Reflecting on Shalem’s Transforming Community Program
The Transforming Community Program (TCP) was everything I had hoped it to be from beginning to end. I came into the program after a two-year recovery process from a serious surgery. I had been in a discernment process after finishing a yearlong course in contemplation and was praying about what was mine to do next. I found the TCP program on the weekend of the first class but prayerfully submitted an email asking if there was any way to still join the existing cohort. After a Zoom meeting with the program director, Lorie Conway, I was told there was one opening due to someone having to drop out at the last minute and by the following weekend I was fully engaged in the 2025 program.
I knew very surely that Spirit had opened the door and what I found there was a sincere, heart-centered, knowledgeable group of leaders that offered an equal measure of compassion and expertise. I felt it was an honor to be in the company of my peers in the program and always learned something profound when I was in their presence. The program content was beautifully presented at the residency, as well as during our monthly online classes. I especially appreciated the readings and resources that we were exposed to. For me there was a perfect balance of reading, studying and hands on experience.
The residency was a week I will never forget. Every day was full of deep learning and rich practices. As someone who has led many retreats and workshops, I was very touched by the level of care and hospitality that went into each day and each session. I was also especially grateful for the use of art, music, movement and poetry incorporated into the presentation of the content. I felt that each leader truly enjoyed what they were doing and were bringing their gifts to share with all of us. Their joy was contagious, bringing us many times of laughter and fun.
As the program came to its end, I looked back over the year and was struck by the many blessings I was taking away with me. I feel like I have a good, solid foundation under me to lead contemplative groups and also have made lifelong friends and connections with whom I will continue to grow.
I thank the Shalem Institute and all the leaders in the Transforming Community Program for this life changing experience and pray for blessings on each leader and fellow students in the cohort.