The Shanti Program Training - New Eyes
I found the Shanti program while researching volunteer opportunities online. For years, I’d been interested in volunteering, but had never found the right fit. As soon as I read the description of the Shanti program’s goals and purpose, I knew it was for me. Becoming a one-on-one emotional support volunteer for partners living with grief, isolation, illness, depression, or any combination of those issues was a challenge and privilege I knew I wanted to accept. I applied for the volunteer role, and was invited to participate in the two-weekend training session. I had no idea just how significant the training would be to my own self-awareness, my understanding of human relationships, and my ability to connect.
Joining a room of 20 strangers to talk about feelings can be a daunting experience. However, having met with Shanti Program Coordinator Nika and Shanti Program Director Robert during my orientation, I was also thrilled to open myself up to a new perspective. Right from the start, Nika, Robert, and the other program facilitators created a safe, open environment that allowed me to share my honest reactions—as well as my vulnerability—without fear, judgment or recrimination.
One of the most impressive elements of the Shanti training is everyone’s willingness to explore their feelings so openly. Having the facilitators there to lead by example, I was able to share emotions and even judgments I’d never known existed. As the training progressed, I also found facilitators’ and volunteers’ honesty in constructive feedback of my role-playing interactions absolutely invaluable. It was very freeing to speak candidly with people of all backgrounds and forge strong connections with volunteers I otherwise may have never met. I’m really looking forward to meeting in small monthly volunteer support groups, possibly with some of my peers from the same training.
My personal favorite training segment was when currently paired volunteers and partners visited to discuss their relationships and how Shanti has enriched their lives. Those discussions confirmed that the instinct that had guided me to Shanti from the beginning was spot-on. I can’t wait to be matched with a Shanti partner!
Another truly amazing element of this program is the organization and stability of the training. Because much of our time is spent delving into deep feelings on sometimes painful and controversial topics, a sense of balance and support is essential—and Shanti facilitators offered that at every step of the way. Every segment includes a section on communicating about a given topic, followed by discussion or exercise regarding personal connection to the topic, and finally a break into small groups to check in on emotional reactions and re-stabilize. The structure of this process was extremely effective and thorough.
I can’t emphasize enough what a growth opportunity this training has been for me—I think everyone should be fortunate enough to experience it! I feel ready to be present and available to be a sounding board, support, and listening ear for anyone who needs it—without trying to fix or control. Shanti has helped me learn how to develop skills that have made me a better version of myself, so that I can be there for others.
- Jenny Jackson, A New Shanti Volunteer
Joining a room of 20 strangers to talk about feelings can be a daunting experience. However, having met with Shanti Program Coordinator Nika and Shanti Program Director Robert during my orientation, I was also thrilled to open myself up to a new perspective. Right from the start, Nika, Robert, and the other program facilitators created a safe, open environment that allowed me to share my honest reactions—as well as my vulnerability—without fear, judgment or recrimination.
One of the most impressive elements of the Shanti training is everyone’s willingness to explore their feelings so openly. Having the facilitators there to lead by example, I was able to share emotions and even judgments I’d never known existed. As the training progressed, I also found facilitators’ and volunteers’ honesty in constructive feedback of my role-playing interactions absolutely invaluable. It was very freeing to speak candidly with people of all backgrounds and forge strong connections with volunteers I otherwise may have never met. I’m really looking forward to meeting in small monthly volunteer support groups, possibly with some of my peers from the same training.
My personal favorite training segment was when currently paired volunteers and partners visited to discuss their relationships and how Shanti has enriched their lives. Those discussions confirmed that the instinct that had guided me to Shanti from the beginning was spot-on. I can’t wait to be matched with a Shanti partner!
Another truly amazing element of this program is the organization and stability of the training. Because much of our time is spent delving into deep feelings on sometimes painful and controversial topics, a sense of balance and support is essential—and Shanti facilitators offered that at every step of the way. Every segment includes a section on communicating about a given topic, followed by discussion or exercise regarding personal connection to the topic, and finally a break into small groups to check in on emotional reactions and re-stabilize. The structure of this process was extremely effective and thorough.
I can’t emphasize enough what a growth opportunity this training has been for me—I think everyone should be fortunate enough to experience it! I feel ready to be present and available to be a sounding board, support, and listening ear for anyone who needs it—without trying to fix or control. Shanti has helped me learn how to develop skills that have made me a better version of myself, so that I can be there for others.
- Jenny Jackson, A New Shanti Volunteer
posted by Rosehedge/Multifaith Works at
3:08 PM
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