2009

‘The Journey: To Be a Pilgrim’

‘And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet, and learn to be at home.’ – Wendell Berry

How deep the impulse is to set off on pilgrimage – to take the sacred path toward one's authentic self, to the core of our being. Such journeys may be solitary, yet more often are taken in the good company of others. Our theme sessions this week will trace the ancient pattern of sacred journeys, as each morning a fellow traveller will converse with us, sharing their passions, insights and life experiences. Pilgrimage allows the traveller time to turn inwards and reflect, the chance to ask questions of the self. Where does our spiritual compass point to? How do we recognise our true path? To be a pilgrim is to let go of accustomed ways and instead seek new vistas and visions; what better place than Hucklow Summer School to embark on such a journey.

Engagement Groups

A: ‘Gems for the Journey’ with Linda Hart and Patricia Walker-Hesson

Spiritual practices are good tools for helping us to keep to a worthy path as we travel through life. Linda and Patricia, using the UUA curriculum ‘Spirit in Practice’, will offer opportunities to experience a variety of practices. These will include personal (or solitary) practices, body practices, soul practices and life practices. The aim is for each person to find a spiritual practice to suit themselves.

B: ‘In Whose Shoes…? Finding Your Own Feet’ with Michael Dadson and Alison Thursfield

Who and where we are in life can be shaped by our education and conditioning, our assumptions and reactions… and occasionally by our own choosing. Using a range of activities – including spoken and written word, music and movement – we shall each take a look at how we have navigated our way through life so far… and wonder about how we might walk into our future wearing our own shoes.

C: ‘Travellers’ Tales: Harvesting the Stories of our Lives’ with Sheena Gabriel and John Harley

‘When we write from experience we harvest our lives.’

– Bonnie Goldberg

The series of workshops will provide a reflective space in which to explore our personal stories, predominantly through writing, but also touching on other creative forms, as a means of bringing forth the stories within us. Beyond the telling of the story, we will seek to uncover deeper meanings and spiritual connections – to discover and harvest the gold that lays hidden within seemingly ordinary or difficult life experiences. There will be the opportunity to share, celebrate and honour each other's stories and to consider the wisdom and enduring values that can be passed on through our narratives. No experience of creative writing necessary.

D: ‘Sole to Soul: Walking as a Spiritual Practice’ with Mel Prideaux and Maggie (Lynne) Davies

‘We are the children of the earth and the earth is in our bodies - so the rhythm that’s outside is inside.’

– John O’Donohue

As we allow the landscape to reflect, inform, shadow, echo and sing to us with its movement and stillness, we discover how our physical walking connects us with our own inner ground. We will be outside, in woods and fields, accompanying one another in our walking, listening, conversing, being still and reflecting. We are constantly on the threshold of exploring new paths, and in this group we will traverse the territories of the visible and the invisible. How do we prepare ourselves? Are there familiar milestones? Is there light enough to see the way ahead? Do we journey alone? Through our soles we will explore our souls

E: Children’s Programme with Claire Maddocks and Eloise Williamson