What is Estuary?

An estuary is the place where rivers and streams flow into the ocean and the many become one. Places of transition, influenced by the tides, but protected from waves, winds and storms, estuaries are among the most productive environments on earth often called the "nurseries of the sea."  The same is true for spiritual direction at Estuary. I offer a place of shelter and support during times of change, challenge toward spiritual growth and productivity, and nourishment for your journey.

God.  Great Mystery. Creator.  Light.  Source.

How do you name the Divine?
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You may be blessed with a beloved community, yet seeking a deeper sense of spiritual awareness in your daily life. How will you live with purpose and integrity? What does faith mean for you?​

​Or perhaps you are a spiritual independent living outside a religious or faith community. Where can you explore your questions about what it means to be spiritual? How you might find a deeper connection to self, Divine, and others?
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​The spiritual journey is unique for each of us.  I invite you to come explore through spiritual direction, or perhaps another offering.

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Current Happenings

The Only Thing That Stays the Same is Change

Dear ones,
It’s time, possibly past the time, to share some changes in my life and in my practice. Though I feel blessed and enriched by my work as a spiritual director, the past few months have been a period of discernment as I considered the nudge of, ‘what else?’ There are so many ways to serve, so much work to be done! And yet, I know that I need to respect my human frailties—the need for rest and relaxation, the need to resist the false idea that I must fix it all. It’s been a bit of a wrangle. In the end, I decided to accept a position with the Sisters of St. Joseph as Justice, Peace and Care for Creation. [email me here] which means that I am unable to accept new directees at least for now.

To me, spiritual direction and social justice work are two sides of the same coin. Each supports and nourishes the other. St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote, “love is shown more in deeds than words.” In our busy culture, that statement is a little dangerous. It can easily lead us to over-doing, to that place of believing that our value is in our works. And yet, my heart has led me to a more active role--at least for now.

Maybe you've noticed all the qualifiers in this note. I have learned, usually the hard way, not to assume that what is now will be in the future. Discernment is an ever-changing dance and often means that we move between action and stillness and back again.

I will still offer occasional retreats and programs. My plan is to write more regularly, too. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Substack at 'A Closer Look.' And as part of my new job, I’ll be continuing the SSJ e-newsletter, 'Just Us' which shares news and prayers related to social justice matters. If you’d like to be added to either list, send me a note.

 Thanks for traveling with me for a stretch. Please be in touch.

Holly