I am very pleased to let you know that the much anticipated new four-week introductory course entitled ‘Learn to Meditate’ is now available. I want to encourage every one of you to think about where this course could be offered and share your ideas with other meditators. While you may not feel confident in facilitating such a course, someone else may well be. ‘Learn to Meditate’ could be offered at a church or a local venue, or incorporated into your regular meetings, or the link forwarded to someone you know who might prefer to follow the course in their time.
‘Learn to Meditate’ does not replace the ‘Six Week Introductory Course’, it is completely different and complementary to what has been offered before. There is less history and more emphasis on sharing the gift of meditation with those from all faith traditions and none. There are a variety of suggested formats including weekly, half day and day sessions which can be adapted to make it your own.
The course comes with a ‘Handbook for Presenters’ by Fr Laurence Freeman which contains valuable insights and practical guidance for presenting the course. The handbook includes everything you need, including transcripts of the four videos and promotional materials.
I have been asked to ensure that anyone intending to present the course reads the Handbook before accessing the other materials. Even if you are not in a position to offer the course, it is worth reading the handbook.
You can access the materials directly from the UK website wccm.uk by clicking ‘Global Resources’ at the top of the webpage and scrolling down to ’Teaching Resources’ where you click on the course. You can also access the materials through the international website wccm.org – Kate Middleton has recorded a helpful video showing you exactly how to do this. See https://bit.ly/learntomedtutorial
This new course is a timely gift that we can offer our friends and neighbours as we pray for peace in our hearts and in our world. The UK National Coordinating Team are keen to ensure that we share ‘Learn to Meditate’ as widely as possible and if you need assistance with any aspect of this please contact me directly, or contact the UK office uk@wccm.org and one of us will be able to help.
Julie Roberts
National Liaison, WCCM in the UK
Come to me all who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28)
Meditation is as natural to the spirit as breathing is to the body. It opens and renews our humanity and teaches what fullness of life truly means.
And it is simple. Join this practical course and learn more about peace and your true self
– and meet friends for the journey.