Navigating Life's Waves: Anchored in Prayer Meditation Gratitude

Welcome to a Ministry for Body and Soul

Welcome To Circle Community

I began this journey while I was in seminary, creating this website as part of my ministry—a requirement for graduation. Since then, life has brought countless changes, both uplifting and challenging. How about you? Have you experienced the ebb and flow of life's waves too? In moments of uncertainty, prayer and meditation have been my anchors. They provided stability through turbulent times and a sense of peace during gentle ones. As we navigate the inevitability of change, growing older becomes one of the hardest transitions to accept. Whether you're riding a high wave or facing a daunting one, we all share the journey of transformation.

Finding Serenity in Chaos

Today, I recognize the need to adjust my lifestyle, just as many of us are doing amidst rising prices and unsettling news. The Serenity Prayer, penned by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, resonates deeply: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. This guiding light has helped me through confusion and uncertainty, and it might do the same for you. By reflecting on our circumstances and practicing gratitude, we can lift ourselves out of fear and apprehension.

Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling
If you’re experiencing spiritual malaise—discomfort in your relationships or a sense of disconnection from your innermost self—spiritual direction and pastoral counseling may offer the support you need. Through consecrated time devoted to listening, learning, and connecting to your innermost being, we can address the spiritual and physical aspects of self-care.
Sacred Moments
Finding beauty and inspiration in our surroundings can help us recover gratitude and joy. Poetry, like the excerpt from William Blake's "The Book of Thel," reminds us of the simple yet profound beauty in life: The Lilly of the valley breathing in the humble grass Answer’d the lovely maid and said: I am a watry weed, And I am very small, and love to dwell in lowly vales; So weak, the gilded butterfly scarce perches on my head. Yet I am visited from heaven and he that smiles on all. Walks in the valley. and each morn over me spreads his hand Saying, rejoice thou humble grass, thou new-born lilly flower, Thou gentle maid of silent valleys. and of modest brooks; For thou shalt be clothed in light, and fed with morning manna.
Comfort and Mass
Negative emotions such as anger, sadness, and confusion can rob us of peace and joy. Healing requires both spiritual discovery and disciplined self-care. During these challenging times, spiritual direction can help us develop a plan to cope with our discontent and promote overall well-being.
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My role as Spiritual Director

The Spiritual Director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy or counseling. As a member of Spiritual Director’s International, I abide by the following ethical Standards. I acknowledge that directees’ spiritual lives are first and foremost directed by God. As a Spiritual Director I seek to follow God’s leading in directees’ lives, and not impose my ideas of what should be done or should happen. I exercise spiritual direction ministry aware of God’s redemptive presence in each spiritual direction session. Since directees are coming to spiritual direction to meet firstly with God, the true Director, I consider the time and space with a directee to be sacred – a reverent place to encounter God’s presence – and therefore I honor the experience with appropriate preparation, atmosphere, consideration, care and boundaries. I respect each person as made in God’s image and treat each person that seeks direction with appropriate dignity and care. I may choose to refer a potential directee to work with someone else due to my own personal limitations – such as lack of experience in a specific religious background or interests; or age, language and cultural limitations. I will do my best to help a directee find an appropriate person with whom to work. I will maintain collegial relationships within and across disciplines and refrain from disparaging others. I love that Spiritual Directors seek to support one another, value collegial sharing and assist one another in bettering their ministries. At the onset of a direction relationship, I will enter into a covenant or agreement with the directee, either in writing or verbally, which outlines the boundaries of the spiritual direction relationship. Foremost for me as a Spiritual Director is obeying the commandment repeated from the Old Testament in Matthew 22:39, the injunction to love the neighbor. It light of this commandment, I respect and honor all persons in society regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, political belief, any personal characteristic, attribute, condition or status. I received extensive training and practice working with people in crisis. I specialize in companioning people in crisis situations and coping with end of life issues. If you would like to explore spiritual direction as a way to enrich your life, contact Gabriella (see the contact page) to set up an appointment.

How To Get Started

Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling can be beneficial if you are experiencing spiritual malaise, discomfort in relationships, or a sense of disconnection from your innermost self. These practices offer dedicated time to listen, learn, and connect with your core being, addressing emotions like anger, sadness, and confusion that can disrupt peace and joy. Healing involves both spiritual self-discovery and physical self-care, especially during times of social isolation. This approach includes physical activities, a balanced diet, and living by the Golden Rule. Starting in June, I will offer Meditation, Transformational Life Coaching, Grief Support, and Spirituality sessions via Zoom, a practice I began during the COVID-19 pandemic. While in-person meetings will hopefully resume, I am grateful for the technology that keeps us connected.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Needs

Before beginning spiritual direction, take some time to reflect on your needs and goals. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to explore in a spiritual direction?
  • Do I have a special need or require companionship through a difficult, painful time?
  • Am I seeking someone who will not judge me for my lifestyle, faith tradition, or lack thereof?
  • Am I experiencing intense grief after losing someone I loved?
  • Am I facing a difficult decision or crossroads and need gentle, non-judgmental guidance?

Step 2: Find the Right Spiritual Director

Finding the right spiritual director is essential for a meaningful experience. Consider:

  • The qualities and expertise you seek in a spiritual director.
  • Whether the director can support your specific needs and goals.
  • Teresa Blythe’s website as a resource to guide your search for a spiritual director.

Step 3: Evaluate Practical Considerations

Consider the logistics of your spiritual direction sessions:

  • Location: Determine whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions.
  • Timing: Identify the day and time that are most convenient for you.

Step 4: Initial Contact

Reach out to your chosen spiritual director to start the conversation. Contact Gabriella by:

Step 5: Free Initial Session

Take advantage of the free initial 30-minute session to discuss your needs and expectations. This session helps both you and the spiritual director determine if you are a good fit for each other.

Step 6: Regular Sessions and Fees

If you decide to proceed, schedule regular sessions and understand the fee structure:

  • Each 50-minute session is $50.00, payable at the time of the session.
  • Payments can be made by check, cash, or internet payment.
  • Spiritual direction may be conducted via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype/video after a few sessions if preferred.

Membership and Accreditation: Gabriella is a current member of Spiritual Directors International.

Learn More About Gabriella: Gabriella Cahaley’s Profile on SDI

By following these steps, you can begin your journey of spiritual direction with clarity and confidence.

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Join Us on This Journey

Welcome to a space where we explore and embrace the waves of life, anchored in prayer, meditation, and gratitude. Together, we can navigate the challenges and find peace and joy along the way.

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