MINI SUMEDHA SADHANA

Sumedha Centre organized a shorter version of the Sumedha Sadhana. This 4-week Mini Sumedha Sadhana was held from August 6 to September 4, 2018.

There were three modules in the programme: “Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey” by Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre; “Current Challenges in Religious Life” by Br. Philip Pinto, Former Superior General of the Christian Brothers; and “Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” by Dr. Johny Dominic, Asst. Director at Sumedha Centre.

There were 10 participants.

Though short, the participants found the programme immensely useful.  Seven of the 10 participants gave a 10 out of 10 on the Degree of Usefulness of this programme. Two gave a 9 and one gave an 8.

Some comments:

“My goal was fulfilled. 10 out of 10.”

“As a whole, the programme, the modules and the module facilitators were very good and had a dynamic way of teaching.”

 “The classes on various topics have touched, healed and transformed me.”

“I enjoyed my stay over here. All the basic needs were provided. I felt at home and happy.”

38th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 38^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness journey - concluded on August 2^nd. This 9-week programme had begun on June 1.

Sumedha Sadhana is a programme of inner journeying together with fellow seekers in quest of greater healing and wholeness, so that one can live more fulfilling and satisfying ways and be more effective in their service to others. A variety of approaches and techniques are used to reach these objectives.

A major portion of the programme was devoted to the exploration of the psychological dynamics affecting one's spiritual journey.

Sumedha Sadhana provided theoretical input as well as opportunities for reflection on experiences and to share them with one another and for personal and common prayer. The serious work of introspection and working thorough of issues affecting one was enlivened by outings and picnics, weekly recreation together and celebrations. Creative liturgies integrating the day's experiences was a prominent feature of the programme.

There were five major modules in this programme: Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey (Jose Parappully PhD); Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey (Johny Dominic, PhD), Cosmic Spirituality (Alba Rodrigues MA, BEd), Group Therapy (Johny Dominic and Jose Parappully), Spiritual Retreat and Integration (Jose Parappully).

The programme was much appreciated by the participants and found immensely useful. Four of the 13 participants gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Degree of Usefulness, and five gave a 9.

Some representative comments:

“Everything was excellent!”

“The programme is very well planned and wholesome. All the facilitators are very well versed in their fields.”

“Everything had a great impact on me.”

“It really helped me to renew myself and my religious commitment.”

“I feel I have become a better human being than before.”

“I came gloomy. Go back happy.”

“I came with confusion, loss of meaning and direction in life…I go back healed, hopeful, heart filled with love.”

“I came here caught up in much darkness. Wanted to be a different person. I had doubts if the programme would help. It did. My goals are fulfilled.”

“The classes were very, very, very good.”

 “A mountain experience. Mission accomplished.”

“I had a beautiful time at Sumedha.”

“Very conducive atmosphere and very beautiful surroundings.”

 “I experienced lot of freedom here, Could go anywhere. No restrictions.”

“Food was very good and nice. Cooks very hospitable, welcoming.”

“Beautiful scenery. Healing atmosphere.”

 “I felt this was a very welcoming community. I felt very much at home.

“I enjoyed my stay here.”

The 39^th Sumedha Sadhana begins on October 1, 2018. Registration open.

37th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 9-week-long 37^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospritual Wholeness Journey - concluded on May 16.  The programme had begun on March 15.

There were 15 participants from India and abroad (Thailand and Malaysia). The participants were extremely satisfied with the programme.

There were four main modules in this programme.

Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey

In the module “Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey” Dr. Jose Parappully explored with the participants the following topics: Holistic and Mature Spirituality, Cultivating Contemplative Prayerfulness, Psychosexual and Spiritual Integration at Midlife and Post-Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey.

Women’s and Feminist Spirituality

In “Women’s and Feminist Spirituality” Dr. Shalini Mulackal explored the meaning and salient characteristics of spirituality from women’s perspective. She helped participants look critically at some of the popular images of traditional Christian spirituality, the process of masculinisation of women’s spirituality, and religion’s subjugation of women.

Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey

In “Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” Dr. Johny Dominic helped participants explore the dynamics behind the helplessness that they often experience in not being able to do what they want and doing what they do not want.  Using concepts from Freudian, Jungian, NLP and Transactional Analysis theories he helped them unleash the powers of the unconscious to facilitate healing and wholeness.

Personality and Spirituality

In “Personality and Spirituality” Dr. Ajoy Fernandes, working from a Jungian perspective, helped participants explore especially their identity and understand their personality type and its implications for their spiritual journey, and helped them move toward greater personal integration by exploring and owning their persona and shadow and integrating their animus/anima.

Group Therapy

Participants were provided opportunity for further healing and transformation through group therapy. In the atmosphere of freedom, caring and trust that the group provided, they were helped to face their brokenness and their fears, their defences and their unhelpful patterns of living and relating, and to move toward greater healing and wholeness by adopting and practising healthier attitudes and behaviours. Johny Dominic and Jose Parappully facilitated this healing and transformational process.

Integrative Retreat

This Sumedha Sadhana concluded with an 8-day spiritual retreat in which participants were able to bring together and integrate all their experiences up to then in prayer and reflection around the Word of God. Jose Parappully facilitated this process.

The Sumedha Process

The process followed in the Sumedha Sadhana was very experiential. It used a four-fold methodology of Input, Introspection, Interaction, and Intercession to provide the participants a greater awareness and understanding of the psychological dynamics operating on their spiritual journey and integrate these to develop a healthier self.

Music, movies, outings and picnics and celebrations made the Sumedha experience very enjoyable, as well as meaningful and fruitful.

Feedback from Participants

Participants in general were extremely satisfied with the programme – the module, the facilitators, the processes followed, and the environment at the Centre. They left the Centre feeling that their goals had been achieved. Some said they received much more than they had expected. Some typical comments:

“The programme was very enriching – the place, the facilitators…. I am very happy and contended. I feel I am renewed and my goal was realized.”

“The programme on the whole took me to my inner depths. Each module was designed to ensure that this journey will take us inward.”

 “The content and the process were very useful because they helped me to understand myself deeply.”

“It was helpful for me to grow spiritually, psychologically and emotionally in daily life.”

 “The Retreat was a powerful God experience and on the whole I think it has made me a compassionate person.”

“As a whole it was a wonderful time of personal discovery and spiritual growth and healing.”

“It was really a rejuvenating time for me.”

“The place, class, liturgy, movies, meditations, therapy, retreat, outings, company of friends all helped me.”

“Excellent, enjoyed!”

The next 9-week Sumedha Sadhana begins on June 1 and concludes on August 2. Just foujr seats left! Those interested, please apply immediately.

PERSONA, SHADOW, THE UNCONSCIOUS AND SPIRITUALITY

Two important and closely-related modules facilitated during April 2018 as part of the 9-week-long (March 15-May 16) Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey" were: 1) the  "Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” facilitated by Dr. Johny Dominic Padinjar, the Assistant Director of Sumedha Centre and 2) “Jungian Perspectives on the Spiritual Journey” facilitated by Dr. Ajoy Fernandes, Director of Prafulta Mental health Services in Matunga, Mumbai.

Johny Dominic helped participants explore the dynamics behind the helplessness that they often experience in not being able to do what they want and doing what they do not want.  Using concepts from Freudian, Jungian, NLP and Transactional Analysis theories he helped them unleash the powers of the unconscious to facilitate healing and wholeness.

Working from a Jungian perspective Ajoy Fernandes helped participants explore especially their identity and understand their personality type and its implications for their spiritual journey, and helped them move toward greater personal integration by exploring and owning their persona and shadow and integrating their animus/anima.

Both these modules and the module facilitators were very much appreciated by the participants. The modules provided participant’s much awareness about themselves, particularly regarding their defense mechanisms and their shadows.

During this period the the General Councilor of the Salesians of Don Bosco for South Asia, Rev. Fr. Maria Aroka Kanaga SDB visited Sumedha Centre. He interacted with the Sumedha Participants and along with them planted a sapling to encourage ecological sensitivity and care – something that is part and parcel of the spirituality explored and practices at Sumedha Centre.

37th SUMEDHA SADHANA COMMENCES

The 37^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey programme commenced at Sumedha Centre, Jeolikote, on March 15^th evening. This 9-week-long programme will conclude in May 16.

There are 15 participants (7 women religious and 8 priests) from different parts of India and abroad.

This is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wholeness. Participants begin from where they are, looking at what is happening on their spiritual journey. They then move on to explore the psychological dynamics that affect their spirituality and integrate them in healthier ways to create more satisfying life patterns and make their ministry/professional work more fulfilling and fruitful.

The first and foundational module of the programme is “Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey.” This module is facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of the Centre.

Topics in this module includes Holistic and Mature Spirituality, Cultivating Contemplative Prayerfulness, Psychosexual and Spiritual Integration at Midlife and Beyond.

The next module is “Unconscious Dynamics & the Spiritual Journey.” This module will be facilitated by Dr. Johny Dominic Padinjar, the Ass. Director of the Centre.

The 38th Sumedha Sadhana commences on June 1, 2018. Seats are available. Registration is open. Those interested please contact the Centre at sumedhacentre@gmail.com  

36th Sumedha Sadhana Concludes

The 36^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey – concluded at Sumedha Centre on December 2. It began nine-weeks earlier on October 1.

There were 15 participants from India, Singapore and Thailand.

There were six different modules in this Sadhana. Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual journey (facilitated by Johny Dominic, PhD), Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey (by Jose Parappully PhD), Stories: Ours, the Universe’s and Jesus’ (by Gerard Alvarez MA), Core Transformation (by Jose Mathew Kuttianimattathil PhD), Group Therapy (by Johny Dominic PhD and Jose Parappully PhD), and Integrative Spiritual Retreat (by Jose Parappully PhD).

Ample time for personal reflection and prayer in a very beautiful and serene natural environment and creative and experiential liturgies helped to interiorise the insights gained in the sessions. There was also time for weekly recreation, movies, and picnics, including one to Delhi and Agra. 

Participants found the programme immensely useful. Comments below indicate the different ways they found the programme beneficial, even unique.

“Sumedha has changed my life. I was at the right place, at the right time.”

“It was a fascinating experience – a long inward journey.”

“It has helped me become a more integrated person.”

“Sumedha was a re-birth. I came with feeling of dryness in my spiritual life. Now God means everything.”

“Each module opened up to me avenues totally unexplored by me before.”

“Every session helped me to go deeper into myself… I go back much happier than when I came.”

“I learned to look at life experiences with new perspectives…. Retreat as desert experience brought profound healing.”

“Helped to gain a deeper experience of God.”

“Helped to find meaning for my religious life. Really experienced God touching me.”

“Experienced a sense of healing.”

“Sumedha is a turning point in my life. Every session was enriching,  an eye opener.”

Sumedha is not a Centre, but a home. I was very happy here.”

“At Sumedha I found a very supportive community.”

“Welcome, hospitality, accommodation, food and services were excellent.”

 The next Sumedha Sadhana is from March 15 to May 16, 2018. Registration is open.