Sacred Listening Circles: Group Spiritual Direction
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:00pm
October 2011 - May 2012
**Special Introductory Overview session to Group Spiritual Direction, September 21, 6:30-9:00pm (optional)
We are living in a time of upheaval and great change. Some tell us we are on the cusp of a major evolutionary leap. What is imperative is deep listening, also known as sacred or prayerful listening. This is the listening we will cultivate in these circles - actively receiving the wisdom and deep stirrings of the Spirit in each person. We do this for ourselves, each other and on behalf of every person and our planet.
The foundation of this practice is that we are all one, deeply interconnected. We gather in groups of four or five, and we spend significant time in silence in order to be still, present and available for God. As we sink deeply into this spaciousness for God, we allow for healing, peace, discernment, freedom for and awareness of God in all of life. The process that is followed gives each person in the circle about 10 minutes to share about his/her life, with another 10 minutes for responses from the other members of the circle. Each circle has a designated facilitator who is familiar with the process. We trust that this way of being prayerfully and reverently together in community leads to transformation, for ourselves and for the world.
Those who participate have a shared desire for God; a reverence for the uniqueness of the Spirit working in each person; and a willingness to be prayerfully present for one another in the group and to pray for one another outside the group time. We welcome diversity of religion, background, color, and age as this process nurtures deep respect and love for the differences of the human family.
For those new to group spiritual direction, an introductory overview will be offered Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 6:30-9:00 PM in the Shalem Library to describe the process of sacred listening, to offer an opportunity to experience the process briefly, then engage questions or concerns around participation in the eight month
program that begins October 12, 2011, at Shalem. All will be in a
prayerful atmosphere, attentive to the Spirit within and among us. (Cost: $20) Please register online to reserve your spot for this overview.
| Dates and Times: | Introductory session: 9/21/11, 6:30-9:00pm (optional) 9 Wednesday evening sessions, 6:30-9:00pm 10/12, 11/9, 12/7 2011 1/11, 2/8, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 5/16, 2012 |
| Place: |
Shalem Library 3025 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017 |
| Leader: | Patience Robbins and staff |
| Cost: |
Introductory session only: $20 (optional) 9 sessions only: $180 pre-registration; $195 registration at the door. Space is limited. |
Patience Robbins has been on the Shalem adjunct staff for 15 years, a spiritual director for 25 years and a leader of groups and retreats for over 30 years.
Registration
To register online for the introductory session only, please click here.
To register online for the 9 sessions only, please click here.
To register by mail, click here to download our Short Program Registration Form (PDF).
Or contact Program Registrar, Chris Jeffrey, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (301-897-7334)Directions
For directions to Shalem Institute, please click here.