The first Sumedha Sadhana (70-Day Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey) for 2012 commenced on March 01. For the first time in 10 years all the participants are women. Sixteen of them, from India
Jose Parappully facilitated the beginning module –Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey. Jose helped participants to look at what is going on in their lives at this juncture of their psychospiritual journey. He helped them to explore their spirituality and recall their childhood experiences and how they impact them currently, using Eriksonian and Attachment theories of development. He also explored midlife dynamics and their impact on their spiritual journey.
Joe Mannath explored Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy. He helped participants understand the nature of human sexuality and the meaning of celibate chastity and suggested means to integrate them in such a way that they are able to give a serene and life-giving witness to the world.
Ajoy Fernandes explored the issue of Identity, using especially Jungian perspectives. Participants were able to discover their psychological type and how that type impacts their spirituality and their relationships. He explained the Jungian concepts of animus/anima, persona and shadow and through experiential exercises helped participants to recognise them and integrate them within themselves.
Gerard Alvarez focused on the spiritual dimension of the programme. Through rituals and experiential exercises he helped participants to understand spirituality from new perspectives. Using insights from Sacred Scripture and the New Cosmology
He also helped them to look at and live their religious commitment with new perspectives and renewed vision,
The programme will continue for another 40 days. The modules that remain include Feminist and Women’s Spiritualities, facilitated by Shalini Mulackal; Befriending Our Emotions, facilitated by M. Goretti Kanakarathinam; Trauma and Healing, facilitated by Agnes Panikulam, and Group Therapy, facilitated by Peter Lourdes and M. Goretti Kanakarathinam. The programme concludes on May 9 with a six-day Spiritual Retreat, directed by Jose Parappully.
There are two more Sumedha Sadhana programmes offered this year. 1) May 22 – July 30, and 2) September 25 – December 03. A few seats are still available for these two programmes.
For further information contact the centre: sumedhacentre@gmail.com
