Still Lake Listening | Spiritual Directors | Compassionate Listeners

Welcome!

We're Sandra & Michelle, spiritual directors.

We're so glad you're here.

Still Lake Listening is...

…listening companionship for people seeking a deeper understanding of Self and Soul. The term spiritual “director” is a misnomer as we do not direct. Rather, we come alongside you as co-learners as you explore the intersection of your identity and spirituality.

Our practice is to companion you through open, non-judgmental, and curious questions.

We are not personally aligned with any religious or political institution or agenda. We understand that we are all Humans Becoming. All are welcome here.

Hi, I’m Michelle

I am a spiritual director, patient listener, teacher, guide, lover of trees (and those tiny little mushrooms hidden in the moss – they’re so cool!).

I’m a partner, momma, cook, consultant, and confidante. I’ve held space with the dying and have experienced a messy, entangled journey with core shame, betrayal, and crisis of identity.

I’m a Queer Contemplative who has slogged through her own versions of complex trauma, family system dysfunction, loss of loved ones (miscarriages and parents), loss of home and career, divorce, and physical suffering (chronic disease). I have come out the other side with some scars, an intact sense of humour and mischief (although my partner still rolls her eyes at some of my jokes), and hopefully a smidgen (the beginnings?) of wisdom.

My faith journey? I was raised Christian, yet felt closest to my understanding of God when I stood on the rocky ridges of my homelands, surrounded by prairies, trees, and a thousand miles of wild. My heart sings when I can share the path with others…listening, asking questions, exploring things of the soul; the things that really matter.

Join me?

...and I'm Sandra

I’m a spiritual director and empathetic listener. Trauma, spiritual abuse, core shame, and relationship story are some of the growth areas you may want unpack with me. I am a Human Becoming. This means I’ve left some things behind: my extreme-conservative Christian upbringing and the harsh parts of organized religion, a 30 year marriage, financial security, servitude and subjugation, being straight, and a dissociation from the essence of who I am. It is also about a sloooow untangling of entrenched beliefs that were hurtful to others and crippling to my own wild Soul.

My journey into offering spiritual direction has come by way of engaging in this grounding and disruptive practice for myself. What a winding-restorative path that has been — a gradual returning “home” to who I am by design.

In part, I’m mum to three kind, adult kids. My life’s work has been a mix of companioning in special needs, lay ministry and study, and being present to marginalized, hurting, and grieving people.

Belief now? ‘Wonder, non-judgment, queerness, and an abiding Love that seems to be the container that holds it all. Like Hafiz, I wonder, “What love mischief can we get up to today?” What about you? We don’t have to do this alone. You are welcome here.

What we offer

One-on-one sessions

One-on-one sessions are typically one hour long. You may wish to meet with your spiritual director weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

Group Sessions

Group conversations are an opportunity to deepen your healing and growth in the company of a small group of like-minded companions. Groups may have a special theme or focus.

Retreats & Workshops

Retreats and workshops are an experiential and nurturing means of tending to your group’s pillars of wellbeing (mental-emotional, physical, social, and spiritual). Michelle & Sandra are at-the-ready to craft an offering unique to your group needs.

Our Fees

We do not wish for this to feel transactional in any way. Don’t let cost be a deterrent. Let’s talk about it.

While our hourly rate is $120.00 per session, most participants offer us between $50.00 – $85.00 for their one-on-one session. If that feels out of reach, we suggest one hour’s wage for each hour of spiritual direction.

Group and retreat fees are always set with affordability, accessibility, and flexibility in mind.

Special Offerings

Unstuck: Grief & Loss

(free drop-in group)

Every third Wednesday of the month starting September 18, 2024

10:30am – 12:00pm

at the Cochrane Public Library.

What is spiritual direction?

What is bringing you joy?

What is breaking your heart?

The essence of spiritual direction is asking open questions such as these that help us to go deeper into ourselves. These may seem like simple questions, but as you explore what answers arise for you, they can be life-altering.

If you’re here, it is possible (even likely) that you have faced into some deep questions around your own identity already. You may be bumping up against the UNknowing of things as much as any kind of epiphany or fresh growth. This can feel a little shadowy and unsure. It is an exercise in curiosity…even while it is profoundly disruptive!

It can be hard to be with these things alone. That is what a spiritual director is here for. We listen. Without judgment. We are here as companion, confidante, and co-learner in the process of self-learning — not by giving advice or counsel (because we trust that your Inner Teacher knows what you truly long for, and need).

We ask spacious questions, helping you hear and tend your own deep Self, your Soul.

Identity

Who am I, really?

Spirituality

What do I believe? Do I believe?

Embodiment

What does my body have to do with my identity and spirituality?

Community

Am I connected to community where I need neither explain, nor defend myself?

Testimonials

Talking to you feels like sitting beside a deep, still lake.

M.H

I am consistently touched by your kindness & respect; I'm always amazed by your ability to listen and hear, and in the case of groups, to hold all that is said and respond to it in a way that is appropriate. Wow!

R.S.

I have such gratitude for all you are able to see and reflect back to me from the deep listening you provide.

J.K