1. INTERPLAY TREAT
It was a grace filled time for the 25 Jesuit novices and 8 UMI novices and postulants
to participate in a four day InterPlay retreat cum workshop from February 26 to
March 1, 2012 at Anugraha, the UMI Novititate, Lucknow.
Very often the term ‘prayer` is confined to a narrow idea of reciting, singing, or
meditating while sitting still. InterPlay introduces a new dimension to the Ignatian
“contemplation in action” and also plays a vital role in raising our consciousness
awareness.
InterPlay has been an aid for all of us to witness the reality within and without
realistically. At times, we wondered at our own selves exclaiming with surprise, “Am
I like this?” Becoming aware of our inner freedom and exercising it resulted in
spontaneity, creativity and productivity - the inner child became active in all of us.
The very first step of this creative process was the Walking Meditation which
created in us a space for introspection. Sharing our experiences after walking in
various creative ways, flying like a bird, swimming like a fish and dancing naturally
helped many of us to break the shells of shyness and hesitation. The second step was
the Lead and Follow exercise which had three stages: actions or shapes, toning and
movements. It took us a while to realize that in a healthy personality these qualities of
“leading and following” are intertwined and balanced. The entire exercise brought in
us a huge re-awakening of the Master’s call saying, “Come and follow me”. This
exercise has taught us a significant lesson for our daily life - that in all our thoughts,
words and deeds God labors constantly. Consequently, the awareness of self is an
invocation of God’s presence. Even in a very short time we were able to lead and
follow our partners without distractions.
The third step was the most significant part of the InterPlay: the Eucharist. The
offerings and intentions made through reverent shapes and stillness of our bodies,
rhythmic spiritual movements, anointing the feet of companions and blessing each
other, broke the walls of division and brought greater union among us. These creative
rituals evoked genuine devotion in us and brought greater inner transformation.
In addition to these three steps, in all our exercises, we were constantly reminded of
our personal and communitarian resources. Through guided meditations we received

2. energies from Mother Earth, connected with our ancestors, spiritual fathers and
mothers, blood relations, all humanity and all the species of the world. This awakened
in us the inter-dependence of all beings in the cosmic web of life. This exercise aided
us in discovering the resources of the whole of creation history in every atom of our
body.
One of the favorite exercises was deep relaxation. After every activity we loved just
laying on our backs in the lap of Mother Earth to anchor the vibrations of peace and
energy she produced for us. This exercise gave us a taste of love for all creation. This
experience was further deepened as we became trees, birds, fish etc. “Finding God in
all things” took on a deeper meaning and significance. To witness and to be witnessed
with compassion stirred a variety of inner movements. Experiencing the touch of
Jesus through our companions was truly profound.
The entire programme brought fruits in abundance and we discovered many poets,
artists, music composers, singers, and dancers in our midst. We express our deep
sentiments of gratitude to Fr. Prashant Olalekar, SJ, for introducing us to the practical
meaning of prayer, and to Mrs Hazel Lobos for her creativity, humor and
accompaniment. Not forgetting Fr. Donald SJ, the novice master of the Delhi-Patna
Novitiate, and Sr. Pushpa UMI, the novice mistress, for their initiative in introducing
InterPlay in the formation programme.
- Novices: Deepak, Dinesh & Amarnath