Whale Spouts
March 2021
Greetings dear friends,

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, winter hibernation is slowly giving way to new life and budding trees. And I am cautiously optimistic that our Covid hibernation may also soon be giving way to new beginnings and budding opportunities. Thank God for vaccines!

Without a doubt we are all soul-weary, overwhelmed and longing for some semblance of what we used to consider "normal." Yet as we slowly begin refilling our calendars with more and more activities, it is my deepest prayer that we will remember to create space for God in whatever this next chapter brings.

I don't want to go back to the "normal" of being so over-scheduled that my soul care gets pushed to the back burner. I want to be as intentional as possible about keeping God at the center of my days - even as more "normal" routines return.

One soul-care practice I cherish meeting with my own spiritual director. She listens deeply and compassionately - always helping me direct my attention back to God.

Have you ever considered meeting with a spiritual director? Please accept my loving, but firm nudge to do so now. Keeping an awareness of God's presence front and center as we emerge from this pandemic will be paramount to healing our way forward.

Although my own spiritual direction practice is full and I am not able to accept any new ongoing directees at this time, please do take a look below where you will find resources on how to find a spiritual director along with a few quotes about spiritual direction that I have permission to share from some of my own directees.

If you are interested in a more intensive experience of spiritual growth based on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, I will be providing spiritual direction for the 8-day silent retreat (June 21-28 or July 6-13) or the 32-week Retreat in Daily Life (Sept. 2021- May 2022). I would love to share the journey through the Spiritual Exercises together with you. Check out more details below.

As the hope of new life emerges with springtime, may you remember to make space for regular soul-care so that you can keep God at the center of your own Covid recovery journey.

With strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Sharon

Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Director, Belly of the Whale Ministries
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
8-Day Silent Individually Directed Retreat

June 21 (5:00 pm) - June 28 (1:00 pm)
July 6 (5:00 pm) - July 13 (1:00 pm)



Interested in an intensive experience of rest, renewal and spiritual growth? Please consider joining me for an 8-day, silent Individually Directed Retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius; held at the Jesuit Retreat Center's newly renovated retreat house (located on 57 acres of beautifully wooded paths and beckoning benches). It is a beautiful, sacred space to step away from the demands of daily responsibilities and experience a deeper sense of communion with God.

The cost of the retreat is only $695 which includes everything - 8 days of housing, 3 meals each day and daily spiritual direction. If you are concerned about Covid precautions, JRC does an outstanding job of maintaining a safe environment that complies with the Governor's orders to ensure the best possible care and safety for all of their guests and staff.

Limited space is available. Email me if you are interested and then register directly through the Jesuit Retreat Center.
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
32-week Retreat in Daily Life

September 2021 - May 2022

If you are looking for a longer term, intensive experience of spiritual growth and discernment, this 32-week retreat (also known as the 19th Annotation) involves daily lectio divina, spiritual journaling, weekly one-on-one meetings with a spiritual director and close attention to Christ’s presence in your daily life. Typically I use The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien as our guide, but there are many other resources available as well.

My own experience of the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius was a deeply, transformative part of my faith adventure. It would be a blessing to accompany you on this journey as your spiritual director.

In September, I will have 2 spaces available to begin this powerful journey through the spiritual exercises. Although the retreat can begin and end at any time, it typically corresponds with the school year from September through May. Tuition for the full retreat is $1,760 (partial scholarships and installment plans are available). If you are interested in learning more or making a deposit on one of the two spots, email me and I would be glad to connect.
How to find a spiritual director?

Click on any of these links below to learn more about spiritual direction as well as find listings of spiritual directors. Because most spiritual directors are currently meeting with folks via Zoom, you can now choose to connect with someone near or far. I encourage you to meet with 2-3 folks (there is often no fee for an informal conversation) to determine which spiritual director is the best fit for you. You want to be sure that you connect with someone with whom you feel you can be your fully authentic self as you take this journey toward a deeper connection with God in your life.





What people are saying about spiritual direction.

"Spiritual direction carves out a safe, sacred space in which I am free to share whatever is on my heart and mind... no guilt for talking too much and no artificial rules about what I "should" or "shouldn't" say. It is amazing how speaking my joys and struggles aloud brings them into better focus and opens the door to seeing situations in a clearer and more Spirit-filled light!"

"The safe space of spiritual direction encourages me to practice listening deeply to the hopes, longings and movements of my imperfect yet beloved being, so I may walk more faithfully in loving service."

"This has been an especially difficult year for all of us in dealing with change and grief. My time in spiritual direction helps me to stay focused on growing in my own faith journey and becoming healthier in my ability to lead my congregation. I believe it can strengthen anyone’s walk with God and be transformational."
Connect with Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries on Social Media