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From The Restory - Conversations On The Journey (208)

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Love and Sorrow



The Restory's program this week largely reflects the larger Easter themes. Over Easter weekend, starting on Thursday, the exceptional Pippa Jarvis from Embrace Village is hosting an Expressions of Loss retreat here with us, with the  focus on mourning. Others' stories of loss and grief unfold our humanity and touch us, precisely because recognition and compassion are part of the process.

Over the 5 days that it lasts, we reflect on elements of the grieving process during the prayer times in the morning and evening, which beautifully connect with and give new meaning to the themes of Easter.

The opening and closing prayers at the beginning and end of the times of silence, are the lines from a poem or other literature that highlight the theme of that day:

Thursday



Good Friday



Holy Saturday



Easter Sunday



Easter Monday

On the last day of the retreat, we return to the prayers of the first day.  



Before the start of the retreat, with us being alone here at Tafelkop during Holy Week,  early walks took us into clean and fresh mornings. It drew us into the Great Love who also carries and guides us through the dark valleys of our humanity. As Chesterton said, the universe is not a riddle to be solved, but a miracle to be enjoyed.












The title of this beautiful piece of music by Lisa Gerrard and Patrick Cassidy is I Asked For Love. Actually, that's what we are constantly doing, but even more so during difficult times. And we receive it. 





"And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here."

Wendell Berry                                              

With all our love. May your experience an Easter that brings you in touch with being human and makes you deeply aware of Love.  


George & Matilda                                 


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