Sumedha Outreach –Thailand 2018. 4. Bangkok SPIRITUAL RE-AWAKENING IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS

The fourth invited programme Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha, conducted in Thailand this year was also at Bangkok.

This programme entitled “Spiritual Re-Awakening in the Post Midlife years” was for the Infant Jesus Sisters. Thirty two Sisters including the Provincial Superior, Sr. Jane, participated. Most of these sisters were over 60 years. It was held on 17 and 18^th February.

The first day’s programme was held at the Provincialate of the St. Gabriel Brothers. Dr. Parappully explored with the sisters the psycho-spiritual dynamics of the post midlife years and proposed a spirituality that respects the dynamics of these years.

This included a Spirituality of Diminishment, Spirituality of Slowing Down, Contemplative Spirituality, Spirituality of Gratitude and a Spirituality of Mentoring.

The second day’s programme was held at the Provincial House of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Bangkok. On this second day Dr. Parappully explored with the sisters how Lent can be a time for spiritual Re-Awakening, by entering the metaphoric desert with Jesus to experience “Wilderness” and “Paradise” – to encounter one’s on “Inner Demons” and intimacy with God around the Word of God.

Two spiritual practices recommended for this spiritual re-awakening were Centering Prayer and the Lectio Divina. Both the practices were explained to the sisters and they had time to practice them.

Sumedha Outreach –Thailand 2018. 3. TEACHERS’ PROGRAMME: MEDITATIVE PRACTICES AND SELF-AWARENESS

The third invited programme that Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre conducted in Thailand this year was at Bangkok, the capital city.

It was for the teachers of the Holy Infant Jesus Convent School on 16^th February. Seventeen  teachers including the Manager of the School, Sr. Jane, participated.

The programme focused on personal growth of the teachers and was entitled: “Enhancing Personal and Professional Efficacy Through Meditative Practices and Self-Awareness.”

Keeping with the topic time was devoted to learning and practicing Meditation and Meditative Prayer, especially Centering Prayer, and growing in Self-Awareness through reflection on one’s life journey with the help of the video film “River Mee.”

A fourfold approach of Input, Introspection, Interaction and Intercession was followed.

Participants recognized the necessity of taking quiet time for themselves in their busy day for personal and professional effectiveness. They found Meditation and Centering Prayer very useful tools.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 4 &5

The Director of Sumedha Centre, Jose Parappully, was invited by the Congregation of Infant Jesus in Thailand to animate two programmes there.

Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.

The first was for 29 Senior Sisters of the Congregation on 29^th February and March 2. The theme of the programme was “Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.”

On the first day, Dr Parappully presented the psychological Dynamics of the post midlife years and their impact on one’s spiritual journey.

The second day focused on “Graceful Aging.” Parappully presented latest research data on successful aging and provided practical strategies and tools to help the participants to find meaning, satisfaction and enjoy good physical and mental health.

He also presented the characteristics of a “Holistic Spirituality for the Post-Midlife Years.”

Participants found the two days’ programme very meaningful and useful.

Educating with the Heart

The second programme on March 2^nd was for the teachers of the Infant Jesus Convent School, an institution that offers vocational training for young women.

Fourteen teachers participated along with the Manager of the School, who is also the Provincial of the Congregation in Thailand.

The theme of this one-day Workshop was: “Educating with the Heart.”

 Dr. Parappully presented the psychological dynamics of late adolescence and early adulthood and some useful guidelines that help teachers deal more effectively with the emotional reactions of students.

Teachers had the opportunity to reflect on the way they handle their own and the student’s emotional responses, share them in groups and come up with some concrete action plan to enhance their relationship with students.