Welcome to all Canadian members of Spiritual Directors International (SDI). Through this monthly newsletter, I hope you find a connection to spiritual companions across Canada.

This past month, as I met with spiritual directors in Ontario and Manitoba, I was reminded that I need to learn to speak more than one spiritual language. There is the language of the (1) church/synagogue/temple/mosque, (2) the spiritual but not religious, (3) those who avoid spiritual language altogether, (4) indigenous elders, (5) the LGBTQ+ community, and (6) contemplative activists, to name a few. To learn these spiritual languages I know it is important to immerse myself in different communities and relationships. 

As you continue to meet together for continuing education and/or mutual support, I encourage you to find ways to learn the spiritual language of another. Together we can:
1) invite spiritual seekers or colleagues to our spiritual direction events, as appropriate,
2) form listening circles (perhaps "Meetups") where people of diverse spiritual languages can learn to respect one another,
3) engage topics that broaden our spiritual language when leading a workshop or seminar.

If you haven't already, check out the details of the March 14-17, 2019 SDI Conference: SEEKING CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS. Just hours from Vancouver, it promises to be a great event. Registration is now open: www.sdievents.org.

Next month (November 1-7) the Parliament of the Worlds Religions meets in Toronto. May we all reflect on their theme: The Promise of Inclusion; The Power of Love. I look forward to meeting a few of you there.

 

Layne Racht, Faculty of Haden Institite and Susan Campbell, Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, will lead the evening with a webinar on supervision plus input and community sharing. Please RSVP to Cory by Tuesday, Oct 9, 2018 at 780-701-1854 or email cmoisan@providencerenewal.ca.
 

 

Prayer, faith sharing and a read of the article, “Recognizing and Healing the Wounds of Spiritual Abuse” by Flora Slosson Wuellner - Presence Journal Vol. 22 No. 1 March 2016, pgs 27-33.
Contact Karen Ziegler for location: k.ziegler@sasktel.net  or 306 527-2738

 

Ottawa Spiritual Directors
invite you to their next gathering:
Thursday November 1, 2018
Growing in Wisdom as Spiritual Directors: The Blanket Exercise as a Means of Deeping our Relationship with First Nations, Ourselves and the Creator

8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
at Canadian Martyr Catholic Church, 100 Main St, Ottawa
Contact Karen Fee for details or to register: jandk.fee@sympatico.ca.
 

"The Promise of Inclusion; The Power of Love"

NOVEMBER 1-7, 2018
Metro Toronto Convention Centre 

https://parliamentofreligions.org. 
 

 

The Parliament, which began in 1893 in Chicago, has been held in South Africa, Spain, Australia, and the United States. Now it's Canada's turn to host this movement that was instrumental in bringing interfaith into our consciousness.

I, Miriam, will be attending the Parliament, along with a few other representatives from Spiritual Directors International. If you are planning to attend, let me know so we can plan to connect there.

Anil Singh-Molares will be facilitating a presentation by the Interfaith Amigos (North and South) on Monday evening at the plenary session. Stay tuned for other options for gathering as spiritual companions.
 

Enneagram Workshops
Cynthia Stevens and Sue Guttenstein, both certified in the Narrative Enneagram, are offering a number of Enneagram workshops this fall. Please consider joining us! The Enneagram is a powerful, dynamic tool for self-awareness and growth and it is an amazing tool to use in spiritual direction!  

Please visit our website: www.INsidejourneyenneagram.com for all the details. Here are the dates and topics:

Sat. Oct. 13 Acton ON. Developing your Inner Observer

Sat. Oct. 27 Tyndale Seminary, Toronto ON. Enneagram and Relationships

Sat. Nov. 11-12 Acton ON. Subtypes and Instincts

Sat. Dec. 1 Acton, ON.  Enneagram and Defense Mechanisms

 

The Mystery and Power of the Divine Feminine 
Friday, October 19 & Saturday, October 20, 2018
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In the Emmauel College Chapel (EM319) with Ann Mortifee & Rev. Dr. Anne Simmonds.
Through music, story, conversation and ritual, this workshop will inspire participants to move beyond perfectionism and duty into our body-selves. There participants will be encouraged to trust the deeper journey of unfolding where the small self dissolves and we touch the essential self for which we yearn. This workshop will be of interest to women from any religious tradition who wishes to move beyond the confines of patriarchy.
Early bird rate of $219+HST available until June 30, 2018. Register at: http://www.emmanuel.utoronto.ca/coned/Continuing_Education_Events_and_Courses

Drawing from a Deeper Well
Four-part Retreat Series with Anne Simmonds
Mondays - Oct 29, Nov 26, 2018 and Mar 25, Apr 29, 2019
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All of us wishing to live a Spirit-filled life both within and beyond the church need time to refresh our spirit and replenish our spiritual resources. These four days of guided retreat are an opportunity to "welcome your soul home" and "let it nourish you." The days Include movement, stillness, silence, journaling, discussion, reflection, lunch and conversation.
Program fee is $480 + HST and includes lunch. Early bird fee before June 30 is $380 + HST. Contact the Continuing Education and Events Coordinator at ec.events@utoronto.ca or 416-813-4096 or see the website for more information: http://www.emmanuel.utoronto.ca/coned/Continuing_Education_Events_and_Courses

Ontario Jubilee Training

The next cohort for Ontario Jubilee begins May 2019. The first year focuses on spiritual formation and the inward journey as we explore deep listening, discernment and spiritual practices. The second year is a practicum in spiritual direction. For details see: www.ontariojubilee.ca.