Last weekend I taught my third and final weekend of the year at Claridge House in Surrey, UK. We were a group of 10 women, some of whom I knew and some new faces, young and old coming together for various reasons with the intention to pause, take some time out of the routine and stresses of daily life and find some space to heal.
The sharing in our first evening session together was so open and honest I knew we were going to dive deep into emotional waters, opening up to feelings often rarely felt and seldom shared.
Almost immediately a strong connection was established between the group both within the sessions and during the free time (much of which was spent eating wholesome meals or having tea an delicious cake - including gluten free, sugar free, dairy free).
We explored moving with ease - opening up to the possibility of moving in new and different ways - breathing with ease and becoming present to whatever was arising within. Practices were offered to support us in turning towards the difficult stuff and meeting it with kindness and curiosity. One such practice is a meditation called RAIN by Tara Brach which many found helpful.
Over the weekend there was plenty of laughter, a few tears, some revelatory moments and dedicated space for compassionate listening, allowing for the reality to really sink in that this is what it is to be human. Not one of us is alone or separate in our suffering but rather it is one of the many things that bond us as human beings.
Here's the link to the practice of RAIN taught by Tara Brach if you would like to know more about and explore practice it. Remember not to use anything too triggering when you begin the practice but rather use something that is a 6 or less on a 1-10 scale of what makes you feel uncomfortable.
The trees in the garden at Claridge House, many of which were planted when the house was built in the middle of the 19th centaury, helped to hold the space for us as we practiced in the main lounge which looks out over the garden. They were also amazingly in synch with us as we moved through the weekend, helping to support and provide the strength and deep connection to the earth needed as we took a walk in our own inner gardens, beginning the journey of unearthing the deeper stuff that lies just below the surface. One morning I spent some time with an old oak, one I hadn't really noticed before as I am usually rather enamored by the sequoias which stand on the rim of the garden like guardians of the house and all that stay there. I stood beside this towering Oak in the morning light and then, you guessed it, had a hug and felt a deep release inside my body as I leaned into it's strong, solid, towering trunk. I didn't realise at the time but this moment of connection and support helped set the tone for the weekend and I believed helped clear the pathway for us all to hold each other quietly (and sometimes quite chattily) in our hearts.
I love teaching at Claridge House which is run by the Quakers as a home from home focusing on providing a peaceful place for all who enter. I will be back there next in April (and again in July and November) if you fancy coming along and joining us. Places fill up quickly so if you think you want to come do reserve your spot sooner rather than later. All booking are through Claridge House.
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