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| Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tucson, AZ |
In the middle of February, the warmth was wonderful. Classes and training began. It was intense, with lots of practical experience. I questioned this program, being a total of four weeks (150 hrs.), as opposed to "several years" for other programs. At first, "several years" sounded impressive until I learned that there was actually more practicum time here. Weekend programs had less time "practicing." Five days a week we broke into groups and pairs; one student acting as director, one as directee, with a real director supervising our time as well as the small group critiquing the session.
Classes consisted of about 12 individuals from every faith denomination as well as no particular denomination ("spiritual not religious"). It became clear what an eclectic bunch of folks we were; we then transferred that thought to those who will eventually seek spiritual direction.
So, from the tundra of cold Wisconsin, to the warmth of the desert of Arizona, there were not only blooms of the desert flowers; there were also blooms in my spirit!
