Compline

A day of heavy showers so I've spent most of the day indoors, there was quite a full programme for today so I was happy to stay in. I was glad I ventured out between the showers to the closing service of the day, Compline, as there was the briefest of rainbows over the chapel.

The first full day of the retreat began with breakfast and a short meeting in silence. The rest of the morning was fully occupied as agreed yesterday evening. M started the morning session, speaking about her experience, which she recounts in her book "If You Sit Very Still". As she finished her story, silence was allowed to cloak the group while we absorbed it all. A break for tea provided an opportunity for a visit to the beach, to allow the waves to offer a soothing balm to restore the inner peace. A sharing session followed, with each offering a response to the issues raised in M's story.

T visited in the afternoon to talk to the group, which wasn't as personal a story as I'd anticipated. Still, the offering has to be accepted in the Spirit in which it is made, and I found it easy to warm to a fellow "snapper".

Supper was followed by a group visit to the chapel, for the last service of the day. The monks welcome visitors to the services, quite a change I'm told from times gone by when only men were permitted to join the services.

It's been an emotionally charged day, and a "busy" one, as I head for bed. The weekend is providing some interesting dreams for reflection, so even bed time is quite an attraction!