What is Spiritual Direction?

How is the Sacred Working in Your Life?

While many wellbeing modalities focus on self-care, spiritual direction is soul-care. 

It’s about deepening your connection with the Divine. Cultivating a meaningful relationship with God, Spirit, Universe, or whatever you call the Sacred in your life.

With my companionship and guidance you will cultivate a deeper awareness of yourself and your spiritual journey. Either individually or in a group, you may share your experiences, listen, sing, be silent, learn – and above all – gain a deeper appreciation of holiness in and of your life.

Spiritual direction is a unique opportunity for profound personal growth which can lead to positive change and self-empowerment. I listen deeply to whatever is on your mind and in your heart, while serving as a holy mirror to point out issues that may be emotional or intimate.

Spiritual Direction is not counselling, coaching or a replacement for professional psychotherapy. It can, however, complement therapy since spirit is a part of our whole being.

Types of Spiritual Direction:

❋ Individual

Individual sessions are typically once a month for about an hour. You, as the individual being guided, are free to share whatever comes up. Together we listen deeply for wisdom and guidance. It is always about what works best for you. I am located in Denver, Colorado, but I can hold sessions via web conference as well.

❋ Group

Groups typically meet monthly for approximately 90 minutes and include 4-8 people. Participants have the opportunity to share what is arising for them at the time of the meeting and to help those sharing to deepen their understanding of the Sacred. The key to group spiritual direction is a commitment to each other and openness to the process of discovery. Groups are forming now.

Would you like to explore Divinity, Sacredness, God in your life?

Whatever path you’re treading Spiritual Direction is a profound way to connect to your Divinity in the company and strength of others. I act as a companion, a holy mirror, and guide to help you discern the sacred in your life.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Find out more

What does this actually look like?

Spiritual direction involves meeting with me either individually or in a group.

In both contexts, you have the opportunity to share deeply about what is arising in your life and in your spiritual life in particular. This may take the form of talking, praying, moving, chanting, crying, laughing or even silence, however the story wants to come out. As you share, you will be listened to deeply by me and, in group direction, by others in the group and, most important, by yourself. 

I always start our time together with some grounding invocation and some space or silence. This allows you to attune to the questions or stories that want to arise in that moment. Tuning into what your heart and soul are saying or asking is a spiritual practice in itself. We also learn to trust our intuition and divine guidance. 

I then open the space for you to share. I follow your lead. I will offer reflections, questions, or feedback. I might offer some suggestions, but notwithstanding the name “Spiritual Direction,” we aren’t often very directive unless you want that. This is why many traditions call it Spiritual Companioning. I serve as a “holy mirror,” as my teachers have called it. In groups, the other participants may offer reflections and questions to help you deepen your own discernment of the sacredness of what you’ve shared.

  • If you are local to the Denver area, we can meet in individual sessions in person, often outdoors, whether permitting. We can also meet on-line. I have worked with people across the country in individual sessions. Similarly, groups can be on-line as well.

  • I usually meet with people roughly monthly. This is not rigid, of course, and we meet more or less frequently based on schedules.

    Individual sessions last about an hour. I’m not like a stereotypical therapist though who cuts things off right at 50 minutes. In all fairness, I’ve had some therapists who have been flexible and generous with their time, so that stereotype is not always fair. In sessions with me, if you are in the middle of something deep, I’ll let that come to some completion before finishing the session, and I’ve had clients that tell me our time’s up! I certainly appreciate the irony in that.

    Group sessions are typically an hour and a half or two hours depending on the covenant we agree to among the group. I’m more attentive to finishing on time with the group to be respectful of the entire group’s time.

  • My typical rate for individual sessions in $120. I do not want finances to prevent you from doing this work though, so I am willing to consider a rate that is more feasible for you if this amount isn’t manageable.

    Groups rates are typically $36 per person per group meeting with the opening to contribute more if you’re heart moves you to do that.

  • This is a fair question. You may ask, “Do you do anything? What am I actually paying you for anyway?” There are several answers to this.

    1. First, imagine having the space and the unconditional invitation to talk about deep feelings and soul yearnings, joys and griefs without interruption, judgement or evaluation. I believe in creating space to allow the story that needs to be told at the particular time to unfold. In fact, I believe this spaciousness and silence is palpable and invokes and evokes that story.

    2. Second, I listen in a way that is uncommon in our everyday world. I listen for the “voice of the words,” to quote brilliant thinker and theologian Aviva Zornberg. This listening is also evocative, and this listening is healing in itself. You are truly heard and seen in this process.

    3. Third, I reflect back to you what you’ve said to point out the connections in your sharing, the underlying holiness and wholeness, and the connection to Spirit and soul. We often don’t see these connections until they’re pointed out to us. AND, with all that said, I will bring in wisdom that I have gleaned from various lineages to shed further insights, deepen your sharing and perhaps suggest paths forward and practices to pursue. I like to describe this process mytho-poetically as I point to the mystery at the fork in the trail of your spiritual life.

  • The simplest answer is that people usually pursue counseling or coaching because they want to address a specific problem or issue. Spiritual Direction typically isn’t motivated by that and doesn’t necessarily aspire to that. People are inspired to do this because they feel a yearning to become more attuned to their soul and the Sacred. One client said he “wanted to let G!d out of the box.” Another wanted to illuminate and honor the patterns of holiness unfolding in his life. Another wanted to attune to Spiritual resourcing around her and feel more nourished in a difficult world. 

    While I am not a licensed therapist (and I’m very clear about this and may refer you to one if we go beyond by skills and training), this process can be emotional and intimate, and I hold that with deep respect, sacredness and, most important, confidentiality. The full range of emotions are part of our wholeness and spiritual life. Just look at Psalms to see that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Soul Companioning through these offerings:

  • Spiritual Direction

    How is the Sacred Working in Your Life?

    While many wellbeing modalities focus on self-care, spiritual direction is soul-care. 

    With my companionship and guidance you will cultivate a deeper awareness of yourself and your spiritual journey. 

  • Soul-O / Vision Fast

    Listen to the Wilderness Call to Your Wild Soul

    You feel the pull, the timeless connection, the deep knowing of your Truth. By fasting and immersing in the more-than-human world, you connect with Spirit and Soul. You are alone, yet surrounded by the abundant relationship of the wild.

    Find out more

  • Forest Bathing / Spirit Walk

    Immerse in Nature for Well-Being and Growth 

    The Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) invites you to be at one and at peace in the tranquility of the forest. The sights and scents of the trees, the light and sounds all invoke a profound sense of connection with the more-than-human world and with yourself. 

    Find out more

  • “I loved your walk. I was so inspired with the land, the poetry, the symbolism, the connection on all levels

    — Paula G. -- California

  • "To all those who felt called to Earth Yearning, welcome!  You are in for a wondrous journey of self and harmonic interconnection.

    I cannot articulate with words to fully convey the nature and wonder of Mr. Jon Gottsegen.  Jon at Earth Yearning  is a kind-hearted, gentle, passionate, wise, charismatic and receptive human being, guide, mentor, friend, spirit and soul.  I am so grateful to have connected with Jon and have been able to go on one of his 4 day Wilderness journeys.  The journey itself was intimate, inclusive, inspirational, revealing, and a welcomed challenge.

    Jon was a joy to work with.  He was communicative and light hearted as he guided us through expectations, safety precautions, and intentions.  I would highly recommend Jon to any of my loved ones and friends as I have much trust in his capabilities to hold space and guide one, safely and openly with love, genuinity and connection.

    Thank you Jon for everything and I look forward to our next journey together on this thing called, LIFE.”

    - Ji K. -- Colorado

  • "I have been blessed to be in Jon Gottsegen’s original monthly  Hashpa’ah  (spiritual direction) group for many years.

    I have been blessed to be in Jon Gottsegen’s original monthly  Hashpa’ah  (spiritual direction) group for many years. After our introductory check-in, he intuits who may need or want to be the one to immerse in this non-judgmental process of listening heart practice with our group. He generously shares his knowledge, wisdom and spirit, masterfully yet gently guiding us through rooted deep inner- and inter-work with each other, leading further into Divine connection. Jon interlaces conversation and dialogue with evocative, enhancing poetic Jewish and secular readings. He weaves our experience together in closing, allowing us to bless and to be blessed. G!d is in this sacred space. I am immensely grateful.”

    - Cherie S. -- Colorado

  • "I’ve known Jon as a Seeker in a spiritual direction he’s guided for over 7 years.

    I’ve known Jon as a Seeker in a spiritual direction he’s guided for over 7 years. Jon’s integrity and commitment to the purpose of spiritual direction—making safe space for our deep sharing of the sacred undercurrent in the rushing river of our lives--keeps us grounded and open. Jon brings his love of Torah, the wisdom of our sages, and his deep interest in Earth spirituality. His presence is earthy: humble, grounded, in touch with the real. His humor brings a pinch of salt to keep our work alive and new.”

    - Laura T. -- Colorado

  • "I got connected for spiritual direction with Jon through a work colleague and from the very beginning I felt like it was the right fit.

    My work involves intense, Christian non-profit and religious work and over the course of our meetings I was in a constant state of spiritual support. Not only did I feel like I got some of that from my time with Jon, I also felt I was given space and opportunity to pursue my desire for a more integrated faith experience and more grounded trust in God. I always felt respected and safe, finding him very down to earth and easy to talk to. Whether it was talking about theology, or metaphysics, or history and the intersection of spirituality and dysfunctional people, Jon hung in there and accompanied me, asking questions and genuinely hearing both word vomit and salad. I am very grateful for our time together and I am wiser and more open to divine joy as a consequence. If you are looking for Spiritual Direction I highly recommend Jon’s counsel and care!”

    - Kris S. -- California

  • "Without exaggeration, these experiences — alone on the mountain with nothing but water, sleeping gear, and warm clothes — rank among the most profound of my life.

    I’ve known Jon Gottsagen for nearly 20 years, and in 2024 and 2025 I completed two Wilderness Soul-O’s under his masterful facilitation. Without exaggeration, these experiences — alone on the mountain with nothing but water, sleeping gear, and warm clothes — rank among the most profound of my life.

    What made them go so deep, I believe, was the way Jon wove his wisdom and his own life experience into every phase of the journey: the months of preparation beforehand, the Soul-o itself, and the integration that followed. The container that he holds is precious and so rare.

    I’ve also had the privilege and honor of joining other nature experiences he leads, each one equally remarkable. If you have the opportunity to step into one of Jon’s offerings, take it.

    - Mark C. -- Colorado

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