What is the difference between people who have spiritual experiences and writers who have spiritual experiences?  This is a question often mulled upon by those who seek to write about events that fall into the categories of spirituality, faith, religion, and the sacred. How is it that writers translate lived spiritual experience into understandable text, be it memoir, prose, poetry or creative nonfiction? And why?

Sharon Hines, a self-described Spiritual Life Storyteller, is an American writer who sees double benefits from such writing. While she understands the sacred in a Christian context, she notes “interest in spirituality is on the rise, but opportunities to hear stories about how that works in real life seem to be less available.”

Sharon seeks to encourage others, no matter their faith or cultural background, to find the words to describe transformative moments in their lives. Her emphasis is two-fold, focusing on both the inward and outward journeys. The inward (personal) journey is about developing one’s spirituality. The outward journey is about sharing—even publishing— stories of the inward journey with others.

Here’s where the double benefit comes in. Altruistically, the process of sharing stories helps others understand their own journeys. But selfishly, turning stories into text naturally leads to self-reflection which results in additional, often surprising, insights. So storytelling is on both the inward and outward paths. You could say it’s at the intersection.

Although the inward journey includes many well-known spiritual practices (prayer, scripture reading, nature walks, etc), Sharon has relied heavily on a lesser-known tool she calls “Listening for Guidance.” This tool involves asking one’s Higher Power a question, listening for the inner Voice, writing down the guidance she hears, and then taking action on that counsel.

The results of this practice lend themselves to easy reflection since much of the story is already there on the page. In addition, she advocates taking a proactive approach to noticing and recording all aspects of our relationship with the divine (however you may name it). She models how regular journaling reveals the movement of the sacred and the growth of our spirituality over time.

She has recently released a series of blog posts that speak to the “how” of cultivating the practice of Listening for Guidance. Sharon knows approaching the Almighty can be difficult or even scary for new listeners, so she weaves humour (she references everything from Star Trek to roller coasters) with practical instructions to help newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.

Additionally, Sharon is releasing her spiritual memoir, Well Guided, one chapter at a time. She credits her journaling discipline with providing the ability to relate in detail many spiritual experiences of her past, and opportunities to revisit their meaning in the future.

Sharon is curious about the interweaving of creativity and the sacred. In her writing, she shares diverse resources for others with similar interests. If you are a writer seeking to put words to seemingly unfathomable spiritual experiences, you will appreciate Sharon’s offerings on her Substack titled “Spiritual Life Storyteller”.  You can sign up for her weekly newsletter here.

 

Why not discover for yourself the transformative power of spiritual life writing?

The Spiritual Life Writing Workbook: From Concept to Bookshelf is your essential guide to creating a book that inspires, heals, and connects. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a complete beginner, you’ll find this hands-on guide invaluable for finding your authentic voice and navigating the world of publishing.

This workbook is created by a dynamic team of writers who combine their expertise with a shared passion for storytelling:

Lana Cullis is a writer and facilitator passionate about strengthening the kinship between writers and nurturing diverse sacred stories.
Sharon S. Hines is a storyteller and teacher committed to helping others find their voice and share their spiritual truths.
Susan Scott is an award-winning editor and mentor with a focus on transformative collaborations.

Together, they offer a unique blend of wisdom, creativity, and pragmatism to support your writing journey.