A VERY FRUITFUL “PSYCHOSIRITUAL WELLBEING IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS” PROGRAMME AT SUMEDHA CENTRE

 The 2^nd “Psychospiritual Wellbeing in the post Midlife years” Programme at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, concluded on the 5^th June. This four-week residential programme commenced on the 9^th May, 2026

There were 7 participants – 6 men and 1 woman (from Brazil).

The programme was based on the book “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond: Pathways to Health and Happiness in the Second Half of Life” authored by Dr Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre. 

The programme content included:

·         An Assessment of the current state of one’s psychospiritual journey

• Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation
• Somatic Meditation
• Holistic and Process Spiritualties
• Awakening to Post-Midlife
• Psychospiritual Dynamics During Post-Midlife years.
• Post-Midlife Journeying  Inward and Outward
• Emotional Awareness of Mortality
• Awareness of Time Limitation
• Assessment of Life and Priorities
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• Post-Midlife Transformational Processes
• De-Illusioning
• Mourning Losses
• Atonement
• A Re-Look at  Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibacy
• Enhancing Interiority
• Attaining Integrity/Wholeness
• Spiritualties for the Post-Midlife Years.

Methodology was very experiential, using a four-fold approach of Input, Introspection, Interaction and Intercession. This was supplemented by Expressive Arts and Dance, Bioenergetics, Yoga, Qigong and creative liturgies.

Course requirement included reading assigned material and writing Journals and time spent in introspection and integration and active participation in group work and sharing of responsibilities.

Life at Sumedha included celebrations and visits to tourist spots and famous town nearby and a full-day group picnic to Chandigarh.

The participants found the programme immensely beneficial and life at Sumedha very satisfying. Some feedback observations:

·         “It was truly a journey inward and journey outward. It helped me get in touch with myself and plan for the future. I feel more connected with myself now and more energetic. I got help to improve my relationships. It was a wonderful programme. Well thought-out and well executed. I received more than I expected.” R. 53 years

·         “It was helpful to integrate my psychological, emotional, spiritual and relational life. It was helpful to develop appropriate intimacy, empathy, listening skills and healthy boundaries. It helped me look honestly at my life journey. It assisted me to accept my past without regrets, live in the present with gratitude, and face the future with hope” J. 56 years

·         “Sumedha is a powerhouse for body, mind and spirit. The programme led me into the core of my being. It touched me deeply. It has opened up some of the dormant or stagnant areas of my life. It has helped me to get rid of some resentment, doubt, fear, rather helped how to deal with these. It has helped me to turn “crisis” into “Kairos.” It has helped me to deal with declining health and strength and stress.” G. 62 Years

·         “I was really surprised that the programme offered me what I was genuinely longing for. It led to an overhauling of my rigid values and convictions, particularly my perfectionism which were destructive to my happiness and my relationships.” J. 65 years.

·         “Sumedha caused a thorough churning within me – backward and forward. I was amazed at the selection of topics. Just at appropriate depth each topic was covered. The process was just right. It was engaging. The facilitator was awesome. Kindness, acceptance, availability was the hallmark of the Centre. What I carry with me as a result is real joy.” J. 68 years

·         “The programme has brought me healing and wellbeing. It really helped me to look into myself and make an evaluation of my life and prepare myself to grow old gracefully. It helped me let go of my rigid values and expectations and accept people as they are. The input sessions were deep.” A. 69 years.

·         “It was providential I came to Sumedha. The programme helped me to reflect on the emotional awareness of mortality and the brevity of time available. It opened my eyes to a broader and deeper understanding of realities and paradoxes of life and their implications for future life. It helped me understand the nuances of various psychological dynamics of and the scope for gaining gracefully.” J. 73 years.

55TH SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 55^th Sumedha Sadhana, the 12-week Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey programme at the Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, concluded on the 1st of May, 2026. It had commenced on February 07, 2026.

There were 14 participant – 9 women, including 2 from Thailand and 5 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is a programme of inner journeying, using insights and practices from psychology, spiritual traditions and social sciences, in search of greater self-awareness, healing and wellbeing.. The following were the major modules of this programme.

The programme has several Modules: Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation; Holistic & Process Spiritualties; Religious & Community Life; Prayer & Meditation; Yoga & Cosmic Spirituality; Personality and Healthy Emotional Life; Unconscious Dynamics, and the Spiritual Journey; Psychological & spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond; Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibate Chastity ; Trauma, Healing & Reconciliation; Breath, Spirit & Wellbeing; Emotional Hygiene; Intensive Group therapy and Spiritual Retreat.

Methodology was very experiential using a four-fold approach of Input, Introspection, Interaction an Interaction.

These processes were enhanced by Bioenergetics, Intensive Journal, Expressive Arts, Breathwork, Yoga, Qigong, Multi-media, Prayer & Meditation practices, Dance, and Sacred Scripture.

There were a celebrations and picnics and weekly recreations to relax the mind and body.

One special event during this programme was the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph, the Patron of Sumedha Centre on 19^th March. This day is also the Foundation day of Sumedha Centre. This year, the 2td. Rt. Rev. Sahaya Thatheus was the Chief Guest at the occasion.  He presided at the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

Another special even was the celebration of the Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil. These were marked by specially created rituals and creative liturgies.

Still another special event ws the visit of the Salesian Provincial of the Province of New Delhi, Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparamben, on April 2nd, which happened to be also the Birthday of Rev. Br. Cyriac Kurias, a staff member at Sumedha Centre.

All the participants found the programme immensely useful. Seven participants gave a 10 on scale of 1-10 for Usefulness (1 meaning Very Little Useful and 10 Immensely Useful); three gave a 9 and three 8. One did not provide a numerical indicator.

Some typical feedback comments are given below.

“My journey at Sumedha was a beautiful, amazing and remarkable one.”

“Sumedha has left an indelible mark on my life journey.”

“Sumedha is the best place for a psychospiritual renewal.”

“I came confused and broken-hearted. One by one the Modules brought clarity and healing. I go back with joy and enthusiasm.”

“I came with no clarity about who I was and what was happening to me. I was able to recognise my brokenness and woundedness and experience healing.”

“The programme helped me grow out of every problem I came with.”

“The programme helped me grow in self-awareness, emotional healing, inner peace and a deeper relationship with God. It also helped me understand myself and others.”

“During my Sumedha Journey I experienced significant inner growth, healing, and clarity of my behaviour patterns, and learned to balance prayer, mission and rest. I feel more integrated and peaceful.”

“What I wanted, I have received. I came sick. I go back healthy.”

“I go back with real joy in my heart.”

“The whole programme was holistic, meaningful and very enriching. All the Modules were relevant and well-organized.”

 “The programme was well-structured and holistic, integrating psychological and spiritual dimensions beautifully.”

“I received more than I expected.’

 “The whole atmosphere was conducive for the inner

 journey.”

“I felt safe, warm, welcomed.”

“The food was nourishing, and the environment very peaceful.”

“The service was excellent. I was very impressed.”

The next Sumedha Sadhana is from June 13 to September 04, 2026. For information and registration contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

Workshop on Post-Midlife Wellbeing

 Dr Jose Parappully, Director of the Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, facilitated a three-day workshop on “Post-Midlife Wellbeing” for a group senior Jesuits of the Karnataka Province from 9 to 11 January 2026, at Prerana- Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Bangalore.

There were 21 participants, aged between 50 and 60years.

The content of the Workshop was based on Parappully book, “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.”

All the participants said in their closing feedback that they found the Workshop very useful for them at this stage of their life. They were able to understand the dynamics occurring in them at this period and plan for the future, making necessary adjustments to age gracefully, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of society. They found the topics and the methodology used very apt and helpful.

Some comments from the participants are given below.

“This workshop was very useful. Very appropriate at this stage of my life. Made me reflect on my own life. Some aspects of my life need attention. Your presentation was very good and meaningful. It was like a retreat. Spiritually rich.”

“I feel very good. It was an excellent workshop to do an honest introspection and accept certain realities of my life non-judgmentally. I could relate several topics to my own life experience.”

 “I feel very happy about topics dealt these three days. Benefit is I’m aware of many things which will help me specially now to prepare myself to enter into evening of life. It’s a road map for my future years.

 “The workshop helped me to slow down and take a note of my present state of spiritual well-being. It showed me areas that I need to focus on, and the attitudes, perspectives that I need to nurse.”

“The workshop was informative, experiential helpful to look into myself. It showed me how to grow gracefully, what way I need to pay attention to my inner self, behaviour and attitudes, the need to move from activism to becoming a compassionate person.”

“I am happy that I attended this workshop. There was enough time to reflect, pause, and interiorise the input. Deep-down I felt very positive and good. It was extremely beneficial for my growth at this stage of my life.”

“I am extremely happy that I attended this workshop. It has helped me to accept certain aspects of my life like loneliness, inability to concentrate as before, slowing down. Being aware of these aspects I would be able to do better in life.”

“I feel happy and enhanced – psychologically, spiritually, and socially, feel energised/strengthened. All religious/priests should go through this workshop for a better tomorrow in their lives.”

 “It was a good three days spent reflecting on my past and looking into my likely future. Relaxing and insightful. Felt rejuvenated and assured of my self as I move into the slower side of life. It opened up a lot of dimensions and layers of my life for me, and possibilities to look into, contemplate.”

“It was excellent. It brought lots of awareness and insights into my life. I befitted a lot to understand myself, to develop my own post-midlife spirituality, and to prepare myself for the sunset years of my life.

“Dr Parappully is excellent. He is well-read, resourceful. His content is well-researched. His insights are great.”

                                                                                **********

Dr. Parappully’s next workshop is for the Salesians of the Hyderabad Province at their Provincial House from February 3-5, 2026

SUMEDHA OUTREACH: ONE-DAY WORKSHOP IN KOLKATA

 Dr Jose Parappully, Director OF Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, was invited to conduct a one-day workshop on the topic “Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity” for a group of Salesian Sisters in their 30’s and 40’s. There were 43 participants.

The programme was organized by the FMA Province of Kolkata at its Provincial House in Dum Dum, Kolkata on 5^th October, 1925.

The workshop content included The Dynamics of Midlife, especially the Emergence or Re-Emergence of Sexuality and Intimacy needs, Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy. Celibate Chastity and Celibate Friendship and Heterosexual Attachment Dynamics.

The workshop was highly interactive, with ample time for participants to introspect and share in groups their response and reaction to the topics explored in the light of their own personal experiences of these.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful. They were able to resonate with the topics explored as these reflected their own experiences of sexuality, celibacy and intimacy.

Twenty three of the 43 participants gave a perfect 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness.

Some typical comments;

“The workshop was most useful for me because it made me reflect more about my state of life especially on chastity, relationships and friendships, and celibate loneliness.” (Age 42)

 “I realised that many of the topics explored are in line with my own experiences. It has helped me to understand myself better and also to assess my approach towards my struggles in the past. Now I have been enlightened to face my inner struggles which I couldn’t share openly with others before.” (Age 47)

 “It was useful because it was very interesting, and interactive and it is related to our own life which we face everyday of life.” (Age 39)

“It helped me to review my life and change for the better.” (Age 44)

“It helped me to overcome my past life of pain.” (Age 40)

“Sharing was very enriching and gave me the realization that I am not the only one experiencing these struggles.” (Age 38).

”It was a clear presentation that I could understand easily.” (Age 24)

“Many examples throughout the presentation helped me to understand things in a better way.” (Age 41)

The topics explored in this one-day workshop 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

 

 

HELPING SURVIVORS HEAL FROM THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE.

 

37 religious women and men and priests participated in a training workshop on “Protection of Minors from Sexual Abuse (POCSO” and “Helping Survivors to Heal from the Effects of Sexual Abuse.”

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, facilitated this five-day workshop at the National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. Participants were doing a 9-month Diploma Course on Religious and Priestly Formation and Counselling Skills.

This Training  Workshop was held from October 13-17, 2025.

Feedback from the participants showed that all found the workshop immensely useful.  24 of them gave perfect 10 out of 10 on Usefulness of the Workshop for them personally. Four gave a 9. Six gave an 8 and 3 gave a 7.

Some typical comments:

“I would like to give a 10- “Immensely Useful” because this is the first time I got detailed awareness about POCSO Act 2012, and related topics., especially Trauma of Sexual Abuse and its Effects, and Approaches to Healing.” F 28

“I learned many things I was ignorant about, such as professional boundaries, the importance of human formation.” M. 37

“I was ignorant about many things. Through this class I am enriched and enlightened.” F. 35

“It gave me skills and means to support those who have been abused.” M. 43

“The programme was very useful. I really liked it so much.” F. 33

 “Through this class I came to know many aspects of trauma, how sexual abuse can affect the person. I learned about POCSO.” M. 29

“When I came here I was deeply troubled because many of my candidates had been sexually abused. I had many doubts about how to help them. Now my doubts are cleared and I feel confident.” F. 40

“The relevant studies, videos, detailed explanation by the facilitator were very apt. It provided clarity on the topic. I feel it my privilege that such a scholar taught me this subject. I am happy to be a student of such an Enlighted person. ” M. 40

 

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS

 The first “Health & Happiness in the Post Midlife Years – Aging gracefully” programme at Sumedha Centre Jharmari concluded on the 13^th September. This 4-week-long residential programme had commenced on the 17^th August, 2025.

The programme was based on the book “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond: Guide Posts for a Healthy and Happy Second Half of Life, “authored by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre.

The content of the programme included: Self-Awareness; Awakening to Post-Midlife; Psychospiritual Dynamics at Post-Midlife; Transformational Processes, and Spirituality for the Post-Midlife years.

The process was experiential. Besides input there were much time devoted to introspection, journaling and Expressive Arts, Sharing Circles and somatic meditations. Relevant movies, videos and songs helped to better understand the dynamics as they played out in the lives of people. There was also time for fun, to relax together.

All participants expressed great appreciation for the programme. They all observed that they had benefitted immensely from the programme. It had truly helped them, providing insights and practices to make their post-midlife years healthy and happy.

Some comments from the participants.

“The programme was very helpful to understand that there is in the post- midlife years a great opportunity to make life better. It provided me all the ingredients needed for aging gracefully.” Bhasker

 “I found this course much useful for me. It provided me new insights with regard to aging gracefully and has helped me understand and live the post-midlife spirituality. The topic “Burnout” was an eye-opener.” Deepak

“The programme helped me slow-down and reflect on my life, deepening my awareness of the connection between body-mind and spirit. It provided deep insights into the inner shifts that occur at midlife.  It offered practical tools for aging gracefully. The importance of both psychology and spirituality in this process was enlightening. The programme taught me to see post-midlife not as decline, but a time to live more meaningfully.” George

“I benefitted a lot through the insightful inputs, the introspection, the journaling and the sharing. These helped me to go back over the way I had lived so far and decide to make changes so that I will not repeat the mistakes of the past that led to burnout.” Jose

 “The programme on the whole was well designed and executed. It exceeded my expectations. The rich, relevant and well-researched inputs, the meditations and reflections helped me to see my life in perspective, accept my past journey as unique and plan my years ahead to be spent in gratitude and praise. The somatic exercises made my body flexible, and I feel healthier and more energetic.” Thomas

The next “Health and Happiness” programme is from May 09 to June 05, 2026.  Registration is open. Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com.

 

 

EMPTINESS, HOPELESSNESS, DARKNESS -- AND THEN A BURST OF LIGHT AND LIFE!

       GOOD FRIDAY

On that fateful Good Friday, so many years ago,  the story had apparently ended. Whatever hopes Jesus of Nazareth had evoked in his disciples and those around him, are shattered. Remember the words of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24, 21): “We had hoped…..” They had hoped  that this Jesus was the one who would set them free from the tyranny of Rome, and of the priests and the Rabbis. But that afternoon they had seen him hanging there on the cross, brutally killed for his attempt to create a new society. They saw him dead and buried. Hope had turned to despair.

HOLY SATURDAY

Holy Saturday is like a dead end, a time when nothing seems to be happening, when one sees no light at the end of the tunnel. Good Friday looks like the end of the story. But not really. The story will continue, although there is nothing to indicate that. There is only an aching emptiness, a painful silence.

But all that will change.

Holy Saturday is the in-between time – between something old dying and something new emerging. Holy Saturday is the time between the seed falling to the ground and dying and then germinating new life. 

EASTER SUNDAY

Light appears at the end of the tunnel. Death is conquered. Despair turns to wonder. The silence and gloom of Holy Saturday is shattered in a blaze of glory. Out of darkness streams of colour break forth - in the dazzling brightness of  the Resurrection.

There is death. But there is also re-birth.

As a popular song says, “there is sunshine after the rain, there is laughter after the pain.”  

.........

When have we felt life to be a long, long Holy Saturday, when we felt like we have reached a dead end – with no way forward, no light at the end of the tunnel? …. And then surprised – at the happy turn of events? 

 May your Good Fridays and Holy Saturdays turn to Easter Sundays!

51st SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 51^st Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the last of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 14^th December. This 12-week  programme had begun on 22^nd September. There were 9 participants – 6 women and 3 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing. This programme is offered three times a year.

The topics in this 51^st edition included: Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual journey, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Breath Spirit and Wellbeing, Emotional Hygiene, Challenges to Consecrated Life, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Intensive Group Therapy. The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat.

Moments of deep reflection and introspection were interspersed with  qigong, yoga,  recreation, dance, expressive arts, movies, birthday celebrations and picnics – fun and laughter.

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Four of the participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, and three gave a 9.

Some illustrative comments:

·         “The programme is indeed great. Hats off to Sumedha! I am renewed, revived, rejuvenated. I came with anxiety. I go back bubbling with joy. I enjoyed every moment here.”

·         “I came disgruntled with life. I felt I was in bondage, struggling with lots of negativity. Here I learned to love myself and celebrate my life.”

·         “I have overcome those inner struggles that I was going though. I could let out grief and sadness and experience mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

·         “I came here with lots of fear and sorrow. I return with courage and confidence. I experienced healing. Good atmosphere and environment.”

·         “Topics are well covered, modules are well chosen, we were happy with the facilitators, process followed were also good.”

·         “I came with fear and anxiety, restlessness. Here I gained lots of awareness which enriched me. I feel liberated. I am physically and emotionally healed. I am going back renewed, energised, with hope, with a desire to share my life.”

“    "The psychospiritual wholeness journey helped me to journey within myself through the various modules. Sumedha gave me an opportunity to understand myself better. I feel revived, experienced healing and wholeness. The module facilitators were good and experienced persons, well-informed and knowledgeable.”  

·         “I was very much welcomed here. I experienced homely atmosphere. Food was good. I will miss it in my community. Very good accommodation. Nice place to live in. Friendly atmosphere. I liked the community spirit. All the services were provided.”

·         “I have not experienced anywhere else sessions of this sort. I am very happy.”

 

The module facilitators were: Johny Dominic Padinjar PhD, Joe Kokandathil PhD, Jose Parappully PhD, Philip Pinto MA. B.Ed, Thomas KC Kurianthanam MPh.

2025 Sumedha Sadhana Schedule:

SS-52: February 9 – May 3

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Registrations for the 2025 programmes are open: Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

See also our webpage: https://sumedhacentre.org