Where Love Becomes a Way of Life
St. Ignatius begins the Spiritual Exercises with what is traditionally called the Principle and Foundation. I have come to think of it as a declaration of intention for my relationship with God — something like a wedding vow. A wedding vow doesn't create love; it expresses how we intend to live within that relationship. In much the same way, becoming intentional about our relationship with God means asking: What do I want this relationship to be about? How do I want to live because of it?
That's the heart behind the name The Intentional Soul.
What we believe
God moves first.
Grace — God's loving involvement in our lives — is already present, freely given, long before we notice it.
Our part is to notice, and to respond.
Slowly, a lived relationship with God changes how we see, how we love, and how we live.
How that takes form
Those convictions take shape in a few concrete ways: through spiritual direction, a regular conversation about your relationship with God; through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, a months-long path of prayer and reflection; through retreats and set-apart time; and through occasional reflections and invitations along the way. Each is simply a different door into the same room.
Who I am
I'm Dick Alexander. For many years, the God I carried around inside me could feel more like judge, jury, and executioner than the God of unconditional love. Gradually, through ordinary life, prayer, and especially the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I began to experience God differently.
Much of my working life was spent helping people think through complicated problems and make thoughtful decisions. Today, through spiritual direction and the Spiritual Exercises, I bring that same listening, question-asking, and steady attention to people who want something more in their relationship with God.
I'm not here to hand you answers. I'm here to sit across from you, ask good questions, and pay loving attention with you to what God may already be doing in your life.
— Dick
My Formation
I completed a five-year formation program in spiritual direction through Red Plains Monastery, followed by an additional year of formation specifically to become a facilitator of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. My formation is rooted in the Catholic and Ignatian traditions.
Voices of experience
"I always felt respected and safe. I never felt judged. His sincerity and prayerful nature touched my spirit deeply, and helped me grow in discernment and realize God's love more fully." Shari Bross — Guthrie, OK
"He's a compassionate listener, a man of deep faith, and someone who will challenge you (lovingly!) to find your faith within yourself." Jack Lyons — St. Petersburg, FL
There is room for you here.
If something here has stirred a question, a desire, or simply a sense that you'd like to explore a little further, I'd be glad to talk with you. No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.
Start a conversation