Profound Journey Dialogue
The Profound Journey Dialogue (PJD) is created for this time of multi-cultural and Earth community evolution that leaves us humans dazed with angst and anticipation. We need a concentrated event to reflect on what is going on within us and to rediscover what motivates us and sustains us to serve effectively.
In an earlier time of need during the 1950-70’s, the Ecumenical Institute: Chicago (EI), building on the work of the Christian Faith and Life Community in Texas, developed and delivered such concentrated events nationally and globally to tens of thousands. Religious Studies I (RS-I) was the banner event then. From its memorable symbols and methods, the EI staff helped leaven possibility, courage, and significant action.
Today, the Profound Journey Dialogue event, building on the legacy of the RS-I, takes a diverse group on a journey, with these aims:
•
a vital sense of community
a vital sense of community•a deeper sense of meaning
a deeper sense of meaning •a vocational stir
a vocational stir •a bigger context and motivation for engagement
a bigger context and motivation for engagement•and methods that can help sustain one on the journey
and methods that can help sustain one on the journeyThe PJD, a profound secular event, during its four sessions centers on
•Deep Reality … boundless relation with the way life is
Deep Reality … boundless relation with the way life is•Transformative Eventfulness … boundless union with all that is
Transformative Eventfulness … boundless union with all that is•Boundless Resolve … boundless freedom for boundless obligation
Boundless Resolve … boundless freedom for boundless obligation•Responsible Care … boundless compassion on behalf of community Earth
Responsible Care … boundless compassion on behalf of community EarthThe PJD is true to the deeps of life and helps participants realize their profound journeys. Dialoging with self, others, history, universe, and meaning “at the heart of all that is” is a revitalizing experience.
The PJD use of the phrase “profound journey” honors diverse religious and spiritual traditions while transcending any one system of belief. It points to the inclusive understanding of the word “ecumenical” as
The whole community as oneEarthrise, home, one worldWe are ecumenical by naturePJD Is a Meaning Event
“You should have a ritual for your life.” ~Joseph Campbell “Profound Journey Dialogue is a ritual for your life.” ~PJD Team Meaning happens while dialoguing and sharing with others. All have had untold meaningful moments on the journey, including holding one’s first baby, watching a oceanic sunset, meeting up with colleagues again, or standing by the graveside of a loved one.
As meaning-reliant mammals, humans cannot live without meaning. Through consciousness one experiences and realizes meaning, and then interprets and recreates meaning; for example, through operating images, a worldview, myths, stories, symbols, rituals, art, language – all ways to express meaning, a sentinel human gift.
The Profound Journey Dialogue is a way for participants to become aware of their profound journeys through dialoguing, re-experiencing, interpreting, and embracing what matters most. It can be a time apart to occasion a transformative life-story that sustains and empowers the journey forward. PJD can well be a meaningful ritual for the journey.
Sampling of Endorsements from the Five PJDs To Date
Denver Profound Journey Dialogue – September 2007
“If you are a seeker who is stuck in your seeking and sense it is time to step out onto the point to make a difference in the ‘great work’ before us … the PJD may just call you into action.” ~Stanley Scott, conversation guide
“In a time when youth are having trouble finding a direction toward non-consumer driven ideals, the PJD opens our eyes to our possibilities as we accept our past and realize our future. Take hold of it now.” ~Lela Philbrook, university student
“This has been a beautiful opportunity to explore my life path deeply… It prompted an awakening and inner peace I have never before experienced with such intensity.” ~Heather Aronson, small business owner
“This seminar was the most appropriate setting for secular folks with secular ideas to face issues and make decisions, which have previously and primarily been available in theological contexts. A dynamic and charged inter-generational event.” ~Clarence H. Snelling, retired seminary professor
“Not only is this event truly enlightening and lovely, but so full of wisdom. I was in shock after the first session. These four sessions could in some way be the answer to all Earth’s problems.” ~student
Midwest Profound Journey Dialogue, Dubuque – September 2008
“I have been attending retreats and workshops for over 25 years and have never attended anything quite like this. It was intellectually stimulating, spiritually enlightening, emotionally engaging and highly amusing! The PJD offers seeds for personal and social transformation.” ~Jade Angelica, Unitarian Universalist Community Minister
“The event is individually and socially transformative. The symbols used reflect the meaning of our common human experience.” ~Larry Loeppke, managing editor
“The concepts here will stick with me for my life journey. They will keep me honest and humble and drive me to act on behalf of all that is good. I feel this PJD is a crucial part of my journey.” ~Ashleigh Rader, university student
“A wonderful, insightful event for all who search or think they have found it.”
~Ko shin, Sangha leader
“What is distinct about the ICA methods isn’t just their elegance, but the depth and breadth of what underlies them … reflected and expressed in the PJD.”
~Jane Stallman, ToP® trainer
Northeast Profound Journey Dialogue, Metropolitan New York – March 2009
“The NE PJD exceeded my expectations! I intend to attend another. While each may be the same in some ways, the huddle groups insure that every event is also unique.... I feel empowered to become more pro-active.” ~Elizabeth Engleman, airline management
“Today, hopeful and deep conversations about the profound journey are both practical, possible, and sorely needed. I can imagine using this particular seminar throughout our network – local, national and global.” ~Lisel Burns, National Congress of Neighborhood Women
“A gift of empowerment. You helped me to look at the life-changing events of my life and how my choices in response have been led by a deep and profound grace that I can trust now and into the future. I am energized!” ~Susan Davis, UMC minister
“Great job on reworking this material. Well thought through and user friendly. The weekend went like a breeze and brought fresh air into the consciousness of all. Regardless of creed, these are profound understandings we need to hold in our awareness on this journey of care.” ~Robert True, M.D.
“I spent half my time thinking of friends in Appalachia that would find so much encouragement and energy for their work if they were here. I hope we can set up a PJD there. It is important to have clarity on the way we contribute to the movements of today.” ~Marie Cirillo, activist
Chicago Profound Journey Dialogue – April 2009
“The PJD is great! I learned through both the small and large groups, writing my reflections, reading the papers, and listening to the talks. I especially got a lot out of the discussion about ROF [responsibility/obligation/freedom]. Eventually, I would like to lead a PJD.” ~Leah Otto, 14-year-old student
“I enjoyed all aspects of the PJD.... It gives insight and courage to engage with the remainder of my life’s path.” ~Harrison Means, professor
“The PJD renewed and refreshed me once again, allowing me to focus on vocation and mission. I was grateful for the preparation and care by the whole staff for us the participants.” ~Ed Feldmanis, therapist
“If you are younger, you'll get a lot out of the PJD. I’m 13 and was able to stay awake. It was relaxing and understandable. I especially liked the huddles. The PJD introduces you to things you don’t normally talk about. I learned about the way life is and am ready to make new choices.” ~Nadia Loeppke, student
“My 20-year-old daughter says the PJD she attended seven months ago should be required in every college and university. I wholly agree.” ~Nancy Trask, library director
Northwest Profound Journey Dialogue, Seattle – October 2009
“It was a blessed and liberating event to be surrounded by fellow global citizens on the profound journey.... More people need to be enlightened/awakened by such dialog and enter into the transformation of their lives. The PJD is a wonderful first step.” ~Chenoa Stock, volunteer in Sri Lanka
“It was a joy to converse in community with others who were willing to delve deeply into profound matters that affect our lives, our ideals and our universe.”
~anonymous
“I felt deeply welcomed by all who attended. I greatly appreciated the use of universal, inclusive language to communicate important truths about reality.”
~Woody Pidcock, engineer
“If you can’t imagine how dealing with the most profound aspects of your life can be enlivening, hilarious and full of the most surprising insights from the strangest collection of people, you definitely need to join the Profound Journey Dialogue.” ~Gordon Harper, consultant
“The PJD pointed to a picture of life’s foundational dynamics and offered language that helps me enter into dialogue with others about our journey. I carried away hope for the future that can only come from being with others on the journey.” ~anonymous
PJD Experiment Practical Information
Phase I & II Advantages (2008 -2011)
342 present in 10 PJDs to date
30 Chicago PJD (1 of 2 PJDs, Feb. 2011)30 Chicago PJD (2 of 2 PJDs, Feb. 2011)33 Southwest PJD 2 (Shadow Rock UCC- Phoenix)29 Southwest PJD (Shadow Rock UCC - Phoenix)45 Minnesota PJD (St. Paul)35 Northwest PJD (Seattle)37 Chicago PJD26 Northeast PJD (NYC metro)40 Midwest PJD (Dubuque)37 Denver PJD49 PJD Team members (41 Facebook listed members)
38 PJD Guides and Guides-in-Training
A depth program of EI/ICA
International requests for PJD programs (labs held in Nepal and Taiwan)
Imaginal presentation tools: guide & participant manuals
Collaborative, open source, crowd source
Set Up Considerations
1. PJD for sensitive and responsive ones and for community and organization empowerment for more profound service
2. Committed coordinator(s) and local team of 10 or more – each registers 3
3. Plan minimum of 30 and maximum of 40 participants (5-7 big round tables)
4. ICA/EI colleagues can help catalyze potential participants
5. Emphasize ages 15-90
6. Sponsoring entity/persons can reduce registration costs for all or give scholarships
Phase II Intents
1. ICA-USA program coordination and PJD interactive web site
2. National and international partnerships and networks collaboration
3. Promotion, marketing, and funding models
4. Guide development track
5. Guide compensation guidelines
6. Other format brooding: 2-day, morning and afternoon; 1-day, two sessions
PJD Contact
Terry Bergdall, CEO ICA-USA contact: tbergdall@ICA-USA.org
