5.0
Verified
A Prayerful Evening with the Psalms
I enjoyed the presentation and the sharing. However, I would have preferred to have at least three evenings on this topic for the Lenten Season.
Becoming a BioSpiritual Companion
Top Rated
Online
Becoming a BioSpiritual Companion
4.8671 reviews
VIRTUAL
18:30 - 20:30
About this Retreat
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 3rd 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.
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 3rd 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
Verified
5.0
Verified
Be With an Open Heart
I spent time with JoAnn Bourquard a few years ago when I was on a day-long retreat at Genesis Spiritual Center. We meditated together and I opened my heart to her for spiritual guidance. She deeply listened, attentive and present with me, as I shared some difficult challenges I was having in my life. I clearly remember her gently and kindly responding with a phrase, "you have your work cut out for you". I have accepted that gift from her, without even being entirely certain what she meant, as part of my daily spiritual practice since then.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
This most recent Zoom experience with her, dedicated to reflecting on this season of Lent and what it means for each of us who were there on the screen, was also a gift. Guided by JoAnn, we had opportunities to pray, meditate, and share aloud about our daily spiritual practice, whatever it is. All experiences validated and accepted. No judgement if we weren't Catholic or even Christian. I am a Buddhist practitioner and I felt completely welcomed. I offered to share with the group a poem I had written for Lent and read it tearfully. God and the Universe are indeed good to me when I open my heart to them. Blessings, Jennifer D.
1.0
Verified
Lenten Conversation with the Psalms
Due to the blizzard, I was unable to attend
5.0
Verified
The Wisdom of St. Francis
Simon and David led us on a beautiful experience of St. Francis and St. Clare. The music, sharing, dialogue and discussion all helped to create a strong bond between participants. Genesis is a place of peace, hope and healing, and I could feel it the moment I arrived. Thank you to the staff for their hospitality and kindness.
5.0
Verified
Wise woman Retreat
The best part of this retreat was connecting with the amazing women who shared this retreat with me. It is so affirming and healing to be in a group of mature women who listen with their hearts and all their wisdom and very little judgment. The Genesis Spiritual Center is very welcoming and accommodating and made you feel at home. The leader of the retreat set the stage and then allowed us to fly. I am so glad that I took the time to go.
Last Chance
