​​About Me

 

My name is Sam Whiley, and I am a spiritual director, educator, and retreat facilitator rooted in the Christian tradition. I am drawn to contemplative expressions of faith and creating safe and hospitable spaces for anyone looking to explore their spirituality and walk with God.​​​

 

I live in the Southwest of England and am married with two adult children in their mid-twenties. As a creative soul, I love art, theatre, film and music. I also enjoy painting, reading, watching films, walking, eating good food and spending unhurried time with friends and family.
 

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My Journey

My faith journey began in my late teens and like many, has been a rich blend of mountaintop moments, deep valleys, and everything in between.
 
Before studying Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies in my early twenties, I spent time living and volunteering overseas. After marriage and settling into family life in my mid-twenties I trained in the field of education where I taught and held several leadership roles. In 2004 my husband and I had the privilege of planting a vibrant church which we led for 18 years. In 2020, we sensed an invitation to transition out of church leadership to pursue a more focused vocation in Spiritual Direction, entering this new season in June 2022.
 

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A Contemplative Path
 

My interest in spiritual formation began early in my faith journey; however it was my own desire and need for a deeper and more sustaining spirituality that led me towards contemplative practices and spiritual accompaniment. Over time, these rhythms helped me to slow down, notice and encounter God’s presence in ways that would nourish and help me experience the sacred in both the ordinary moments and challenges of life.

 

As this passion for formation developed I trained as a Spiritual Director and, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in education and church leadership, it is now my delight to offer this kind of attentive, prayerful accompaniment to others also seeking a richer and more integrated spiritual life.

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My Offerings

 

To support this journey, I offer a variety of spaces designed to help you pause, reflect, and explore your faith more intentionally.

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• One-to-one spiritual direction

• Retreats

• The Spiritual Exercises

• Group gatherings – including the School of Contemplation and Loam

• Debriefing

• Educational and teaching environments – sharing the wisdom of the contemplative path

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My Approach 

 

My joy as a spiritual director is to be a companion and soul friend; someone who holds space for you to express what is true for you, no matter the season. My commitment to you is to create a safe and confidential listening environment, offering gentle questions, observations, and opportunities for prayer and reflection. I can also support you in exploring life-giving rhythms and spiritual practices as you seek to make sense of your journey and cultivate your relationship with God.

 

 

Training & Professional Practice

 

I have been offering Spiritual Accompaniment for seven years, having trained with Sustainable Faith. I am affiliated with the London Centre of Spiritual Direction and committed to its code of professional praxis. I regularly attend supervision and take time to pursue continuing professional development. 

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Over the years, I have had the honour of accompanying people from all walks of life looking to journey with a greater sense of intentionality, authenticity and connection to the divine. Many of these people are church leaders, CEOs, therapists, spiritual directors and creatives.  

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If you are curious about spiritual direction—or any of my offerings—and wonder whether it might serve you in this season of your life, I warmly invite you to explore these pages and connect with me.

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Looking forward to meeting you

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Sam