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“Spiritual Direction is an invitation for us to look together for the presence of the Divine in the beauty and brokenness of everyday moments.”

Leonetta Elaiho is a Spiritual Director. Learn more from her below on her work of soul companionship.

What is Spiritual Direction? 

An ancient tradition shared across many faiths, Spiritual Direction is the sacred art of holding space for another to see, explore, and wrestle with the ways the Divine is at work in their midst. Over time, this practice can attune one’s heart to better discern both the inner-working and the outer-manifesting of the Divine in their life. It inspires authenticity, deeper spiritual awareness and contemplative reflection. 

I love the way modern mystic and theologian Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes describes it: 

“Spiritual Direction is the practice of holy presence and the gift of shared wisdom. The intent is to help us to awaken as we journey, so that we can recognize the sacred within and be available to the mystery of purpose that permeates the cosmos. In African American [and many other non-western] cultural contexts, spiritual direction is both formal and informal, mystical and practical. It can happen during a carefully scheduled appointment or spontaneously at a fast food joint or barbershop, where ordinary people seek advice and talk about everything.” 

Spiritual Direction for me is companioning on an embodied and contemplative journey together, awakening our collective senses to the Divine flow and energy moving in your life.

What is your role as the Director? 

My role as the Director is NOT to offer counseling, therapy, judgment, unsolicited advice or “God’s perspective”. I DO offer deep listening—to you, to the Holy Spirit, to my own inner stirrings, and to the context and culture that your experience exists within. Out of that listening presence, I might offer questions and curiosities, and sometimes invitations for deeper consideration.  

How can I learn more about you? 

You can learn more about me here. And you can always reach out to me directly here.

Who do you accompany in spiritual direction? 

Anyone with an earnest desire to grow in their awareness of the Divine. I begin new spiritual direction relationships with an initial session that serve as an opportunity for mutual discernment. While my beliefs are rooted in Christ consciousness and Christ-centered theology,  I work with individuals from any spiritual tradition. I embrace the opportunities to connect with individuals across multiple intersections of identities; BIPOC, those across the gender spectrum including gender non-conforming and non-binary folks, Queer and other identities typically marginalized and excluded.

I am intentional about making my practice more accessible to those that might have barriers to access (finances, lack of awareness of misunderstanding about spiritual direction, wounds from organized religion etc.). As an Black woman with an expansive and liberative theology, I also hope to serve those that see my identities as an asset in this work.  

Populations of desired focus: 

  • BIPOC 

  • Social justice activists, organizers, and those working with marginalized populations 

  • Young people and adults with limited access to spiritual care resources

  •  Those on a journey towards a more embodied, expansive, and liberating spirituality

What is your faith tradition? 

I am a Christ-follower with roots in several Christian traditions- Apostolic Pentecostal, Free Methodist and also Roman Catholic and Jesuit. All have informed my faith and who I am as a believer today along with other traditions outside my own. My journey as a follower to Christ has led me to deep respect and recognition for the Mystery and expansiveness of God- a God that is radically inclusive and unifying among all of creation. Deepening into the heart of God/the Divine/Source/Spirit has been an experience in broadening and widening—not tightening—my definition of God.  

So what does our time together look like? What can I expect in a session? 

Typically, I meet monthly with individuals for about 60 minutes.  

Our time together can be in person here in the Seattle area, by phone or video conference. 

Sessions can unfold in many ways depending on the needs, desire and comfort of the individual. Typically, I will open our time with a grounding exercise (contemplative meditation, art prompt, prayer, visualization, breathing exercises etc.) and then leave space for our conversation. Sometimes individuals brings things to process and other times I may lead with questions or prompts for our conversation. 

What is the cost? 

I charge on a sliding scale and most directees pay me between $50-$100 per monthly session. Making Spiritual Direction more accessible is a core conviction of mine and I don’t want finances to get in the way of you reaching out to me if you feel so compelled.

Are our conversations confidential?

Yes, our conversations are always confidential. I hold our time together as sacred and private space and will never share any personal details from our conversations. I do occasionally share who I meet with as I believe this is a relational practice and hope to encourage and normalize this work for others. Of course, if this makes an individual uncomfortable, we can discuss.

If you have other questions or are interested in meeting with me for Spiritual Direction, you can contact me here.

Custom cover illustration by Paula Champagne