Welcome to a Ministry for Body and Soul
I began this journey while I was in seminary, creating this website as part of my ministry—a requirement for graduation. Since then, life has brought countless changes, both uplifting and challenging. How about you? Have you experienced the ebb and flow of life's waves too? In moments of uncertainty, prayer and meditation have been my anchors. They provided stability through turbulent times and a sense of peace during gentle ones. As we navigate the inevitability of change, growing older becomes one of the hardest transitions to accept. Whether you're riding a high wave or facing a daunting one, we all share the journey of transformation.
Today, I recognize the need to adjust my lifestyle, just as many of us are doing amidst rising prices and unsettling news. The Serenity Prayer, penned by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, resonates deeply: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. This guiding light has helped me through confusion and uncertainty, and it might do the same for you. By reflecting on our circumstances and practicing gratitude, we can lift ourselves out of fear and apprehension.
The Spiritual Director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy or counseling. As a member of Spiritual Director’s International, I abide by the following ethical Standards. I acknowledge that directees’ spiritual lives are first and foremost directed by God. As a Spiritual Director I seek to follow God’s leading in directees’ lives, and not impose my ideas of what should be done or should happen. I exercise spiritual direction ministry aware of God’s redemptive presence in each spiritual direction session. Since directees are coming to spiritual direction to meet firstly with God, the true Director, I consider the time and space with a directee to be sacred – a reverent place to encounter God’s presence – and therefore I honor the experience with appropriate preparation, atmosphere, consideration, care and boundaries. I respect each person as made in God’s image and treat each person that seeks direction with appropriate dignity and care. I may choose to refer a potential directee to work with someone else due to my own personal limitations – such as lack of experience in a specific religious background or interests; or age, language and cultural limitations. I will do my best to help a directee find an appropriate person with whom to work. I will maintain collegial relationships within and across disciplines and refrain from disparaging others. I love that Spiritual Directors seek to support one another, value collegial sharing and assist one another in bettering their ministries. At the onset of a direction relationship, I will enter into a covenant or agreement with the directee, either in writing or verbally, which outlines the boundaries of the spiritual direction relationship. Foremost for me as a Spiritual Director is obeying the commandment repeated from the Old Testament in Matthew 22:39, the injunction to love the neighbor. It light of this commandment, I respect and honor all persons in society regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, political belief, any personal characteristic, attribute, condition or status. I received extensive training and practice working with people in crisis. I specialize in companioning people in crisis situations and coping with end of life issues. If you would like to explore spiritual direction as a way to enrich your life, contact Gabriella (see the contact page) to set up an appointment.
Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling can be beneficial if you are experiencing spiritual malaise, discomfort in relationships, or a sense of disconnection from your innermost self. These practices offer dedicated time to listen, learn, and connect with your core being, addressing emotions like anger, sadness, and confusion that can disrupt peace and joy. Healing involves both spiritual self-discovery and physical self-care, especially during times of social isolation. This approach includes physical activities, a balanced diet, and living by the Golden Rule. Starting in June, I will offer Meditation, Transformational Life Coaching, Grief Support, and Spirituality sessions via Zoom, a practice I began during the COVID-19 pandemic. While in-person meetings will hopefully resume, I am grateful for the technology that keeps us connected.
Before beginning spiritual direction, take some time to reflect on your needs and goals. Ask yourself:
Finding the right spiritual director is essential for a meaningful experience. Consider:
Consider the logistics of your spiritual direction sessions:
Reach out to your chosen spiritual director to start the conversation. Contact Gabriella by:
Take advantage of the free initial 30-minute session to discuss your needs and expectations. This session helps both you and the spiritual director determine if you are a good fit for each other.
If you decide to proceed, schedule regular sessions and understand the fee structure:
Membership and Accreditation: Gabriella is a current member of Spiritual Directors International.
Learn More About Gabriella: Gabriella Cahaley’s Profile on SDI
By following these steps, you can begin your journey of spiritual direction with clarity and confidence.
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Welcome to a space where we explore and embrace the waves of life, anchored in prayer, meditation, and gratitude. Together, we can navigate the challenges and find peace and joy along the way.
Offering meditation. The health benefits of meditating are many and backed by science. I offer meditation in person and on line during business hours by appointment Sessions are 40 minutes. Grif support by appointment during business hours. Sessions are 40 minutes.