Sunday, December 24, 2023

MAY CHRISTMAS BE A HARBINGER OF PEACE AND JOY!

 


When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as described in the Gospel of Luke, the  choirs of angels sang: Peace on Earth!

However, Jesus was able to give that peace to the world only after his resurrection preceded by a life in which he fought and struggled against  the injustices perpetrated by the "powers be" - both political and religious --, on the helpless poor and the vulnerable. He was killed by the same "powers be" for the same reason. But God vindicated him and raised him up from the dead, assuring that his work for the coming of what he called "The Kingdom of God", a society where everyone can live happy, free of suffering, will continue.

The first words he spoke after his resurrection were: "Peace be with you!"

Peace is built on justice, is the fruit of justice. And so we all are called to struggle against injustice and oppression wherever we are so that we - ourselves and the "powers be" on earth today can make real the peace the angels sang at Jesus' birth.

I wish all peace and joy at this Christmas, especially to all those in the land of Jesus' birth, who are suffering so much today. May we all be promoters of peace, by working for justice! 

The peace that the angels sang was offered to "People of Good Will." What does it involve for us to be people of Good Will, in the context of my little reflection on the angels' message.

"Peace on earth to people of good will." (Luke, 2,14).

Saturday, December 16, 2023

THE LAST SUMEDHA SADHANA OF 2023 CONCLUDES

The last Sumedha Sadhana- A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey of 2023 concluded yesterday, with the participants expressing immense satisfaction with the entire programme.


This 11-week programme commenced on the 27th September. There were eleven participants, six men and five women, including one from Sri Lanka and another from Thailand.

The Sumedha Sadhana is designed as a personality enhancement, healing and transformation programme for all those who are interested in enhancing their psychospiritual wellbeing and professional effectiveness.

Self-Awareness and self-Transformation, Holistic and  Process Spiritualties; religious Life; Prayer & Meditation; Midlife and Post-Midlife Dynamics; Sexuality, Celibacy & Intimacy; Trauma & Healing; Breath, Spirit & Wellbeing -- are some of the major topics that were explored. Special importance was given to group therapy where participants had the opportunity to face their woundedness and brokenness and move on to greater healing and wholeness. The programme concluded with a spiritual retreat and integration.

Insights from faith and wisdom traditions, various psychological theories of development, as well as experiential tools and techniques from Bioenergetics, NLP, Psychosynthesis, Intensive Journal, Expressive Arts, Qigong, Multi-media were used to explore and enhance participants’ psychospiritual journey.

Sumedha Sadhana continues to be a very well-appreciated programme for its usefulness. Comments from participants certify to this:

·         “I am rejuvenated, restored, renewed. Sumedha helped to beautify, bring colours into my life. I am celebrating a new beginning. Sumedha has ignited in me a new sense of purpose.” M.

·          “The programme was superb. It gave me more than I expected. I have learned to let go, forgive, get up from where I had fallen. I can now celebrate my life and my vocation. I now feel happy in every bit of my heart.” K.

·         “I came here with a broken heart., with very low self-image, feeling so bad within me. Slowly as the sessions unfolded I began to enter the journey and began to feel better. Now there is a feeling of calm in me. I feel refilled and happy.” V.

·         “I did not come willingly. I was asked to come. But I am happy I came. I have changed so much for the better. I have made a U turn in my life. I am starting a new way of living.” N.

·         “I came here very hurt, broken, and a very negative self-image. I am now reconciled with my past and able to move into the future with confidence and courage.” M.

·          “As a whole, I am satisfied with the modules, resource persons, topics covered and the processes. All these were dealt with professionally with sensitivity to individual needs and nuances. All modules were carefully selected and orderly arranged. I had time for prayer, contemplation, meditations of various kinds that were good for my physical, mental emotional wellbeing.” P.

·         “It was truly a time of transformation. I moved from fear to trust, hate to love, guilt and shame to faith, criticism and judging to empathy. The whole journey energised me.” C.

·          “I learned more here within three months than during 10-12 years of my priestly formation. Sumedha Sadhana changed so many of my dysfunctional beliefs, attitudes, convictions and behaviours.” T.

·         Sumedha gave me more faith, wisdom, understanding about myself. Learned not to brood over the past. I have experienced a transformation.” S.

·         “The Sumedha Journey has enriched me. I am going back with a positive attitude. I can say with confidence a renewal has taken place in me.” T.

     

“Every day I learned something new. And these have made a difference to my life.” C.

 The next Sumedha Sadhana is scheduled for February 11 to May 4, 2024. Registrations are open. Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com for registration form. See also our web page at: sumedhacentre.org

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

SUMEDHA OUTREACH: "TRAUMA & HEALING" PROGRAMME AT NVSC, PUNE

 Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari,  was invited to facilitate a training workshop on “Trauma & Healing” at the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), Pune from October 23 to 28, 2023.

There were 36 participants, 26 religious women and 10 priests, most of whom are involved in the field of religious and priestly formation and who are currently doing a certification course of 9 months.

During the workshop Dr. Parappully explored with the participants the nature of psychological trauma, particularly that arising from sexual exploitation, its prevalent rates in India, its consequence, and presented 15 specific approaches to the healing of trauma. He also presented the Protection of Children from sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012 and a critique on it.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful and observed that such a workshop is very necessary for them as formators. They came to know many things that they were unaware of. Eighteen of the 36 participants (including a survivor of trauma) gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on Degree of usefulness. Seven gave a 9, and another seven an 8.

Some typical comments:

·         “it was such a beautiful class on trauma and healing. I could heal myself.”  (F)

·         “Very informative on this very sensitive issue that’s increasing rapidly day by day.” (M)

·         “It was useful for me to understand the real struggles that the abused person goes through. My opinion about them changed. I also gained some useful skills and knowledge. Now I have kind of confidence to deal with people who come to m for help in this regard.” (F)

·         “It was very much informative, and has created an interest in the subject. It has helped me to become more sensitive and supportive towards the victims. It has moved my heart and mind to be much more caring and compassionate. It is love that heals.  To make the client to feel loved, accepted, cared for, listened to, brings about healing. It will be useful to be a good human being, in the ministry.” (M).

·         “I came to know what is sexual abuse and trauma.; how to help the client who comes for healing; I came to know the methods or techniques to help the client.” (M)

·         “it was very useful to know the methods to heal the person and also I was able to reflect on my own life and see if I were abused anywhere, or if it is so how to heal.” (F)

·         “This class made me aware in many ways that to be a good listener, to be compassionate and kind is very important, not to have judgmental attitude but to have an open mind to accept survivors as they are.” (Gender not indicated.)

·         “I realized the gravity of the effects of sexual abuse and therefore it evoked compassion, and need to give up my judgmental attitude.” (F).

·         “This workshop evoked in me a great desire to know more about the topic.” (F.)





Sunday, October 8, 2023

47th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 47th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey – concluded on September 18. This 80-day programme had begun on July 1, 2023.

There were 16 participants from 9 religious congregations and three dioceses.

The programme comprised of seven different modules. Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey which included Somatic Meditations, Process Spirituality, Prayerfulness, Midlife Dynamics, Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy, Trauma and Healing facilitated by Jose Parappully; Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey facilitated by Johny Dominic Padinjar; Yoga and Cosmic Spirituality facilitated by Alba Rodrigues; Breath, Spirit and Wellbeing facilitated by Thomas Kurianthanam; Challenges of Consecrated Life facilitated by Philip Pinto; Group Therapy facilitated by Joe Parakkad and Jose Parappully; and an Integration Retreat facilitated by Jose Parappully.

The participants expressed immense satisfaction with the programme.

Some excerpts from the participants’ feedback on the programme:

“Sumedha Sadhana was a journey from the cocoon to a butterfly. It has given me a fresh new beginning. It was a deep experiential journey inward, of soul-searching to discover who I really am. I go back rejuvenated, reenergized, renewed. The combination of psychology and spirituality was par excellent.”

I came to Sumedha with a deep desire to renew and refresh myself. Sumedha experience has done it for me.”

“Sumedha journey was for me a pilgrimage that led to a new life, inviting me to be a happy and joyful seeker of God.”

“A very significant transformation journey. I came with a lot of chaos within me. Group therapy, module on Consecrated life and the Spiritual Retreat has transformed me.”

I came troubled. I return with peace. The Sumedha Integration Retreat was a deep God experience.”

“I came broken, wounded, and troubles and wanted healing and peace. I have found both at Sumedha.”

“All the modules blended beautifully. The me that I came and the me that is leaving is a very different person.”

“Very practical modules. Not just theory. Lots of time from reflection. Creative liturgies. Calm and quiet atmosphere.”

“I am immensely enriched by Sumedha Sadhana programme. The facilitators were highly qualified professionals with knowledge and expertise. Competency was the hall mark. Dynamic way of teaching brought home many insights for my onward journey. The programme was excellent, systematic, wholesome, synchronised well to lead to psychospiritual wholeness in a very effective way. The classes have touched, healed and transformed me into a better human being.”

 

“A very enriching experience. All modules relevant, with very competent resource persons. Comfortable stay. Excellent food.”

 “I felt very much at home Every need was taken care of. Wonderful hospitality.”

“Delicious food. Lovely atmosphere.”

“Excellent environment and hospitality.”


 “A unique experience.”

 


Saturday, July 29, 2023

DELUGE AT JHARMARI, PUNJAB: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

July 9, 2023 morning was like any morning at Jharmari, Punjab. By noon however, it was a day unlike any. The whole of Jharmari was deluged. We had some rains the previous day, but nothing unusual. But by 10 am water levels outside Sumedha Centre at Jharmari was rising. We thought the building was safe. But the water level kept rising. We tried to block the water from entering the building. But the effort was futile. Soon there was angle deep water all over the ground floor. We wanted to save at least the carpeted chapel floor. It was useless. Water found its way all over, entering every room and office, the dining hall, the conference hall, therapy rooms, kitchen and store rooms. Water was rushing in from both the front and back of the building

.

We were told some dam had been opened to let out the waters accumulated from torrential rains somewhere else. The rice fields in Jharmari (rice had been planted only a few weeks ago) go inundated. From the day before, we did not have electricity. Main power source had been cut off.  Because of the cloudy skies our solar batteries could not be charged. We could not pump water. The internet failed. There was water up to waist level on the road outside. About 50 feet of the Don Bosco playground wall had collapsed, causing a further rush of water on to the campus.

By eleven pm water began to recede a little. By early next morning around 4.30 the building was cleared of water, but filled with silt.

Fortunately we had sun shine for about an hour and so the solar panels got charged and we were able to pump water for a while. The inverters also got charge a little and worked sometime and fans could run till morning.

On the 10th morning we began the cleaning up operation. The workers who had completed the renovation work at Sumedha only recently and were now working on the Don bosc and the participants of the current Sumedha programme helped. However, soon it was raining and water level rose quite suddenly and even higher than yesterday. The ground floor was inundated again. There was nearly two feet of water within the building. All that was on the ground floor up to that level was drenched in water. That included, clothes, books, documents, photo albums kept in the cupboards. We removed what we could to the first floor. Participants of the ongoing Sumedha Sadhana programme had to take shelter on the first floor.

Gas cylinders and utensils for cooking had to be carried to the first floor. Our cooks were able to cook some “kichdi” and roti. We were not able to go out to get provisions. The road outside had chest deep water in some places. Fortunatley we had some purified drinking water stored in big Bisleri containers.

As on the previous day today too we had water rushing in both through the front door and the kitchen door at the back and water coming up through the sink holes in the bathrooms, as all the surrounding area was saturated with water.

Water began receding on the 11th morning, leaving behind mud, soaked books, papers and clothes. We got some workers to clean up the mess and try salvaging what we could from all that is soaked in the muddy water.

The drying up process is continuing even after nearly 2 weeks.


Some Personal Reflections

Unpleasant things often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. We cope the way can and ty to move on with our lives. But then the worse is still to come. On the second day the water levels rose much higher than the first day – something we did not expect to happen. All our efforts to clean up the previous day’s mess went in vain.

So too in life one bad thing happens, putting our normal routine life out of gear. We deal with it, and feel comfortable again, and then worse things happen. We have one traumatic experience and somehow cope with it, but then it is followed by many other traumatic experiences. I think of those who are abused and battered again and again. How do they cope?

Annie Dillard in “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” observed: “That something is everywhere and always amiss is part of the very stuff of creation.” Yes, we may be aware of it. Bad things do happen. To other people and elsewhere. An event like the deluge remind us that we are not immune. Now we know it happens to us, in the here and now.

 However, God’s provident care follows us in the midst of disaster. As we read in prophet Isaiah “When you pass though the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown” (43, 2)

I witnessed the goodness of people. Adversity brings the best out of us and also brings us together. The workers and the Sumedha participants stepped in on their own initiative and did their best to salvage whatever they could and fully participated in the cleanup operation. I did not hear even once anyone complain of the situation and the inconveniences, but helped one another, tried to keep up one another’s spirits.

As I went through all that was drenched, I also discovered many things that I did not know I had with me, among them some precious photographs. Some of them were damaged beyond redemption. I hope to post on Facebook some of the saved photos that enable me to look back with nostalgia. Perhaps these photos will also bring back the nostalgic memories of some of you who have been part of my life journey.


I also discovered that I had amassed a lot of stuff that I had not used even once and would never use. The flood enabled me to get rid of them and preserve only what is really important. As during the Covid-19, I realised the need to simplify my life, to manage with little and not amass and store lot of stuff - clothes for example. The flood was an invitation to “downward mobility” – managing life with less and less rather than join the bandwagon of “upward mobility” trying to have and use “more and more” and “better and better” stuff.

There is some sadness that I lost somethings precious to me, personally and professionally: some out-of- print books, collection of articles on various topics, some important documents – and some nostalgic photographs. However, I can manage life without these.

As Annie Dillard observed, lot of things are amiss in life, bad things happen. And as I often tell my personal growth workshop participants. “I have no control over anything that happens outside me. I have only control over my response to them and that response is what really matters.”


 "There is sunshine after the rain, 

There is laughter alter the pain!"


I am grateful for the lessons that the deluge taught me.

Jose Parappully

 

Friday, June 30, 2023

ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE AT DON BOSCO.

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, facilitated a workshop on “Enhancing Institutional Excellence” for the staff of Don Bosco Sr. Secondary school, Jharmari, Punjab.

The workshop was held on June 30th at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, situated on thee campus of Don Bosco School.

There were 37 participants.

Dr. Parappully began the workshop with a short meditation and moved on to present what Organizational research shows in regard to factors that enhance institutional excellence.

He then led the group to assess the situation at Don Bosco in the light of the research findings and to commit themselves to actions that will enhance institutional excellence at Don Bosco.

The participants found the workshop immensely useful – “informative and beneficial.”



Thursday, June 22, 2023

MIDLIFE DYNAMICS & THE PSYCHOSPIRITUAL JOURNEY

 Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha centre, was invited to facilitate a seven-day workshop on “Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” by the director of Gyan Deep Bhavan, the Pastoral Centre of the diocese of Jaipur, situated on the campus of the Bishop’s Hose in Jaipur.  

The programme was held from June 13 to 19, 2023.

There were 18 participants – 14 women and four men, including the Director of the Pastoral centre.

The programme was inaugurated by Most Rev. Oswald J. Lewis, the Bishop of Jaipur. In his inaugural address Bishop Lewis emphasised the importance of holistic development of the person, giving due attention to body, mind and spirit dimensions.

In regard to the content of the programme, Dr. Parappully explored with the participants the following: Awakening to Midlife, Midlife Dynamics such as Loss of Meaning and Purpose, Emotional Awareness of Mortality, Sense of Time Restriction, Re-Assessment of Life and its Priorities, De-Illusioning, Emergence or Re-emergence of Sexuality and Intimacy Needs, and Transformational Processes such as Increased Self-Direction, Mourning Our Losses, Integration of Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibacy,  and Atonement.

Participants in their feedback reported that they found the entire programme very relevant for their lives and that they benefitted immensely from it. Several participants gave a 10 out of 10 on the Scale of Usefulness.

Some Comments:

“It was a wonderful journey going within oneself. It has touched the core of my heart. It was such a transforming experience.”

“It was a wonderful course which enlightened me in many ways, cleared many of my doubts.”

“The programme has helped me a lot in my understanding of the journey of midlife. It has taught me how to unburden my baggages of the past and look forward to the future with energy and hope.”

Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey is also part of the “Sumedha Sadhana” Programme offered three times a year at Sumedha Centre.

For the 2024 Sumedha centre programme brochure, please contact at: sumedhacentre@gmail.com