A Day of Presence: An Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing

This afternoon of inner reflection will offer an introduction to the practices and fruits of BioSpiritual Focusing. We shall uncover ways to discover the wisdom that is held within our bodies as we attend to the inner feelings that contain holistic knowledge of ourselves and our lives, which is not readily available to the rational workings of the brain’s use of language, concepts and analysis. Through caring presence to what emerges, we unveil a rich harvest of knowing that brings us into the deeper way of understanding abiding in the human soul. The afternoon will be presented by Deacon Joe Marino and Margit Dornisch.

About the Presenters: 

Dcn. Joe Marino was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of San Bernardino in November 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Theology from Catholic Distance University. Experiencing the desire to do the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, he entered the Ignatian Spiritual Formation program in 2016. After completion of that program, he felt the desire to continue the path of spiritual direction and entered the Art of Spiritual Direction Program with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Joe graduated from that program in June 2022. In January 2022 he completed the BioSpiritual 12-week Intensive Book Study followed by a six-month Intensive Companion course. Joe practices BioSpiritual Focusing and uses it in spiritual direction. He resides with his wife in Moreno Valley, CA. They have three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Margit Dornisch resides with her husband of 38 years in the lovely beach town of Carlsbad, Calif. They have two grown daughters. Margit holds a Master's in Catholic Theology from the Otto-Friedrich-University in Bamberg, Germany. Since 2008 she has worked as Director of Religious Education in her parish.  She is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, accompanying people through Exercises in Daily Life and offering individual and group spiritual direction. In 2020, at a workshop with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Margit experienced and embraced the practice of BioSpiritual Focusing. She has participated in BioSpiritual Book Studies and completed a companioning course. Tending her garden of California native plants keeps Margit grounded and curious about all the graces that unfold in her various ministries.