The 39th Sumedha Sadhana -
Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey (October 1- December 2) concluded with a
high level of satisfaction on the part of the participants. Most observed that
they had received much more than what they had hope for. Nine of the participants
gave the programme 10 out 10 on usefulness and five gave a 9. The average
rating was 9.35.
There were
18 participants from different parts of India, from Bangladesh, Myanmar and
Thailand. Among them were five priests and 13 religious women from 11 different
religious congregations and one diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Kolkata.
Fr. Uday D'Souza, the parish priest of Jeolikote, welcomed the participants and gave a short profile of the Jeolikote parish and the Diocese of Bareilly.
Sumedha Sadhana is a programme of inner journeying together with fellow seekers in quest of greater healing and wholeness, so that participants can live their lives in more fulfilling and satisfying ways and be more effective in their service to others.
There were seven modules in this edition of the Sadhana: Spirituality, Early Development, Midlife Transition, Unconscious Dynamics, Core Transformation, Group Therapy and Spiritual Retreat. Participants also had opportunity for individual therapy.
Dr. Jose
Parappully SDB, Director of the Centre, facilitated the modules on spirituality,
early development, midlife transition, group therapy and the retreat.
Dr. Johny
Dominic Padinjar SDB facilitated the “Unconscious Dynamics.” This module explored the
dynamics behind the helplessness that persons 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 Dr. Padinjar helped participants unleash
the powers of the unconscious to facilitate healing and wholeness. He also facilitated
individual and group therapy.
Dr. Jose Mathew Kuttianimattathil SDB facilitated the “Core
Transformation” module. In this module participants
were helped to explore and examine their least liked behaviours, feelings and
responses to move toward the wellspring within them (Core State) which radiates
peace, love and harmony.
The academic programme was enriched by creative liturgies, integration days, weekly recreations, movies, and relaxing outing and picnic.
Participants
expressed great satisfaction with and appreciation for the programme content, process,
organization and the module facilitators.
Comments from the participants:
“I am immensely enriched by the programme…
The facilitators were highly qualified professionals with knowledge and
experience.”
“The programme on the whole was excellent.
Module facilitators were competent, caring and adequately firm and gentle.”
“The programme as a whole was very
excellent, systematic, well planned, well arranged.”
“I came here with certain goals. They
are fully realized. I gained new enthusiasm and passion for life and ministry.
I go back a happy person.”
“My goal was achieved. I give 10 on
the scale.”
“I got more than I expected.”
“Sumedha touched every aspect of my life –
everything was useful. What I wanted I got.”
“I came here to deepen my spiritual
life. Yes, it is realized.”
“I came here feeling very dry. Today my
tree is budding forth green leaves. I feel healed and renewed, ready to bloom.”
“The programme came as rain to remove
my dryness and renew my spirit.”
“My life had become a mess. It is
Sumedha that challenged me to be who I am. Regarding my religious/priestly life
also it challenged me and put me where I was supposed to be.”
“The Sumedha journey helped me to
heal my wounded soul, mend the brokenness of my life. It enabled me to journey
into my innermost and find the wellspring.”
‘Sumedha Sadhana prepared me to
embrace the past, own up the present and plan for the future.”
“The retreat helped me so much to
come close to God, to experience his love. I feel touched by God, healed. My
life is blessed.”
“Search for meaning in life and
deeper spirituality brought me to Sumedha. I have found both. My broken pot is
mended, my heart expanded and I feel more integrated. I return with confidence
and enthusiasm.”
“Reception, hospitality,
accommodation, services and facilities were excellent. I would like to
appreciate specially the food served to us every day. It was indeed
commendable.”
“It was very enriching to stay over here, the warmth, love we experienced from the staff, non-teaching staff and
from each other. All were very hospitable. We felt free to approach and the
accommodation was very good. Everything was provided, the food was abundant and
excellent. I feel very privileged to be here for 9 weeks.”
“The friendly and homelike atmosphere created
by the hosts was beyond my imagination. I enjoyed my stay over at Sumedha, felt
like it is my own home.”
