I was taught and began meditating formally in the year 2000, and, of course, it changed my life.  It lead me through Yoga and Quaker spirituality to explore India, to Vedanta, Buddhism, Sufism, and again and again it lead me back to my inner self.  I very soon learned that intensity and perseverence of practice needed to be maintained at least, and preferably increased, in order for some goodness and calmness to shine through.

And something else I understood, to quote ......'Spiritual development is visible as the response of someone to the variable circumstances around him. When he attains maturity, he understands that there is not one single way of practice and only one valid spiritual tradition. He sees that spiritual life does not consist of adopting one particular philosophy, or a group of beliefs and teachings, or opposing the way of another or something important to another. His heart is able, without pain, to understand that all spiritual paths are the rafts which permit one to cross the ocean of transmigration.'  

It has seemed important both to have developed a good space in which to practise, then to share this special place of meditation and quiet, and this huge opportunity of learning which I have received and am grateful for beyond words. So, a year ago, requested my teacher Swami Veetamohananda (Centre Vedantique Ramakrishna Paris), who alerted me to the quotation above, and Dh.Sanghajata (Triratna Buddhist Centre) to dedicate the garden room at Landermere for spiritual practice, with the intent that people from all faiths and none, interested in, and commited to deepening their meditation, could come to sit in this very peaceful setting. For some, it has meant coming for group meditation sessions, for others joining me alone at our meditation times, for some to sit on their own, and for a few to spend a whole day of retreat here now and then. You are most welcome to join us in whatever way feels comfortable for you.......