Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction Where The Light Gets In
EXPERIENCES CONNECT
Book a call

Deborah Smith

My interior landscape has been shaped by the seasons and rhythms of Midwestern farm life, both now distant in space and time from my Southern California life. My husband David and I moved to Los Angeles (by way of Seattle and Santa Barbara) so that I could pursue a theology degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, and we have remained - in the bright colors and the subtle seasonal changes that seem to lengthen years, or disguise their passage. We have raised our daughters in the sunshine, with friends around the table, and with intimations of an urban homestead - garden, fruit trees, chickens, dogs (vigilantly kept separate) - and with access to making - pottery, painting, and stained glass. We are makers and artists. I paint and I shape spaces for gathering people, for food, for connection, for laughter, for spiritual formation, for communion: in our home, in pastoral work, and as a spiritual director.

I completed a Master of Arts degree in Theology at Fuller, and eventually pursued spiritual direction training in the Art of Spiritual Direction program through the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and Loyola Marymount University. I am integrating Compassion Based Spiritual Direction, as taught by the Center for Engaged Compassion, into my spiritual direction practice.
 
 My desire is to be a healing presence in the world - walking with wisdom, creating beauty, and holding space for communion.
 
 


| CONTACT Deborah | Email: [email protected] |

 Explore More from Deborah

Additional Information:
Spiritual Direction has been powerful in my life because my questions, forever, have been God questions, and contemplative practices open access to the Spirit and healing in ways that can be less available when preferencing intellectual understanding. Engaging Compassion Based Spiritual Direction, which integrates contemplative sensibilities, the compassion practice, and internal family systems processes, opens deep spaces for healing, wisdom, vitality, and communion.