contemplative laying on of hands – “open hands”
Weekends – Practice group – Advanced training
Practice group “contemplative laying on of hands” in the church district of Steinfurt-Coesfeld-Borken
The laying on of hands is a given in the New Testament. Jesus laid his hands on people to bless them, to heal them; and he also commissioned those who follow him to do the same. We, too, can lay hands on people, but we should always know that God's Spirit works through us, not ourselves. God's Spirit works as HE wills, and what we want or think is good doesn't necessarily happen. The laying on of hands is healing for the soul, both for those who receive it and for those who give it. In the practice group, which meets monthly, the “Christian laying on of hands” is practiced according to the Open Hands School by Anne Höfler practiced practically.
Dates: The appointments are every Monday from 6:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
In 2025: January 27, February 24, April 28, May 26 and June 30
There will be no event in March, but in April there will also be an event on Saturday, April 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Resurrection Church in 48565 St-Borghorst, Fürstenstr. 11, Room Yellow
Cost: small donation for the room rental.
Registration before the first time with Dagmar-Spelsberg-Sühling under st-spiritualitaet@ekvw.de .
Services / devotions with laying on of hands: –
On certain dates we also offer the laying on of hands as part of our worship service. Anyone interested is welcome to join the group and attend the services.
Dates: upon request
Annual Training 2025 (fully booked, dates listed for information)
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23-26 January 2025, Thursday 6:00 PM – Sunday 2:30 PM
The ancient wisdom of laying on of hands – an experiential resource in today’s world
The laying on of hands is one of the oldest forms of holistic care. Jesus also instructed his disciples to lay hands on people: "They prayed and laid their hands on them" (Acts 6:6). It is about opening oneself to this gift, which is inherent in every human being. Very different approaches are taught today. In the tradition of the 'Open Hands' school, which sees itself as interreligious, mindful touch from silence is applied on the basis of a clearly defined ethic. The inner attitude of presence, respect, patience, and trust is palpable in the touch. Thus, the laying on of hands is both simplicity and art – a path in which personal development and awareness are essential. In addition to the practice groups and advanced courses, the annual training can contribute in particular to deepening one's own spiritual practice. New processes, forms of touch, and techniques are taught and can be practiced and experienced. Stimuli on inner attitudes and the body's seven energy centers are included, as are exercises in stillness, mindfulness, and self-observation and self-reflection. There will be time for questions and discussion. The annual training is the basis if you plan to lay hands on people outside of your circle of family and friends. The focus of each module is learning and experiencing the healing power of laying on hands from silence, incorporating the following topics:
Places: Vinnenberg Monastery, Beverstrang 37, 48231 Warendorf and Gertrudenstift, Salinenstraße 99, Rheine-Bentlage
Course dates and topics (28 course days) respectively Thu 6:00 PM – Sun 2:30 PM
January 23-26, 2025 Module 1 – Opening up to your own inner path, your own healing, possibilities for strengthening your self-healing powers.
March 27-30, 2025 Module 2 – Dying, death and life, one's own transience, accompanying seriously ill people
May 1-4, 2025 Module 3 – Mother, looking at old patterns and unconsciously inhibiting bonds from childhood
June 26-29, 2025 Module 4 – Father, awareness of possibilities for self-care, strengthening willpower
August 14-17, 2025 Module 5 – Heart opening, intuition, laying on of hands for children
October 2-5, 2025 Module 6 – How can I live what I am, the inner guidance
27th-30th November 2025: Module 7 – All-encompassing level, God is omnipresent (Possible alternative date: 15-18 January 2026)
Prerequisite for participation is an introductory course in laying on of hands within the 'Open Hands' school
Line:
Lydia Debusmann, Spiritual Care Consultant, teacher at the 'Open Hands' School, including annual groups for public institutions, mentor, hospice, dementia, grief counselor (BVT), www.handauflegen-als-weg.de and
Elisabeth Reiter, marriage, family and life counselor, psychotherapist (HP)
Cost: Single room with bathroom: €2,990, single room with shared bathroom/WC: €2,570 (payable in 4 installments). Double room available.
Personal interview required upon registration with Lydia Debusmann, Tel. 02242-91 55 195, Lydia.Debusmann@web.de
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