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SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersCinema Divina with M Freeman Cinema Divina is the creative, contemplative practice of media artist and writer M Freeman. M re-imagines the ancient ritual of sacred reading or lectio divina in today’s audiovisual vernacular as Cinema Divina—a contemplative screening process designed to increase access to one’s deeper wisdom, healing, and peace. SDI is hosting a 2-part webinar with M Freeman, where we will practice Cinema Divina together in an online spiritual companionship setting, offering an inspiring blend of relaxation and spiritual imagination. In this podcast chat, we have a really wonderful conversation with M on the origins of Cin...
2025-12-1654 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesBeyond the Lens: A Mission to Inspire a Generation of Ocean Advocates 🌊🎥 | Ep. 12 (Finale)How do you inspire an entire generation to fall in love with the ocean — and fight for its future? 🌎💙In the Voices Beneath the Waves Season Finale, host Stephanie Miele, COO of Scuba Diving International (SDI), sits down with Annie Crawley — award-winning underwater filmmaker, photographer, educator, author, expedition leader, and Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) inductee.Known worldwide as Ocean Annie, she has dedicated her life to connecting people with the ocean through storytelling, curiosity, and hands-on education. From filming marine life around the globe to empowering young divers through leadership programs, Annie pushes the boundaries of what ocean advo...
2025-12-1258 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersOn Creating Our New Children's Activity Book - Christina RobertsIn this episode hear from Christina Roberts, author of My Spiritual Journey, a new children’s activity book designed to help kids explore wonder, stillness, and the gentle presence of Divine Love. Christina shares the inspiration behind the book, why children are naturally attuned to the sacred, and how simple practices like drawing, gratitude, and quiet reflection can nurture a child’s inner life. Whether you work with children, care for children, or simply want to reconnect with your own sense of wonder, we hope this new activity book from SDI invites you into a deeper appreciation of t...
2025-12-0917 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEp. 11 From an Outstanding Naval Career to WDHOF TrailblazerWhat does it take to rise through the ranks and make history as a Navy Master Diver? ⚓🇺🇸In Voices Beneath the Waves Episode 11, host Stephanie Miele, COO of Scuba Diving International (SDI), sits down with Captain Barbara “Bobbie” Scholley, a Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) inductee, retired U.S. Navy Master Diver, and trailblazer in leadership, service, and ocean advocacy.With over 28 years of distinguished service, Captain Scholley led some of the most complex underwater recovery operations in history — including the USS Cole and TWA Flight 800. Today, she continues her mission of stewardship and education through NOAA’s Office of Nation...
2025-12-0854 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesKicking Cancer & Amplifying Women’s Stories: Allison Vitsky Sallmon’s Journey | Ep. 10How can diving, photography, and storytelling change lives—and even kick cancer’s ass? 💪🤿📸In Episode 10 of Voices Beneath the Waves, host Stephanie Miele, COO of Scuba Diving International (SDI), sits down with Allison Vitsky Sallmon, D.V.M.—award-winning underwater photographer, writer, founder of Dive into the Pink, and Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee.Allison shares her journey of resilience and creativity, from battling breast cancer to becoming a leading voice in diving, conservation, and women’s history. Through her work with Maritime Herstory, she highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in ocean exploration, while continuing to inspire the dive...
2025-12-0350 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesVoices Beneath the Waves Episode 8: From Shark Dives to Studio Lights💎🌊 Dive into the bold and multifaceted life of Szilvia Gogh – Hollywood stuntwoman, dive instructor, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, and Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee.In this episode, host Stephanie Miele explores Szilvia's journey from Hungarian roots to becoming a trailblazer in the dive industry and beyond. Discover how she blends ocean advocacy with creativity, courage, and empowerment.🎬 Highlights of this episode:• Behind-the-scenes stories as a female stunt diver in major films• Building Gogh Jewelry out of her passion for the sea• Using diving to teach confidence, healing, and self-expression• Why she believes every woman should dive—at least onceSzilvia's story is fearless, in...
2025-08-1350 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersCynthia Winton-Henry - Somatic Spiritual Companionship - Learn More About SDI's 8-Session CourseIn this episode of SDI Encounters, we’re excited to introduce a powerful new course offering from SDI — an 8-part online series called Somatic Spiritual Companionship: Inner Awareness for Deeper Listening. You’ll hear a bit here on this offering from course facilitator, Cynthia Winton-Henry. This course invites spiritual directors, companions, and wayfarers into a deeper exploration of the body-soul connection, offering a variety of practices that can enrich and expand your approach to spiritual direction and companionship. By engaging with somatic awareness — through movement, meditation, art, and embodied presence — we open new pathways to support others and ourselv...
2025-08-0513 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesVoices Beneath the Waves Episode 7: Into the Urban AbyssVoices Beneath the Waves Episode 7: Into the Urban Abyss🌊 Exploring the Depths of Human Impact with Nathalie Lasselin 🏙️🤿Nathalie Lasselin is not just an award-winning filmmaker and Women Divers Hall of Fame member—she’s a modern-day explorer pushing the limits of what it means to dive with purpose. From mapping the entire length of the St. Lawrence River to diving under ice and into abandoned mines, Nathalie turns cold water into a canvas for advocacy and discovery.In this episode, host Stephanie Miele dives deep into Nathalie’s most defining projects and what drives her relentless pursuit of exploration, envi...
2025-07-1448 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEpisode 6: #Wrecks, #Mines and Ghost Nets with Sabine Kerkau 🤿⚓Voices Beneath the Waves Episode 6: Wrecks, Mines, and Ghost Nets with Sabine Kerkau🌊 A Deep Dive into Exploration, History, and Conservation 🤿⚓What drives a diver to explore forgotten wrecks, recover deadly ghost nets, and bring history back to life?In this episode of Voices Beneath the Waves, host Stephanie Miele speaks with Sabine Kerkau, technical diver, wreck and mine exploration expert, published author, and member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Sabine takes us beneath the surface into the world of extreme diving and global marine conservation.Highlights of this episode:⚓ Diving the HMHS Britannic, HMS Victoria, and centuries...
2025-06-1344 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEpisode 4: Making Waves in Ocean ConservationMaking Waves in Ocean Conservation: Erika Lopez’s Mission to Protect Marine Life 🌊🐠How do we protect our oceans from illegal fishing and habitat destruction? 🦈🌎In Episode 4 of Voices Beneath the Waves, host Stephanie Miele sits down with Erika Lopez, Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation Colombia and a Women Divers Hall of Fame inductee. Erika is a leading voice in marine conservation, working tirelessly to protect the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a critical habitat for migratory sharks.With over 10,000 dives, Erika shares her journey in defending marine protected areas, fighting illegal fishing, and inspiring...
2025-04-0749 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEpisode 3: Unlocking the Ocean’s Secrets with Dr. Shirley PomponiWhat can marine sponges teach us about medicine and the future of ocean exploration? 🌎🦠In this episode of Voices Beneath the Waves, host Stephanie Miele sits down with Dr. Shirley A. 🌊 Unlocking the Ocean’s Secrets with Dr. Shirley Pomponi 🔬🐚 Pomponi, a pioneering marine biotechnologist, deep-sea explorer, and Women Divers Hall of Fame member. With a career dedicated to discovering life-saving compounds in the ocean and advancing sustainable deep-sea research, Dr. Pomponi shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.Highlights of this episode:🔬 Her groundbreaking work in marine biotechnology and its impact on medicine.🌊 Exploring the ocean’s depths and the challenges...
2025-03-3156 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEpisode 2: From Ocean Depths to Outer Space with Dr. Dawn KernagisWhat does it take to forge a path from the ocean depths to outer space? 🌊🚀In this episode of Voices Beneath the Waves, host Stephanie Miele sits down with Dr. Dawn Kernagis, a trailblazing biomedical researcher and diver. With a career spanning cave diving, technical diving, and cutting-edge research, Dawn shares her unconventional journey, filled with unexpected twists that have led to groundbreaking contributions in both human health and underwater exploration.Highlights of this episode:🌎 Dawn’s work as Director of Scientific Research at DEEP, advancing how humans live and work undersea.🧠 Her research on protecting the brain and nervous system...
2025-03-3155 minVoices Beneath the Waves
Voices Beneath the WavesEpisode 1: Stories of Courage, Passion & Adventure with Kathy Weydig🎙 Welcome to Voices Beneath the Waves with Stephanie Meli In this inaugural episode, host Stephanie Miele kicks off a 12-month series celebrating 25 years of the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF). Stephanie interviews Kathy Weydig, a founding member of WDHOF, scuba diving trailblazer, and lifelong advocate for mentorship in the diving community.Kathy shares her journey from her first dive in 1967 to becoming a technical diver, SDI/TDI instructor (#14), and Chairperson of the Board of Diving Alert Network (DAN). Discover her insights on:🌊 The importance of mentorship in diving🌍 Combining travel and underwater exploration👩‍🔬 Women’s contributions to diving and breaking barrie...
2025-03-3138 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersLucy Abbott Tucker - Sharing about 35 years of SDI, Niagara Falls Conference (Full Conversation)“If SDI has done nothing else, and it has done much…but help us to gather together in support of one another, that might have been enough.” So says SDI Co-Founder Lucy Abbott Tucker, perennial teacher, leader and contributor to the SDI community, and keynote speaker at SDI’s 35th Anniversary Conference to be held in Niagara Falls, May 29th-31st, 2025, and online. I published a short video of Lucy last week on our YouTube channel, with this being the full conversation we had. SDI has much to be proud of over its 35-year hi...
2025-01-2916 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersRev. SeiFu Singh-Molares and Matt Whitney - Using Our Challenges as Gateways to AwarenessIn this 20 minute conversation, SDI Executive Director Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares and Creative Director Matt Whitney discuss how in challenging times, we can learn how to use these challenges as gateways to deeper awareness, understanding, and spiritual growth. Our work as spiritual directors and companions involves helping others through their own challenges, as well as tending to our own. We believe we can do more than just survive difficult times, we can thrive. Rev. SeiFu's full written reflection is available in Listen - Reflections on Spiritual Direction and Companionship. It is freely available to all and can be...
2025-01-1821 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersPhilip Carter - Ordinary Heaven - Exploring Spiritual Direction and the Journey of Human Life - New from SDI PressThe latest book from SDI Press is now available for pre-order, shipping in November 2024! Ordinary Heaven | Exploring Spiritual Direction and the Journey of Human Life, by Philip Carter, is a quite extraordinary work that lovingly renders a lifetime of spiritual experience and reflection, honoring this very life and the sacred ministry of spiritual direction. In this episode, we interview Philip about the inspiration and themes of the book, and what readers can expect. Purchase your copy today at https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/ordinary-heaven/ Reading Ordinary Heaven is akin to receiving...
2024-11-0729 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersWalking With Spiritual Independents - Perspectives on Seeking Spiritual FreedomThere are many attempts at categorizing those walking a path of spiritual freedom. We see, and use, broad terms such as ‘Spiritual Independents’, ‘Spiritual but not religious’, or ‘The Nones’. These categories, as any, are ultimately limited. As spiritual directors and companions, we know each person’s spiritual story is unique, regardless of spiritual tradition and orientation. So all that said, how do we companion the spiritual explorer – the wayfarer who has left the religion of their upbringing, practices more than one religion, or does not see themselves as rooted in a particular religious tradition or spiritual orientation? How...
2024-11-0143 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersKō Sam Tullman - Disease and Dis-Ease on the Spiritual PathSDI has launched registration for a new webinar for all spiritual directors and companions, it’s called Disease and Dis-Ease on the Spiritual Path, a series on being a wise companion to yourself and others when the fragility of human life is most evident: in times of illness. Our guide for this series is Kō Sam Tullman, founder of DiabetesSangha and Head of Behavioral Science at Quilt Technologies. With deep roots in Rinzai Zen Buddhism and a broad background in religious traditions, neuroscience, and modern Western psychology, Sam brings a unique perspective to this journey. His work blen...
2024-09-2614 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersJourney to India, January 2025 - Companionship and Transformation - Amrutham BabuIn this episode, recorded Thursday August 1st 2024, I spoke with Amrutham Babu, where we discussed the "Journey to India" from SDI, a 14-day and 15-night experience taking place from January 10 to 24, 2025. This trip is specifically designed for spiritual directors and companions, offering an in-depth look at India's spiritual heritage. The journey includes: - **Internal Airfare:** Travel between locations within India. - **Airport Shuttle:** Pick-up and drop-off from the airport. - **Accommodation:** Single and twin/double rooms available. - **Meals:** Daily breakfast at the hotel. - **Arrival/Departure...
2024-08-0522 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersNEW VIDEO POD - Spiritual Companionship Through Queer Lenses - Larry J Morris IIIWe're experimenting with a video version of our podcast on spiritual direction and companionship! In this first video conversation, we chat with Larry J Morris III about the broader themes of our upcoming webinar series, Beyond Binaries: Spiritual Companionship Through Queer Lenses.  To watch the video of this conversation, head over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfoR4UXW5wU To learn more about our series, and sign up to join us, click here: https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/beyond-binaries-spiritual-companionship-through-queer-lenses/ In this series we will experience stories of spiritual companionship, presented by a diverse g...
2024-07-2318 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersMeditation and Mindfulness with the SDI Community - Sean MurphyIn this week’s episode, SDI’s Creative Director Matt Whitney speaks with Sean Murphy on his upcoming webinar series on Meditation and Mindfulness. To learn more and register, please visit https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/zen-meditation-and-mindfulness-for-spiritual-directors-and-companions/ Sean Tetsudo Murphy, Sensei, is a fully authorized Zen teacher in the American White Plum lineage, as well an award-winning author and recipient of a 2018 National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship in Creative Writing. He served six years as a member of the SDI board, and has taught on a number of occasions for SDI programs. He is highly experienced in s...
2024-06-2720 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersSDI Solstice Celebrations - Why We Do ThemThis week, through June 24, we are running our Solstice Celebration, which offers 20 percent savings on most everything SDI offers, including memberships. In this conversation with Executive Director Rev. SeiFu, we discuss why we do these celebrations, and how we hope folks benefit. An SDI membership is a particularly valuable and critical way to develop, connect, and expand the practice of spiritual companionship and the vibrant and deeply meaningful community we share. Whether a seasoned veteran or a newly budding spiritual director, we all benefit greatly from the exchange and conversation that occurs on a community-wide level. If...
2024-06-2121 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersPreview Part 3: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Chelsea Forbrook, Rev. Nhien Vuong This is Part Three of our preview for our next 10-session course, New Perspectives on the Enneagram for Troubled Times, featuring Chelsea Forbrook and Rev. Nhien Vuong.  Those familiar with the Enneagram know what a powerful tool for self-discovery and insight it can be. With that in mind we are pleased to announce our latest 10 session course offering from SDI – New Perspectives on the Enneagram for Spiritual Directors and Companions. This unique online course offering from SDI offers spiritual directors and companions the opportunity to connect with peers who are on the leading edge of the Enneagram field...
2024-04-0127 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersPreview Part 2: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Allen Proctor, Erlina Edwards, Ben CampbellThis is Part Two of our preview for our next 10-session course, New Perspectives on the Enneagram for Troubled Times, featuring Allen Proctor, Erlina Edwards, and Ben Campbell.  Those familiar with the Enneagram know what a powerful tool for self-discovery and insight it can be. With that in mind we are pleased to announce our latest 10 session course offering from SDI – New Perspectives on the Enneagram for Spiritual Directors and Companions. This unique online course offering from SDI offers spiritual directors and companions the opportunity to connect with peers who are on the leading edge of the Enne...
2024-03-2923 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersPreview Part 1: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Sandra Smith and Dina ElBadryThose familiar with the Enneagram know what a powerful tool for self-discovery and insight it can be. With that in mind we are pleased to announce our latest 10 session course offering from SDI – New Perspectives on the Enneagram for Spiritual Directors and Companions. This unique online course offering from SDI offers spiritual directors and companions the opportunity to connect with peers who are on the leading edge of the Enneagram field.  This course will give seasoned Enneagram explorers the opportunity to take a deep dive and develop new perspectives about the use of this medium in spiritual direction and comp...
2024-03-2718 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersSDI's 2024 Online Conference: Navigating the Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and CompanionsIn this week's episode, Rev. SeiFu speaks with Matt Whitney on SDI's 2024 online conference. Our conference theme this year is “Navigating the Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and Companions.” We will create an opening and a field for spiritual directors and companions to listen, and speak, into the hardships, struggles, and opportunities we have encountered over the last few difficult years.  Unfortunately, the world’s circumstances don’t seem to be improving, but rather, progressively worsening in many ways.  So we will need particularly effective tools to address empathy fatigue, burnout, and the very same...
2024-02-1318 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersSDI Affinity Groups with Ravi VermaSDI Communities are SDI-sponsored, often locally-run groups of spiritual companions. These people gather either regionally, or based on a shared commonality, on a regular basis to connect, support one another, network, share contemplative time and practice new skills in spiritual care. An SDI Community can operate anywhere in the world. Let us know if you’d be interested in joining an SDI Community and we will connect you. You can email us at communities@sdiworld.org Ravi Verma, previously on the SDI Board as a Member and as Chair, now is helping us host several Spe...
2023-12-1417 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersAn Ordinary Conversation about Waking Up - Jennifer ”Jinks” HoffmannWe are pleased to offer this recent conversation with Jennifer "Jinks" Hoffmann, author of The Light of God's Shadow - Musings, Stories, and Poems on Waking Up, from SDI Press Books. We discuss poetry and creativity, death, finding God in all things - in other words, just an "ordinary" conversation from the Home of Spiritual Companionship :) --- In The Light of God's Shadow, Jinks reminds us through earthy, vulnerable and humorous musings, stories, and poetry that waking up is a lifetime endeavor. Psychotherapist and spiritual director Jinks Hoffmann encourages us to listen for the divine...
2023-12-0542 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersForest Bathing Sounds and Storytelling -An Audio Reflection (and Invitation to Join us in March 2024!)In March 2023 during our Forest Bathing Retreat in North Carolina, I (Matt Whitney) made some recordings of our time together - sounds of the forest, some testimonials and poetry by participants, and a bit of audio from our facilitators Jeanette Banashak and Simon De Voil. With our next retreat upcoming in March 2024, I finally got around to organizing some of this audio in a reflection, which begins around the 10 minute marker. Prior to that, I explain a bit about what to expect on the Retreat. https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/forest-bathing-2024/ Come join us! SDI...
2023-11-2925 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersDesert Spirituality - Preview with Tessa Bielecki and Fr. Dave DennyTo preview their upcoming 4-part webinar for SDI on Desert Spirituality, we invite you to enjoy this quick session with Tessa Bielecki and Fr. David Denny. And, we hope you will consider joining us for a full four part series on Desert Spirituality beginning November 1st (all sessions recorded). https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/desert-wisdom-for-spiritual-directors-and-companions/ Attracted by beauty and responding to sorrow, Tessa Bielecki and Fr. David Denny offer insights about inner work and earth care, peacemaking and social justice, living and dying, and share the nourishing desert wisdom that blooms today. Learn more about their work...
2023-10-3016 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersElaine Fourie - Working with Trauma, Mysticism, and Walking with a Partner with IllnessIn this episode I have a lovely conversation with Elaine Fourie, from Durban, South Africa. Elaine is an SDI Member, a regular Media Reviewer of spiritual and contemplative books for Presence Journal. She is a trained trauma-informed psychologist before retiring from that role. We talk about working with trauma as spiritual companions and seeing trauma as a spiritual wound. We also discuss mystical encounter as Elaine experiences it, and hear a bit about her journey caring for her husband as he battles cancer. My deep thanks to Elaine for reaching out and being open and vulnerable in this interview.
2023-09-0826 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersHenri Nouwen and Spiritual Companionship - A Reflection Hi Friends. Matt Whitney here. I thought for the podcast I would do a reading of a reflection I wrote for our SDI Listen publication, which comes out quarterly. It's about something Henri Nouwen wrote in his book The Inner Voice of Love. I hope you enjoy the reading, and the written reflection is below. SDI has thousands of spiritual directors, companions, guides, and teachers who are available to work with you, listen to you, and accompany you on your spiritual journey. Find one to work with today at sdicompanions.org. --- I...
2023-08-3109 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersUsing the Enneagram to Name, Tame, and Transform Your Inner Critic with Chelsea ForbrookChelsea Forbrook is the President of Enneagram Minnesota and is a Spiritual Director and Enneagram Educator based in Minneapolis, MN. She teaches a 10 month experiential Enneagram Course and hosts a podcast called “The Enneagram of Essence.” Chelsea is author of the book, “Blessing My Demons: How to Name, Tame & Transform Your Inner Critic,” which will be released this October. She was part of the SDI New Contemplatives cohort for the year 2018 and continues to be an active member in our community of spiritual directors and companions. She will be hosting a 5-part webinar series at the end of October called “...
2023-08-2826 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersRev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 2In this week's episode, SDI's Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney continue their conversation on what it means to belong to the SDI community, particularly when things get challenging. In our ongoing SDI community dialogue around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging, we’d like to focus more intensively on the Belonging part. SDI has envisioned our community as a Public Square of Spiritual Companionship, in which we gather as spiritual directors and companions from an array of faith traditions and spiritual orientations. Though sometimes this process can be messy and uncomfortable, SDI will always be a place for anyone wh...
2023-08-1415 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersRev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 1In this week's episode, SDI's Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney discuss what it means to belong to the SDI community, particularly when things get challenging. In our ongoing SDI community dialogue around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging, we’d like to focus more intensively on the Belonging part. SDI has envisioned our community as a Public Square of Spiritual Companionship, in which we gather as spiritual directors and companions from an array of faith traditions and spiritual orientations. Though sometimes this process can be messy and uncomfortable, SDI will always be a place for anyone who shares our pa...
2023-08-0917 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersAwakening Joy - Practices to Cultivate Spiritual Presence - Harry Pickens“I already feel more awake`-thank you.” “I cannot wait for the class!!!” “brilliant and blissful,” “Tingly,” “Being present to my own joy,” “Calm and energized,” “Peacefulness,” “Wonder and awe,” “Reconnecting with my true self.” “This was life-changing.” “I feel like I’ve transformed as a spiritual director” (OK, that one is from me, but it’s true). These are a few of the comments received just from the one-hour preview session we had with Harry Pickens! The recording is posted below and is available for you to watch whenever you like. SDI Members can also find it...
2023-07-031h 04SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersDr Jeanette Banashak and Rev Simon Ruth De Voil - Guides for Our 2024 Forest Bathing JourneyHear directly from our Guides for the newest iteration of our Forest Bathing Journey, coming in March 2024. We are pleased to welcome all to join us as SDI returns to the woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. For spiritual directors, companions, wayfarers and explorers, we invite you to spend a week immersing in nature, breathing the clean forest air, finding silence and stillness, and experience deep listening on new levels. If you missed our first Retreat, here is your opportunity to join us for this truly restful and transformative experience. If you...
2023-06-2915 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersReconsidering Spiritual Companionship - Full Conversation with Rev. SeiFu Singh-MolaresIn this recent April 2023, SDI Executive Director Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares and SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney had a wide-ranging conversation about spiritual direction and companionship, and in particular, reconsidering some of the elements we might consider to be “universal.” Are there common elements to the work of spiritual companionship that we can identify? For example, we often cite “deep listening” as a common practice. But what do we mean when we say that? We also consider, and reconsider, the generation of “spiritual heat,” how spiritual companionship has elements of contemplative practice, opening to new depths of awareness, and how to befriend...
2023-05-0149 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersA Conversation with Fr. Adam Bucko - Let Your Heartbreak Be Your GuideRecently we at SDI hosted a free preview webinar session with Fr. Adam Bucko, who will be facilitating an upcoming webinar series called Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide – Spiritual Direction and Companionship for a World That Has Lots Its Way. This episode we share the audio of that free preview webinar conversation. Join our community of spiritual companions and wayfarers for this 3-part webinar exploring Heartbreak for Spiritual Directors and how to turn it to our advantage. Through readings, deep conversations, dialogue and discernment with one of SDI’s most compelling teachers, Fr. Adam Bucko, your heart will open...
2023-04-031h 01SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersCarmen Acevedo Butcher - Mystical Wisdom and Practice from The Cloud of Unknowing and Brother LawrenceRecently, SDI hosted a free webinar with Carmen Acevedo Butcher, an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, educator, and poet. Carmen specializes in Early Modern French, German, Latin, Middle English, and Old English mystic writers. You can watch the webinar on Vimeo. SDI is starting a four-part series on two mystics: Brother Lawrence and The Cloud of Unknowing. The series will be hosted by Carmen Acevedo Butcher and begins on April 5th, 2023. You can join anytime and watch the recorded sessions at your convenience. Learn more and register on our website. Join us for a deep dive...
2023-03-301h 00SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersWebsite Chat Support, Compassionate Listening, and Growing Peppers - Ryan Hinson - SDI Technical Support SpecialistHave you ever noticed on the sdicompanions.org website, a small purple chat bubble that follows you in the lower-right hand corner of the screen? It looks like this: The ‘SDI Chat’ feature is there to assist you with questions you might have about most things related to our website, how to do things like renew your Membership, access a Webinar. And, lest you think it’s a virtual assistant AI robot, oh no, there is a live, breathing human being on the other end of that chat. And his name is Ryan! Ryan Hinson is our...
2023-03-1628 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEric Massanari - SDI Board Chair - An Invitation to CommunityIn this interview we talk to Eric Massanari, Chair of the SDI Board of Directors. Eric invites all SDI Members to join him and the rest of the SDI Board for virtual teatime gatherings on March 10, 2023. Learn about what it's like to serve on the Board and bring your questions! Bring your tea or coffee to this informal online gathering on March 10th at either 10am Pacific, or at 4pm Pacific! Register here. On a related note, the Board is accepting applications and nominations for new members to serve. the role comes fiduciary, visionary, strategic planning, and...
2023-03-0727 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersRabbi Myriam Klotz - SDI Board Vice-Chair - An Invitation to ServeIn this interview we talk to Rabbi Miriam Klotz, vice-chair of the SDI Board of Directors. Rabbi Myriam invites all SDI Members to join her and the rest of the SDI Board for virtual teatime gatherings on March 10, 2023. Learn about what it's like to serve on the Board and bring your questions! Bring your tea or coffee to this informal online gathering on March 10th at either 10am Pacific, or at 4pm Pacific! Register here. Rabbi Myriam Klotz is a spiritual director and supervisor in Jewish seminaries and in private practice since 1999.  Myriam consulted with several rabbinical sc...
2023-03-0223 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersA Conversation with Busshō Lahn - Singing and Dancing are the Voice of the LawBusshō Lahn is a Zen student and teacher, and the guiding teacher of Flying Cloud Zen Spiritual Practice Community. He’s also a popular speaker, retreat leader, spiritual director, author, and a Senior Priest at Minnesota Zen Meditation Center. Busshō has just published his first Zen book, Singing and Dancing are the Voice of the Law, by Monkfish Publications. In this episode we discuss this book and its exploration of the Zen poem, The Song of Zazen, and other things such as how we first connected at SDI, persevering with ideas we feel called to crea...
2023-02-171h 04SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersAn Interview with Lerita Coleman Brown - The Enduring Wisdom of Howard ThurmanSDI Executive Director Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares and Lerita Coleman Brown discuss the work of Howard Thurman, anticipating the upcoming webinar series from SDI - Listening for the Sound of the Genuine. This 4-part series will provide an overview of Howard Thurman’s contributions to spirituality, mysticism, and sacred activism. During this webinar, we will walk through the life and writings of Howard Thurman and listen for the genuine; the words and ideas that Spirit holds uniquely for each of us and our ministries of spiritual direction/companioning. With this clarion call for the authentic, what do we he...
2023-01-1015 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersAimee Bostwick - Community and Spiritual Life at Kanuga Conference Center - Forest Bathing Journey with SDIHi! Matt Whitney here – Creative Director, and one of the Guides for the Nature Immersion and Deep Listening Journey we have put together for all spiritual directors, companions, and wayfarers. In this episode, I have a conversation with Aimee Bostwick, who is Coordinator of Community and Spiritual Life at Kanuga Conference Center (our hosts for this retreat) in North Carolina about what it's like to live and work there, being in the landscape, and what retreat participants can expect. We still have spots for YOU! As I write this, we are a little more than th...
2022-12-0933 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersCynthia Bailey Manns - Reflections of a Soul CompanionRecently, Cynthia Bailey Manns came off of the SDI Coordinating Council, now called the SDI Board of Directors, and also wrote a reflection for Presence – our journal on spiritual direction and companionship. Cynthia and I discuss her written reflection, her time serving on the Coordinating Council, and her work as a soul companion. Cynthia Bailey Manns, D.Min., is an experienced soul companion,  supervisor, workshop and retreat leader, Movement Chaplain, spiritual direction training program leader, Lilly Grant program leader and author. Her passion for soul care and sacred activism is foundational to her current service as the Adu...
2022-11-0141 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersNature Immersion and Deep Listening - A Forest Bathing Retreat from SDI - Dr Jeanette BanashakSDI is offering a very unique Forest Bathing Journey – a travel experience hosted by us – to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a Nature Immersion and Deep Listening retreat, for seven days in March 2023. In this conversation, the retreat facilitators, Dr Jeanette Banashak and myself, discuss our themes and hopes for this time together, to give you a better sense of what is being offered.  For all spiritual directors, companions, and seekers, we invite you to spend a week immersing in nature, breathing the clean forest air, finding silence and stillness, and experience deep listening on new levels.
2022-09-2931 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersDr. Bruce Tallman - New Book on Francis de Sales - Making a Living in Spiritual DirectionSince 2002 Dr. Bruce Tallman has been a full-time spiritual director and marriage coach in private practice. He is passionate about his mission, which is to help people grow in wisdom and love. Bruce wrote the manual on how to make a living as a spiritual director – a seminal text for most working spiritual directors and companions called Finding Seekers: How to Develop a Spiritual Direction Practice from Beginning to Full-Time Employment. He also participated in our recent Making a Living 3 Webinar series, which is available as a recorded purchase on the SDI website. Bruce has a new book out, an...
2022-09-1647 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersA Contemplative Approach to Sexuality - Dr. Westina MatthewsIn the June 2022 issue of Presence Journal, Dr Westina Matthews writes, “We will not attempt to convince another to adopt any view but rather offer a safe and sacred space to share knowledge and to engage in open and honest dialogue about what is usually considered to be a taboo topic.  In spiritual direction, often resisted is the topic of sex, sexuality, and sexual orientation. We have found that both spiritual director and spiritual directee tend to avoid these “taboos,” So why the silence? (We) are convinced it is due to the shame.” How doe...
2022-08-0919 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP133 - Rabbi Rami Shapiro - Wandering the Pathless LandRecently I had the amazing opportunity to chat with author and teacher Rabbi Rami Shapiro, who has written an article for Presence Journal – the SDI quarterly publication on spiritual direction and companionship. It was meant to just be a quick 15 minute conversation that I could use to create a short video to go with the article in the Online Edition of Presence. Because Rabbi Rami was so generous with his time, and our conversation so fascinating, it ended up going for almost an hour. We talked about spiritual companionship, when our own beliefs and worldviews get in the way of...
2022-07-1255 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP132 - Engage 2022 Conference Debrief with Rev SeiFuExecutive Director Rev SeiFu Anil Singh-Molares and Matt Whitney have a conversation in which they debrief the 2022 Engage Conference, which took place May 11-15 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What were the takeaways? What were the lessons learned? How do we continue to engage with the theme 'Engage' as we go about our spiritual direction and spiritual companionship work in the world? If you missed the conference, you can still catch up by purchasing access to all the conference recordings - 10 dynamic speakers and  32 diverse workshops totaling over 55 hours of content on contemplative action and spiritual direction a...
2022-06-0324 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP 131: Michelle Scheidt on Sharing Spiritual HeritageMichelle Scheidt, Senior Program Officer at the Fetzer Institute, is leading an effort focused on field building and network development among spiritual innovators. She and her advisors are asking: How will we hold onto the rich teachings of our historic faith and wisdom traditions while applying them creatively in today’s time? How will we reimagine roles and institutions as the spiritual and religious landscape dramatically shifts?    Michelle will be presenting on their work at the SDI Engage 2022 Conference, and gives us a preview in this conversation with Executive Director, Reverend SeiFu Anil Singh-Molares.   It's not too late to sign up! J...
2022-05-0216 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP130 - An Interview with Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann and Diane M. Millis - New Book from SDI PressWe are delighted to announce the latest book release from SDI Press, written by SDI Poetry Editor, former Coordinating Council member, and dear friend Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann. It’s called, “The Light of God’s Shadow – Musings, Stories, and Poems on Waking Up.” Jinks is a longtime spiritual director and psychotherapist who, through her writing, encourages us to listen for the divine daily call to wholeness-in our relationships and work, our joys and dreams, our messes and triumphs, our losses and grief. She reminds us that through earthy, vulnerable, and humorous musings, stories and poetry, that waking up is a li...
2022-03-3048 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP 129 - Meet Larry J. Morris III, Spiritual Director and Production Assistant at SDIIn this week’s episode, SDI’s Creative Director Matt Whitney speaks with Larry J. Morris III, Production Assistant at SDI. Larry describes himself as “an apostle, digital marketer, scholar, and spiritual director based in Henderson, NV.” They have been helping with various creative tasks, including generating media for web and print, crafting social media, and helping administer our new Public Square online platform. Larry will co-lead a workshop on “Spiritual Companionship and Social Action” at the 2022 Engage Conference. Matt and Larry discuss ways spiritual companions can support justice and liberation. You can learn more about Larry and their work at www...
2022-03-2222 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP 128 - Big News! New look for Presence Journal The calendar has turned over to March, and this week we are rolling out our peer-reviewed flagship publication, Presence Journal. We are so excited to share this issue with you – as we get to reveal a brand new look! Presence, which has been published by Spiritual Directors International since 1995, last received a redesign in 2003. Since I began working at SDI in 2018, we have been dreaming about giving Presence Journal a look and feel that reflects the vibrant dialog and intimate stories of spiritual direction and companionship that we bring to each issue. Over the past ye...
2022-03-0321 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP127 - Simon de Voil - A Conversation on Iona, Music, and Spiritual CompanionshipIn this week's episode, SDI's Creative Services Coordinator Ann Lancaster speaks with Reverend Simon de Voil, who will be leading SDI's journey to Iona, Scotland in March 2022. Simon is a singer-songwriter and interspiritual minister, born and raised in Scotland but now living in rural Vermont. Simon has gained a reputation as a talented musical performer and storyteller. He pairs thoughtful and inspiring lyrics with cracking good tunes, and is known for his rich, tender vocal style. His music explores themes of the inner landscape of the soul, the enchantment of the natural world, and a personal journey to follow...
2022-02-0418 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEp 126 - Christine Vogel - Grief and the Gift of Spiritual Direction  In this episode, Christine Vogel 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) --- Rev. Dr...
2022-01-3114 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEp 125 - Sierra Neiman Westbrook - Story of My Names  In this episode, Sierra Neiman Westbrook 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) --- Si...
2022-01-2622 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEp124 - Lacy Finn Borgo - The Undeniable Presence of Power in Spiritual DirectionIn 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) --- Lacy Finn B...
2022-01-2017 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP123 - The Public Square - A New Online Platform for the SDI CommunityFor 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 c...
2021-12-1613 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP122 - Lucy Abbott Tucker - New Perspectives on SupervisionSince 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 cours...
2021-12-0619 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP121 - Roslyn G. Weiner - A Process for Group Spiritual Direction - New Book from SDI PressWith 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 Direct...
2021-11-2426 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP 120: Finding God In All I See, Finding God in You and Me - Writing a Children‘s Book - MaryEllen WeberMaryEllen 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 th...
2021-11-1832 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP119 - ”Engage” - Our 2022 SDI Conference ThemeIn 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. ---
2021-09-3016 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP118 - Karen Erlichman - A Contemporary Approach to Spiritual Direction SupervisionIn 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...
2021-09-2822 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP117 - Carl McColman - Christian Mystics and Spiritual CompanionshipIn 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. --- 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 an...
2021-09-0221 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP116 - Teresa Blythe - Awakening While Anchoring the Radio NewsIn 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. --- 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...
2021-08-2333 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP115 - Evan Miller - Leadership and SpiritualityIn 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?  --- Evan Miller is a spiritual director and retired business leader. Evan is especially intere...
2021-08-1318 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP114 - My Boss is a Zen Priest - How to SitIn today's episode, Creative Director Matt Whitney continues his podcast series entitled "My Boss is a Zen Priest". Matt speaks with SDI Executive Director Reverend SeiFu about the Zen Buddhist practice of Zazen.  Zazen, or seated meditation, is a contemplative practice used to still our mind, ground ourselves, and allow ourselves to connect deeply and mindfully with everything surrounding us.    ---   Rev. SeiFu Anil Singh-Molares is the Executive Director of SDI and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, as well as a practicing spiritual director/companion and motivational speaker. He is a...
2021-07-2824 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP112 - SDI Coordinating Council and the State of SDIIn this week’s episode, SDI’s Creative Director Matt Whitney poses a variety of questions to SDI’s Coordinating Council in a special “State of SDI” gathering, which was recorded during our Renaissance 2021 Conference from April of this year. The Coordinating Council (Board of Directors) is the governing body of Spiritual Directors International. With the role comes fiduciary, visionary, strategic planning, and personnel oversight responsibilities. Council members serve three-year terms, and new members are appointed as members of the council complete their terms of office. The year following each coordinating council member’s name indicates the year they co...
2021-07-1439 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP111 - Renaissance 2021 - New Contemplatives - Part 2In this week's episode, we hear from our New Contemplatives.  The New Contemplatives Initiative is a container of vocational support and development opportunities for emerging spiritual companions in their first half of life. New Contemplatives enrich the SDI community with new forms and paradigms of spiritual care, bringing their voices to the center of the organization and the broader field of spiritual companionship. Together, we work to weave a web of intergenerational wisdom and practice, and to seek answers to: what is spiritual companionship for our times?  This session was recorded during our Renaissance 2021 Conference fr...
2021-06-1447 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP110 - Renaissance 2021 - New Contemplatives - Part 1In this week's episode, we hear from our New Contemplatives.  The New Contemplatives Initiative is a container of vocational support and development opportunities for emerging spiritual companions in their first half of life. New Contemplatives enrich the SDI community with new forms and paradigms of spiritual care, bringing their voices to the center of the organization and the broader field of spiritual companionship. Together, we work to weave a web of intergenerational wisdom and practice, and to seek answers to: what is spiritual companionship for our times?  This session was recorded during our Renaissance 2021 Conference fr...
2021-06-1059 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP109 - The Invitation Sale - 10 percent off All SDI Membership, Resources, Books, etc until June 2We are very excited about the new "feast" of experiences and resources SDI has on offer for spiritual directors and spiritual companions. And we wanted to invite our community to partake of this feast. Thus, "The Invitation Sale" was born. 10 percent off everything in the SDI Store. For 5 days. Please consider this your invitation to join us at our feast. Iona. Rumi. A new enhanced issue of Presence. Christian Mystics. Books. SDI Courses, SDI membership. Renaissance 2021 video recordings. Yes, everything we have in our SDI Store. All 10 percent off. From now, un...
2021-05-2922 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP108 - Marian Sorensen and Holistic Approaches to Spiritual CompanionshipIn this week's episode, SDI's creative director Matt Whitney chats with Marian Sorensen, an English spiritual companion based out of Ibiza, Spain. Marian uses a holistic approach to her integrative practice, which includes the modalities of spiritual direction, holistic health coaching, and life coaching. You can find out more about Marian at her website Growing Edges: http://growing-edges.com. --- SDI Encounters is supported by: EXPERIENCE AN INTERFAITH LEARNING CENTER, A SACRED COMMUNITY, AND A SPIRITUAL HOME AT ONE SPIRIT, TO BE OF SERVICE IN TODAY’S RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD. EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN SE...
2021-05-2434 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP107 - Q&A With the Executive Director from the SDI Renaissance Conference (and bonus questions!)Traditionally, on the last day of an SDI Annual Conference, our Executive Director Reverend SeiFu Anil Singh-Molares will deliver something of an Annual Report, going over the finances and operations of our non-profit organization. Afterwards there is a Question and Answer session in which he dialogs with members in the audience. On the last day of our 2021 Renaissance Virtual Conference, this presentation was delivered over Zoom, and thanks to its robust Q&A and Chat technology, this session became supercharged, with lots of great questions about a variety of topics. In this episode, we’re replaying that Q&A Se...
2021-05-1839 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP106 - Highlights from the SDI Renaissance Conference - Sr Joan Chittister, Fr Richard Rohr, Roshi Joan Halifax, moreIf you regularly listen to this podcast, you have heard the advertisements for our SDI Renaissance virtual conference. We hosted this virtual gathering a couple of weeks ago now, and we as a staff are still processing, debriefing, discerning. We do know that overall, we feel like it was really successful – we’ve heard from a lot of participants that they were really glad for the time together, surprised that it could work virtually – and I will say for myself, even though we were on our devices and meeting over zoom, that it FELT like a conference. This is my thi...
2021-05-1029 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP105 - Reflections on Awakening and Maturity for Spiritual Companions - Genjo MarinelloOur latest book release from SDI Press is now available – Reflections on Awakening and Maturity for Spiritual Companions, by Genjo Marinello. Genjo’s fascinating book chronicles his lifelong and ongoing commitment to spiritual growth, through thick and thin, as well as a courageous embrace of many difficulties, shortcomings and flaws. Genjo composts all of these into assets, establishing them as the building blocks for his own ongoing spiritual growth and evolution. And by extension, for ours. In the process, he engages with numerous spiritual companions and models, most notably the Buddha, St Teresa of Avila, and...
2021-05-0333 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP104 - Roshi Joan Halifax - The Landscape of CompassionIn this week's episode, SDI's Executive Director Reverend Seifu speaks with Roshi Joan Halifax about confronting mortality and The Landscape of Compassion as a lead up to her keynote address at our SDI Renaissance 2021 virtual conference, which kicks off at the end of April. Roshi Joan explains that the questions that arise in people who are at the terminus of their lives are also fundamental questions for every stage of living. What is my life about? Have I met - and taken care of - important relationships? Have I mattered in this world? In her plenary address...
2021-04-0709 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP103 - Father Richard Rohr - A Call to Contemplative SolidarityIn this week's episode, SDI's Executive Director Reverend Seifu speaks with Father Richard Rohr, a keynote speaker for our SDI Renaissance 2021 virtual conference, which kicks off at the end of April.   Father Richard talks about how spiritual direction helps us to find firmer ground to stand upon, particularly in these difficult and unpredictable times. He is keen to be in conversation with us all about the issues at the heart of spiritual companionship. We are planning a highly interactive session with him at Renaissance 2021.  --- Father Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical tea...
2021-03-2921 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP102 - Andre van Zijl on Art and Spiritual CompanionshipIn this episode, Matt Whitney talks with Rev. Andre van Zijl about art and spiritual companionship. Andre is a cofounder and codirector of All Paths Divinity School, an online interfaith seminary promoting and nurturing sacred community through the arts. He is a spiritually inspired, award-winning artist, poet, published author, and non-dual philosophy teacher. Andre is also the founder and director of Van Zijl Art and Design Studios. Andre's art, poetry, and prose is highlighted in his article entitled "Sacred Companioning by Making Art" in the March 2021 issue of Presence Journal.  --- SDI's creative t...
2021-03-1739 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP101 - Presence Journal Online - Enhancements, Features, and a FREE ISSUE!In this episode, Ann Lancaster and Matt Whitney (SDI's creative team) discuss all the new enhancements and features of the online version of Presence and the labor of love that goes into producing our flagship publication in a new format. --- SDI members tell us that Presence is one of the best things about membership. They say it offers them a way to stay current on our calling and learn from the leading voices of our contemplative community. Now, Presence is evolving to become the enhanced Presence Online. The printed quarterly will still be mailed...
2021-03-0915 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP100 - Sunyata Kopriva - Providing Culturally Congruent Trauma Care For Young PeopleHere at SDI we have an initiative that brings emerging spiritual companions in the first half of life to our community, helping us weave a web of intergenerational wisdom and practice, which we call the New Contemplatives initiative. These New Contemplatives enrich the SDI community with new forms and paradigms of spiritual care, bringing their voices to the center of the organization and the broader field of spiritual companionship. In this episode, our New Contemplatives Coordinator, Lizzie Salsich, talks with one of the 2021 New Contemplatives, Sunyata Kopriva. Sunyata talks about their spiritual journey and practice of spiritual...
2021-03-0334 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP099 - We Need Elders In Our Lives - Nathan Bettger and Lizzie Salsich - New ContemplativesHere at SDI we have an initiative that brings emerging spiritual companions in the first half of life to our community, helping us weave a web of intergenerational wisdom and practice, which we call the New Contemplatives initiative. These New Contemplatives enrich the SDI community with new forms and paradigms of spiritual care, bringing their voices to the center of the organization and the broader field of spiritual companionship. In this episode, our New Contemplatives Coordinator, Lizzie Salsich, talks with one of the 2021 New Contemplatives, Nathan Bettger. Nathan talks about the importance of having elders, and how...
2021-02-0851 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP098 - Free eBook! Starting Spiritual Direction - John Mabry, Part 2In this episode, I continue my conversation with John Mabry, longtime friend of SDI and former Presence editor. This week we get into the modality of spiritual companionship at its essence, which is helping people to grow spiritually. For John, who wrote a very practical book about this called Starting Spiritual Direction, its about creating safe space for others to explore mystical experience (which is more common than we realize), and awaken to the Love Story that is their spiritual life. John is graciously making this e-book available as a download to all spiritual companions in our...
2021-01-2629 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP097 - Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Companionship and DirectionIn this special episode of SDI Encounters, Director of Programs and Events Frederica Helmiere talks with Beth Bartlett about their upcoming course offering from SDI Education – Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Companionship. This 12 week course is for anyone who offers spiritual companionship to women, and anyone who receives spiritual companionship from women. The course begins live on January 27 2021, and is also offered on-demand, learn more now by going to our website, sdicompanions.org. Beth Bartlett, Ph.D., is an educator, author, activist, and spiritual companion.  She is Professor Emerita of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of...
2021-01-2036 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP096 - Catching Up With John Mabry - Creative Work and Interfaith ExplorationJohn Mabry is beloved in the SDI Community. He’s been with SDI for over 20 years in a number of ways. He is the former editor and a longtime contributor to Presence Journal – our quarterly magazine on spiritual direction and companionship. He does…so many things. He’s a spiritual director, he’s a prolific author, having written dozens of books on spirituality and mysticism, (I counted 23 books just on spirituality on his website!), but he also writes fantasy and science fiction novels. He is a UCC pastor – at two different churches, AND he makes music with two bands, and is worki...
2021-01-1121 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP094 - Two Years of the SDI Encounters Podcast - Notes and ReflectionsThank you to everybody who has supported the SDI Encounters Podcast, by listening, sharing with a friend, writing a review, or by being a guest. At SDI, we see the podcast as a vital part of our outreach to the public on the merits, value, and necessity of spiritual companionship in the wider culture. Much of our work at SDI is to provide educational media and resources that are for the broader public, to share the healing work we do as spiritual directors and companions to as many people as possible. I view all my work this way – I fi...
2020-12-2216 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP093 - Bernadette Miles - "What stops us from realizing we are lovable?"Bernadette Miles is co-director at the Kardia Formation and Training Program in Victoria, Australia. She trained in spiritual direction and theology after twenty years of computer consulting and business management and has a special interest in formation of apostolic leadership and applying the concepts of Ignatian Spirituality to organizational development. Bernie, as we know her, is a member of SDI’s Coordinating Council. I spoke with her about doing the Ignatian spiritual exercises, doing the work of spiritual companionship virtually, about the story of how she came into spiritual companionship, and how this work helps us as a...
2020-12-1534 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP092 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - DiscernmentWho is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos. So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests...
2020-12-0936 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP090 - Announcing the SDI 2021 Renaissance Virtual Conference!We at SDI are so excited to announce an unprecedented virtual conference for April 2021 which we are calling Renaissance – the meaning of the word being, “rebirth”. This season of pandemic, and political uncertainty in many countries around the world, have been difficult for all of us. But for every season, there are new beginnings, and out of the mulch and the compost, new life can grow. This conference is going to be a gigantic sandbox for spiritual companionship and contemplative community. No travel costs, no hotel or meal expenses. Attend from your home, participate from anywhere, around the wo...
2020-11-1613 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP089 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - AccountabilityWho is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos. So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests...
2020-11-1028 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP088 - Dimensions of a Spiritual Companion - MutualityWho is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos. So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests...
2020-10-2620 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP087 - Non-theistic Companionship with Joe SeheeThis week’s episode is a conversation I had about companionship with Joe Sehee. I very intentionally refer to ‘companionship’ here, as Joe approaches this work from a non-theistic, non-religious perspective. We discuss topics around finding meaning and universality in suffering, human connection, using silence to be in conversation, compassion fatigue, and remembering to have a sense of humor. Talking with Joe, I thought of the famous line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. At SDI, we talk about the healing modality of spiritual companionship. You can call it co...
2020-10-2034 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP084 - Sacred Music and Conversation with Simon de VoilEnjoy this lovely conversation between Frederica Helmiere and Simon de Voil. Simon is an interfaith/interspiritual minister, sacred musician, youth worker and wooden boat builder. In all these vocations, he uses music and carpentry as a means to help individuals and groups connect sacred presence with everyday life. He is also a very accomplished musician; Simon has toured internationally as a singer-songwriter and storyteller and released four solo albums over the past decade. His music explores themes of the inner landscape of the soul, the enchantment of the natural world and a personal journey to follow an unexpected calling. Sim...
2020-09-181h 00SDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP083 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Exploration of the UnknownWho is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos. So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests...
2020-09-1628 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP082 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Deep Listening with Rev. SeifuWho is a spiritual companion? A spiritual director is a spiritual companion, as is a life coach, a chaplain, a hospice nurse, really anybody in a caring vocation. But it can also be a type of person who lives and listens in ways that embody this type of caring. That is, a spiritual companion need not do it as a job. Some of us are spiritual companions in the way we honor our relationships to family, friends, neighbors, the land, our ancestors, and the cosmos. So there are lots of ways the role of spiritual companionship manifests...
2020-09-0224 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP080 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 4 with Langston KahnThis week we continue with our four part series on the exploration of sexuality in spiritual companionship. Facilitated by Frederica Helmiere, we present to you a series of perspectives from several spiritual directors, pastors, and guides on how they approach sexuality in their roles as spiritual companions. These episodes are offered in conjunction with our upcoming webinar series Spiritual Companionship and the Divine Erotic – Ethics and Sexuality, which you can learn more about at sdicompanions.org.   This week features a conversation with Frederica and Langston Kahn, a New York City based shamanic practitioner specializing in emo...
2020-07-2739 minSDI Encounters
SDI EncountersEP079 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 3 with Rev. Dr. Beverly DaleThis week we continue with our four part series on the exploration of sexuality in spiritual companionship. Facilitated by Frederica Helmiere, we present to you a series of perspectives from several spiritual directors, pastors, and guides on how they approach sexuality in their roles as spiritual companions. These episodes are offered in conjunction with our upcoming webinar series Spiritual Companionship and the Divine Erotic – Ethics and Sexuality, which you can learn more about at sdicompanions.org.   This week features a conversation with Frederica and the Rev. Dr. Beverly Dale. RevBEV is the Chair and Founder of...
2020-07-2046 minTech Talk from the Markertek News Channel
Tech Talk from the Markertek News ChannelAtlona 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SD-SDI to HDMI ConverterAtlona AT-3GSDI-HD2 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SD-SDI to HDMI with Stereo Audio Converter Atlona AT-3GSDI-HD2 is a 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SD-SDI to HDMI with Stereo Audio Converter is a perfect device for monitoring and production where SDI Camera or Computer SDI output needs to be converted to work with HDMI or DVI displays. The 3GSDI-HD2 is a pure digital converter which guarantees no transition loss. Converter fully supports all audio formats up to 8-channel and able to send audio though HDMI port as well as though a separate Stereo Audio output. The converter is featured with a re-clocked...
2011-08-1556 min