The South West WCCM weekend retreat with the subtitle ‘From Separation to Union’, was held at the Ammerdown Centre in September, led by Chris Collingwood, Canon Emeritus of York Minister and authorised Zen teacher.
One participant Elizabeth comments: I was immediately interested. I was excited to have ‘the opportunity to experience directly through the practice of meditation and living in community, the wisdom of Christianity and Zen.
The meditations took place in the beautiful chapel, and as on other WCCM retreats, there was a choice of sitting on a chair or on a meditation cushion. It was suggested that we remove our shoes as a symbol of entry into a sacred space. This attention to detail helped to deepen the meditation time.
Each morning there was a chance to engage in Walking Meditation at 7am outside, in the courtyard. After the wooden claps, we bowed to the circle, and then started to walk clockwise with slow, slow steps, giving time to appreciate the power of slowness.
I felt a glimmer of caution about Lectio Divina. Chris gently read Psalm 46. He gave us time to reflect. He then read it again and suggested that we sensed it in our bodies. Only then did we pick up the printed text and silently, slowly read it twice. He concluded by asking us to notice a phrase of word that resonated for us. As we then shared this with the group, I was surprised to proclaim, ‘make glad’, and not my former favourite phrase ‘Be still and Know that I am God’.
The retreat closed with a traditional Sunday lunch, following a Contemplative Eucharist for the Feast of St Matthew. Chris had written a special liturgy. When we then entered the beautifully re-arranged chapel the service moved seamlessly and became a moment of deep communion. As I drove home in the gloriously golden Autumn light, I felt deep gratitude to everyone who had given their time and skills to create this transfiguring learning experience.
Elizabeth Voogt
Mike comments:
This year’s Southwest retreat was a rich and refreshing experience. We had the privilege of being guided by Canon Emeritus of York Minster, Chris Collingwood, who is also an authorised Zen teacher. His theme, “Waking Up to Who We Are: From Separation to Union,” invited us to look again at our assumptions about God, faith and identity.
Our perspective on God is often far too narrow. God is not confined to our traditions, but reaches out to all and relates to all. Zen, with its questioning spirit and attention to the present moment, became a doorway to fresh insight. Through stories, teaching and silence, we were encouraged to ask bigger questions: Are we really the centre of the universe, or part of something far more expansive, diverse and interconnected? What does it mean to wake up and discover that the boundaries we imagine between ourselves and God – and between one another – are not as fixed as we think? Zen refuses to let us settle for easy answers; instead, it invites us into mystery, wonder and a deeper awareness of reality.
The retreat was beautifully organised. From the moment we arrived, everything encouraged openness and participation. Readings were shared among the group, and mealtimes became opportunities to meet a fascinating range of people.
Beyond the teaching and prayer, there were many ways to be nourished. Walking meditation allowed us to pray with our bodies. The art sessions opened creativity and reflection. Qi Gong, for many of us, was a revelation – a gentle, embodied way to meditate and connect with the present. Personally, I loved Qi Gong; it was both calming and energising, a reminder that there are many paths into stillness.
Sunday’s Eucharist, led by Chris, was deeply moving. More contemplative than I had experienced before, it offered space for silence and stillness as well as worship. It felt spacious, unhurried and reverent – a true meeting place with God.
The food was excellent, and the setting ideal for stepping back from routine. Just when you think your spiritual life may have become a little settled, a retreat like this arrives to stir and renew you. You find there is more to God than you imagined, and the journey begins again with new depth and joy!
It was a delight to be together. If you’re wondering whether to join us next year, do come – you may be surprised at how fresh and life-giving the experience can be.
Mike Wilsher
Churchwarden, Lullington & Orchardleigh