For thousands of years, wisdom teachers from every spiritual tradition have taught there is more than one way of “knowing”. Beyond our usual way, which involves thinking with our heads, these wisdom figures have discovered a way of knowing that comes from our bodies as well. And unlike head knowledge, wisdom residing in our bodies is often seemingly locked away and hard to access. That’s why I have been so drawn to the practice of BioSpiritual Focusing (BSF), which for me, has provided a key to unlocking the body’s hidden knowing.
If you are unfamiliar with BSF, it is a practice of turning our awareness to what is present in our bodies. First, we notice what might be stirring. Then we turn our attention to that felt sense, and we bring a loving, compassionate presence to that which is trying to make itself known to us. Sometimes, our willingness to listen and be present to that felt sense may lead to a felt shift in our bodies and possibly new “knowing” of something meaningful in our lives. As with most things in the spiritual life, we can’t make these revelations happen. All we can do is engage in the practice and be open to the possibility of grace.
I have been practicing BioSpiritual Focusing for a little over a year, having first encountered it at an introductory Level 1 workshop at the Benedictine Center led by Kami Pohl, OblSB. Since then, a regular practice of focusing with a partner (Kami) has led to some very important experiences of self-discovery and very profound awareness of the Divine presence within. I’ve found that focusing with a companion is a richer experience than trying to focus on my own. As companions, we can help keep the practice flowing and moving forward.
I have since gone on to take part in Level 2 and Level 3 BSF training. The deeper I’ve gone into the practice, the more I know that this is right for me at this time in my life. Joe Colletti, one of the instructors in the Level 3 training, offered this insight, which totally resonates with my experience of BSF:
“For me, BioSpirituality is a life-changing spiritual practice. It’s all about interacting with the Wisdom within us in a way that can heal the wounds within, helps us to set life burdens down, and makes it possible to be freed from places in our lives where we are stuck. Once you have experienced it, there is no going back.”
This is why I’m so excited that the Benedictine Center has been named as one of a small number of BioSpiritual Network Centers of practice. We have a unique opportunity to access this powerful practice through the offerings of Level 1 and Level 2 courses. We also have the opportunity to build a community of practice around BSF. To that end, the Benedictine Center has launched a monthly BSF practice group for anyone who has attended either a Level 1 or Level 2 workshop. Kami’s dream, and now mine as well, is to nurture a thriving community of practitioners who are discovering the power and wonder of this grace-filled body-knowing experience.
If you are interested in discovering this practice for yourself, I invite you to save the date for our upcoming BSF Level 1&2 Retreat at the Benedictine Center, scheduled for January 22-24, 2027. Look soon for more details on how to register. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about BSF, you can contact Kami Pohl at kpohl@stpaulsmonastery.org.
Jeff Dols, OblSB — Jeff’s connection to the Benedictine tradition began in childhood in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where he was educated by the Sisters of St. Benedict. His relationship with St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center began with a Centering Prayer retreat and has grown over the years through service on the Benedictine Center Advisory Committee, his final Oblation in 2019, serving as Mission Advancement Director, Interim Director with the Benedictine Center and his current involvement with Oblate leadership. Professionally, Jeff brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategic planning and organizational development, including roles with Optum, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and the Franciscan Spirituality Center.
