Mike Smoolca is a spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher. He is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator, and a dedicated teacher and student of contemplative practice and wisdom spirituality. Mike is a Contemplative Outreach presenter, trainer, and coordinator, a coordinator and presenter for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, Contemplative Outreach of CT and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.
Nancy Benben has been a Seeker her entire life, exploring many spiritual paths along the way. She believes that the desire to be in relationship with the Divine is the essence of spirituality and that when we follow that desire, we are led to encounter the multifaceted heart of the Holy. Nancy is a Spiritual Companion, Supervisor and teacher of many years and is part of the core teaching team of the Spiritual Companionship training program at the Spiritual Life Center. She has extensive training using and teaching Enneagram and Bio-Spiritual Focusing as tools for spiritual direction and personal growth. Nancy is a graduate of Northwestern University and Hartford Seminary's Women's Leadership Institute. Nancy and her husband David live in Eastham, MA with their sweet rescue kitty, Misty.
Details of this retreat
Brought to you by Genesis Spiritual Life Center & The Spiritual Life Center
Experienced BioSpiritual Focusing practitioners and teachers, Mike Smoolca and Nancy Benben will lead a comprehensive 5-session program focused on developing BioSpiritual Focusing Companions. This is aimed at all those wishing to learn the dynamics of effective and confident companioning.
The 2-hour sessions will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month and will be held over Zoom. Topics will include:
BioSpiritual Focusing Flow and conceptual background
Clearing Space methods
Companioning Process, Methods and Skills
Agape, Affection Teacher and Experience, and Affection Response
Safety and Process Skipping
Beginning to work with the Inner Critic
Next Steps
The monthly sessions will include teaching, small group exercises and large group Q&A /sharing.
Between sessions there will be partnering experiences to practice what has been learned in the session modules, providing opportunities for each partner group to receive coaching and feedback from a trained and practicing BioSpiritual Focusing companion. Readings and various exercises will also be assigned to deepen the student’s Companioning skills.
Participants will need a copy of “The Focusing Student’s And Companion’s Manual, Part One,” by Ann Weiser Cornell & Barbara McGavin. A PDF copy will be supplied to each person attending.
Prerequisite: Completion of a BSF Book Study, BSF Introductory program or equivalent.
Customer Reviews
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Spiritual Oasis
From the moment you enter the property you feel right at home. The grounds are amazing, accommodations are spotless and the food so nourishing that your spirit is guaranteed to be revived. Betty, as always, brings a fresh perspective and solutions to making everyday living a more pleasurable and spiritual experience.
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Embracing the Journey: A Women's Retreat on the Spiritual & Psychological Dimensions of Aging
I thoroughly enjoyed and retreat itself. The Presenter, Betty Hill Crowson, was well prepared and knowledgeable about the topic. She presented the topic clearly and provided opportunities for attendees to participate in exercises in order to experience aspects of the subject matter directly. Ms. Crowson was accessible and readily answered any questions.
Room accommodations were clean and comfortable and the food was excellent. All
was well done.
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BioSpiritual Focusing: Day of Presence
Lovely group. The facilitators were transitioning, so it was a little disorganized, but the subject matter was delivered thoughtfully and clearly.
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Blessing of the animals
A beautiful ceremony and blessing for our pets on the feast of Saint Francis. Genesis Spiritual Center has a peaceful and inviting space to spend time appreciating nature and the many gifts God’s creation gives us each day. I appreciated the time and blessing given to my pet during this event.
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Sister Miriam Therese Callnan, RSM
Aside from the content of one’s retreat, enjoying the beauty of the grounds and property is a blessing. Thank you for offering such a respite!
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