Mary H Maio Spiritual Director, Enneagram Coach Atlanta, GA


Welcome to Mary H Maio, Spiritual Director, Enneagram Coach
I prayerfully aim to provide a welcoming, encouraging, and confidential space for others to share their spiritual journey.
Spiritual Direction:
Enneagram, according to your interest
Appointments are available on Zoom or in-person at Ignatius House in Atlanta.
Free 30-minute Zoom call upon request
What is Spiritual Direction? A director accompanies you and encourages you as you share insights that arise in your ordinary day-to-day life of spiritual growth. For example, you might be feeling alone during a dry or dark night season of prayer. Your well-trained director most likely has experienced such situations and can support you through this time. An experienced director won't necessarily define such movements in you, but will have conversation with you about what she/he is hearing from you. She might invite you to say more or ask open-ended questions such as "I wonder if..., I noticed that.., I appreciate that..."
What are some good reasons to seek spiritual direction for the first time?
People often find a 1:1, confidential, non-judgmental and non-advising space turns out to be exactly what is needed for them to sort things out. Spiritual directors focus on you and might notice something that is difficult to see in yourself. For example, as you grapple with a small or large decision, a spiritual director can offer objective feedback and guide you using concepts of Ignatian discernment. Those further along the Ignatian path might feel drawn to make the Spiritual Exercises and will need a guide through the Exercises.
What is the directee's role in spiritual direction? Imagine yourself on a daily journey of growing in awareness, prayer, and relationship to God. As you prepare for your upcoming meeting with your director, you note the spiritual highlights that you would like to share with your director.
Does the director talk about themselves? The free introductory meeting is a good place to learn more about a director. The director will be focused thereafter on you and your journey. The director doesn't present a program or provide theological education, although you might have a specific question which is appropriate to the conversation. A well-formed director isn't there to impress you with their private spiritual journey or even to disclose much about themselves. Your director will welcome and meet you where you are.
What is Ignatian Spirituality?
Ignatian spirituality is a way of prayer and way of life inspired by the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is a practical spirituality for “contemplatives in action” who seek God in daily lives of prayer and service. It is centered on building the Kingdom of God, a spirituality of love and service, guided by the principles and dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

What is the Enneagram of Personality?
The Enneagram is more than just a personality test; it is a profound tool for self-awareness and growth. Based on nine interconnected personality types, the Enneagram helps individuals understand their core motivations, fears, and desires. The Enneagram offers a dynamic view into how we interact with the world and how we can grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Determining your enneagram type is a starting point on the enneagram path which encourages integration of body, mind, and spirit. With increased awareness of how you unconsciously react to life, you begin to notice your attachment to your habitual responses.
How does the Enneagram relate to spiritual progress?
Your growing self-knowledge leads to inner freedom which gives space for spiritual growth. Additionally, Ignatian Spirituality, the Enneagram, and 12-Step Recovery paths all have an underlying theme of "letting go and letting God.“
Each Enneagram type has a "growth path" that encourages stepping outside of your comfort zones. Familiarity with your type can help you and your guide identify spiritual practices that resonate with you. Understanding others' types fosters compassion and unity within a faith community. Spiritual directors who are also certified Enneagram coaches can help point you in spiritual practices tailored to your needs.
With sufficient study of the Enneagram, you will likely begin to notice: 1) Improved relationships with friends, family, and work colleagues. (2) Increased awareness, acceptance, presence, and gratitude. 3) Decreased frustration and resentments.
...My work with you has made a huge difference in knowing myself and in my relationship to God. You have a real gift for guidance! - NM, Georgia
...your gift really does make so much difference to those we serve. Your help makes our work possible...
-C, Alabama
...I have been guided to several books and other resources that have significantly impacted my prayer life...
-GR, North Carolina
Mary's kind, caring, and patient nature was like always having a lantern in the dark, guiding me down the path of spiritual direction. -AFS, Georgia
...thank you! Meeting with you was very helpful ...particularly your gentle and understanding words. - L, Alabama
Mary, ...your gentleness and
wisdom were a gift...- E, Alabama
...has helped me learn deeper discernment, see and experience God's faithful intimate love for me, and keep moving forward with spiritual eyes. Thank you, Mary. -AH, Wisconsin