As colisteners, we gather in partnership to consider a particular inquiry and practice intentional listening to explore what might arise, whether in obvious, subliminal, nuanced, or surprising ways.

The description above may sound esoteric. Stated simply, when I colisten with you, often we explore quite practical, everyday matters. The distinction is that, together, we step back to hear beneath the noise of how we live our everyday so that we can see the beauty of what is already there and what more is waiting to emerge.

In massage therapy, we listen to your body and how it is aiding and inhibiting you. We build awareness of the patterns that live in your body, and you develop the capacity to care for yourself more holistically, through attending to your body, to self.

During spiritual direction, retreats and in communal work, we create space to listen–as individuals and collectively–to needs, purpose, and the gifts of rest and renewal. We discern what next steps bring us in closer in alignment to our calling, to connection, joy and meaningful life and action.

In parent workshops, we explore connections with our children, self-care and resiliency. As we learn, share, and listen to each other, we become aware of what we can shed, re-shape, and claim in our growth as parents and as our own selves.

In home organization, we listen to how you speak of  your life priorities and values and discover how they can become more manifest through the way you craft your home environment and family systems.

These are just a few examples of ways we can partner as colisteners, all with the purpose of hearing into the center of your being, waiting for more of you to come alive.

Practicing intentional listening with the compassionate presence of others provides possibilities for sensation, awareness, and insight. In sharing, you invite yourself and others to bear witness to your stories, to your being-ness, and to hold your stories–to hold you–lovingly, as we listen together for the invitation to grow towards the sacred and the center of you.

Your Colistener: Bernardine

I work in leadership and accompaniment with individuals and groups. My work is through private and freelance arrangements as well as my affiliation with Bethany House of Prayer and various organizations, including faith-based communities.

I have experience as a chaplain, accompanying others and supporting organizations in health care, justice work, and special events.

I am a massage therapist in private practice and offer massage services pro bono or subsidized to non-profit organizations.

I practice authentic movement, having learned the form in a year-long training program with two summer intensives through Contemplative Dance.

My previous work as an educator and in organizational leadership (Director of Educational and Welfare programs, Spanish teacher, Early Childhood Education) in a variety of settings – USA, Bolivia, Liberia – form a part of my life story, which informs my work in accompaniment and colistening.

My other parts of “being-ness” (past and present) include: mother, partner, dancer, musician, traveler, explorer, ice hockey player, minimalist, organizer of spaces; lover of music, art, nature, curiosity, stillness, quiet, contemplation, God.

Education and Training

Spirituality and Teaching

• B.A. Harvard University

• M.Ed. in Pastoral Ministry and Education, Boston College 

• Clinical Pastoral Education: trained and worked at Hebrew SeniorLife

• Spiritual Direction Practicum

• Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation

• Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Massage Training

• Licensed Massage Therapist - Massachusetts ID #6371

• Graduate: Cortiva Institute for Massage Therapy

• Member: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

• Certification: Massage for Cancer, Life Altering Illnesses, and Hospice

• Certification: Infant Massage Instructor

Additional Colisteners

At times, your or your organization’s needs will benefit from having multiple colisteners or co-facilitators. I have colleagues in the field with whom I collaborate for these situations.