Our Summer Writing Retreat happened under a tin roof pavilion, home to a labyrinth. As the rain hammered above we were surrounded in the wet greenness. These were the words evoked and offered by the gathered participants: viriditas, journey, sacred, sorrow, clarity, rolling wonder, connection, stillness, magical playmates, community, freedom, peace, and gratitude. As I often do, I used the words in a piece of free verse writing.
On a sacred journey,
you may bring your sorrow
Pack it in your suitcase
When you arrive, unpack your bag
in a new place
of cloud and rain and rolling wonder
Watch from your wet window
as viriditas opens
in vibrant greenness
of leaf and bud
and grassy spiral path
Sense your connection in the stillness
Hear the voice of magical playmates
calling you to community
Walk out in freedom
You will find peace
and gratitude
as sorrow breaks open to clarity
you find your way through.
After walking the labyrinth and writing, artist, Lynne Harter, created an artistic response of thanks to the place. Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy, she used natural materials found on the site. Other participants also found there own artistic expression in the place. Thanks to St. Francis in the Field Church for creating and maintaining this inspiring place. In October, we will gather there again for walking, writing and artistic response.