The Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship
Insights for Deep Listening and Spiritual Presence
A 3-Part Webinar Series
Presenter
Scott McRae
Dates
Aug 20, 27, & Sep 3, 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
Many spiritual companions are meeting people who feel exhausted, anxious, polarized, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by uncertainty. In moments like these, techniques often matter less than the quality of our presence.
The wisdom of the Tao offers surprisingly practical guidance for becoming a calmer, more spacious companion—one who listens deeply, trusts the unfolding process, and creates room for transformation without forcing it.
Hear from facilitator Scott McRae, experienced and passionate teacher of spiritual companions, on this process in the video below.
The Tao Te Ching points us towards flourishing and fulfilling life, without explanation. This ancient Chinese wisdom tradition invites us into a way of living and listening that flows with life. 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 from seven essential Taoist themes into conversation with the practice of spiritual direction. Together we’ll explore a fresh framework for deep listening that helps you accompany people with less striving and more trust. We’ll explore not only how we accompany others, but how we inhabit our own inner life.
Each session weaves together reflection, dialogue, and practical application. Rather than simply adding another technique, this series helps cultivate the inner posture from which meaningful spiritual companionship naturally flows.
You'll Explore How To
- Stay grounded when a conversation feels stuck
- Listen without rushing toward solutions
- Accompany people through uncertainty with greater ease
- Recognize when "doing less" actually creates more room for spiritual growth
- Deepen your own contemplative life so your presence becomes your greatest gift
- Integrate Taoist wisdom, regardless of your own spiritual tradition or orientation
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 – Learn how to remain present when conversations wander, emotions intensify, or nothing seems to be happening.
Session 2: The Flow of the Tao
Opposites, Acceptance & Letting Go – explore how accepting—not resisting—what is often opens unexpected spiritual movement.
Session 3: Releasing into the Tao
Effortless Effort – Learn how to resist the temptation to “fix” someone’s spiritual life—and instead cultivate the kind of presence that allows transformation to emerge naturally.Â
- 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: August, 20, 27 & September 3, 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).
- Scholarships are available for those facing financial hardship. Please apply here.
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