Presencing Practices

The fact you are already exploring presencing practices or spiritual direction may be all the response you need. You sense a need for something.  So, if you find yourself longing to experience a greater sense of the Divine in your life; if you desire a more integrative or holistic spirituality; if you desire a more joyful & compassionate, community-oriented & deeply liberating, mystical & intellectually honest, mentally stimulating & body-positive, creative & respectful of tradition spirituality then working alongside someone may be for you.

Working with a spiritual guide can also be helpful if you are recovering from a legalistic or fundamentalist experience of G-d or religion. Or if you feel like you might be on the verge of “giving up” on your practice of religion or spirituality. Often the experience of wanting to abandon one’s own experience of religion or spiritualty is a kind of Spirit invitation to more… it’s like you know it isn’t working… and you can’t do “that” anymore. Sometimes you may even feel that by continuing to engage in those practices your soul is eroding or even that it’s contributing to harm or injustice in the world. There is no need to navigate all of that on your own.

Engaging presencing practices is NOT an exclusively Christian practice.  In fact, many if not most, faith traditions and spiritual paths have a similar practice of journeying alongside a “wise guide.”  Because spiritual direction attends – in part – to some of the more mystical aspects of life it leans more apophatic than cataphatic, thus “beliefs” and “theology” are not the focus. Attending to being, listening, acceptance of reality, welcoming the stranger, curiosity, and love tend to be more common threads. While Dwight is deeply rooted within Christian traditions, his life’s work has been to discover and open to ever more loving ways of being faithfully present. Having spent much of his vocational life walking alongside people journeying to wholeness and liberation, he is opening his practice even wider.  The only prerequisite for entering into such a relationship is a desire to move toward even greater union with the real, and willingness to bring one’s whole self in honest and curious conversation.

Spiritual Direction is a time-honored practice of accompaniment, and a rhythm of intentional conversation. Ordinarily it is between two persons, in which one person consults another – typically a wise guide, trained, and experienced in spiritual accompaniment – about ways in which the Divine may be touching their life, directly or indirectly.  Spiritual direction is a process of consciously inviting another to journey with you as you deepen your attunement practice to the gift of presence: God’s, creation’s, other people, other communities’, and even one’s own presence. Though conversation, shared silence, somatic practice, and opening postures a person is joined in welcoming the real in all of life.

Each person’s journey is particular. Your journey is particular. Often a wise way to begin is in conversation with some valued friends as they may be able to point you to a spiritual director who could uniquely accompany you at this leg of your journey. Also, you may want to try opening up to Divine guidance, inviting Spirit to bring people into your world and remain open and curious as you encounter various wise guides. A practical resource is, Spiritual Directors International; SDI is an online network with databases to help people find soul friends in their region or with a needed specialization. And of course, since you’re already at his website, you are welcome to initiate an initial conversation with Dwight Friesen, and please know that any initial sessions are complimentary to help in your discernment process.

Given that you’ve clicked this question, you are likely amid a significant transition. Seasons of liminality are a double-edged sword, on the one hand, a person often becomes open and willing to risk stepping into the unknown; on the other hand, a person can feel lonely, afraid, and start to drift. Intentionally marking pivotal moments in a person’s journey is vital to holistic health and vibrant spirituality. Dwight is available to co-create – with you – a ritual to mark this important era in your life (and the lives of those around you). He can work with you in designing rituals drawing on a wealth of spiritual traditions. Reach out to Dwight through this site or set up an appointment now.

Life is relationship… love is life flourishing! Finding a partner you can imagine doing life with… someone with whom you desire to covenant with to co-discover and lean into love with is worth celebrating. Dwight would be delighted to help you design the wedding ceremony reflective of the shared life the two of you desire to co-create. He can officiate marriage rituals drawing on a wealth of traditions while welcoming creativity and attending to the contours of the two of you. Reach out to Dwight through this site or set up an appointment now.

Life is gift! Death is an important part of the cycle of life. Remembering is a vital spiritual practice. In an era in which Western culture often seems avoidant of pain, grief, and loss, Dwight would count it a great privilege to help you and those you love to celebrate the life and honor the death of your loved one. He can guide rituals drawing from a wealth of traditions. Reach out to Dwight through this site or set up an appointment now.

The integrative nature of presencing practices invites investment in every realm of one’s existence. However, during this process of initial inquiry, having a clear sense of the financial costs can be helpful. Dr. Friesen’s rates vary based on the type of engagement one seeks. Please be aware that if cost ever becomes a barrier to action, simply let Dwight know… while he does need to earn a living, his vocation is dynamically linked to serving people seeking holistic, present, and flourishing lives.

Marking Rituals, Weddings, Memorials, & Other Ceremonies

• Most weddings and funerals/memorials are $300 – $900 (you choose the fee).
• Custom rituals and ceremonies often require significant creative energy and usually range between $500 – $1,500 (you’ll come to a mutual understanding in conversation with Dr. Friesen).

Spiritual Direction

Sessions are 50 minutes, & can be in person or via Zoom… one-on-one, couples, or group/family sessions are welcome:

• One-on-one, regular spiritual direction, for one hour $60 – $100/hour (you choose the fee).
• Couples Spiritual Direction $70 – $125/hour (y’all choose the fee).
• Small Group Spiritual Direction $20 – $30 per person (based on group size).

Leadership Coaching

Sessions are 50 minutes, & can be in person or via Zoom… one-on-one, or group/team sessions are welcome:

• One-on-one leadership coaching, $60 – $125 per session (you choose fee).
• Pairs, triads, or teams, for one hour $20 – $30 per person (based on group size).

Organizational Consulting

This is a customized and contracted level of engagement. Visit Dr. Friesen’s Consulting page, complete the organizational assessment survey at the bottom of the page and Dwight will be in touch shortly. Or you can set up a Zoom conversation with him right now.