27/11/2022
Beyond Words @ The Green Room, Alston (Toofall for the locals!)
Monday 28th November 17:30 - 18:30, then weekly until Christmas
Free
Space is limited so it’s best to message me if you would like to come along
Located in such a quiet corner of town, I’ve come to appreciate the sense of peace and calm in my little house. It’s not silent, but gentle. A gentleness that has helped me greatly over the past year, as I’ve found myself confronted by the grief and loss that comes to us all at some stage in our lives as loved ones pass away, or move on.
Being such a fan of talking and sharing stories, for many years a true appreciation of the power of simply sitting quietly with what is has eluded me somewhat. Even the experience of several silent retreats failed to establish any regular quiet practice in my day-to-day life, but this year that changed. Out of a desperate inability to make a decision as to what to do next as painful feelings overwhelmed me, I found myself just sitting. Sometimes halfway up or halfway down the stairs, sometimes perched on the end of the bed, but still, and quiet. After a while, I became aware of something behind the feelings, something bigger that held those emotions, something that wasn’t me or mine, or even a definable thing. It was just the simple sense of being with what is, and it shifted everything. Not to some place of bliss, or to forget the loss, but there was room around everything and nothing felt quite so heavy to hold anymore.
I want to offer that same opportunity to others. It’s so easy to be caught up in the noise of life, and for many of us, having access to a quiet space is nigh on impossible, so if you would like to spend some time sitting quietly together with others, why not join me? This is a space where you can take off the stage makeup, put down the script and just come back to your true self. No complicated techniques, no rights or wrongs, and no need to do or be anything. Just come as you are.
We’ll start with one hour a week. Although I know no one time slot will fit everyone, I have found setting time aside on a Monday particularly beneficial. If you’re interested, it would be helpful to drop me a message so I have some idea of how many might be coming. I hope to see you soon.
