From July 22nd to 26th, 2024, the CRWI (Conference of Religious Women India) hosted a transformative five-day 'Holistic Empowerment' workshop in Gujarat. This workshop, led by Sr. Alba, gathered religious sisters from various congregations with the aim of fostering personal growth, enhancing leadership skills, and deepening our spiritual connections.
A Journey of Reflection and Unity
Our journey began with a soulful bhajan, setting a reverent tone that carried us through the entire workshop. Sr. Molly, the executive director of CRWI, welcomed us with warmth and introduced the mission and growth of CRWI. She encouraged us to embrace this opportunity for learning and growth.
Sr. Alba, with her engaging approach, led us through an icebreaker activity that allowed us to connect with each other on a deeper level. We discussed our hopes and dreams for our religious life and set intentions for the workshop, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Exploring Creation and Our Unique Gifts
The first day introduced us to the 'Power of Manifestation,' reminding us to be open to the divine work within and around us. Through discussions on the Biblical 'Story of Creation' and environmental challenges, we were invited to see the Divine in all of creation. A universe story ritual further deepened our awareness of the unique gifts and blessings we each possess, culminating in a reflective prayer session.
Embracing Diversity and Communion
Our second day began with the Holy Eucharist, where we were reminded of our call to embrace the world in its entirety. We reflected on themes of interiority, diversity, and communion, engaging in role-plays that brought to light the blessings and challenges of diversity within our communities. This day was a powerful reminder of the strength we find in our differences and the communion we are called to nurture.
Deepening Relationships Through Intimacy and Understanding
On the third day, we explored the depths of intimacy and the beauty of embracing diversity in our relationships. The session on the five love languages helped us identify our primary ways of giving and receiving love, which was further enriched by our exploration of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). These insights were invaluable in understanding ourselves and improving our relationships within our communities.
Drawing from the Wisdom of Ages
Day four was a time of reflection on various sources of wisdom—indigenous, religious, and scientific. Sr. Alba introduced us to the four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which provided us with a framework for personal and interpersonal growth. Through nature meditation and group discussions, we gained a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all wisdom traditions and their relevance to our spiritual journey.
Celebrating Our Sacred Story
Our final day was one of deep reflection and celebration. We focused on self-esteem, personal growth, and the beautiful interplay between theology and cosmology. As we shared our insights and highlights from the workshop, we were reminded of the sacred story of creation, co-creation, and transformation that we are all a part of. The workshop concluded with a circular dance of blessing and prayer, expressing our gratitude to each other and to the CRWI for this empowering experience.
Moving Forward with Renewed Purpose
The 'Holistic Empowerment' workshop was more than just a series of sessions; it was a journey that deepened our connection to the Divine, to each other, and to our mission as religious sisters. As we return to our communities, we carry with us the insights, skills, and spiritual strength we gained during these five days. We are empowered to lead with empathy, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace the challenges and joys of our calling.
May this experience continue to inspire us as we journey together in faith, love, and service.