Psycho-Spiritual Integration Course for Cloistered Nuns
A Psycho-Spiritual course was organised by the Federation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Sadbhavana, Bengaluru, India from 3-22 June 2024, with 16 participants from the nine Carmels and from the Raipur Carmel. As testified by the Nuns, it became an experience of coming to a deserted place to answer perennial question posed by the Beloved, “Where are you Adam”? To reflect on the vulnerabilities and fig leaves – the various defence mechanisms used to hide one’s nakedness before the One, “we know loves us”. The Nuns examined some of the key concepts, at times distorted, and paradigms, which motivate the living-out of the charism in community, learning to handle anger and conflict. There were scientific therapeutic sessions of handling childhood trauma and negative memories through Brain Equilibrium Therapy. The renewed understanding of the essentials underpinning the Carmelite prayer journey, the practice of spiritual direction, personal reflection and group discussions coupled with the lavish love and care of the friars challenged and motivated the participants to return to their communities with courage and fervour to be the “Salt and Light”. The sessions helped to renew the lives of the Nuns.