Christian Meditation in Cumbria held this gathering at Langwathby in August: part of a tradition that goes back to Rev. David Wood’s time. Meditators from our community and beyond came and enjoyed meeting and holding silence together. Our day began with meditation, led by member Heather Keogh.
Christine Pickering, founder of Maranatha Yoga, gave a morning session harnessing various yoga disciplines to unite everyone in body, mind and spirit. The programme opened with limbering exercises from a traditional yoga Pavanmuktasana series. Then the yoga practice of ‘Salutation to the Mother Earth’, a flowing sequence that reflects and respects the fundamental nature of our relationship with the earth. This routine started and finished in Mountain Posture (Tadasana), standing upright and firm, tall like a mountain. According to yoga texts ‘The spinal cord has two ends: the earth (below) and heaven (above), as is fitting for a ‘holy mountain in the centre of the world’’.
The active sequences were then followed by a period of stillness to focus on breathing through the yoga practice of Prana Mudra, the Invocation of Peace Breath. A perfect way to prepare body, mind and spirit for Christian Meditation.
After a convivial lunch, those who were able embarked on an hour-long silent walk with Heather. She is a seasoned lone walker who actively seeks ‘Being in the Oneness’ of nature’s silence and teaching, keen to benefit others. Langwathby, homely village in the Eden Valley, affords surrounding varied habitats: river, crop fields, differing tree groups, meadow, rising outcrop with panoramic views to explore.
We set off silently with focus on breath, connecting body, mind and spirit. Letting thought go, settling into walking rhythm, our awareness growing… Just resting within, becoming more present to ourselves and all that surrounds, brings ease.
The freedom then of sensing cool air on nostrils, scents of damp earth. Hearing hum of river, rustling leaves. Noticing cloud patterns, river eddies spiralling. Feeling ground beneath feet, tarmac, sandy, stony, deep meadow.
Rich history surrounds us, stirs memories within, our history, our earth, our place here. Walking in harmony and community together, pausing times to absorb atmosphere, the hour passed silently and quickly keeping us dry…no rain! Returning to the hall deepened and grounded but lighter, joyous for the experience”.
After the walk, participants were led in Visio Divina by Revd Lisa Moore Wilson, another member of the CMC Steering Group. The scripture, Jesus and the woman at the well from John 4:1-42, was read slowly, several times, while participants were encouraged to gaze on the icon, to pay attention to the image… The readings were enhanced by other sensory stimuli, including the scent of fresh herbs and the sound of water being poured into glasses. As their meditation deepened, participants were asked to think about what God might be saying to them or simply to enjoy a time of resting in God’s presence.
Subsequent feedback described this session, and indeed the day overall, as a time of beauty, tenderness and joy. The day ended, as it began, with silence together in meditation.
‘You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace’. Isaiah 55:12
Image – The River Eden at Langwathby, Cumbria.
Christine writes, I have included a photograph and the CMC logo. I hope this will presage the forthcoming residential gathering
‘Becoming Whole’ led by Liz Watson in June 2026.
Christine Pickering (CMC Committee Member)