Igniting SPARKS: Restorative Practices for Inspired Leadership

How can spiritual leaders remain grounded, creative, and inspired amidst the demands of ministry? In this experiential workshop, participants will explore practices from the SPARK framework (Soma, Preparation, Awe, Retreat, Kinship) to nurture wholeness and rekindle their capacity to lead with energy and vision. Through guided exercises, reflective dialogue, and moments of embodied prayer, this session invites leaders to embrace new rhythms that sustain both personal wellness and communal flourishing. Participants will leave with practical tools to spark creativity and cultivate innovative ways of fostering belonging and radical love in their unique contexts. 
 
Learning Objectives: 
Reconnect with the body as a source of spiritual renewal and creative flow. 

• Practice cultivating awe and wonder as a pathway to inspiration and openness to new possibilities. 
• Explore practices of preparation and kinship to sustain vibrant leadership. 
• Cultivate practices that nurture creativity and foster transformation within communities.

About the instructor: 

The Rev’d Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach who helps others know their belovedness and find their SPARK. Her new book, From Weary to Wholehearted, is a restorative resource for overcoming ministry burnout. Callie is a creative minister and leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Her “How2charist: Digital Instructed Eucharist” film has reached Christians and curious individuals around the world, and her Wholehearted Wisdom movement invites others into deeper reflection and connection across social media. Callie is an Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow and has keynoted such conferences as Kanuga Christian Formation Conference, Episcopal Communicators Annual Conference, and Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Annual Conference. She lives in Philadelphia with her co-dreaming partner Jeremy, their two tween/teen children, and a rescue pup named Rufus.