Louisville Spiritual Community RECEPTION NOTES
In what ways can SDI support Louisville and the region during the conference? Feed the homeless Interfaith space for everyone common ground space Spiritual energy outside of the religious communities Idea Festival in the Fall Pop up installations on the lawn behind Galt House. Invitations to established groups (religious and non religious) invited to participate and attend (many specific suggestions) Bring together people from all over the world Tie in with Festival of Faiths Focus on youth Pop up listening stations
In what ways can SDI support Louisville and the region during the conference? Young Contemplatives Cover their cost to come to the conference Who is tending the soul of the homeless and the poor Provide something for young adults? Integrate Compassionate Louisville Kentucky Council of Churches energize church leaders to participate Common Practice Together Read a book, call to silence, encouraging persons to become listening presence
How do you see the future of spiritual direction and spiritual care in terms of needs and focus? Changing needs of young people less identified with religion, no language Marginalized people go to where they are and let them tell their stories Foster and sustain good relationship matches o lead to longer term relationships More education for people who don t know about spiritual direction People are hungry for their spirits to be fed Small gatherings are helpful Go to the whole local assembly, rather than annual SDI members go to small groups, focus on networking and relationship
How do you see the future of spiritual direction and spiritual care in terms of needs and focus? Re energize local group the local group is a core energy In training program (diversity, such as new cosmology) Group spiritual direction desire for group community Spiritual group practice (ecumenical women s group) Develop courses for facilitating and group spiritual direction Hispanic spiritual direction Sensitivity to cultures Spiritual direction and technology Spiritual direction formation in Denver
How do you see the future of spiritual direction and spiritual care in terms of needs and focus? Sage ing mentoring using Skype, webinars Shalem lots of online Spiritual direction and career vocation blending together How do we do spiritual direction differently with young people Respond to the needs of people who don t have a community Looking for mature feminine voice Thirst for the Feminine Longing for the integration of spiritual and physical healing Care for the earth Remove barriers from the definition of spiritual directino
How do you see the future of spiritual direction and spiritual care in terms of needs and focus? Language more toward the sacredness of life Earth needs disconnect Global desire for community Social media/incarnation Engage youth digital natives about these questions Mindfulness
How can we work together? Supporting people to do more group spiritual direction Outreach to the non traditional person Fundraising need more understanding about what spiritual direction is How to find a spiritual director Print materials needed Not what is Christian spiritual direction, more general Help developing websites for training programs Cast the net farther such as this listening event Address language issues
How can we work together? Already groups forming in Louisville for people seeking community Native peoples groups/sweat lodges reach out to them Chaplains in institutions
Next Steps Sharing Curriculum Spiritual direction programs need to share information and resources Local community connections to continue sharing Way to follow up with other local spiritual directors afterwards Statement for the need of the baton pass. If you are in hospital setting, make connections for spiritual care after discharge Instead of how can we organize how can we serve? Huge Healthcare in Louisville and Indianapolis Connect healthcare, compassion, interfaith council, Wayne Oaks Center
Next Steps Volunteer Festival of Faith promotion of SDI conference Broaden the audience not just spiritual directors Interfaith Power and Light Began here in Louisville, now a national organization Extend hospitality to various groups Conversation with youth about what spiritual care looks like Desire to be compassionate 10 Tips for Compassionate Listening /Listening with Your Heart paramedics, teachers, emergency rooms, etc.
What about spiritual care is working well within your city or town? Holy Land of KY 8 communities that have served the community (health, education) and social justice. 35 mi region that influences Louisville and the whole area. Community here since before the Trappist monks Sisters of Loredto & Sisters of Charity founded here hundreds of years ago Dalai Lama s recent trip (his 12 th ) here to empower and inspire local youth Mayor Fisher inspired by Merton and Compassion Many Centers such as Angela Morrissey Spirituality Center Women s Issues Women in Prayer Group Center for Interfaith Relations, Episcopal Cathedral (training programs, pilgrimages)
What about spiritual care is working well within your city or town? Rich tradition but moving away from the church Rural: Diverse group/acceptance, cross denominational Hospital Chaplaincy and Hospice have become central core Not church goers who seek spirituality Festival of Faiths Celebrates the diversity of faith community Sacred Journey and the Legacy of Thomas Merton Monasteries Religions orders, seminaries within 100 miles (Christian, Buddhist Falls of the Ohio Sacred land for indigenous people
What about spiritual care is working well within your city or town? Availability of Spiritual Direction for those who seek it Many sacred sites in the area Spirit as an antidote to bourbon spirits St. Mary of the Woods Many formation centers in the area Sycanione, Benedictine, Sisters of Charity, St. Meinrad Many retreat centers SDI Louisisana Group Saging International Kentucky is very land and place based, access to nature
In what ways can SDI support Louisville and the region during the conference? Allow networking. Make it easy to connect. Lift up Merton s anniversary Promote visibility of spiritual direction in the area Media coverage Mayors office Outreach to ministerial association Open the event to the public Use local musician (Harry Pickens, jazz pianist, peace educator) Exhibit space for each of the compassionate and contemplative organizations Live streaming