In this episode of SDI Encounters, we’re excited to introduce a powerful new course offering from SDI — an 8-part online series called Somatic Spiritual Companionship: Inner Awareness for Deeper Listening. You’ll hear a bit here on this offering from course facilitator, Cynthia Winton-Henry.

This course invites spiritual directors, companions, and wayfarers into a deeper exploration of the body-soul connection, offering a variety of practices that can enrich and expand your approach to spiritual direction and companionship. By engaging with somatic awareness — through movement, meditation, art, and embodied presence — we open new pathways to support others and ourselves with greater depth and authenticity.

Facilitated by Cynthia Winton-Henry, cofounder of InterPlay and author of The Art of Ensoulment, the series features a diverse lineup of spiritual companions who will guide us in experiential practices and share stories from their own embodied journeys.

Join us for eight live, 90-minute sessions starting Tuesday, September 30, 2025, and learn how to cultivate deeper listening, resilience, and presence — from the inside out.

Learn more and register at: https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/somatic-spiritual-companionship/

What is spiritual direction or companionship really like? In these episodes, Christina Roberts and Matt Whitney offer each other 30 minutes of real-life spiritual direction—something like a “Fishbowl” experience—so you can listen in on the process as it unfolds.

The first episode will have Matt offering spiritual companionship to Christina. The second episode will have Christina offering spiritual companionship to Matt. In the third episode, we reflect together on what one might expect in entering a spiritual direction/companionship session, what we’ve learned in our years of doing this work, and what this practice makes possible.

Whether you're curious about becoming a spiritual director, seeking one yourself, or simply drawn to deep listening and presence, this episode offers a rare, honest glimpse into the heart of spiritual companionship.

Learn more about the work of spiritual direction and companionship on our website, or find a spiritual companion that you can work with today, at www.sdicompanions.org.

Christina's website is thecontemplativelife.net

What is spiritual direction or companionship really like? In these episodes, Christina Roberts and Matt Whitney offer each other 30 minutes of real-life spiritual direction—something like a “Fishbowl” experience—so you can listen in on the process as it unfolds.

The first episode will have Matt offering spiritual companionship to Christina. The second episode will have Christina offering spiritual companionship to Matt. In the third episode, we reflect together on what one might expect in entering a spiritual direction/companionship session, what we’ve learned in our years of doing this work, and what this practice makes possible.

Whether you're curious about becoming a spiritual director, seeking one yourself, or simply drawn to deep listening and presence, this episode offers a rare, honest glimpse into the heart of spiritual companionship.

Learn more about the work of spiritual direction and companionship on our website, or find a spiritual companion that you can work with today, at www.sdicompanions.org.

Christina's website is thecontemplativelife.net