03 October 2024
As leaders we are constantly seeking innovative ways to inspire, motivate and empower our teams. However, true transformation begins from within. We the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod from 6 southern provinces of India gathered for 6 days from September 16th to 22nd, 2024 at Holy Cross Centre in Bangalore for a course on ‘Training for Trainers’. We were 30 in number. It has enabled us to delve deeper into the new creation story for spiritual awakening. This transformative experience was beautifully guided by Sr. Alba PBVM, who infused it with a nurturing feminine touch.
Module 1 focussed on “Empowering oneself to empower others”. It was a reawakening of our consciousness to the divine in us, in every creature and the entire cosmos. We not only empowered ourselves but have also become resourceful. The sessions involved inner healing, facilitation skills, various forms of mediation, mantra prayers, Bio Lectio Divina, various forms of blessings, mandala works, stories for mediation, picture reflections, affirmations, visualization and the Story of the Universe alongside the spiral Meditation. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the divine for planning for us, this fruitful experience.
Spirituality is all about connecting to God and a journey towards becoming who we are truly meant to be. Human beings gifted with soul consciousness have a higher call to become divine and perceive the divine in all of creation. The Universe Story is a Sacred Story of Our Time. This beautiful universe was brought forth from chaos. It has a long history and rich heritage accounting from 13.7 billion years ago. Everything that exists, comes from a single blazing instant. 13.7 billion years long Sacred Story of the Universe is the incredible Love Story of God. Dwelling on this reality moves one to the awesome experience of divine presence within and around. Can that not be the primary reason to celebrate life and live it in all its vitality?
This story upholds the interconnectedness of all things for the world of persons and everything in creation. We are limitless embracing all beings into the arena of our love. How fortunate are we to be a divine with tangible human experiences! We are thrilled to dive into the infinite possibilities of connecting ourselves to the divine and becoming who we are truly meant to be. Allowing this new world view to profoundly change our lives is to be able to connect with everything, with a profound sense of reverence and gratitude. We are all connected, we come from the same Source and we are a kind of kin to each other.
There is a rhythm of music, colour, aroma and dance spread from the vast ocean to deep valley healing the brokenness with its gentle soothing touch. Contemplation of this truth carries one forward to revere every person with her brokenness and be a balm in her pain. After all we are the expression of one single reality. The new consciousness awakens us to the mystical awareness that ALL IS SACRED - All is one! From sand to stars, every being bears the divine imprint. The Universe is an inexhaustible celebration of ultimate Mystery. Shouldn't our eyes radiate love, compassion, and joy in every moment? Our lives are intimately intertwined with the universe around us. How greatly are we indebted to the very nature that sustains, supports and upholds us - makes us what we are.
Cosmic energy is the energy of the consciousness. We all are surrounded by it, in and out, always, every time, and everywhere. All of us are constantly availing this energy but as our minds remain distracted with thoughts of past and future, so we are unable to get the most out of it. Meditation lessens our thought parade, quietens our mind and thus we are able to get the abundance of Cosmic energy into us.
This programme has offered us a profound framework to tap into the universal energy, cultivate inner wisdom and unlock our full potential. It was indeed an enriching experience getting connected to nature, self and others.
Sr. Angela, Province of Pune
Sr. Antin, Province of Madurai