SUMEDHA SADHANA #17 CONCLUDES

The 17^th Sumedha Sadhana (Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey) concluded today. This 42-day programme commenced on May 20^th. There were 19 participants, of whom four were priests and the others religious women, coming from different parts of the country and returning missionaries from abroad.

The bulk of the programme consisted of “The Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey” which covered topics such as developmental theory, holistic, mature and process spiritualities, prayerfulness, identity, sexuality, celibacy and intimacy, sexual abuse, generativity, and integrity. Films and music, relevant inputs, sharing in small and big groups, somatic meditations, and  inspiring and creative liturgies enriched the exploration and experience of these topics. Two other major modules were group therapy and the spiritual retreat with which the programme concluded.

Participants were immensely satisfied with the programme. Thirteen of the 19 participants gave it a perfect “10” on a scale of 1 to 10 on usefulness. Four gave a score pf “9”. One gave “7” and another “6.”Eighteen of the nineteen participants said that they got what they had been looking for from the programme and many said they received much more than they had expected.

Comments from participants give some idea about the quality and usefulness of the Sumedha Sadhana programme.

 “It provided me the renewal I was looking for. I go back energised” (Fr. Andrew). “The programme was a ‘miracle’ in my life. It helped to put my life in order” (Fr. Mateus). “I came fearful. I go back happy. The course was excellent” (Sr. Priya). “It was for me an experience of healing and transformation. Though I had made many retreats, the retreat that ended the programme was very special” (Sr. Olga). “I landed up here burned out. I go back renewed and replenished. The programme was a blend of practical, intellectual, spiritual and psychological learning” (Sr. Preetha) “The purpose of my coming is fulfilled. The classes really helped me” (Fr. Michael). “I feel nurtured” (Sr. Stella).

“The course here had a depth I didn’t find in other courses I attended. I am going to ask the Provincial to send more sisters here” (Sr. Jyothi). “I really enjoyed myself. The friendly atmosphere really helped. I have experienced lots of transformation. I wish I had attended this programme 10 years ago” (Sr. Rekha). “The psychology here was different from what I had experienced elsewhere. It had so much more depth, and so well integrated with spirituality. The retreat was the climax for me here. I realised what I need to do” (Sr. Vandana). “I got much more than what I expected. Each and every topic was so relevant and presented with such clarity” (Sr. Rosy). “I discovered my identity. It awakened in me the energy and enthusiasm I had lost” (Sr. Alma). “What helped me most was the spiritual retreat. It helped me really experience God” (Sr.  Anita).

“The place is so beautiful. I enjoyed the Liturgy the best. I regained my spontaneity. The spiritual experience was really good.” (Sr. Shanti “The liturgy was so nourishing. I enjoyed the little responsibilities given to us. Group therapy was really a transformative experience” (Sr. Lalitha). ). “I appreciated the freedom to move around. No restrictions. I could go deeper into myself than at any of the other courses I have attended” (Sr. Ruby).

 “Over all, the psycho spiritual wholeness journey was a unique experience for me. It helped to give meaning to my vocation” (Sr. Seema). “I came here a sad person. I go back a happy person” (Sr. Sunitha).

“I felt homely hospitality” (Fr. Arogya). “I felt very much at home here. The hospitality and services were very good. All things were provided. And the rooms were quite spacey and clean.” (Fr. Andrew). “Food, accommodation, hospitality were very good. Really I enjoyed everything here. We received more than what we require” (Sr. Stella). “Hospitality, food, accommodation, and services were excellent” (Sr. Lalitha).

NEXT SUMEDHA SADHANA: OCTOBER 01 – NOVEMBER 29, 2011

2012 PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

2012 Programmes

1.   Sumedha Sadhana (A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey) –   (70 days).

     March 01 – May 09

2.   Sumedha Sadhana (A Psychospiritual      Wholeness Journey) –   (70days)

May 22-July 30

3.  Midlife Dynamics & the Spiritual Journey- (15 days).

     August 17 – 31.

5.  Sumedha Sadhana (A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey) – (70 days).

     September 25 – December 03

Sumedha Sadhana

Course Description: 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 healthy ways to create more satisfying and more productive life patterns.

Course Content: Holistic & Process Spiritualities; Cosmic, Creation, Women’s & Feminist Spiritualities; Religious & Community Life; Prayer & Prayerfulness; Personality & Healthy Emotional Life; Midlife Dynamics & the Spiritual Journey; Identity & Vocational Commitment; Intimacy, Celibacy & Sexuality; Generativity, Stress & Burnout; Integrity, Shadows & Subpersonalities; Trauma, Healing & Reconciliation; The Universe story, Jesus Story and Our Story -- are some of the major topics that will be explored. Special place is given to group therapy where participants have the opportunity to face their brokenness and fears, their unhelpful patterns of living and relating and move on to healing and wholeness. The programme concludes with a directed retreat.

Tools & Techniques: Insights from Christian faith and wisdom traditions, various psychological theories of development, as well as experiential tools and techniques from Psychosynthesis, Intensive Journal, Expressive Arts, multi-media, prayer & meditation practices, and Sacred Scripture are used to explore and enhance one’s psychospiritual journey.

Faculty

Agnes Panikulam MA (Trauma & Healing). Ajoy Fernandes PhD (Jungian Approaches to Self-Awareness). Gerard Alvarez MA (The Universe Story, Jesus Story, Our Story – and the Word). Godfrey D’Sa MA, PGDC (Group Therapy). Joe Mannath PhD (Sexuality, Celibacy& Intimacy). Jose Parappully PhD (Therapy, Psychological and Midlife Dynamics, Mature Spirituality, Religious and Community Life, Trauma & Healing, Retreat). M. Goretti Kanakarathinam MS (Group Therapy, Befriending Our Emotions.) MC Abraham PhD (Group Therapy). Peter Lourdes, PhD (Therapy, Retreat). Shalini Mulackal PhD (Feminist& Women’s Spiritualities)

 (Participant Age limit: 30-58 years)

Midlife Dynamics & the Spiritual Journey

During midlife the meaning question looms large on our psychic horizon: What does it all mean, anyway? The quest for meaning leads to an inward journey through which we seek to embrace our self at new levels of awareness. We make a journey into the past to reconcile unresolved issues. We turn our eyes to the future, to consider how we want to live out the rest of our lives. Midlife is a time when we question our “dream”—who we wanted to be, what we wanted to accomplish. It is a time when we question our commitments and consider their impact on our past, present and future. Sexuality, which has often been repressed, rears its head and makes itself felt, often in troubling ways. Longing for a close relationship is awakened or intensifies. Our body experiences drastic hormonal changes. Emotional awareness of one’s own mortality presents life in new perspectives. These dynamics of midlife have a profound impact on our self-concept and our spiritual journey

Course Content: At this workshop we shall explore these psychological dynamics so as to deepen and enrich our spiritual journey. We will particularly explore four midlife issues identity (who we are), intimacy (the role of affectivity and sexuality in our lives) generativity (how we work and nurture future generations), and integrity (how we make sense of the whole of our life). We will explore spirituality, religious life, aging and emotional well-being, sexuality and celibacy, our hurts and our shadows in the context of shifting midlife perspectives and experiences.

Tools and Techniques: In this endeavour we will use the insights from various psychological theories of development, and from the medical sciences. Our inner process at this workshop will be enhanced by the exploratory and healing techniques of the Intensive Journal, Psychosynthesis, and Expressive Arts and the power of meditation and prayer. (Participant Age Limit: 30-60 years)

Facilitator: Jose Parappully, SDB, PhD

SUMEDHA CENTRE HOSTS EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

Sumedha Centre hosted an Educational Seminar for the Diocese of Bareilly.

Thirty five priests of the Barelly Diocese along with their Bishop, Most Rev. Anthony Fernandes, spent 5 days (May 15-19) at Sumedha Centre, Jeolikote exploring educational objectives and strategies in the diocese.

The exploration was guided by Fr. Kuriala Chittatukulam SDB, the Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Education & Culture.

The first three days were spent in the presentation of the All-India Catholic Education Policy – 2007, co-authored by Fr. Chittatukulam and Fr. Joe Armpoor SDB, and assessing the situation in the diocese in reference to the Policy.

The fourth and fifth days were spent in drawing up some concrete plans to implement in the context of the diocese the objectives and strategies recommended by the Educational Policy.

The Educational Seminar was enriched by the inputs of Fr. Chittatukulam and the meaningful Liturgy with which each day began, as well as the much appreciated hospitably offered by Sumedha Centre. 

ANOTHER SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

April was very eventful at Sumedha Centre.

Group Therapy

On the 2^nd group therapy commenced. Participants of the Sumedha Sadhana were divided into two groups for therapy. One group was led by Dr. Peter Lourdes (counselling and somatic psychotherapist based Kolkata) and the other by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of the Centre and a clinical psychologist. For a number of Sumedha participants, group therapy was the most useful of all the modules offered in Sumedha Sadhana.

Participants were prepared for Group therapy with a module “Befriending Our Emotions” facilitated by M. Goretti Kankarathinam. She explored some of the major emotions, the role they play in our psychological and spiritual integration and how to express them appropriately and helpfully.

Visitors

The day group therapy concluded that is, the 11^th, Sumedha Centre had two important visitors, Dr. Robert Rosenbaum and his friend Robin Boustead. Dr. Rosenbaum was Professor of Psychology at the Californian Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, when Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, was pursuing his doctoral studies there. Later Dr. Rosenbaum became Jose’s graduate student advisor, internship supervisor and chairperson of his dissertation committee. Dr. Rosenbaum and Robin were on their way to trek in the Himalayas (A 100-day long trek!) and kindly accepted to visit the Centre and stay for a day and night on Jose’s invitation.

Picnic to the Lakes

The day following the conclusion of group therapy all the participants of Sumedha Sadhana packed themselves into a bus and went on a picnic to the lakes. They first visited Naukuchiatal (The Nine-Cornered Lake) where trees growing over the lake waters gave the Sumedhans the joy of climbing on them, though the risk of falling into the lake was very much there. Guess group therapy had made them bold!

After snacks (the ginger tea was wonderful) at a local tea shop they proceeded to Sat Tal (Seven Lakes) via Bhimtal (Bhim’s Lake). Sitting at the lake front at Sat Tal, they had the picnic lunch. The eagerly awaited boat ride in the lake didn’t happen as the rains started to come down after lunch and the boatwallas shut their shop and went home. So, the Sumedhans too came home, relaxed and buoyant, experiencing a further deepening of the bonding that had happened during group therapy.

Holy Week Retreat  

A unique feature of Sumedha Sadhana this time was that the last week of the programme coincided with Holy Week which was spent in silent retreat directed by Jose Parappully. Conclusion of Sumedha Sadhana was celebrated at Easter Vigil with an enriched Vigil Liturgy.

Concluding Day

Sumedha Sadhana concluded on Easter Monday. The day began with a fantasy and dance meditation accessing Inner Wisdom in sacred space symbolically created by the participants and led by Jose Parappully.

Later in the day each participant shared an integrated narrative of their Sumedha Experience (some of which we hope to post on this blog later) using creative collages.

Just as Sumedha Sadhana commenced 60 days earlier with a Eucharist at which the participants of Sumedha Sadhana were introduced to the themes of Sumedha through the Emmaus story, so too it concluded with the Eucharist at which the Emmaus story again provided a wonderful metaphor for the Sumedha experience.

Earlier Modules

This Sumedha Sadhana commenced on February 25, with 18 participants (five priests and 13 nuns) coming from different parts of Indian and abroad. The modules last month included Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully, Psycho-Sexual and Celibate Integration, facilitated by Dr. Joe Mannath, and Jungian Perspectives on Self-Awareness, facilitated by Dr. Ajoy Fernandes.

Participants’ Comments

“The entire programme is systematically planned and meticulously carried out. A very holistic programme which has brought me lots of integration” P. Pragash, Assistant Professor of English.

 “Very useful for my personality development, both spiritual and psychological. It was a community living experience.” M. Sebastian, Parish Priest.

“Therapy was most useful because it helped me to overcome my fear and anxiety and I learned to handle certain issues and problems we face in life.” M. Fernandes, Social Worker.

“Sumedha made me grow. I saw my life reflected in all the classes. As I leave, I feel so happy within myself.” C. Kanlaya, Parish Assistant

“I found this programme of Sumedha has touched all the areas of my psychospiritual journey… All the modules were useful and they have helped to integrate myself, bringing healing and transformation…. The module that was most useful to me personally is midlife dynamics. ” R. Corte, School Principal.

“It is a well planned, organised and substantial programme…Hospitality, accommodation, food, facilities and services were very good. Felt at home. I came here at the right time in my life and I am so glad I came. It has been a profound spiritual journey.” Sujita, Medical Practitioner.

Next Sumedha Sadhana

Sumedha Sadhana is offered two more times this year – May 20- June 30, and October 01 to November 29. Fro more information, contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

JUNGIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SELF-AWARENESS

“Jungian Perspectives on Self Awareness” was the Sumedha Sadhana module that was completed last week. It was facilitated by Fr. Ajoy Fernandes SDB. Fr. Ajoy is a clinical psychologist holding a doctoral degree from De La Salle University, Manila, and the Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai.

Fr. Ajoy’s module was highly appreciated by the participants. He began by helping the participants to identify their psychological type and then explained dominant, auxiliary, tertiary and inferior functions of the type. He then moved on, using the inferior function of the type as a gateway, to exploring persona and shadow, animus and anima and the contribution of the psychological type to one’s personal spirituality.

Experiential exercises, art work and fantasy meditations were effectively used to explore these topics. Three movies – Chocolat, Spiderman II, and EarthSea—were very skilfully presented to explain the classic Jungian concepts of persona& shadow, animus & anima. The module concluded with the participants creating their on Mandala as a way of integrating psychological type, persona & shadow, animus & anima, and spirituality.

Some typical participant comments:

“It was a very good module of self-awareness and self awakening.”

“Very lively and enriching inputs with lots of depth.”

“The movies were inspiring. They gave me clear understanding of the Shadow….”

“Fr. Ajoy’s explanations and the way of relating to each one of us was excellent.”

“The sessions were very practical.”

 “It was greatly beneficial.”

PSYCHO-SEXUAL AND CELIBATE INTEGRATION

Last week (March 14-19) the Sumedha Sadhana programme had the module “Psycho-Sexual and Celibate Integration.” It was facilitated by Joe Mannath SDB, PhD. Dr. Mannath has over 20 years’ experience in religious and priestly formation work and twelve years in University teaching both in India and abroad. He is a well known writer and a regular columnist with The New Leader. Currently he is the Rector of Don Bosco Renewal Centre, Bangalore.

The topics he explored included: Main Challenges in Regard to Psycho-Sexual and Celibate Integration; Stages of Psycho-Sexual Development; Psycho-Sexual Maturity; Celibacy – Meaning and Motive; Helps for Happy Celibate Living; Celibate Friendships; and Sexual Attraction in Ministry. The presentations were enriched by relevant films, jokes and meaningful liturgies.

The module provided participants much clarity on topics that are seldom discussed and as such was very useful. As one participant commented in the evaluation, “This module brought me insight and awareness of the beauty of sexuality and celibacy.” Another observed, “These classes provided a new meaning to celibacy…It can be made very precious and beautiful by my living it in the way it should be.”

16TH SUMEDHA SADHANA IS ON

The 16^th edition of Sumedha Sadhana, Sumedha centre’s highly rated flagship programme, commenced on February 25^th evening. It will end on April 25^th.

There are 18 participants, the maximum number the Centre is able to accommodate. Of these, 13 are nuns and five priests, both religious and diocesan. Two of the nuns are from Thailand. All the other participants come from various parts of India – from the South to the North-East.

The first two weeks were facilitated by Jose Parappully, a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of the Centre. He explored with the participants the various psychological dynamics, especially those of midlife, that affect spirituality.

Joe Mannath PhD is facilitating the module “Psycho-Sexual and Spiritual Integration” this week. Following week Ajoy Fernandes PhD will explore “Jungian Perspectives and Self-Awareness.”

A change has been made in scheduling this year. Holy Week will be spent in a Spiritual Retreat and the programme will conclude with the Easter celebrations at the Centre.