Edgy research in spiritual companioning

Join us on Saturday 28th October to hear some unique insights and be inspired by the  WellSpring formation students in the Art of Spiritual Companioning course. Three students will each present a summary of their research and then there is time for Q & A.

Each student has chosen a topic based on their interest and personal discernment. This is an opportunity to hear cutting edge ideas and enhance your understanding or start you on a new adventure of learning more about an area. Our research approach is a delicate balance of reflection and academic rigour.

Expect to hear some amazing ways that folk have journeyed with a topic. This is an ideal opportunity for Spiritual Companions to receive professional development and for those considering studying towards becoming a Spiritual Companion, to hear from those who have been living this transformation for three years. There are networking opportunities between sessions. 

Join us for one or all sessions. Please bring your own lunch and continue the conversations.

Tea, coffee and snacks will be available. There is no charge and you are invited to make a contribution. 

Please register so we can provide hospitality.

Details of research:

9:20 am Focusing - Curious listening to body (and the Divine?) – By John Rogerson

This research explores the impact of a deep listening relationship with and through the body using the process of Focusing developed by Eugene Gendlin and identifies how Focusing could  enhance the impact of spiritual companioning and spiritual formation.

10:45 am - A contemplative experience facilitated by the formation team 

One of the presentations needed to be rescheduled. Join us for a spacious time. 

11:45 BYO lunch and opportunity for conversation

1:00pm What role can Spiritual Companioning have in the work of decolonisation? By Jane Hope

I am a sixth generation Settler-Australian with English heritage. My family arrived in 1841 and lived on Gunditjmara Country as white settlers. I was born on Wurundjeri Country and I now live on border Country of the Boonwurrung/Bunurong/Wurundjeri peoples. For this research assignment I have used Spiritual Companioning to explore my inner life as I try to reconcile that I live on Stolen Land and that this was achieved through violence. I delve deep into my privilege, white fragility and all of the dark emotions that arise when I take an honest look at what I have inherited. Come and hear how Spiritual Companioning has helped me name my darkness, befriend these emotions and find a way forward with integrity, compassion and in the spirit of Christ.

2:15 pm What is Love’s Longing, how do we understand it and how might that inform and shape the Spiritual Companion space? By Tracey Wolsley

Come and hear my personal narrative and research on an experience of longing. A longing that runs like a subtle, delicate thread and weaves its way through the ancient path of the mystics, to my life. I explore the phenomena of longing and how it may relate to, shape and inform the spiritual companioning space.

You could stay after the final presentation for our Thanksgiving service and tribute to Peter Bentley.