Welcome to
The SGTI BLOG
Invitation to Slowness, Gentleness, and Self-Compassion
When I muster the courage to explore the intimacy of the inner dark night of my soul, I feel more brave to pursue intimacy with the external world, including with distant and proximate relations as well as with the natural environment.
Happy New Year from SGTI!
We offer you this meditation from the mystic, Howard Thurman as you embrace all that will come in 2023.
A New Cohort Begins
We are challenged, encouraged, and inspired by the care, respect, and love that each new student brings to the cohort. We are ever grateful for this incredible group as they continue in the tradition of spiritual companionship as old as humanity.
Introducing SGTI's New Intern
Join us as Tejai shares a bit of her story with us.
Nature Immersion and Deep Listening Experience
Slowly and mindfully, we engage with the natural setting and cultivate awareness of, relationship with, and appreciation for the more than human world.
Intra-action in Nature: A Child’s Sense for Relationship
Recently, at one of our yearly siblings (and partners and children) camping trips, I took my young nieces and nephews on a forest bathing experience and invited them to ask a tree if we could approach it, touch it, and be with it. I asked them to pay attention to how the tree responds to their inquiry.
De-Colonizing the Spiritual Direction Space
What if it’s the seeker who is the hospitable one, generously opening up to spiritual directors with their stories?
The Wondering Process of Spiritual Inquiry
The entire day felt like a “wondering process of spiritual inquiry” as we made our way through Chicago’s diverse southside neighborhoods.
Who Are We to One Another
We are together in the world to learn something from one another; to give something of value to one another and to receive in return, whether it be a compassionate glance, a smile, an encouraging word, or a deep life lesson.
Pure Presence
Pure Presence allows an individual to listen deeply; to offer the deepest empathy and spiritual care to whomever they are with.
In Memoriam - SGTI Student Bijayananda Singh
This post is in honor of one of SGTI's most luminous students, Bijayananda Singh, who departed this earth one month ago. He will be dearly missed.
The Practice of Opening
Guest Post from SGTI Alum, Christine Hiester: What if this practice of opening– this discomfort, this deep presence with exactly what is in each sacred moment (and they are all sacred) – is the only work?
Guided by a Tree, Part II
Jeanette Banashak has just had an article published by Spiritual Directors International for their blog. Her article guides you through a complete practice of inviting a tree to be your spiritual director
Could a Tree Be Your Spiritual Director?
How have trees been your companions?
Spiritual Directors International Conference Reflections
This spring, SGTI, SGTI students and alumni, as well as 1600 others, participated in Spiritual Directors International’s first virtual conference…
Interspiritual Meditation
Written by SGTI alum: I give thanks…
What Is Ours to Do Right Now?
It is our deep desire to have ongoing conversation about race, class, ability, gender and other identities as well as their intersections and to incorporate critical discussions within our curriculum.
"Curious and Afraid"
Today, we are pleased to offer a sampling of poetry and artwork submitted by one of our students
What Is the Quality of Your Silence?
Access to quiet has been primarily granted to those with privilege, including people who have had access to quieter neighborhoods and resources for technologies that enhance peace.
Chant to Open Our Hearts to "The One Who Loves"
Featuring an SGTI alum: "I decided to create a video with a chant I composed and recorded along with images of candles from different traditions and a Hafiz poem—one of my favorites!