every person. I create a safe, non-judgmental, and loving space in which people can discover the spiritual path that most resonates for them, be it within a religious tradition or outside religious structures. My style of spiritual direction emphasizes mindfulness, using the content of the present moment as the material for one’s spiritual journey.
I believe each of us already has the divine spark within. Through a growing awareness of our inner life, which involves uncovering our conditioned, habitual ways of thinking and reacting, we can see how we cut ourselves off from connection with our deepest self, with God, Spirit, true self, or loving awareness – however you name it.
By utilizing the events and ups and downs of our lives every moment becomes the teacher and life becomes dynamic and exciting as we gradually discover our innate qualities of love, compassion, peace, and wisdom. As we do so we become better equipped to heal not only ourselves, but the world we live in. When we no longer live from a place of fear or confusion or struggle, we experience great interior freedom and our lives naturally become a blessing to all the world. This is the potential of spiritual direction.
I work with people from all backgrounds, identities, and traditions. My directees may identify with a particular faith tradition or as interfaith, spiritually fluid, spiritual but not religious, or none of the above. I emphasize the development of a daily practice to support inner exploration and connection to our deepest essence. This practice could be meditation, prayer, journaling, dance, walks in the woods, yoga, chanting, contemplative reading, the list goes on. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and I delight in making meditation practice accessible to anyone from any spiritual tradition. Sessions with me often start with a guided meditation and a poem as ways to connect inwardly with what’s happening for you in this present moment.
I deeply value curiosity and humor. So, sessions with me are often marked by joy and laughter. I have an awesome collection of spiritual comics I love to share with directees!
I live in Pennsylvania with my wonderful husband of 34 years and my 2 German Shepherds. In my free time I love to hike, cook, garden, weave, spend time with my family, hang out with my dogs, and travel to far-flung, remote places. I am a 2017 graduate of Oasis’ Ministries for Spiritual Development’s Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides program, and a 2021 graduate of Sage Institute’s Mindfulness Meditation Leader training program. I hold a master’s degree in teaching from Antioch University New England.
You can learn more about me or schedule a complimentary initial session by going to my website, visiting my Facebook page, or checking out my Spiritual Directors International directory listing. Or email me at laurenphelps@icloud.com. I would love to hear about your journey!
I leave you with one of my favorite poems that I feel best describes how I view spiritual direction and the journey.”
Ten Thousand Flowers by Wumen
Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn
Snow in winter, a cool breeze in summer.
If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
This is the best season of your life.
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