We need to go there -
Where the noise between us quiets
And we are one.
I wrote this short poem in the early spring. I had forgotten that we are creatures made of the same stuff as the stars. The buttercup, the blackbird and the hare are our kin. When we go quietly to the coast or the woods, or a garden - we remember.
I run seasonal Quiet Garden Hours at Holy Trinity Churchyard. They are very simple. We listen to a poem or reading and then spend time in the quiet garden, noticing.
One of our favourite activities is treasure hunting. I suggest that people wander around looking for things that they consider to be good, exciting or interesting. People find smells, colours, memories, textures, qualities of light. We might make bark rubbings, play with clay and note what’s changed since the last season.
Jesuit theologian Walter Burghardt defines contemplation as ‘taking a long loving look at the Real.’ In other words, noticing. We notice our connection to our surroundings, our kindred. Or we might notice the Power that is mercifully greater than ourselves.
Contemplation is intimidating for many, treasure hunting is easy.
The next Quiet Garden Hour is on Saturday 16th December at 10.30 at Holy Trinity Wolverton Quiet Garden.
I had thought about cancelling this one, because I’ve been exhausted lately but then I remembered why I do it and how very simple it is (probably just a walk thus time) and I changed my mind. We need to go there -