Men’s Spirituality in the Second Half of Life
A Contemplative Journey of Group Spiritual Companionship
As the author Richard Rohr points out, in the first half of life most men are preoccupied with establishing our identity – climbing, achieving and performing. These concerns influence the shape that our younger spirituality takes. But the second half of life presents a number of challenges that call us to face them as we may never have before: mistakes, loss of control, broader horizons and necessary sufferings. Such events can shock us out of our comfort zone and invite us to let go of early ways of spirituality so that we can develop new, deeper ways of knowing and being with God. In the second half of life, we have an opportunity to embark on the new spiritual journey of becoming elders and awakening to our True Self. Without making this journey, the fullness, joy, and peace in our lives will diminish as the pursuits of the first half of life gradually seem to have less meaning and provide less satisfaction.
We invite you to join in a six part series of group spiritual companionship sessions
The Program is designed to help Men in the Second Half of Life to understand their Spiritual Journeys. We will use Richard Rohr’s book, Falling Upward, as a foundation for our explorations.
According to Father Rohr, “we do not ‘make’ or ‘create’ our souls; we just ‘grow’ them up. .. Much of the work of spirituality is learning how to stay out of the way of this rather natural growing and awakening.”
According to Father Rohr, “we do not ‘make’ or ‘create’ our souls; we just ‘grow’ them up. .. Much of the work of spirituality is learning how to stay out of the way of this rather natural growing and awakening.”
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (ISBN: 978-0470907757) by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM
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In each session questions based on themes from the book will be used to facilitate our process of self-discovery as we follow a contemplative style of group sharing and dialogue. We will encourage participants to incorporate insights gained into their lives during the two week period between sessions and we’ll take time to share those insights at the start of each session.
Though reading Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life written by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM is not a requirement to attend this workshop, we highly recommend that men taking part in this journey read this book as we make our way through these sessions. This will add fullness and depth to this journey.
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Session Dates And CostThis program of Contemplative Spiritual Exploration and Companionship is
sponsored by the Spiritual Life Center in West Hartford.
It will take place in the Anam Cara room of the Holy Family Retreat Center on Mondays from 10 to 11:30 am. The dates are 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, and 12/7/2015. The suggested donation for the entire program is $60, but you are welcome to participate regardless of ability to contribute. You may register directly on this page or with the Spiritual Life Center at: http://spiritlifectr.org/register-for-programs Please bring your check made payable to The Spiritual Life Center to our first meeting. |
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Program Facilitators
Rev. Oscar Brockmeyer – is a spiritual director, mentor, and ordained pastor (UCC). He has over twenty years of experience in these fields. He also trains spiritual directors in the internship program of the Spiritual Life Center. Oscar enjoys gardening, writing, and spending time with family.
Mike Smoolca – is a spiritual director, an experienced Contemplative group facilitator and a committed student of Contemplative and Spiritual practices. Mike grew up Roman Catholic with a strong personal sense of faith. In college he began to study the writings of Zen Buddhism which opened up a life-long interest in contemplative spirituality and comparative religions. He firmly entered the second half of life after retiring early from a nearly 27 year career in Technology and is now focused on deepening important relationships in his life as well as his own spirituality and the work of service to others.
Mike Smoolca – is a spiritual director, an experienced Contemplative group facilitator and a committed student of Contemplative and Spiritual practices. Mike grew up Roman Catholic with a strong personal sense of faith. In college he began to study the writings of Zen Buddhism which opened up a life-long interest in contemplative spirituality and comparative religions. He firmly entered the second half of life after retiring early from a nearly 27 year career in Technology and is now focused on deepening important relationships in his life as well as his own spirituality and the work of service to others.