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FAQs / What to Expect
The Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and Companions
An Online Contemplative Convening of Spiritual Directors, Companions, and Friends
May 8-10, 2024
What is the theme of this year’s conference?
Navigating the Global Dark Night of the Soul of Spiritual Directors and Companions
What is the Dark Night?
It’s a place of deep challenges and opportunities, capable of thrusting us into moments of deep despair, as well as those of great awakening. It is also the moment in which we find ourselves collectively, and not just our SDI community, but the global one.
So, should I expect a lot of discussion on grief, loss, and anxiety?
We can turn grief, loss, and anxiety into the building blocks for growth and a mature spirituality, both for ourselves, and the people we companion. As we keep turning and shifting our perspectives on loss and heartbreak, we can find resilience and balance, as well as connect with deep peace, joy, and flourishing.
Why is this conference online-only?
Many reasons, but principal among them is maximizing access to our community, while eliminating the costs associated with travel, food and lodging that an in-person conference entails. All of our keynotes will also be recorded and quickly uploaded, so that our members around the world have an opportunity to access them, and join us asynchronously.
What technology do I need for this online conference?
- We recommend a computer that is no older than 5 years, so that you can have easy and smooth electronic access. Alternatively, you can use a smartphone like an iPhone or Android
- Good, working internet connection
- Access to Zoom for our video conferencing sessions.
- We will also use Whova for convening online, accessing the schedule, and participating in chat groups
What will this online conference be like?
Though this gathering will have some aspects of an annual conference (such as keynote presentations from wisdom teachers), we are treating this event a little differently. Instead of many disparate workshops, the event itself will be one big workshop with ample opportunities for individual expression through our various platforms, including group and individual spiritual direction and companioning, an array of contemplative practices, a conference group spiritual director, several affinity groups, and lots of opportunities for all to engage with one another as you might choose. In this way, we hope to practice together as a community, connecting with old friends and making new ones.
We have received your feedback from previous conferences that while the content is rich and the proceedings offer extraordinary opportunities for growth, the intensity of the event can leave many of you fatigued and overloaded. With that in mind, we’re shifting this conference to an open-style community engagement. Opt-in for what your energy and time allows. Skip a session if you’d rather take a nap, go for a walk, process in your own way, and watch the recordings later.
What if I want to offer my services as a spiritual director, companion, or facilitator?
This conference is all about sharing in the gifts of spiritual direction and companionship. When you complete your registration, you’ll receive a link to a form where you can let us know if you would like to host a contemplative session, or be available to offer one on one spiritual companionship during the conference. You can also let us know by sending an email to [email protected].
What if I’m not a spiritual director or companion?
All are welcome to participate with the SDI Community! We are deeply committed to manifesting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive space. No matter your religious and/or spiritual background, we want to see, and hear, you. We are all spiritual companions to each other in this Dark Night. If you haven’t participated in an SDI event before, or are wondering what to expect in sessions and breakout groups, we recommend you review this list of guidelines.
Are sessions being recorded?
We will be recording the main sessions, which include keynote presentations and public Q&R (question and response), and will prioritize posting these ASAP throughout the conference. Embodiment practice sessions will also be recorded. We will not be recording any sessions that include 1/1 or Group Spiritual Direction, or other Breakout Groups.
Will CEUs be offered for this conference?
Certificates that note 24 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be made available for those who require it at the end of our Conference.