Listen A Seeker's Resource Issue 6.1

8/3/2019 Listen A Seeker's Resource Issue 6.1

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J a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 v o l 6 : i s s u e 1

A Seeker s Resource for Spiritual Direction

Listen

Each year, for the past fouryears, I write an annual Livesin Remembrance for thelocal hospital. One page of lettersbecoming words is an attempt toembody memories from everyonewho died at the hospital during theprevious year. It is an impossiblemission, at best.

I feel privilegedand somewhatterrifiedto write. I prayerfully readeighty to one hundred obituariesprovided to me from the spiritualcare department. The sacred storiesreveal amazing grace in action. How can one page give expression to the

life of any individual person, let alonedozens and dozens? And yet, essencereveals itself; stories weave into a new wholeness.

Flying home from a 2008 SDILeadership Institute in Connecticut,USA, I had planned to read theobituaries during the long flight, andwrite the reflection. When I pulled thenews clippings from a plain manila

envelope, I received an odd look fromthe handsome man seated next tome. After several minutes, he asked,what are you doing? I explained, andsaid the project was for a hospital inAlaska, USA, where I lived. His facewrinkled a bit, and he asked, wherein Alaska? Turned out he lives a few miles from me, and was a long-timeresident of the Kenai Peninsula. Wespent the next several hours readingthe obituaries together. He added

his own stories and memories of thepeople hed known personally.

Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) is a Planetree affiliated hospital. Planetree ,a holistic, patient-centered modelfor health care believes that, weare human beings, caring for otherhuman beings; we are all caregivers;and care giving is best achievedthrough kindness and compassion.The Planetree affiliation affirms whatCPH already knewit is healing to

make time to cultivate and tend to theliving, the dying, and the grieving. Itis valuable to remember the men andwomen who have died and touch ourliveshowever briefly, or significantly.One day each year family members,nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteersare invited to a Time of Remembranceto recall the women and men they may have encountered for minutes, orknown for decades.

Cultivating CompassionThis year, for the first time, I waspresent at the ritual and read aloud Lives in Review...2011 . When I lookeat the faces of everyone who gathered,and recalled the ninety obituaries Idread, a sacred knowing available toeach of us was evoked in me ais one . Love is the circumferenceand we are in the centerconnected,embraced, embodiedin time, andtranscending time.

P o n d e r

Who are the peopleand animals you embrace, and let go of?Are you a care-giver for someone

dear to you?How do you care for yourself?What contemplative practicessustain you during times of transition, loss, healing, andtransformation?

How would meeting regularly with aspiritual director be a time of tendersolace and comfort for you?

Pegge Erkeneff

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura

1

F : Field Guide:

Compassionate listening

Contemplative Reflection:Create your Life in

Remembrance

Poetry: Broken Wide Open Ask Owl


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As I journey with the uncertainty of life withillness, a spiritual director is my non-judgmental

companion through dark uncertain times. I findGod questioning with me. Helena, Ontario, Canada

Compassionate listening from my spiritual director is asacred and grace-filled blessing that continually feeds my soul so that I in turn may spiritually feed others throughcompassionate acts of the heart.

Genny, New Mexico, USA

Whilst I find compassionate listening helpful, it is thediscernment my spiritual director then shows which ismost valuable. I dont just want to be listened to! I wantsomeone who can help me make sense of what I amseeking to express. John-Francis, England, UK

The experience of compassionate listening leads medeeper into prayer. The questions, struggles, and faithbrought into the sacred space I share with anotherinspires me to listen more carefully to the movement of the Spirit in my own life. Adam, Illinois, US A

We supply food to that gaping space when we listen. Theenergy of love makes it possible to be one with all. Gods

essence is communicated.Rosemarie, New York, USA

As I am listened to I have space to bring my thoughts intothe open; there I can see how different parts of my lifefit together and how events during the week are relatedto issues that were on my mind two or three weeks ago.Without someone listening many of these thoughts wouldremain buried within me. John, Victoria, Australia

I companion several in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA),and am blessed as I watch God work miracles in themthrough his loving presence in their lives, as they cometo recognize that divine presence, receive it, and hold ittenderly, humbly, and obediently in their hearts.

Pauline, Oregon, USA

Compassionate listening reminds me to be wide open toLife and the ever-present beauty of it, and to embrace thehumble reality of being human. Ellen, Texas, USA

field uide

Compassionate ListeningThrough Spiritual Direction

2 Volume 6, Issue 1 Seeking spiritual direction? Go to www.sdiworld.org


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I always feel so energised, sometimes after an aha momentwhere things just make sense or have a different feel tothem in some way, sometimes in just being confirmed,encouraged, and supported on the journey.

Moira, Ireland

It is a blessing to me in that it enables me to feel that I amnot hiding something from others and there is no fear of someone finding out about me and perhaps not liking mebecause of what has happened to me.

Helen, ACT, Australia

In times of trouble and illness Ive found it very helpfulto tell my spiritual director how God is acting in my lifethrough my troubles. Her wise comments have beenso helpful. This has prompted me to try to listen tospiritual directees with encouragement. I feel honouredand affirmed when they share their stories with me.This sharing has made me feel of worth when my illnesssometimes made me feel quite worthless and useless.

Mary, New Zealand

After the death of my husband I met my spiritual director.She helped me to discover the woman I had stifled fornearly thirty years, and she was my companion duringthe birthing process of the person I am today. As a result

I became excited to serve the Lord and live fully andabundantly. I also enrolled in a spiritual director trainingprogram and now am the companion to others. Thisexperience has enriched my life, provided me a safe placeto grieve my loss and encounter a loving Father waiting tohave a deep relationship with me, his beloved daughter.

Now, as a spiritual director myself, I am praying it forwardto my spiritual directees, the same way my spiritualdirector prayed for me. Joan, Louisiana, USA

It is a sacred right to be heard. The compassionate, lovinggift of companioning another is a sacred call to my own journey and the deep responsibility one has to the other.

Ruth, New Jersey, USA

Compassionate listening stirs hope withinthe kindof hope that is like a starnot seen in the sunshine of prosperity and only discovered in the night of adversity.This gem of hope appears when one has been a longtime on the path of spiritual unfolding. In the hush of amoment of recognition one simply savors...and knows.

Adeline, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ask yourself: How is compassionate listening a blessing to me?

field uide

PO Box 767 Danville, CA 94526925-837-9141 www.sandamiano.org

FR. JOSEPH CHINNICI, OFMFranciscan Spirituality

March 23-25, 2012

FR. TOM BONACCI, CPScripture Retreat

June 1 - 3, 2012

DR. JEREMY TAYLOR Dreams Retreat June 8 - 10, 2012

SR. ISHPRIYA Silent Contemplative

June 11 - 15, 2012

We offer private retreats withspiritual direction all year long.

R ETREATS AN D AMIANO

Discover ing

a new book for spiritual directors, clergy & individuals

by R. Carroll Travis A comprehensive resource for journaling & small group work:

exploring the sources of meaning,wisdom and joy examining classical Christian practices from a Jungian perspective

Includes CD with audio-meditations,images and five part intro series

to sample and order the book, go to:

www.discoveringthetreasurewithin.com

theTreasure

Within

3 A Spiritual Directors International publication


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s p i r i t u a l d i r e c t i o n

Spiritual direction explores a deeper relationship withthe spiritual aspect of being human. Simply put, spiri-tual direction is helping people tell their sacred storieseveryday. Descriptions of a spiritual guidance relation-ship include Anam Cara , spiritual accompaniment,

spiritual companioning, spiritual direction, spiritualguidance, spiritual mentoring, sacred friendship, andsoul friendship. How would you describe a relationshipwith another personor groupthat listens deeply to you, and receives your sacred life story?

F b 16, 2012

How to Seek and Find a Spiritual DirectorFREE one hour SDI teleconference12:00 EDT; 5:00 GMT/UTCDetails and RSVP at www.sdiworld.org

a 19 27, 2012B , M h , usaCultivating CompassionSpiritual Directors International seriesof educational events including aconference with keynote John Philip Newell,spiritual director Rabbi Amy Eilberg, anddozens of workshops, institutes, pilgrimage,and two contemplative retreats to help youcultivate compassion in your communities.Register early for discounts and best selection

of workshops.www.sdiworld.org

M 22 31, 2012

Cultivating Compassion withSaint Francis and Saint ClareSDI Interfaith Pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy Registration is now open!www.sdiworld.org

J 20 a g 3, 2012Mission Santa Barbara, CA, USAMonastery of the Risen Christ School forSpiritual Directors: Abbot David GeraetsContact Dr. Marie J. DiSciullo-Naples207-364-7288; [email protected]

J c f , o b , 2012Laurel Ridge Conference Center, NCWorkshops, Presentations, Events

Featuring: Robert MooreAndrew Harvey, Monika Wikmanwww.journeyconferences.com

J m h 6,500 g b

contemplative, multi-faith learningcommunity called Spiritual DirectorsInternational. For more than twenty years,SDI has been committed to compassionatelistening around the world and acrosstraditions. Everyone who cares aboutspiritual companionship is invited tobecome a member of Spiritual DirectorsInternational, a charitable nonprofit servingthe educational needs of people who offerspiritual companionship.www.sdiworld.org

Connect on Facebook: Spiritual Directors International for spiritual care .

Order a FREE subscription to Listen: A Seekers Resource for Spiritual Direction .Go to: www.sdiworld.org

G l o B a l r e s o u r c e s : Supporting Your Spiritual Journey

M ount C arMelSpiritual C entre

n iagara FallS , o ntario

905-356-4113www.c m .c m

th S B cth h c c v s w d c v m f s s c v . M C m s s w x c sch m d h b b c . l s m f f c d w b s. C m b f h s f shm s wh d h d c f w - d d s c d d s d w h h d c f h S w c b S

B c . Knowing Our Depth - Finding Our Voice - Living Our Truth

A Lenten Retreat for women who care for souls07-09 F b y 2012 - Ch s W k f d

am ds h s, s, d s s b s w v w h, h w d w b c m q h h h V c f h S cs h ss c f wh g d h s c d s b . th s ss c , S p , s q ch f s, k

f s. J Ch s W k f d x h f f d c ss f n h i p c t y wh ch w h m h i C s f Ch c s h c m b h d, s v c f c s d v m s f y,f m d c f h S f, h S p .

There is a timefor balance 20-22 M ch 2012 - J C d l y r ch

There is a time to be born.a time to love.a time for laughter... th b k f ecc s s s (Q h h) s s h s mf v y h d h s , s c y m f b c v s. J C d l y r ch w x h w k h h s k s s b c .



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w w w . s d i w o r l d . o r G

Listen is an outreach publication of Spiritual DirectorsInternational. When you visit the SDI website at www.sdiworld.org , you can learn about retreats, programs,conferences, and other educational events related to spiritualcompanionship. You can read descriptions of the spiritualdirection relationship from a variety of spiritual traditions,

and discover excellent questions to ask yourself and any potential spiritual directors you choose to interview. Tolocate a spiritual director or guide, go online to Seek and Find: A Worldwide Resource Guide of Available Spiritual Directors .More than 6,000 spiritual directors are listed by geographicallocation at www.sdiworld.org .

Gather paper and a favorite writing instrument. Or,be ready to type a new document. If it has beena while since youve read an obituary, take a fewminutes to simply read one or more from a newspaper or

online source.

B e g i n

Sit and breathe deeply for at least five minutes. Wheneverthoughts come into your mind, simply acknowledge them,and let them go. Return to your breathing. Conclude yoursilent time and invite your imagination and memory tocome to your assistance.

You have one pageand only one pageto write yourown obituary. Use your imagination to determine when your life ends. It could be in the imminent future,something you are really facing right now, or decadesaway.

Begin writing. Turn your inner critic and editor off. They will have permission to come back later.

When youve finished writing one page, re-readoutloudwhat youve written. Then give a silent thank youto the life-force within you. Put the paper away, or turnthe computer off.

Sit silently for at least five minutes, or take a bath, pet ananimal, play with a child, or go for a walk. Be gentle with your breathing, and notice what is evoked in you fromthis reflective process. Give thanks to the goodness in you and the universeeven if you experience discomfort,regret, or sorrow. Memories may awaken in you. Be stilland give thanks. Over the next few days, pay attentionto your nighttime dreams and the thoughts that come to you.

When a day or more has passed, give yourself time tore-read what youve writtenout loud. Glean insights

from your worthy reflection. Are there times of your life you give thanks for? Changes you want to initiate? Areaswhere forgiveness, joy, or anger erupts? Make notes or journal what comes to your awareness.

Now, edit your writing, if you desire to do so. Re-read this versionout loud. Pause to breathe and give thanks inany manner that is meaningful to you.

Consider meeting with a spiritual guide or trusted friendto share your Life in Remembrance , and any ensuinginsights. Continue to engage this contemplative reflectionfor as long as it carries significance and meaning for you.Gently appreciate the gift of your breath in the presenttime.

contemplative reflectionCreate your Life in Remembrance

ART PR AY ER I N T USCAN Y

Contem pla tive Ret rea t & day t r ipsAssisi, Cor tona , Mediev al Tow nsJune 20-30, 2012 Monastic Set tingCont act: sr pla ne@ juno.com or Cenacle Sister s 561-249-1621


Publisher: Spiritual Directors InternationalExecutive Director: Liz Budd Ellmann, MDiv Editor: Pegge Erkeneff Production Supervisor: Tobias BeckerSubmissions: [email protected]: www.sdiworld.org Listen is published four times a year (January, April, July, October).The names Spiritual Directors International ,SDIWorld ,and SDI and itslogo are trademarks of Spiritual DirectorsInternational, Inc., all rights reserved. Opinions and programsrepresented in this publication are of the authors and advertisers

and may not represent the opinions of Spiritual DirectorsInternational, the Coordinating Council, or the editors.

L i s t e n



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Directed RetreatsJanuary 16-22, February 10-17, May 6-11,

July 6-13, July 15-22, 2012

Supervision for Spiritual DirectorsOne-on-one ongoing supervision for those in the

Ministry of Spiritual Direction.

Spiritual Exercises Institute for Retreatants 30-day retreat:Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

June 15 - July 22, 2012

Ignatian Spirituality & the Directed Retreat: A Practicum for Experienced Spiritual Directors

June 11 - July 23, 2012

For details & applications, call Karen Doyle, SSJat 516. 621. 8300 x 25,or [email protected]

St. IgnatiusJesuit Retreat House251 Searingtown RoadManhasset, NY 11030

www.inisfada.net

Broken Wide OpenNow I must learn

how to live again

in a world withoutmy father, brother,

grandmother, and friend.

What to do

in those days after

my heart has been broken

wide open,

and my vulnerability

laid bare.The house is empty,

their laughter

no longer heard.

A part of me

is now silent too.

Now, with open ear,

I must sit

very still with bent ear,to listen for them

in a new way

in the song of a bird

or a once familiar word;

to feel them

in the rush of the wind,

now and again;

to see themthe rising sun,

and know their presence

when prayers are said

at the breaking of bread.

Wendi Romero [Louisiana, USA]

Be still and listen.

S TILL P OINT at

Explore your gifts of ministry and companionshipin the exhilarating landscapes of

Northern New Mexico.The Spiritual Journey - August 20-27, 2012

www.ghostranch.org



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Question: I am afraid of what my future entails.I am in the hospital,and the outcome of my healthand mobility is uncertain. I feellike I am a burden to my family

and everyone I love. In thequiet moments, I alternately fill my time with televisionor with lamenting what may not be. Ive always been agood man and provider. Why would a loving God do thisto me? Could a spiritual director be helpful to someonelike me?

H oot Hoot: Thank you for your e-mail. Firstoff, yesa spiritual guide would be helpful to you by offering compassionate listening and agentle presence. Begin by asking a nurse, doctor, thereceptionist, or a hospital volunteer if there is a spiritual

care department or chaplain in your hospital. You donot need to be religious to request a visit from a chaplainor spiritual director. Do not worry that this will be anopportunity for someone to proselytize or convert you to aspecific faith beliefthough you might discover you havequestions you want to explore. Someone who is trainedin compassionate listening recognizes that you are the

one leading the conversation, the dance. You set the tone,even though the person you talk with can help guide theconversation so you dont feel uncomfortable.

Another idea for you is to watch one or more of theten-minute videos that SDI created for the SDI Learns

From... video series on YouTube and the SDI website.This could replace your television time, and you canwatch from a laptop, iPad, or smart phone. Thereare more than sixty videos on the SDIworld YouTubechannel. Spiritual teachers and guides from the SDIglobal learning community offer their wisdom, includinghow to seek and find a spiritual director. Additionally,since the videos are short, their timeframe might workwell for you. The topics will help provide guidance tosome of your questions. In fact, watching the videosmight give you a sample of what it would be like to meetwith a spiritual director!

May you know comfort, compassionate care from others,and gentleness towards your own beautiful self duringthis time of your life.

If you have a question for Owl, please e-mail [email protected].

Ask Owl

b .e .c .o .m .e a m .e .m .b .e . r or renew your membership with Spiritual Directors International.

Fill out this form and return with payment.

Membership (includes Presence journal)USD$79 USA/Canada Address USD$69 non-USA/non-Canada address

USD$59 student discount (include proof of student status)

OU CAN JOIN OR RENEW NOW BY GOING TO WWW.SDIWORLD.ORG OR CALLING 425-455-1565

If new, how did you hear about us? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name ______________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________City ________________________________________________State/Province/Territory ______________________________Zip/Postal Code _____________________________________Country ____________________________________________E-mail ______________________________________________Telephone __________________________________________

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NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE PAID

SEATTLE, WAPERMIT NO. 315

S i it a Di ct s Int nati napublISher of preSence: An InternAtIonAl JournAl of SpIrItuAl DIrectIon

po box 3584 bellevue, WA 98009-3584 uSA

Tending the holy around the world and across traditions Al servicio de lo sacro alrededor del mundo y a travs de las tradiciones

Translated by Marta Rios and Xavier Ortiz Monasterio

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 Vo l 6 : I s s u e 1

Spiritual Directors International publications are printedby a Forest Stewardship Council certified press.

Director of Graduate Certificatein Spiritual Direction

St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota, is home to theonly Spiritual Direction Certificate Program (SDC) as part of a Master of Arts in Theology program in the upper midwest.

After 15 years of service, our founding director is retiring.Candidates for this half-time professional faculty positionshould possess the minimum of a: masters degree in theology certificate of completion from a recognized spiritual

direction program deep familiarity with Roman Catholic traditions

of spirituality ecumenical/interfaith openness

Significant ministry experience in spiritual direction isessential. Pastoral and spiritual skills, the maturity tomentor students for ministry, and proven skills as ateacher and administrator are also required.

For an application and more information, please contact: William McDonough, Coordinator Masters in Theology [email protected]

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Listen A Seeker's Resource Issue 6.1

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