Following the Inner Journey: The Heart of Spiritual Direction within Tacheria Interfaith Spirituality Center

In a world that moves quickly and speaks loudly, many of us long for a quieter way of being — a way of listening deeply, living intentionally, and reconnecting with the sacred woven through our everyday lives. For more than three decades, Tacheria Interfaith Spirituality Center has offered exactly that: a place where people from all traditions, backgrounds, and stories can gather to explore the inner journey with openness, curiosity, and compassion.

Rooted in the Yaqui word Tacheria — meaning inner spirit or inner journey — the center has become a home for those seeking spiritual formation, community, and the art of spiritual direction. What began in 1992 as a small interfaith course in Tucson has grown into a vibrant, welcoming community dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth and deep listening across traditions.

A Community Where All Paths Are Honored

At Tacheria, spirituality is not confined to one tradition or belief system. Instead, the center embraces the wisdom found in many paths — Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Indigenous, Muslim, Earth‑based, and beyond. This interfaith approach creates a spacious environment where students and seekers can explore their own spiritual lives while learning from the experiences of others.

Whether someone arrives with a long‑held practice or a simple longing for something deeper, they are welcomed with respect and curiosity. Tacheria’s community is built on the belief that love and peace live within each of us, and that spiritual companionship can help awaken that inner wisdom.

The Two‑Year Interfaith Spiritual Direction Training Program

One of the heartbeats of Tacheria is its two‑year Interfaith Spiritual Direction Training Program, held in person in Tucson. Meeting once a month from September through June, each cohort gathers for a full day of learning, reflection, and hands‑on practice.

Students explore:

• the art of deep listening

• spiritual practices across traditions

• the ethics and presence of spiritual companionship

• the role of story, silence, and sacred imagination

• how to accompany others with compassion and integrity

The program is intentionally spacious, allowing students to integrate what they learn into their own lives while developing the skills needed to companion others.

Learning Through Practice: The Practicum Experience

Tacheria’s Practicum invites students to learn here through real‑world experience, offering spiritual direction or companionship under supportive supervision. This hands‑on component helps students grow in confidence, presence, and the trusted practices of the spiritual direction tradition.

It’s often during the Practicum that students discover the quiet joy of holding space for another person — witnessing their story, honoring their sacred questions, and listening for the movement of Spirit together.

A Place of Belonging

Beyond the classroom, Tacheria offers retreats, workshops, and community gatherings that invite exploration, rest, and connection. Alumni continue to meet for ongoing formation, and many graduates go on to serve as spiritual directors, chaplains, caregivers, community leaders, or simply more grounded versions of themselves.

What makes Tacheria unique is not only its interfaith foundation, but its spirit of hospitality, humility, and deep respect. It is a place where people are invited to show up as they are — curious, searching, hopeful, or unsure — and find themselves welcomed.

Your Journey Begins Here

If you feel a tug toward deeper listening, spiritual companionship, or simply a more grounded way of living, Tacheria may be the place for you. A new cohort begins in Fall 2026, and we welcome conversations with anyone discerning whether this path is theirs.

Your inner journey matters. And you don’t have to walk it alone.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply Today

If something in this story resonates with your own inner journey, we invite you to explore the program more deeply.Applications for the 2026–2028 cohort are now open, and our director, Betty Stauffer, would be glad to speak with you as you discern whether this path is right for you.

👉 Learn more and apply here.

We would be honored to walk with you.