SDI Encounters
What are the big questions in your life? Where are you on the spiritual journey? Do you have people in your life who listen to your deepest questions, with contemplative presence and compassion? SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney hosts conversations on spiritual direction, guidance, contemplation, and community. This podcast offers a wide range of perspectives, stories, and conversations about the contemplative, healing modality of spiritual companionship, across a wide range of religious traditions and vocations. Discover the benefits of spiritual companionship and deep listening.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Ep124 - Lacy Finn Borgo - The Undeniable Presence of Power in Spiritual Direction
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
In this episode, Lacy Finn Borgo discusses her recent article for Presence Journal. Presence is the flagship publication of SDI, which comes out four times a year, and is an international journal on spiritual direction and companionship. Presence Journal is available in print and on the web to SDI Members.
Read the current issue on the web, with exclusive video interviews, here: Presence - 27.4 - December 2021 - SDI Companions
Become a Member of SDI by clicking here: SDI Membership - Join the Community of Spiritual Companions (sdicompanions.org)
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Lacy Finn Borgo teaches and provides spiritual direction at the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation in Denver, at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, and at the Companioning Center. Her most recent book is Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
EP123 - The Public Square - A New Online Platform for the SDI Community
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
For years now, SDI members have longed for an easy way to connect.Now, with our SDI Public Square, this longing has become a reality. We've been working for months to create an online platform on our website exclusively for SDI Members. Matt Whitney, Ann Lancaster, and Larry J Morris III have a quick chat to share about the process of building the platform, and what we're most excited about as we invite all of you to come join the community.
Here are just some of features of our new online community:
Free to our members and easy to use - Your SDI account profile is your ticket to explore and engage with our community. Members from all spiritual traditions and orientations are welcome to be part of the community as they are - with the clear expectation that everyone must respect the right of others to show up with their spirituality intact and that we must do no harm to each other. Read our community guidelines here.
Join discussion groups you like - We have pre-set an array of groups to get things started. But if you have an idea for a new discussion group, you can suggest one here.
Connect with old friends and meet new friends - You can connect and message with anyone who is on our Public Square. Of course, all conversations and connections must be mutually welcomed.
Choose how you want to use it - Explore what's on offer and see what resonates. There is no commitment, just opportunity. If nothing calls to you, you are free to use the website as you normally would.
All interactions in our online community happen in the secure area of our website - And we will have administrators available to offer help and to moderate discussions.
Members are co-creators of this experience - Our community is designed to grow with the imagination, intention and curiosity of our members.
Community not commerce - Our Find a Spiritual Director/Companion Guide is already a great place for members to offer their services, so we have decided to make our online community free from solicitations. May our "Public Square" encourage everyone present to listen deeply and always respond with respect.
The Public Square Online Platform is live and waiting for you to join the conversation!
This is a new benefit for SDI Members. Become an SDI Member today, and join in the conversation, along with several other great SDI benefits, as well as supporting our work of advocacy, education, and cultivation of deep listening and spiritual practices across all faith traditions and spiritual orientations.
Monday Dec 06, 2021
EP122 - Lucy Abbott Tucker - New Perspectives on Supervision
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Since writing Spiritual Direction Supervision: Principles, Practices, & Storytelling over 18 months ago, Lucy in her subsequent teachings has gained new insights and wisdom in the practice of Supervision, which include self-care, hints to giving and receiving feedback, secondary trauma and a new model of supervision.
Lucy Abbott Tucker, SDI co-founder and worldwide expert on spiritual direction supervision, has agreed to offer a 12-week online course on supervision.
For the first time ever, experience and receive Lucy’s Supervision Training in an online setting.
SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney spoke to Lucy recently about the course, and what participants can expect. Lucy offers a broad invitation for us, and an expanding understanding of the supervision process and its necessity for spiritual directors and companions.
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What to Expect in the SDI Online Supervision Course:
An Online Training for Spiritual Directors who wish to become Supervisors, or for those seeking to improve and build on their Supervision skills.
12 Weekly Zoom sessions with Lucy Abbott Tucker - Master Supervision Instructor and Mentor
Access to our Online Learning Platform, with videos, print resources, and other content
New tools to cultivate online community with your peers
Participate Live or at your own pace - all sessions recorded
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Lucy Abbott Tucker has been a member of SDI since its inception. She began her ministry of spiritual direction at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership, Chicago. She worked there preparing women and men for the ministry for 32 years. Since 2015 she has been doing freelance work in spiritual direction and supervision. She believes spiritual direction has the power to help heal our world and values the opportunity to support spiritual directors in this work.
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
With over 18 years of experience facilitating groups in spiritual direction, Dr. Roslyn Weiner brings a creative and practical approach to one of the key aspects of our contemplative calling. She is the author of SDI’s newest book and resource for spiritual directors and spiritual companions, titled – Seeking in the Company of Others – The Wisdom of Group Spiritual Direction. She explains her process of group spiritual direction and her motivations for writing the book in this interview with SDI Chief Operating Officer Rory Briski. Learn more about the book, as well as the companion 3-part webinar on Group Spiritual Direction starting soon, at sdicompanions.org.
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Dr. Roslyn G. Weiner is a seasoned spiritual director and psychologist, rooted in listening for the sacred whispering within her soul and the souls of those who invite her to witness their seeking. She earned a PhD in psychology from Yale University and an STM degree from the School of Theology at Boston University.
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Engage 2022 is SDI’s first “hybrid” annual conference. That means it will be experienced in-person in Santa Fe as well as digitally, through live apps and recordings. Engage 2022 is about deep listening and the lasting change it can create, it is about engaging with our shadow to find light, and it is about bridge building in the service of love– fostering engagement. Keynote Presenters include Dr. Cornel West, Valarie Kaur, Father Greg Boyle, and more. Register now for SDI’s 2022 Annual Conference, at sdicompanions.org.
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
MaryEllen Weber is an SDI Member and a spiritual director, and she has written a children’s book which was recently published by Growing Awake Books. It’s called “Finding God in All I See, Finding God in You and Me". MaryEllen and I had a conversation about the inspiration for this book, and what it was like to write and publish it.
For us grownups, MaryEllen asks us this - When you were a child, what did you think about God? Where did you think God lived? What did you think God was like? Where did you think you could find God? Chances are, you experienced God in many ways without realizing it, because the places you were taught to look for God were limited. What if someone in your life had taught you to find God everywhere and in everyone, including yourself?
MaryEllen Weber has an MA in Transforming Spirituality from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. As a spiritual director, she accompanies people with their inner work of transformation through spiritual growth groups, labyrinth and SoulCollage® workshops, retreats and individual spiritual direction. MaryEllen lives near Seattle with her husband, Jim, and Grandmother Willow.
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Engage 2022 is SDI’s first “hybrid” annual conference. That means it will be experienced in-person in Santa Fe as well as digitally, through live apps and recordings. Engage 2022 is about deep listening and the lasting change it can create, it is about engaging with our shadow to find light, and it is about bridge building in the service of love– fostering engagement. Keynote Presenters include Dr. Cornel West, Valarie Kaur, Father Greg Boyle, and more. Register now for SDI’s 2022 Annual Conference, at sdicompanions.org.
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
EP119 - ”Engage” - Our 2022 SDI Conference Theme
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
In this week's episode, SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney speaks with SDI Executive Director Rev. SeiFu about our 2022 conference theme, Engage: Companionship to Heal our Fractured World.
From now until October 5th, those who register for Engage 2022 can save $200 with our Super Early Bird special. This offer is valid for both in-person and online conference experiences, and anyone who signs up now will be amongst the first in line to secure their spots in our most popular workshop offerings.
To learn more and register for Engage 2022, visit our website sdicompanions.org.
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Till the darknessLike life-giving earth.Engage with your own dark nights of the soul, And those of your brothers and sisters.Community is seeded and flourishes with patient, present, active companionship. This is the way we heal.This is the way to wholeness. This is the way love stands strong. No matter what we face,Fear not. Listen.Join us -
Engage 2022
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
In this episode, Matt Whitney and Karen Erlichman discuss the supervision process for spiritual directors and companions.
Karen writes, "Supervision is a client-centered, covenanted relationship that empowers the supervisee’s spiritual and vocational life by exploring the interior movements that arise while companioning others. Different faith traditions use their own terminology to describe the personal (internal) experience of God. In Judaism, the word Shechinah refers to the in-dwelling of God, as well as the Divine Feminine. At its best, supervision provides the freedom and trust to listen to the felt sense of knowing, what Quaker educator and mentor Parker Palmer calls the “inner teacher” (Palmer, 25–26). Spiritual directors (and other practitioners) need the freedom and safety in supervision to discuss their vulnerabilities and successes, mistakes and gifts, and to grow personally and professionally from open disclosure. Supervision serves the spiritual formation of the spiritual director, directee and supervisor."
The video for this conversation is available to SDI Members on our website, which you can access here.
Our current issue of Presence Journal is available online at https://www.sdicompanions.org/media/presence/
Presence Journal is a resource for SDI Members. If you're not a member, why not become one? SDI Membership supports our work and advocacy for spiritual direction and spiritual companionship, includes deep discounts on all our educational offerings, and offers a public profile on our Find a Spiritual Director or Companion Guide. Learn more about SDI Membership here.
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Karen Erlichman DMin, LCSW, provides psychotherapy, spiritual direction, supervision, and So(U)L coaching in San Francisco, California, USA. She is a consultant to The Dinner Party, and she also serves on the Professional Advisory Group for the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center Spiritual Care Services Department. www.karenerlichman.com
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
EP117 - Carl McColman - Christian Mystics and Spiritual Companionship
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
In this week's episode, SDI's Director of Content & Communities, Steven Crandell, chats with contemplative author and mystic Carl McColman about their upcoming webinar series Christian Mystics and Spiritual Companionship – Wisdom Teaching for Those Who Hold Space. This 4-part series begins on September 9 and runs through September 30, 2021. For all the details and to sign up, visit our website at sdicompanions.org.
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Carl McColman is the author of books like The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Answering the Contemplative Call and An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom. He also writes a blog on contemplation and mysticism at anamchara.com. In addition to his work as a writer, blogger and podcaster, Carl leads retreats and maintains a busy spiritual direction practice.
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ON SEPTEMBER 30TH YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN THE UPPER ROOM IN REFLCETING ON THE PAST 18 MONTHS OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE TRAUMA. THE THREE-DAY ONLINE EVENT, RESILIENCE | HEALING PRACTICES FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT, WILL INCLUDE STORYTELLING, TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND CONVERSATION, GUIDED SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, AND WORSHIP. TO REGISTER, VISIT UPPERROOM.ORG/RESILIENCE. DON’T MISS EARLY REGISTRATION, WHICH ENDS ON AUGUST 30TH.
Monday Aug 23, 2021
EP116 - Teresa Blythe - Awakening While Anchoring the Radio News
Monday Aug 23, 2021
Monday Aug 23, 2021
In this week's episode, SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney speaks with spiritual director Teresa Blythe, on her extraordinary journey following her calling from radio news anchor to full time spiritual director. SDI members can read about her experience in the article "Feeling the Call of Deep Listening - 3 Stories" in the August 2021 issue of Connections.
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Teresa Blythe is a spiritual director, educator and author. She founded the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction, housed at First UCC church in downtown Phoenix. For 14 years she was the Director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction. She’s now training spiritual directors online at Apprentice Spiritual Direction Training.
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ON SEPTEMBER 30TH YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN THE UPPER ROOM IN REFLCETING ON THE PAST 18 MONTHS OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE TRAUMA. THE THREE-DAY ONLINE EVENT, RESILIENCE | HEALING PRACTICES FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT, WILL INCLUDE STORYTELLING, TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND CONVERSATION, GUIDED SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, AND WORSHIP. TO REGISTER, VISIT UPPERROOM.ORG/RESILIENCE. DON’T MISS EARLY REGISTRATION, WHICH ENDS ON AUGUST 30TH.
Friday Aug 13, 2021
EP115 - Evan Miller - Leadership and Spirituality
Friday Aug 13, 2021
Friday Aug 13, 2021
In this week's episode, SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney speaks with Evan J. Miller, on the topic of Leadership and Spirituality. His article entitled Leaning into Letting Go: Leadership as a Path on the Spiritual Journey can be found in the June 2021 issue of Presence Journal. A video version of this podcast is included as a bonus on the enhanced web version, which is available to all SDI members.
For further reading: Coaching or Companionship – What’s the Difference?
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Evan Miller is a spiritual director and retired business leader. Evan is especially interested in the intersections of spirituality, leadership, and organizational governance. His mission is to help leaders grow spiritually and bring their whole, maturing selves to their leadership role.
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ON SEPTEMBER 30TH YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN THE UPPER ROOM IN REFLCETING ON THE PAST 18 MONTHS OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE TRAUMA. THE THREE-DAY ONLINE EVENT, RESILIENCE | HEALING PRACTICES FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT, WILL INCLUDE STORYTELLING, TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AND CONVERSATION, GUIDED SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, AND WORSHIP. TO REGISTER, VISIT UPPERROOM.ORG/RESILIENCE. DON’T MISS EARLY REGISTRATION, WHICH ENDS ON AUGUST 30TH.
About Spiritual Directors International (SDI)
Join us on the path of awareness, practice and presence. Not everyone has a religion, but everyone has a spirit. Why not choose to know that spirit in an authentic way?
Please remember that this journey of spirit need not be taken alone. That’s why spiritual directors and companions do the work they do. That’s why SDI is here – to listen, to support, to embrace deep connection and invite all others to do the same.