Pearl Nieuwenhuis

I was first introduced to spiritual direction during a period of inner wrestling. When I followed through on a suggestion from a friend that I see a spiritual director, I found a deeply sacred space of quiet and welcome. I began the compassionate journey of dusting off a place within me that I recognized as home. It wasn’t exactly easy! But it was good. Spiritual direction has offered me experiences of coming home to myself, warts and all, and discovering God already there lovingly inviting me to wholeness. And this is what I love so much about offering spiritual direction – coming alongside someone as they open up to the mystery of God’s presence and love in all the ordinary bits of their life.

After years of teaching, I completed SoulStream’s Art of Spiritual Direction and an MA in Spiritual Formation. I offer spiritual direction from my home, and since 2011, to students, staff and faculty through the Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. I was privileged to take spiritual direction supervision training with Lucy Abbott Tucker in 2019 and several training workshops in Focusing during the COVID pandemic. I’m married to a very good man and we are parents to 2 beloved, open-hearted adult daughters and a beloved son-in-law. I love the soil, mucking about in small gardens, reading and riding my motorcycle.