Clear view Quote by Jeannette A. Bakke
““The opportunity to tell our story unhindered, uninterrupted is rare. Most of the time people are so involved in their own concerns they do not listen with complete attention. It can be quite startling, therefore, to feel another person fully attending to you, present with you and for you, setting their own struggles aside in order to be available to God an dyou. Sometimes this is wonderfully freeing and at other times it is paralyzing. We find ourselves listening to ourselves, weighing our words, and considering if we speak authentically or frivolously. ... But telling our spiritual director is often a pure gift. As we spekk we begin to see connections that were hidden. Insights arise or our perspective about circumstances or ourselves may shift. There are Divine and human affirmations and confirmations. Sometimes the words we needed to hear come from our own lips. ... Interior developments arise out of silence that are beyond our clear view. We just know that something has moved or changed and that God is active... The opportunity to tell our story opens us to hear God's story more deeply - God's presence and participation in our lives and in the life of the world. In God all human stories connect and when we participate in spiritual direction, we seem to notice more of the connections.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Spiritual Direction Practices, author unknown, 2020
Sharing personal narratives in spiritual direction creates a space for mutual attentiveness, revealing hidden insights and deepening divine awareness.
In simple terms: Talking openly in guidance uncovers hidden truths and connects us to God.
Be present and listen fully when sharing your story.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- spiritual direction sessions
- personal counseling
- group retreats
- faith‑based workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does being truly heard change your self‑perception?
- What barriers prevent you from sharing authentically?
Listening can be intimidating and may expose vulnerability, risking discomfort.