5.0
Verified
Enneagram for the Inward Journey
This was an excellent retreat and a very spiritual experience. Genesis is a place of peace and transformation.
Becoming a BioSpiritual Companion
Top Rated
Online
Becoming a BioSpiritual Companion
4.9062 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
Wonderful way to begin the new year!
The program directors were skilled, compassionate and prayerful. The support group creating the ambiance created a meaningful setting each day. As always, the Jen and her food preparations were nutritious and delicious,
The hospitality and accommodations were warm and welcoming.
The hospitality and accommodations were warm and welcoming.
5.0
Verified
Sarah’s Advent zoom retreat
It was very effective. The book, speaker and activities brought me to contemplate and connect with God’s voice throughout the Advent season. I look forward to the Lenten journey being offered. Thank you
4.0
Verified
Transition to renewal
Spending the New Year’s Holiday at the Genesis Spiritual Life Center was the perfect way to usher in a new year. Time to rest, relax, pray, and write and to do it with those of similar wants, was absolutely wonderful. It will be hard not to do it again next year.
5.0
Verified
A Simply Centered Advent: Mandalas, Crayoning and Prayers
I found this program very special. I didn't know what to expect but found the whole hour and the crayoning in particular very quieting and peaceful. Focusing on the crayoning with the background music allowed me to focus completely on what I was doing.
The presenter had such a calming way of offering the material and added interesting pieces of art that illustrated the mandalas we were working on.
I hope you will consider bringing Sharon back next Advent
The presenter had such a calming way of offering the material and added interesting pieces of art that illustrated the mandalas we were working on.
I hope you will consider bringing Sharon back next Advent
