Crafting Our Spiritual Autobiographies

This workshop will explore ways of expressing our spiritual experiences, to glean patterns, to develop narrative about our life paths, to gain clarity for ourselves and express to others what we have been through as spiritual beings. We hope to see more clearly the basis of our callings and leadings. This workshop relates directly to…

Workshop Description

This workshop will explore ways of expressing our spiritual experiences, to glean patterns, to develop narrative about our life paths, to gain clarity for ourselves and express to others what we have been through as spiritual beings. We hope to see more clearly the basis of our callings and leadings.

This workshop relates directly to the Gathering theme by helping participants articulate the trajectory of their spiritual lives, especially as the basis for daily living and more profound callings in social justice, environmental action, and vocations and avocations.

A variety of “final products” will be encouraged, whether texts, memoirs, poems, songs, pictures, dance, or other formats. Participants will be free to share or withhold sensitive information as they wish.

Our individual spiritual biographies will be crafted through a series of worship-sharing sessions addressing queries such as:
— What were the formative experiences that shaped my spiritual life?
— What mentors or other people helped shape me?
— How has my spiritual life been manifest in my life path?
— What are my Truths?

There are no advanced texts or assignments needed. The presenter may provide sample autobiographies and journals as resource materials as appropriate. Participants may bring whatever materials (computer, musical instruments, reference materials, journals, totems, etc.) they feel are needed in this quest.

As workshop leader, I am not a therapist nor psychologist. My emphasis will be on the evolution of our spiritual lives. This is not a therapy session, although some of its outcomes may help participants reach clarity on tough issues and see patterns they had missed beforehand. Discussions will be held in confidence to encourage openness and candor.

Leader Experience

I had a great experience leading an FGC workshop in 2002. (Otherwise I have been a faithful participant knowing how much work they can entail.) However, I have offered many other kinds of workshops and trainings, both during my 36-year government career and teaching First Day School. Currently I serve as clerk of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting.