Deep Listening in the Neighborhood

Program Details

This new ADVANCED learning cohort enriches and expands our vocation as spiritual directors/deep listeners by deepening our skills and widening our perspectives within our relational contexts (aka "neighborhoods"). Rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, Deep Listening in the Neighborhood is an annual training that combines narrative-based conversations, stretching spiritual practices, reflective engagement, and deeper listening skills in efforts to be God’s loving, listening presence in our world. Five online sessions spread across eight months will focus on a particular relevant theme and build upon foundational principles and experiences of spiritual direction/deep listening. Participants must have prior training and be practicing spiritual direction/deep listening. Sessions meet via Zoom from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (eastern).

2023-24 Cohort Focus: Listening Across the Great Age Divide

The trends of younger generations involved in religion have been declining for years for reasons like dissatisfaction and hypocrisy, especially around issues related to sexuality and inclusion. Older generations say things are different and yet younger generations simply are not hearing it. They are done. And the divide persists. How do we listen across the great age divide in our neighborhoods today?

Dates/Topics:

October 24, 2023 - (teaching module) Neighborhood Awareness; Understanding Roles and Contexts
December 5 - (presentation module) Deep Listening with LGBTQ+ Neighbors
February 20, 2024 - (teaching module) Deep Listening into Wholeness; Eco-centric Listening; Generational Attachments
April 9 - (presentation module) Deep Listening with Millennial Neighbors
May 14 - (teaching module) Trauma-informed Listening; Next Step Neighboring; Commissioning

Participants will experience poignant readings and practices with reflections, small group discussions, and the opportunity to build a unique Neighborhood Listening Experience module by module.

Registration: $400
Registrations close October 17, 2023
To register:https://www.rollingridge.org/event/deep-listening-in-the-neighborhood-across-the-great-age-divide-17525026

For more information, contact DLN director Jackie Trotter Dove at dlneighbor@rollingridge.org

About the Leaders

John Kiemele

John Kiemele, PhD, is a wellbeing educator and spiritual director who companions individuals, teaches seminars and classes on spirituality, lifestyle change and deep listening/spiritual direction, leads contemplative retreats, and serves as director of The Listening Collective at Rolling Ridge. John walks alongside individuals and groups assisting them with life-giving connections, wellbeing practices, and contemplative soul care. He is Director Emeritus of a dispersed community of contemplative companions in the greater Seattle area called Selah Center, former Executive Director of SoulStream Initiatives in western Canada, and is an ordained clergy having served congregations across the US and Canada. John received his PhD in education/spirituality with post-doctoral emphases in Spiritual Direction, Mindful Self-Compassion, the Enneagram Spectrum, and Wellness Coaching.