By Dr. Michael Campos, High School Religion, Theology and Spirituality Faculty
Seminar 2, Day 6: I am Broken
Transitioning closer to our embodiedness, participants spent the morning working in the lettuce gardens of the farm. We experienced the fragility of life in the plantation nursery, allowed our bodies to toil directly on the beds of mature lettuce, enjoy our varying skill levels with rural life (we probably destroyed a couple of beds, sadly).
Each morning, Sam invites us to reflect on the day’s theme. In the Christian tradition, “brokenness” constitutes a central experience, evoking Jesus’ promise at the Last Supper, where his body — offered on behalf of his disciples — endures a kind of violation that opens to the possibility of transformation. We considered the “Resurrection” as a moment that arises out of adversity, growth that could only arise from pathos (suffering).
Photos by Dr. Michael Campos, Religion, Theology & Spirituality, Faculty
I facilitated a conversation that took account of our brokenness. Inspired in part by last evening’s intense discussions on sexuality and inclusion, participants drew deeply from places of pain. What initially began as a roundtable grew into a personal sharing of loss and brokenness. These openings reoriented the flow of the roundtable, from intellect to heart, mind to body. Facilitated by Sr. Lydia, we lit candles around an “open heart” (a Sacred Heart icon) to hold our collective mourning.
Sr. Digna engaged participants on the “Art of Listening and Asking Questions” for the afternoon sessions. Given the opportunity to reflect on the roles we inhabit during group work, participants were able to synthesize Elvy’s input on organization structures and Mel’s insights on human development with practical skills in group facilitation and engagement.
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 