Spirituality Workshop
These are six one-hour components of a one day workshop. Each component is described below, listing its goals and methods. The components may vary in length or emphasis depending on the needs of the workshop participants.
Segment One -- Purpose of your Life
Have you ever wondered What is the purpose of my life? Why was I born? Do I have a clear mission for my life? These may sound like abstract or philosophical questions, but having a clear sense of purpose to your life can help you transcend depression and/or bipolar disorder.
We will lead you through a process of developing a personal mission statement.
Segment Two -- Meaning of your suffering
Have you ever wondered, Why have I been afflicted with depression? Is there any good that is or could come out of this suffering?
We all suffer in many varied ways in life. Depression is a type of suffering. We do not wish suffering on anyone, but we also believe that while painful and horrible, some good can come from our suffering. We can find ways to use it to our advantage.
In this segment, we will help you identify and examine critically at least one meaning attached to depression/illness that is keeping you ill.
We will also help you identify and embrace one way in which you are a “better” person as a result of depression/illness. Yes, we will help you identify your Bipolar Advantage!
Segment Three -- Divine’s Presence and Personal Significance
When we are chronically depressed, we often feel distant, abandoned by God. We feel a disconnection from the Divine. If we can begin to experience the presence of God on a regular basis and even amid our periods of suffering, we can be both comforted and encouraged. We can reclaim our sense of personal significance.
We will help you see your life as a spiritual journey with ups and downs accordingly and begin to identify the ways, how and when the Divine appears in your life.
We will help you claim your spiritual heroes that speak to your situation.
Segment Four -- Gratitude
Depressed persons are often resentful about how life has treated them, and they feel victimized. Being able to identify one’s blessings and find a sense of gratitude, even for the smallest of everyday wonders and joys, is a wonderful antidote for depression.
In this segment we will help you to readily identify, on a regular basis, areas of gratitude or blessing in your life. Don’t you agree that when you are feeling thankful and/or blessed, depression is in fact lessoned?
We will help you identify events or dynamics in your past that while not welcomed at the time, can now be seen as a “blessing in disguise.”
Segment Five -- Forgiveness
Sometimes when we are chronically depressed, we have internal processes that are rigid, self critical, even perfectionistic. Such dynamics only reinforce depression. In this segment, we will help you accept yourself better and in turn, accept and forgive others.
In this segment, we will help you identify the areas in your life where unforgiveness has blocked your growth and recovery. We will help you to understand the true nature of forgiveness as taught by all of the great religions of the world.
We will help you increase your compassion toward yourself! Allowing for a less rigid, perfectionistic or critical view of yourself. By so doing, we will become more emotionally and behaviorally flexible.
You will learn the steps in the process of forgiving someone who has wronged you, and letting go of your resentment and “grievance story.”
Segment Six -- Serenity
Some people who are depressed are filled with chronic tension or frustrations related to addictions, to expectations that are unrealistic, to attachments that are lost or trying to control things that cannot be controlled. Letting go of these expectations, attachments, addictions or needs to control, can help us all find inner peace and contentment. In addition, one finds one’s true self, as one detaches from worldly, false or lost attachments.
In this segment, we will help you identify ways in which you are bound by an addiction, or by an attachment that is now lost; or expectations that are false or unrealistic, and/or by a need to control. We will help you identify the negative results of such bondages.
Serenity and true contentment comes through a dynamic of letting go or detachment. This truth is embodied in the 12 step philosophy and taught in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.
In Summary
Can you believe that we are going to do all of this in one workshop? Probably not! But we will get your started on your path to greater spiritual maturity. And greater spiritual maturity, if you practice it regularly, can help you cope with and transcend a depressive illness.
Who will teach this workshop?
Our lead instructor will be R. Scott Sullender, Ph.D., Professor of Pastoral Counseling at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Scott is a licensed psychologist and an ordained clergyperson. His career has focused on the professional integration of spirituality and psychotherapy. Under his leadership, other instructors from various schools in the Graduate Theological Union will join in the leadership team.
We look forward to see you in our next workshop!
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Contact us to schedule an event in your area.
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