I started meditating just six months ago. When I discovered the Portuguese group online as I live in Lisbon.
Almost from the beginning, it’s been like a homecoming, and home is a tricky concept for me because I’ve lived in four countries. I find it quite hard to have a sense of ‘home’ anywhere. a bit like the Groucho Marx line that said: ‘I wouldn’t join any club that would have me as a member.’ It’s a little bit the same with the whole idea of home.
Amazingly, it’s probably the first time that I have felt at home in any kind of spiritual tradition.
We are going towards the end of this retreat. Can you highlight what elements were special for you? What what things are you taking back home?
Well, home now has a physical location. And this week has been the first time that I have meditated in person with people. Ever. Until this week, I have been doing it online as part of the Portuguese group or, on my own, as the case may be.
But the experience of doing it together as part of a community has been very, very special. There’s a vibrancy in the silence, that makes it so more present and more real. And the joy that has come from that this week has been palpable.
One of the resolutions I’m making this week is I’m going to try and meditate three times a day. Because, I see now, six months later, how the morning and evening together, really makes a difference.
What are your thoughts about Bonnevaux?
Bonnevaux has a very special energy. I’m not surprised that it’s a valley in which people have been meditating and contemplating for 1500 plus years. In the landscape in the hollow of this beautiful valley. We are held and protected as much by the landscape as by the community and the physical location as well as the love and the support of each other, really brings the presence of God alive too.
Meditation Retreats for all Levels
Meditate in community, experience meditation at Bonnevaux Retreat Centre. Take a look at the retreat programme on bonnevauxwccm.org
