A DAY OF QUIET – July 2 2011

Reflections on a Day for Reflecting
Felicity Cox

About a dozen Friends from Aylsham were joined by a Friend from Wymondham to spend the day in any way we wished, so long as we were silent. We started by gathering in a circle for a Meeting for Worship in the barn. Speech allowed here, though in the event we had a silent Meeting. The barn is light and airy with windows overlooking the drive and through which you see flowers in every corner.

Then we all went our separate ways. Most of us found somewhere in the garden to sit, though some stayed in Helen's house. The day was sunny and Helen's home, barn and garden were a deep pleasure to be in. We sat and read, or wrote, or contemplated, each in our own private world, and at the same time, each surrounded by Friends.

Keith, Helen's husband kept the time for us. At various points during the day we heard the resonant vibration of Keith's gong, calling us to gather for a Meeting for Worship or for lunchtime or for Worship Sharing. Then you saw the slow and steady movement of us moving towards the barn across the garden from the various corners we had found to sit in.

What made it such a pleasure for me was slowing right down and moving around with thoughtful intent – mindful walking – and seeing Friends scattered around the garden, sometimes catching a friendly eye, sometimes not disturbing someone either asleep or deep in contemplation.

To be in silence and at the same time to be surrounded by friends also being silent made it very special. I had such pleasure to feel a part of this warm and friendly community and to feel the joy of seeing everyone else obviously, so it seemed to me, having such a good time.

I expect everyone's experience of the day was unique to them. For me, I spent quite a lot of time with Valerie and we read a chunk of Thomas Kelly together. We learnt of his life and read one of his essays. I found reading out loud slowed me down and I was listening to what I was reading, as was Valerie. We do hope we didn't disturb anyone with our reading out loud. We tried to find a corner to sit in as far away from everyone as possible.

It was such a pleasure sitting in the dappled sunlight under the trees and reading.

We had the choice of gathering in the dining room at lunchtime to eat our picnics and indulge in some conversation, or to stay on our own in silence. I think most of us opted for the silence option, particularly because it was such a beautiful day and being outside enjoying the warm sunshine and the backdrop of Helen and Keith's garden was too strong a pull.

Then in the middle of the afternoon we responded to Keith and his gong by moving back into the barn and settling to a time of worship sharing to offer to one another our experience of the day, which also had the effect of helping my own experience to filter down and settle for me.

Deep gratitude to Mike for dreaming up the idea and to Sue Lake and Peter Moss who joined Mike to create a shape and programme for the Day. Thank you to Helen and Keith Rose for opening their beautiful home and garden and barn, for being so welcoming and helpful to us, guiding us around and providing drinks and support. And thank you to the Friends who came to join the day, for without you it couldn't have happened.