Hello {{Constituent First Name}}!

In his book The Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer writes, “In a circle of trust, we practice the paradox of ‘being alone together,’ of being present to one another as a ‘community of solitudes.’ Those phrases sound like contradictions because we think of solitude and community as either-or.  But solitude and community, rightly understood, go together as a both-and. To understand true self - which knows who  we are in our inwardness and whose we are in the larger world - we need both the interior intimacy that comes with solitude and the otherness that comes with community.”

One of the most meaningful parts of the SGTP experience is being part of a community that strives to live out this paradox. The cohort becomes a community of growth in which you are invited to learn and practice the skills of deep listening and holding space with and for each other. As these connections are forged, you may feel inspired by others who are committed to engaging with their own spiritual journey, and encouraged and supported by others who become invested in your journey. 

In the Spiritual Guidance Training Program, we live into the power of this intentional community by creating space for both large group and small group connections. For the duration of the two year program, you will be part of two different small groups of about 5-7 individuals: an Integration Group, where you will have the space to process the experiences, insights, and questions that arise as part of your own journey through the program, and a Practicum Group, where you will practice and receive spiritual guidance. 

Your small group, and the cohort at large, also serve as places where you can continue conversations, or share questions and insights between gatherings. We use an online platform to facilitate these connections throughout the month, and many of the small groups also create group text or email strings that continue to foster connections that last beyond the duration of the program.

How might belonging to a community of trust support the next step of your journey? 

Warmly,

Nicki Nelson

SGTP Coordinator

“A strength and delight of the SGTP is the opportunity to learn in small groups that remain steady over the two years.  These became my anchor people.  Somewhat during the program (we were totally online) and certainly after we finished, I have valued connecting with others in our cohort.  I know of two small groups that are continuing to meet intentionally through Zoom as well as other configurations of people who are connecting for professional support and spiritual sustenance.  The cohort community is an ongoing blessing!”

Laurel Stravers, SGTP Graduate, 2021-2022 Cohort

WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

If you would like to request an application, please email me at  nnelson@sienaretreatcenter.org We will set up a 30 minute phone call to talk through the process and then I will get you the application materials.