It was an absolute privilege and delight to host Sarah Bachelard on her visit to the UK in the summer of 2024 and to spend time talking with her about all things contemplative. The advantage of being host was that we had Sarah to ourselves for some of the time. During some of those quiet times we talked about the contemplative projects we are trying to grow here in Yorkshire and really valued her encouragement, wisdom and genuine interest.
It seems like a long time ago that we were enjoying the sunshine and beauty of Minsteracres. It is a truly stunning and tranquil location to host a gathering of enthusiastic meditators. Sarah Bachelard’s talks held us all captivated throughout the weekend with her gentle wisdom and shared experience. The workshops were delivered professionally and with good humour and enjoyed by us all. Sarah’s talks are all available on WCCM website to revisit or hear for the first time if you were not able to get there. https://vimeo.com/showcase/11246298?share=copy Password is Minsteracres
With barely time to catch breath we embarked on Sarah’s roadshow which took in Mirfield, Leeds, Birmingham, Chepstow, Bath, Salisbury and finally Meditatio Centre in London. Without exception the hosts all played their part perfectly without any hiccoughs along the way, and I am so grateful to all of them. There were many stories I could share about our encounters with lovely people who warmed to Sarah’s disarming approach and inspiring words of hope for a world that seems to have lost its way. People openly shared their struggles and concerns for our world and their own particular situations. It was truly a time of healing and hope.
One gentleman assured Sarah before the talks began that he was an atheist and was only there to accompany his brother. At the end of the Poetica Divina talk, he came back to Sarah with tears in his eyes telling her ‘you have started a revolution.’
So, as we said farewell to Sarah, leaving her in the care of Kate Coombs and her colleagues at Meditatio Centre, I was keen to continue the ‘revolution’ from my base back in Yorkshire. A few months ago I had taken on the role of WCCM Special Interest Co-ordinator for Clergy who Meditate. Having been given a list of about 120 such clergy I set about contacting all of them. About 30 people responded, some were long retired or no longer involved with WCCM but a few were keen to support each other and promote Contemplative Church in their own location.
One clergy meditator on the tour had suggested a blog. What a good idea! But being ignorant of blogs, I am grateful to Kate for starting me off with a blog page on the WCCM website which you can find here called Contemplative Church Leaders Network https://my.wccm.org/collections/32827. If you wish to join the network please contact me at sueclarke538@gmail.com then you will be able to share on the blog what contemplative things you are doing and the resources you have found most useful.
Peace, Joy and Hope for the New Year ahead.
Sue Clarke