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
4.96 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
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Come to the Table: A Day on the Holy Spirit
Val and Michelle did a wonderful job on creating content that was thought-provoking, enlightening and stimulating. To be in an environment as serene and welcoming as Genesis as the backdrop for this wonderful women’s retreat was truly special. I walked away feeling full of wisdom and hope. I would recommend this retreat to other women and will definitely be back!
5.0
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Excellent Retreat
Genesis Spiritual Center is a beautiful place. It is always such a joy to visit. Come to the Table is a great conference, always uplifting and inspiring. I loved everything about it!
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Come To The Table:A Day on the Hoky Spirit
I think the facility is perfect for this seminar. The lights, decorations and treats were a great addition to the day. The speaker was very knowledgeable about the Bible and the modern interpretation of the Holy Spirit. It was a complete day but moved very fast with breakout sessions and lunch. I hope to be invited back!
5.0
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Come to the Table
Have been coming to this retreat since it was first offered and have benefited from every single one. Val and Michele. do a fantastic job of preparing the presentation of the subject matter, as well as treating you like an honored guest. The attention to detail is something else! Homemade cookies, coffee, water, candies, snacks, etc.. not to mention beautiful notebooks for each guest. No matter your age, faith, or lack of it or where you are in your life matters. You are treated as an honored guest and respected individual.
You can’t help but find some measure of peace and insight through their well prepared presentations.
A must attend event for me, and one I look forward to!
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Spirituality
