Shekinah: Formation in Spiritual Direction

City: Winnipeg

State: Manitoba

Languages: English

Personalized Affiliation: Christianity

Spiritual Spheres: Christianity, Quaker

Category: Formation/Training School, Has Internet Courses Available

Email: [email protected]

Phone:

Website: https://www.shekinahformation.com/

Focus Area: Children/Teens, Creative Arts, Dreamworker, Education, Energy Work, Enneagram, Grief and Loss, Group Spiritual Direction, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health/Depression, Mindfulness/Meditation, People with Disabilities, Physical or Sexual Abuse, Young Adults

Social Media:

Profile: The Shekinah Formation program is a legacy of the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery. It is rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition and Benedictine hospitality, and is informed by a deep commitment to the interconnectedness of spirituality and social justice. Hospitality, as understood by Benedict, requires cultivating an openness to being transformed by the other – be it a person, an idea or an experience. It anticipates a blessing from the unexpected visitor. Our program welcomes and places special interest on the parts of ourselves, our lives, and society that are usually disregarded or marginalized, because we know these spaces will lead us to new awareness of ourselves connected to God, the ground and depth of all being. "Shekinah’s formation program on the great plains of Manitoba is one of the most creative and cutting-edge programs in North America. Deeply rooted in the Christian- Benedictine tradition of spiritual guidance, it offers wisdom and language from our past, complemented by an intersectional and trauma-informed approach that is necessary for our present. Shekinah actually is one of the most truly wholistic and bridging programs in North America. Kalyn Falk, who directs the program, lives this wholistic approach of body, mind and spirit." -Brother Don Bisson, FMS An exciting element of our program is the active involvement of many experienced spiritual directors, who will accompany us on our full seminar days, offering their wisdom and supervision. Interns also help students with facilitated conversations and support throughout the two year program. This interaction with a robust community of people who share the same love for the ministry of spiritual direction creates a dynamic learning environment, and sets a foundation of relationship and collaboration beyond completing the program. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds. The Shekinah Formation Program makes use of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous refers to pre-recorded videos that will be available on the website that students can access on their own time, as well as readings and reflection. Synchronous elements refer to specific times that we meet and learn interactively over zoom. Ideally the Shekinah program will also have an in-person component. When Covid protocols allow, our fall intensive for both years will be held on site in Winnipeg. We will not be meeting in person for 2021, but will finalize what is possible for Year 2. Each year begins with an intensive. Year 1’s intensive will be comprised of both asynchronous and synchronous elements, and will be focused on contemplative practices, foundational understanding and getting to know each other. Monthly Sessions will involve a full day together online (Saturdays 10am-5pm CST) where we will explore the themes of the training modules through discussion, reflection and interactive exercises. In the afternoons, we will invite an experienced spiritual director to join us for a focus on a particular skill and will practice those skills under supervision. In preparation for our day together, students will be expected to access the training module video on their own and participate in our small group process which will be facilitated by an alumni and scheduled at the convenience of each group. Some time between December 12 and January 15th, students will also be expected to complete a 40 hour silent retreat. Shekinah will provide an online video component to support the start of the retreat, and will arrange to provide a session with an experienced spiritual director during the retreat. The location and lodging details are to be supplied by the student. At the end of Year 1, each student will have a private meeting with the Director and one intern to offer and receive feedback.