podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
SDI - The Home Of Spiritual Companionship
Shows
PIWORLD Investor Podcasts
SDI Group (SDI) Investor Q&A Session - February 2025
SDI Group’s CEO, Stephen Brown, CFO, Amitabh Sharma and Head of Corporate Development, James Dimitriou, answer investor questions following the Group’s recent December Interims. Read the latest research here: https://progressive-research.com/company/sdi-group-plc/ 00:00 Opener 00:16 Introduction 00:45 Can you talk about opportunities going forward, and can you outline how you are encouraging collaboration between the businesses? 04:17 Are there any larger one-off acquisitions? 07:09 Are you starting to see these synergies between the businesses drive margin or sales revenue? 08:30 What further comfort can you give on the ability to h...
2025-02-12
28 min
SDI Encounters
Lucy 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...
2025-01-29
16 min
SDI Encounters
Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares and Matt Whitney - Using Our Challenges as Gateways to Awareness
In 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...
2025-01-18
21 min
PIWORLD Investor Podcasts
SDI Group (SDI) Management Interview - January 2025
An Interview with SDI Group CEO, Stephen Brown, providing an overview of the business, its refreshed strategy and insight into the acquisition of InspecVision. Read the research here. 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - Can you give a brief overview, and tell us about the breadth of the business and the technological expertise that sits within the SDI Group? 01:21 - Despite the difficult end markets, particularly in lab equipment how have you navigated these external challenges? 01:50 - What is the strategy of SDI and how is that translated into a sustainable operational reality? 02:34...
2025-01-09
10 min
SDI Encounters
Philip Carter - Ordinary Heaven - Exploring Spiritual Direction and the Journey of Human Life - New from SDI Press
The 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...
2024-11-07
29 min
SDI Encounters
Walking With Spiritual Independents - Perspectives on Seeking Spiritual Freedom
There 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...
2024-11-01
43 min
SDI Encounters
Kō Sam Tullman - Disease and Dis-Ease on the Spiritual Path
SDI 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...
2024-09-26
14 min
SDI Encounters
Journey to India, January 2025 - Companionship and Transformation - Amrutham Babu
In 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...
2024-08-05
22 min
SDI Encounters
NEW VIDEO POD - Spiritual Companionship Through Queer Lenses - Larry J Morris III
We'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...
2024-07-23
18 min
SDI Encounters
Meditation and Mindfulness with the SDI Community - Sean Murphy
In 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...
2024-06-27
20 min
SDI Encounters
SDI Solstice Celebrations - Why We Do Them
This 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...
2024-06-21
21 min
SDI Encounters
Preview 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...
2024-04-01
27 min
SDI Encounters
Preview Part 2: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Allen Proctor, Erlina Edwards, Ben Campbell
This 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...
2024-03-29
23 min
SDI Encounters
Preview Part 1: New Perspectives on the Enneagram - Sandra Smith and Dina ElBadry
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. 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...
2024-03-27
18 min
SDI Encounters
SDI's 2024 Online Conference: Navigating the Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and Companions
In 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...
2024-02-13
18 min
SDI Encounters
SDI Affinity Groups with Ravi Verma
SDI 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...
2023-12-14
17 min
SDI Encounters
An Ordinary Conversation about Waking Up - Jennifer ”Jinks” Hoffmann
We 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...
2023-12-05
42 min
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Achieve 360° Supply Chain Visibility for Greater Control and Optimization, with SDI
Cris Ferregur talks about SDI; predicting demand in an unpredictable world; the power of data; & finding the balance between new technologies & legacy systems. [06.05] An introduction to Chris, and his journey with SDI. [06.40] A closer look at current supply chain challenges, and what SDI are seeing with their clients. [07.41] Common data challenges, and the importance of good data in telling an organization’s ‘story’ in their supply chain. [09.48] An overview of SDI – what they do and how they help their customers. [14.04] The ideal client for SDI. [15.29] How the landscap...
2023-12-04
43 min
SDI Encounters
Forest 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...
2023-11-29
25 min
SDI Encounters
Desert Spirituality - Preview with Tessa Bielecki and Fr. Dave Denny
To 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...
2023-10-30
16 min
NEW WORK MEETS SPIRITUALITY
#4 Spiral Dynamics Integral (SDi) - Eine erste Einführung
In dieser Ausgabe tauchen wir in das Thema Spiral Dynamics Integral (SDi) ein. Hier ist ein Überblick über die Themen, die wir besprechen werden: Wie sind wir zu SDi gekommen?: Wir teilen unsere persönlichen Erfahrungen und erzählen, wie wir auf SDi gestoßen sind und welche Reise uns dazu geführt hat. Was ist SDi?: Wir bieten eine kurze Einführung in das Modell von Spiral Dynamics Integral (Man könnte Tage füllen). Was verbirgt sich hinter diesem Modell? Was sind seine Grundlagen? Warum hat uns SDi so begeistert?: Hier erfährst...
2023-10-27
25 min
SDI Encounters
Elaine Fourie - Working with Trauma, Mysticism, and Walking with a Partner with Illness
In 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.
2023-09-08
26 min
SDI Encounters
Henri 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...
2023-08-31
09 min
SDI Encounters
Using the Enneagram to Name, Tame, and Transform Your Inner Critic with Chelsea Forbrook
Chelsea 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 “...
2023-08-28
26 min
SDI Encounters
Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 2
In 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...
2023-08-14
15 min
SDI Encounters
Rev. SeiFu and Matt Whitney on Belonging - Part 1
In 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...
2023-08-09
17 min
SDI Encounters
Awakening 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...
2023-07-03
1h 04
SDI Encounters
Dr Jeanette Banashak and Rev Simon Ruth De Voil - Guides for Our 2024 Forest Bathing Journey
Hear 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...
2023-06-29
15 min
Quiver Financial News
Secure Act 2.0 Change That Every Business Owner Should Know - SDI Cap.
What is State Disability Insurance (“SDI”)? State Disability Insurance (“SDI”) is a California state program administered by the Employment Development Department (“EDD”). SDI provides partial wage replacement when workers are unable to perform their regular or customary work due to physical and mental injuries, illnesses, and other health conditions. Who is covered by the SDI program? Almost all workers in California are covered by the program, and may receive benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, workers in certain jobs cannot get SDI, such as certain domestic workers, independent contractors, election campaign workers, and student workers working for th...
2023-06-14
04 min
SDI Encounters
Reconsidering Spiritual Companionship - Full Conversation with Rev. SeiFu Singh-Molares
In 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...
2023-05-01
49 min
SDI Encounters
A Conversation with Fr. Adam Bucko - Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide
Recently 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...
2023-04-03
1h 01
SDI Encounters
Carmen Acevedo Butcher - Mystical Wisdom and Practice from The Cloud of Unknowing and Brother Lawrence
Recently, 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...
2023-03-30
1h 00
Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground
Breaking Barriers Building a Hire Ground – Episode 126: How to Build a Supplier Diversity Ecosystem with Cecelia Bolden of SDI Presence
“To really build in supplier diversity, you have to hit all levels within an organization.” – Cecelia Bolden Cecelia Bolden is an IT executive, business strategist, client relationship expert, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion advocate with over 34 years of experience in the information systems industry. She serves as the Chief Development and Diversity Officer of SDI Presence, an IT consultancy and managed services provider that leverages its strong team presence to advance its clients to a secure digital enterprise. In her role, Cecilia leads the development of new, large strategic accounts for SDI Presence. She oversees the organization’s financia...
2023-03-21
30 min
SDI Encounters
Website Chat Support, Compassionate Listening, and Growing Peppers - Ryan Hinson - SDI Technical Support Specialist
Have 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...
2023-03-16
28 min
SDI Encounters
Eric Massanari - SDI Board Chair - An Invitation to Community
In 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...
2023-03-07
27 min
SDI Encounters
Rabbi Myriam Klotz - SDI Board Vice-Chair - An Invitation to Serve
In 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...
2023-03-02
23 min
SDI Encounters
A Conversation with Busshō Lahn - Singing and Dancing are the Voice of the Law
Busshō 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...
2023-02-17
1h 04
SDI Encounters
An Interview with Lerita Coleman Brown - The Enduring Wisdom of Howard Thurman
SDI 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...
2023-01-10
15 min
SDI Encounters
Aimee Bostwick - Community and Spiritual Life at Kanuga Conference Center - Forest Bathing Journey with SDI
Hi! 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...
2022-12-09
33 min
SDI Encounters
Cynthia Bailey Manns - Reflections of a Soul Companion
Recently, 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...
2022-11-01
41 min
SDI Encounters
Nature Immersion and Deep Listening - A Forest Bathing Retreat from SDI - Dr Jeanette Banashak
SDI 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.
2022-09-29
31 min
SDI Encounters
Dr. Bruce Tallman - New Book on Francis de Sales - Making a Living in Spiritual Direction
Since 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...
2022-09-16
47 min
SDI Encounters
A Contemplative Approach to Sexuality - Dr. Westina Matthews
In 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...
2022-08-09
19 min
SDI Encounters
EP133 - Rabbi Rami Shapiro - Wandering the Pathless Land
Recently 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...
2022-07-12
55 min
SDI Encounters
EP132 - Engage 2022 Conference Debrief with Rev SeiFu
Executive 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...
2022-06-03
24 min
SDI Encounters
EP 131: Michelle Scheidt on Sharing Spiritual Heritage
Michelle 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...
2022-05-02
16 min
SDI Encounters
EP130 - An Interview with Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann and Diane M. Millis - New Book from SDI Press
We 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...
2022-03-30
48 min
SDI Encounters
EP 129 - Meet Larry J. Morris III, Spiritual Director and Production Assistant at SDI
In 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...
2022-03-22
22 min
SDI Encounters
EP 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...
2022-03-03
21 min
SDI Encounters
EP127 - Simon de Voil - A Conversation on Iona, Music, and Spiritual Companionship
In 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...
2022-02-04
18 min
SDI Encounters
Ep 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...
2022-01-31
14 min
SDI Encounters
Ep 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...
2022-01-26
22 min
SDI Encounters
Ep124 - Lacy Finn Borgo - The Undeniable Presence of Power in Spiritual Direction
In 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...
2022-01-20
17 min
SDI Encounters
EP123 - The Public Square - A New Online Platform for the SDI Community
For 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...
2021-12-16
13 min
SDI Encounters
EP122 - Lucy Abbott Tucker - New Perspectives on Supervision
Since 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...
2021-12-06
19 min
SDI Encounters
EP121 - Roslyn G. Weiner - A Process for Group Spiritual Direction - New Book from SDI Press
With 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...
2021-11-24
26 min
SDI Encounters
EP 120: Finding God In All I See, Finding God in You and Me - Writing a Children‘s Book - MaryEllen Weber
MaryEllen 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...
2021-11-18
32 min
SDI Encounters
EP119 - ”Engage” - Our 2022 SDI Conference Theme
In 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. ---
2021-09-30
16 min
SDI Encounters
EP118 - Karen Erlichman - A Contemporary Approach to Spiritual Direction Supervision
In 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...
2021-09-28
22 min
SDI Encounters
EP117 - Carl McColman - Christian Mystics and Spiritual Companionship
In 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...
2021-09-02
21 min
SDI Encounters
EP116 - Teresa Blythe - Awakening While Anchoring the Radio News
In 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...
2021-08-23
33 min
SDI Encounters
EP115 - Evan Miller - Leadership and Spirituality
In 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...
2021-08-13
18 min
Shares for Beginners
WEEKEND WATCHLIST – SDI ASX:SDI
In this WEEKEND WATCHLIST I’m joined by Mark Tobin from Coffee Microcaps to discuss SDI ASX:SDI Simply Wall St Summary: SDI Limited engages in the research, development, manufacture, and distribution of dental restorative materials, whitening systems, other dental materials in Australia, Europe, the United States, and Brazil. It offers alloys, adhesives, etchants, composites, glass ionomers, sealants, cements, tooth desensitizing agent and cavity cleansers, and tooth whitening products, as well as various equipment; and composite and glass ionomer accessories. The company serves dental distributors, dental dealers, and dentists. SDI Limited was founded in 1972 and is...
2021-08-07
12 min
SDI Encounters
EP114 - My Boss is a Zen Priest - How to Sit
In 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...
2021-07-28
24 min
SDI Encounters
EP112 - SDI Coordinating Council and the State of SDI
In 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...
2021-07-14
39 min
SDI Encounters
EP111 - Renaissance 2021 - New Contemplatives - Part 2
In 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...
2021-06-14
47 min
SDI Encounters
EP110 - Renaissance 2021 - New Contemplatives - Part 1
In 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...
2021-06-10
59 min
SDI Encounters
EP109 - The Invitation Sale - 10 percent off All SDI Membership, Resources, Books, etc until June 2
We 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...
2021-05-29
22 min
SDI Encounters
EP108 - Marian Sorensen and Holistic Approaches to Spiritual Companionship
In 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...
2021-05-24
34 min
SDI Encounters
EP107 - 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...
2021-05-18
39 min
SDI Encounters
EP106 - Highlights from the SDI Renaissance Conference - Sr Joan Chittister, Fr Richard Rohr, Roshi Joan Halifax, more
If 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...
2021-05-10
29 min
SDI Encounters
EP105 - Reflections on Awakening and Maturity for Spiritual Companions - Genjo Marinello
Our 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...
2021-05-03
33 min
SDI Encounters
EP104 - Roshi Joan Halifax - The Landscape of Compassion
In 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...
2021-04-07
09 min
SDI Encounters
EP103 - Father Richard Rohr - A Call to Contemplative Solidarity
In 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...
2021-03-29
21 min
SDI Encounters
EP102 - Andre van Zijl on Art and Spiritual Companionship
In 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...
2021-03-17
39 min
SDI Encounters
EP101 - 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...
2021-03-09
15 min
SDI Encounters
EP100 - Sunyata Kopriva - Providing Culturally Congruent Trauma Care For Young People
Here 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...
2021-03-03
34 min
SDI Encounters
EP099 - We Need Elders In Our Lives - Nathan Bettger and Lizzie Salsich - New Contemplatives
Here 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...
2021-02-08
51 min
SDI Encounters
EP098 - Free eBook! Starting Spiritual Direction - John Mabry, Part 2
In 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...
2021-01-26
29 min
SDI Encounters
EP097 - Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Companionship and Direction
In 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...
2021-01-20
36 min
SDI Encounters
EP096 - Catching Up With John Mabry - Creative Work and Interfaith Exploration
John 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...
2021-01-11
21 min
SDI Encounters
EP094 - Two Years of the SDI Encounters Podcast - Notes and Reflections
Thank 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...
2020-12-22
16 min
SDI Encounters
EP093 - 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...
2020-12-15
34 min
SDI Encounters
EP092 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Discernment
Who 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...
2020-12-09
36 min
SDI Encounters
EP090 - 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...
2020-11-16
13 min
SDI Encounters
EP089 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Accountability
Who 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...
2020-11-10
28 min
SDI Encounters
EP088 - Dimensions of a Spiritual Companion - Mutuality
Who 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...
2020-10-26
20 min
SDI Encounters
EP087 - Non-theistic Companionship with Joe Sehee
This 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...
2020-10-20
34 min
SDI Encounters
EP084 - Sacred Music and Conversation with Simon de Voil
Enjoy 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...
2020-09-18
1h 00
SDI Encounters
EP083 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Exploration of the Unknown
Who 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...
2020-09-16
28 min
SDI Encounters
EP082 - Dimensions of Spiritual Companionship - Deep Listening with Rev. Seifu
Who 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...
2020-09-02
24 min
SDI Encounters
EP080 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 4 with Langston Kahn
This 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...
2020-07-27
39 min
SDI Encounters
EP079 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 3 with Rev. Dr. Beverly Dale
This 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...
2020-07-20
46 min
SDI Encounters
EP078 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 2 with Tommie Watkins and Westina Matthews
This 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, professor and spiritual director Westina Matthews, and Episcopal Priest Father Tommie Watkins, who will be...
2020-07-15
51 min
SDI Encounters
EP077 - Sexuality and Spiritual Companionship - Part 1 with Karen Erlichman
Today we start a 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. Karen Erlichman, DMin, LCSW provides psychotherapy, spiritual direction, supervision and So(U)L coaching in San Francisco, with a mind-body-spirit approach to healing. Karen’s writing has been published in numerous journals, blogs and anthologies, including Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction, Tikkun, Feminist Studies in Religion and in the interfaith anth...
2020-07-06
45 min
SDI Encounters
EP076 - New Website! sdicompanions.org
Hey everybody; SDI has a brand new website! After months of work, we are so excited to present to our community sdicompanions.org. Built from the ground-up, sdicompanions.org integrates everything that we do, from offering clear information on the work of spiritual companionship across orientations, to our popular searchable database of spiritual companions, as well as new spaces where our members can be in conversation with one another, access resources, including a brand-new digital platform for Presence, our quarterly flagship publication. Ann Lancaster and I talked about the process of getting this website up and running, our vision...
2020-06-29
32 min
Tech Talk from the Markertek News Channel
Atomos Samurai 10-Bit HD/SD-SDI Field Recorder
Atomos Samurai 10-Bit Field Recorder, Monitor and Playback & Playout Device with HD/SD-SDI The revolutionary Samurai is a portable touchscreen Professional 10-Bit HD Recorder, Monitor, & Playback device that captures pristine video and audio direct from any camera with HD/SD-SDI. It encodes in real-time to the visually-lossless Apple ProRes format, onto low-cost, removable 2 1/2 inch hard disks. You can then review your footage in realtime onto the pristine 5" display or out onto any HD-SDI capable device, including directors monitors & broadcast equipment. With up to 10 hours battery from the 2 included Lithium Ion Camera batteries, you truly have a...
2012-05-10
54 min
Tech Talk from the Markertek News Channel
Atlona 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SD-SDI to HDMI Converter
Atlona 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...
2011-08-15
54 min
Tech Talk from the Markertek News Channel
Cam Wave HD-SDI Wireless System from IDX
View Uncompressed Full Bandwidth High Definition Signals up to 150 Feet Away! Introducing the product that will transform remote video shooting... the Cam~Wave HD. The Cam~Wave HD is a lightweight on camera wireless system capable of transmitting uncompressed HD-SDI or SD-SDI up to 150 feet with virtually no latency. The Cam~Wave HD is perfect for news truck monitors, the producer's monitor or any camera receiving station. Transmissions are sent via encrypted MIMO/OFDM. Features Uncompressed wireless system for both HD-SDI and SD-SDI video Multiple formats of video with two channels of SDI...
2010-07-13
54 min
Tech Talk from the Markertek News Channel
CORIOview 4 Window 3G-SDI Processor from TV One
CORIOview C2-6204 4-Window 3G-SDI Processor is based on TV One's exclusive CORIO®2 technology and has four 3G-SDI inputs plus a DVI-I input (for window, cascade or background use) to place up to 4 sizeable windows on a single DVI-I / 3G SDI output. Each window is powered by a CORIO®2 scaler providing full PIP flexibility. 3G-SDI resolutions up to 1080p60 are supported. High performance de-interlacing with motion-adaptive noise reduction are available for interlaced SDI and YPbPr sources. The unit provides a DVI-I output as well as a duplicate 3G-SDI capable output. All settings are stored in...
2010-06-03
54 min