SUMEDHA OUTREACH - TWO WORKSHOPS FOR KARNATAKA JESUITS

 Workshop on PSYCHOSPIRITUAL DYNAMICS AT MIDLIFE FOR KARNATKA JESUITS

45 Jesuits of the Karnataka Province attended a Three- day workshop on Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife in two batches. In the first batch there were 27 participants in the second 28 participants. The workshop was held at Prerana- Jesuit Spirituality Centre at Bangalore from 21 to 26 October.

Dr Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, facilitated the Workshops.

Topics covered included: Awakening to Midlife; Loss and Recovery of Meaning and Purpose; Midlife Questioning; Midlife Journeys; Emotional Awareness of Mortality; Reassessment of Life and Priorities; De-Illusioning; Loneliness; Sexuality and Intimacy; Boundary Violations; Celibacy and Chastity; Friendship.

These topics were based on Dr Parappully’s recently published book: “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.”

Feedback from the First Group

The feedback from the participants indicate that they had found the workshop – content and methodology -- followed very useful.

On scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness of the Programme, one representing “Very little useful” and 10 representing “Immensely useful” the participants in the first Workshop gave the following grades:

Nine participants gave a perfect 10 out of 10. Three gave a 9. Ten gave an 8. Three gave 3, one 6 and another 5.

Some typical comments from the First Group

“It was very useful to discover some of them areas I am struggling with.” Age. 44.

“What was most useful was the way the programme was conducted. It had sharing, reading, discussions, which helped me to understand the content better. All content from beginning till end was useful.”  Age 44

“In terms of my knowledge and understanding of midlife transformation, the sessions were very informative and thought provoking.” Age 41.

“The course has provided me with innumerable insights into midlife journey.” Age. 41

“It helped me to reflect on myself. It clarified a number of questions. It deepened my thirst to explore more.” Age 40

“The workshop created an awareness in me, clarified my doubts and widened my horizon on the transitions taking place during midlife.”  Age 41

“Personally I feel grateful because it helped me to see many aspects of my own life closely.” Age 43

 

Feedback from the second group

Five participants gave 10 out of 10 on usefulness, six gave 6, nine gave 8, and 2 gave 2. (6 participants had to leave early and was not present for the feedback session.

Some typical comments

“Well structured, thought provoking. Lots of insights on the afternoon of life.” Age 45.

“It was quite an eye-opener for me. What I liked most is that it was a sort of evaluation of life for me. … A lot of scope was given for personal reflection, and sharing in which we could express ourselves. Your answers to questions were also very appropriate and to the point.” Age 62.

 “This programme was useful, insightful, informative an enriching. It clarified many of my doubts and answered many questions regarding midlife and its different aspects. It opened up my horizon and accept and reconcile with my midlife transition.” Age 44.

“I found this programme very timely and apt. I have benefitted immensely from it. I could see the many examples from the book reflected in my own life. I got insights as to how to proceed from now on.” Age 45.

 “I liked the personal reflection, group discussions, the relaxed time-table. These things helped me to go through these 3 days’ of seminar in a very peaceful and meaningful manner. I am now personally equipped with a new way of looking at my life, my relationships, with people, my ministry, etc.” Age 49.

“All the sessions were very useful and thought provoking. It was a time for me to know myself and to see where I stand, what precautions I need to take an be vigilant when it comes to the aspect of friendships.” Age 45.

“I got newer perspectives on religious life. It helped me to know at a deeper level my past and present and reclaim and renew my present and future. It helped to reconcile with my past and purify my friendships. It invited me to give priority to God, community and ministry. I felt invited to cultivate healthy friendships.” Age 43.

 

The topics explored in these three-day workshops are dealt with in greater detail and depth during the 12-week “Sumedha Sadhana - A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey” conducted at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab.

The next programme is from February 07 to May 01, 2026. For a brochure and other details please contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com