Here in the UK we are fortunate to have committed Special Interest Coordinators working to explore Outreach and highlighting the potential that is on our doorstep. Outreach to children, to people on the margins, to clergy, to prisoners, to mention a few. However, everything depends upon the interest and willingness to reach out, of people drawn from our dedicated group of regular meditators.
In the early part of 2025 we will be sending out a short Questionnaire to everyone on the UK database, (and we do ask for your help by responding to this). We want to make contact with all the people who attend online groups but who may not be on the database. We also would love to hear about your experience or contacts that you may have in any of the Outreach Areas. (It could be that these people might be interested in exploring the gifts and benefits of meditation.)
In order to tailor the time and effort that our SICs put into their tasks, it is essential that we have a clearer idea of how much support and enthusiasm there is within our UK Community.
At a recent international Meditatio Council meeting Father Laurence emphasized that with Outreach, it is very important to remember: “Just offer what is. You don’t have to fix it.” This was brought vividly into focus in a moving account by Linda Kaye who has introduced meditation over sixteen years now, at the Neptune Beach Florida Christian Meditation Centre, to people with addiction problems. The sessions are held, not in a church setting, but somewhere easy and familiar, even next door to a bar! A space for silence and being together is regularly offered with no focus on faith or no faith, only a desire and a willingness to be together in an accepting and loving silence followed if wanted, by a time to talk. Just the consistent offering of this loving space has helped numerous people to regain a sense of hope and acceptance which has often been so lacking in their lives.
Sue Clarke, our SIC for Clergy and Contemplative Church is not only busy supporting a growing network of interested clergy, but considering how best to support lay people feel confident in offering these experiences.
Diana Ohlson.