by Lynn Staggs, HOF Member
There are many reasons for using technology in Spiritual Direction. Maybe you or your Directee have moved to another geographic area and you both want to continue the relationship. I know pastors who choose their spiritual directors outside of their home areas to ensure confidentiality. Some people need Spiritual Direction via technology as there are no spiritual directors near them or vice versa. The preference for most seems to be face-to-face, yet technology can be a viable option.
Getting Started
As with face-to-face spiritual direction, taking the time before beginning to prepare our inner and outer space is necessary. However, this seems to be even more so when using technology. Getting and staying connected is crucial for these sessions and the distractions for the Director and the Directee sometimes seems to double. When I receive a request from a potential directee I give that initial conversation plenty of time. Whether that initial request comes via a phone call or an email, I begin by asking how they would like to discuss spiritual direction and the logistics of connecting starting with the obvious, “Does everyone have a strong enough signal?” However that discussion takes place, I then follow up with an email that includes tips and our items of agreement and letting them know that I will be sending an email or text of gentle reminders prior to each session. This also then becomes the beginning of our covenant making.
Begin at the Beginning, Every Time
Many of my mistakes and distractions would have been avoided had I begun at the beginning of each and every session. Here are some things you might consider for yourself and for sharing with your Directees:
Set an alarm early enough so that you do not feel rushed.
Send a text to the Directee to confirm appointment.
Use a device with a larger screen than a cell phone, if possible.
Check device to make sure there is more than enough charge available.
Prepare the physical space as you would for a face-to-face session.
Secure pets, as needed.
Place devices on Do Not Disturb.
Pray, blessing the devices and all who will be using them.
Centering Prayer. Being deeply rooted before ever making contact awakens “the eyes to see and the ears to hear”, something that is even more essential when the session is not face-to-face.
Begin the session only after all are comfortable with the quality of the connection.
Interruptions Happen
Glitches, connection failures and awkward pauses will happen. What to do?
Talk about the possibility before it happens.
Give permission to check in with each other regarding the quality of the connection
anytime and to make the necessary adjustments.
Remember that God can be encountered in these moments, too.
Begin again only after all are comfortable with the quality of the connection.
Re-center with silence.
Other thoughts…
Some Spiritual Directors have found managing time easier during sessions when using technology. Others have felt awkward about where to look, at the camera or the eyes. The issue of confidentiality needs to be kept by all, but seems less controlled when everyone is not sharing the same space. And…sadly, no hugs.
Please share your experiences and questions on our Facebook page.
from Lynn Staggs, Spring Creek UMC