The Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship
Seven Pathways to Engaged Presence
A 3-Part Webinar Series
Presenter
Scott McRae
Dates
July 23, 30, & Aug 6, 2026
Time
Duration
4.5 hours (total)
Webinar will be recorded.
The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching doesn’t explain life — it points toward it. This ancient Chinese wisdom tradition invites us into a way of living and listening that flows with life rather than against it. It points us toward something that spiritual directors sense: that the deepest accompaniment happens not when we do more, but when we release into a vital presence.
This three-part series draws seven essential Taoist themes into conversation with the practice of spiritual direction. Together we’ll explore how this ancient wisdom reshapes not only how we accompany others, but how we inhabit our own inner life. Each session weaves together reflection, dialogue, and practical application — not so much to add more techniques to our toolkit, but to help us become the kind of presence that deeply meets the souls we serve.
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don’t try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Session Outline
Session 1: The Way of the Tao
Present Moment & Flexibility
Session 2: The Flow of the Tao
Opposites, Acceptance & Letting Go
Session 3: Releasing into the Tao
Effortless Effort, True Nature & Weaving it all together
- Participants from all religious traditions and spiritual orientations are welcome to this webinar series.
- No experience is required to attend.
- Each session runs 90 minutes.
- All sessions will be recorded and be viewable for at least 12 months after the last session goes live.
When you are content to be simply yourself
and don’t compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.Â
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
When
The webinar series will run 3 consecutive Thursdays: July 23, 30, & August 6, 2026: 10 AM Seattle/Los Angeles. Find your own local time here.
But if that timing doesn’t work, you can enjoy the webinar any time you like.
Each session is recorded so you can watch at your convenience.
Presenter
Scott McRae
Scott McRae has been offering spiritual direction and training for over 25 years and continues to provide ongoing educational resources through the Spiritual Direction Learning Lab. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he holds an M.Div. from Yale University. Scott’s professional journey has spanned church and campus ministries, hospital chaplaincy, and leadership roles, all of which have shaped his approach to spiritual guidance. With three decades of experience training chaplains and spiritual directors, he brings deep wisdom and practical insight to his work. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Scott enjoys life with his wife, Melanie, their adult daughter, and their wonderfully quirky rescue dogs. He finds great joy in long walks, meaningful conversations, and fostering spiritual growth in others.
Additional Information
- Everyone is invited to participate in SDI Webinars.
- Each session will run 90 minutes. We understand that the timing of the seminar will not be convenient in every time zone on the planet. For those who have trouble making this time, a recorded copy of each session will be made available to all those who sign up.
- CEU credits are available for all those who participate. SDI will provide a certificate of completion for self-reporting to agencies. More information can be found here: continuing education units (CEUs).
- Cost: $39 or less for SDI members. Non-members please contact [email protected] for your pricing
- Scholarships are available for those facing financial hardship. Please apply here.
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