Jill Benet

Up early and Cambridge visit is now finalised - just got to do the programme sheets. Chat to Ann. Moved the logs and branches of the rowan tree from the back lane to the front garden for recycling using the wheelbarrow. While I was on Skype Liz disappeared. It turned out Katy had taken her up to No.19! I set off for the Hinsley Room and the spirituality day wondering where she was and left messages on her mobile which of course was at home! Jill Benet spoke about relationship - there are 3 elements between 2 people - you, me and the space between. The theme was "Rising to new life" and after the silent meditation and lunch she gave us a bunch of leaves. She spoke about the new child and how we ever new and the music of the dance between us. I chose to try and draw a leaf and was interested how scientific this was rather than artistic. We also were encouraged to touch and smell the leaves and really look at them. I noted soft, gentle, pure, simple structure, united, all the veins join up, true, unspoilt, fresh. alive (for the moment) - all characteristics of the Spirit. I also had a nap and went to get cash for the dontaion to cover costs of Timothy Radcliffe's talk next Wednesday - 300 booked already! "Now the green blade riseth" and "The world is charged with the grandeur of God" and of course Wordsworth.
Here is Nan C Merrill's version of Psalm 105 Psalms for praying
Give us wisdom and courage to release all that binds us;
for, to face what is built on illusion is to find new life.

O Divine Presence, as we surrender our hearts to You,
teach us to be worthy of trust.

O, that what we think and speak might be in accord with our highest aspirations,

That our faces might shine with openness, reflecting integrity and honesty within.

That we would choose to live in peace and harmony, our decisions made in accordance with Love.

Upon the path of trust, O friends we need not trust ourselves or others,

For as we reverence all life, the beauty and unity of diversity will be seen.

20 were there including several members of the interfaith group. It was an excellent day.
Watched Zoo days and went to see Grainne and Dino's Mum over from Cyprus. Clare is in Florida. Sophia went all shy because I was there! Watched The Apprentice and Philip fired at last!
Enjoying Mendelssohn evensong from the Temple church.