On Saturday we met at Worth Abbey for a Quiet Day led by Brian Draper.
Brian wrote an explanation of what the day might hold for us:
'Through a mix of guided reflections and contemplative practice, we’ll explore together how one of the most soulfully, evocative of the seasons can help us to encounter the Creator afresh -
in the leaf-fall and the fruitfulness, the dark and the light, the letting go and the gathering up.
It’ll be a time to savour the spirituality both of hunkering down and getting outside to see the colours and textures of Creation.
And as we do so, an opportunity to reflect on, and embrace, the season we’re in ourselves.
Come not just to embrace autumn, then, but to be part of its gorgeous wholeness!
We were a large group and after settling and becoming still, we listened to Brian invitation to 'belong' within the seasons......for spiritual poise and for spiritual food and air to breathe.
Throughout the day Brian led us contemplatively, interspersed with moments outside to take in all that was around us in the beautiful setting of West Sussex. We followed four sessions, these were:
Downward - Autumn is a time of falling, seeds sink and are buried.
Inward - we encounter God in our fruitfulness to bless others
Onward - How do we step outside the circle of fear and flourish.
Upward - We are all called to 'be' open as we follow Jesus.
At 1pm, we paused and joined the Benedictine community of Brothers for prayer.....
It was a really rich and powerful day, full of beautiful words, prayers and actions - Brian is a passionate, experienced and sensitive leader, who expressed so well all that God was conveying to us in the beautiful season of autumn.
Here's a few comments from those who came:
Wonderful
Rich and Inspiring
The day helped me let go and focus on new beginnings
Thank you so much for organising such a brilliant day! It took me to a place I would never have expected to find with so much to continue to ponder. Brian is such an inspiring leader.
If you would like to know more or find out how you can join in various spiritual events, then do e-mail me on spiritualgrowth@sharonseal.org
