WCCM’s Outreach theme for 2025 is ‘The Risk of Living Together’. This is a challenge for most of us.
I had been listening to the remembrance services to mark the eightieth year since the liberation of Auschwitz. The shock waves of horror at the discoveries bore witness to the heartless cruelty which can be released when a population, or section of society, are turned into “the other”. They are claimed to be not acceptable, not true members of mankind, and then demeaned with descriptions such as “vermin” in an attempt to justify appalling treatment.
The danger in witnessing mass suffering is that the sheer scale can cushion us from a sense of connection to the individual lived experience. Meeting and getting to know someone well whose life has been impacted by the full horror, is yet another deeper level, and confirms to us that the victims are just like us. My father-in-law was in Auschwitz, and while there, was viciously tortured for pleasure by some of the guards. He very rarely mentioned his experiences in the camps. Knowing that he had suffered this personally, deepened my sense of horror and connection to it. The ‘Risk of Living Together’ means so much to me personally, and is of vital importance now when there is so much disturbance coming from migration, religious intolerance, centuries long feuds and the turbulence of political power, sparking afresh the powerful and dangerous habits of objectification, blame, ridicule and intolerance.
WCCM offers a series of contemplative talks on this Outreach theme. Each session explores another aspect as it relates to the journey of meditation and the contemplative path. As Father Laurence writes in his introduction, the talks “help us recover a world that actively cares for the poor and the stranger, and protects the innocent from war and abuse”.
The UK/Meditatio Gathering ‘The Joy of Encounter’ will be held at Ampleforth in Yorkshire from the 2nd to the 4th of June. A special opportunity to get alongside people with whom we never have meditated, talked, celebrated and healed together. Our community in the UK is inclusive, welcoming and open to everyone. True joy is released in the genuine desire to be alongside someone whose life experience has been very unlike our own. We are changed through this mutual sharing of the gift of loving attention. At least 30 people who find themselves existing ‘on the margins’ are coming. People supported by the L’Arche Community are also planning to attend.
As well as the core times of meditation, Terry Doyle has organised a number of additional activities where we will be able to relax and find creativity and enjoyment. These activities include ‘The Joy of Singing’ with David and Emily from the ENO, ‘Capacitar Wellbeing and Resilience’ with Paul Golightly, ‘5 Rhythm Dance with Liz Collier, ‘Head and Shoulder Massage’ with Melanie Waite, ‘Tai Chi and Mindful Movement’ and ‘Art and Soul Creative Writing’ both taken by Terry. Time to enjoy walking the Nature Trail.
Terry invites, “Come with an open heart and have a fabulous time!”
Father Laurence writes, “Come, and be empowered by a new way of being human.”
Diana Ohlson