Girish Patel & Friends
Monday 6th May - Sunday 4th August
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ...
Previous Postings
Monday 6th May - Sunday 4th August
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ...
Previous Postings
Tuesday 9th July
Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
"After leaving Iona on Sunday, I made my way to the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Samye Ling, near Lockerbie, for an interesting couple of days. After a deeply stirring and moving Iona experience, I was looking forward to a couple of days in the grounds of a Monastery to digest some of my feelings. Samye Ling was a mixture of a wonderful Tibetan Temple with hundreds of Buddha statues, and some challenging individuals as well as some wonderful individuals with kindness and a caring heart. A typical mix as you might expect with a multitude of reasons for being there. At Samya Ling there is a regular timetable of meditation and meals. The location of this monastery is absolutely beautiful with two rivers meeting, making it an auspicious place to meditate. I certainly got a real experience of a Tibetan Temple with peace, loud drums and clanging symbols too. The Temple and lots of other shrines around the grounds are so well attended to giving a real sense of calm. I went along to most of the prayer times and meditations, but was not too sure of the incredibly loud banging of the drums, which shook my skeleton to smithereens, and the clanging of the very large cymbals. Apart from that it was lovely to be in the main shrine room. I welcomed the showers and great laundry facilities. There is a public cafe. I had got there around closing time and joined a queue with three people in front of me, who were altogether. When the young lady came to serve me, I was told that they are closed now!! The next day I was able to meet up with an old friend, Alan, who visited me and we went to the cafe only to be told that they were closing for lunch!! A joke I often used on the market stall in Stroud, but they were serious. A public cafe that closed for lunch and refused to serve me a cuppa because it was one minute after their closing time! My meals were provided as part of my staying there as a paying guest, but as they would not let Alan book a lunch with me, I went to the cafe with him. This sort of behaviour does not surprise me as these sort of places attract a huge variety of people. Some of them with problems in social skills. Alan and I talked about when we met at college and how we went on to live in a community where there were a similar mix of people. Such is life, hey? These places are so needed and beautiful. I know that it is a real saving grace for a number of people living there. I did meet lots of people who live there who were incredibly helpful, kind and caring. I appreciated the wonderful meals. The food they provided was nutritious, tasty and in great abundance. I did have some peace there and was able to reflect on a lot of aspects of my journey so far."
Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
"After leaving Iona on Sunday, I made my way to the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Samye Ling, near Lockerbie, for an interesting couple of days. After a deeply stirring and moving Iona experience, I was looking forward to a couple of days in the grounds of a Monastery to digest some of my feelings. Samye Ling was a mixture of a wonderful Tibetan Temple with hundreds of Buddha statues, and some challenging individuals as well as some wonderful individuals with kindness and a caring heart. A typical mix as you might expect with a multitude of reasons for being there. At Samya Ling there is a regular timetable of meditation and meals. The location of this monastery is absolutely beautiful with two rivers meeting, making it an auspicious place to meditate. I certainly got a real experience of a Tibetan Temple with peace, loud drums and clanging symbols too. The Temple and lots of other shrines around the grounds are so well attended to giving a real sense of calm. I went along to most of the prayer times and meditations, but was not too sure of the incredibly loud banging of the drums, which shook my skeleton to smithereens, and the clanging of the very large cymbals. Apart from that it was lovely to be in the main shrine room. I welcomed the showers and great laundry facilities. There is a public cafe. I had got there around closing time and joined a queue with three people in front of me, who were altogether. When the young lady came to serve me, I was told that they are closed now!! The next day I was able to meet up with an old friend, Alan, who visited me and we went to the cafe only to be told that they were closing for lunch!! A joke I often used on the market stall in Stroud, but they were serious. A public cafe that closed for lunch and refused to serve me a cuppa because it was one minute after their closing time! My meals were provided as part of my staying there as a paying guest, but as they would not let Alan book a lunch with me, I went to the cafe with him. This sort of behaviour does not surprise me as these sort of places attract a huge variety of people. Some of them with problems in social skills. Alan and I talked about when we met at college and how we went on to live in a community where there were a similar mix of people. Such is life, hey? These places are so needed and beautiful. I know that it is a real saving grace for a number of people living there. I did meet lots of people who live there who were incredibly helpful, kind and caring. I appreciated the wonderful meals. The food they provided was nutritious, tasty and in great abundance. I did have some peace there and was able to reflect on a lot of aspects of my journey so far."
|
|
"I was camping at their campsite and their desire to inflict suffering could be seen immediately. You might just be able to see my tent in the area of grass that was about 4 feet tall and rocky enough to just about bend all my tent pegs. Of course the midges are still around in great force. Even the spray used by the US Marines, I was told, was not enough to deter these guys. All I could do was move as fast as I could and get indoors. However, I must say that the midges have taught me to welcome the wind. Something that has been a real nuisance in the past when I've been catering outdoors. Now on route to my next destination - the Lake District. Pretty grey and misty but hoping that the sun will make an appearance at some point. I am praying that it will be free of midges or at least windy to keep them at bay."
|
|
|
|
|
The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre is a Tibetan Buddhist complex associated with the Karma Kagyu school, and is located at Eskdalemuir, near Langholm, in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. In 1969, musicians David Bowie and Leonard Cohen were students there; in fact Bowie not only studied Buddhism at Samye Ling, he almost became a monk there.
|
|
Sunday 7th July
Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland "It was an absolutely beautiful day on Iona yesterday. The rain and mist lifted as the sun shone. So many people had told me how special this island is. I was not prepared to the depth of feeling it invoked. I am on the ferry leaving Mull and I can be honest to say that I am holding back tears as I recall my connection with Iona. To say that there is a very special energy there is not quite enough. It’s more than that. It is a calling from thousands of ancestors - it is a heart wrenching opening to another realm. The land speaks through every pore of my body. An old guy sitting opposite me is probably wondering why I’m crying - but I don’t care. I know that I will return to Iona, for I know I’ve been there before this time. As I was getting ready to leave this morning on the campsite, a lovely German man asked if I was the guy on the Peace Journey. He must have seen the poster on my car. He went on to share his connection with a Centre of Peace in Germany and invited me to visit and stay with them. It has been incredible to meet so many people on a journey of Peace. Love and blessings to all sentient beings." |
|
|
|
|
|
Friday 5th July
Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
"The Findhorn Community is truly remarkable. So much diversity with people from all over the world. Embracing spirituality with living in harmony with the Earth. A community that is leading the way to how we can live together in harmony. Celebrating with music, food, dance, meditation and a lot more.
Thank you to all you wonderful people that made me feel so welcome. I am well nourished on all levels and hope to continue our connection. The original vision seems to be maintained beautifully. I am on my way to Iona. Last night I was eaten alive, on a camp site, by the dreaded midges and I had forgotten about some kind of protection. Well, when there are Angels around, I can trust in being well looked after. A lovely French woman offered me some midge spray, so I offered her some food. We had a lovely evening where she shared her desire for a simple life with low impact on the planet. These young people are our future and it is so heart warming that they are walking their talk. This morning the midges were queuing up outside my tent. I grabbed the spray and ran for a shower after which I chucked a wet tent into my car and headed for Oban. I will get the ferry to Mull and eventually will arrive on Iona, probably tomorrow."
Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
"The Findhorn Community is truly remarkable. So much diversity with people from all over the world. Embracing spirituality with living in harmony with the Earth. A community that is leading the way to how we can live together in harmony. Celebrating with music, food, dance, meditation and a lot more.
Thank you to all you wonderful people that made me feel so welcome. I am well nourished on all levels and hope to continue our connection. The original vision seems to be maintained beautifully. I am on my way to Iona. Last night I was eaten alive, on a camp site, by the dreaded midges and I had forgotten about some kind of protection. Well, when there are Angels around, I can trust in being well looked after. A lovely French woman offered me some midge spray, so I offered her some food. We had a lovely evening where she shared her desire for a simple life with low impact on the planet. These young people are our future and it is so heart warming that they are walking their talk. This morning the midges were queuing up outside my tent. I grabbed the spray and ran for a shower after which I chucked a wet tent into my car and headed for Oban. I will get the ferry to Mull and eventually will arrive on Iona, probably tomorrow."
|
|
|
Thursday 4th July
Findhorn, Murray, Scotland
"Yesterday (Wednesday 3rd July) I enjoyed the Garden Party at Cluny College, which is part of Findhorn Community. There was walking meditation, circle dance and a fire with lots of fun games like egg and spoon races and wellie throwing. There was also a fine selection of food and drinks laid on too. It was lovely to be welcomed to this fun-filled gathering with over 100 people. What I love about this community, is that there is such an open-hearted warmth and non-judgemental acceptance. There is such diversity here in relation to people from all around the world. They are living together in a community and some people have their own home near by. In the evening there was Indian Devotional singing and dancing in the Universal Hall at The Park of the main Findhorn Community Centre. I managed to do some filming and it felt quite apt that the music and dance came from the Gujarat region of India. This is where my family originate. I was able to join in with playing tabla during the second half of the evening. An amazing dance teacher, Peter, led people into following quite complicated movements with the feet, arms and later a pair of sticks called 'Dandya'. He was able to introduce these movements so systematically that everyone could really follow them and enjoy the fun of connecting with each other and the divine in this way. This sort of dancing is done during an annual festival in India and Indian communities around the world called 'Navratri'. Nine nights of dancing to the Goddesses. I have to say that what I have seen and experienced with this community in the last couple of days is what epitomises the essence of my 'Journey of Peace'. It was colourful, joyful and so deeply connecting too. It was a real honour to be accepted and I really loved being part of the community for the time I was there. I sense that a connection will continue and perhaps some collaboration with Sacred Music in the future. I was told that one of the three original founders of the community, going back to the sixties, will be 100 years old next year. What a celebration that will be."
Findhorn, Murray, Scotland
"Yesterday (Wednesday 3rd July) I enjoyed the Garden Party at Cluny College, which is part of Findhorn Community. There was walking meditation, circle dance and a fire with lots of fun games like egg and spoon races and wellie throwing. There was also a fine selection of food and drinks laid on too. It was lovely to be welcomed to this fun-filled gathering with over 100 people. What I love about this community, is that there is such an open-hearted warmth and non-judgemental acceptance. There is such diversity here in relation to people from all around the world. They are living together in a community and some people have their own home near by. In the evening there was Indian Devotional singing and dancing in the Universal Hall at The Park of the main Findhorn Community Centre. I managed to do some filming and it felt quite apt that the music and dance came from the Gujarat region of India. This is where my family originate. I was able to join in with playing tabla during the second half of the evening. An amazing dance teacher, Peter, led people into following quite complicated movements with the feet, arms and later a pair of sticks called 'Dandya'. He was able to introduce these movements so systematically that everyone could really follow them and enjoy the fun of connecting with each other and the divine in this way. This sort of dancing is done during an annual festival in India and Indian communities around the world called 'Navratri'. Nine nights of dancing to the Goddesses. I have to say that what I have seen and experienced with this community in the last couple of days is what epitomises the essence of my 'Journey of Peace'. It was colourful, joyful and so deeply connecting too. It was a real honour to be accepted and I really loved being part of the community for the time I was there. I sense that a connection will continue and perhaps some collaboration with Sacred Music in the future. I was told that one of the three original founders of the community, going back to the sixties, will be 100 years old next year. What a celebration that will be."
|
The Findhorn Community
|
|
|
Wednesday 3rd July
Findhorn, Murray, Scotland "Wednesday 3rd July I visited Ace Adventure Centre where I was met by Tracey Lamb who works with Jim Davis, who owns the place. Jim is the father of Robin Watkins-Davis, our amazing young powerhouse who did wonders for the youth night at the Stroud Sacred Music Festival 2018. What an amazing location with white water rafting as the seasonal sport here. Sadly, did not get to have a go. Maybe another time. I am looking forward to a garden party this afternoon, in one of the local communities and hoping that the weather will be fine." RIGHT and BELOW Ace Adventure Centre |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday 2nd July
Findhorn, Murray, Scotland "Tuesday was a lovely day connecting with the Findhorn community with food and exploring the area. In the evening I was very moved by the kindness of Sara Trevelyan, with the generosity of her home and hosting a lovely gathering of friends with music, meditation and food. I had a feeling that Findhorn would be the place where these things happen regularly and so naturally. The saying, "Enter as strangers and leave as friends", is definitely true of this wonderful community. I hope to maintain these connections and build upon the work that I see as crucial to using the power of meditation to help make positive changes to communities and the world, adding to the work that is happening world wide." |
Girish with Sara and friends
|
|
Monday 1st July
Elgin, Moray, Scotland "On Monday 1st July I was on the road across the stunning Highlands. Meeting the open landscape and feeling the power of nature in the wind and just sensing the presence of the magnificent mountains. I'm sure that it can be bleak up here and life harsh. This, I suspect, can bring communities together in support of each other. I arrived in Elgin, not too far from Findhorn, where I was staying with Fleur and Peter Goodwin - friends who lived in Stroud for many years before returning to Fleur's homeland about three years ago. I am over joyed by the welcome and hospitality. Tomorrow (Tuesday 2nd), I will be staying with David. We go back to the 80's when we used to live and work in Bristol. Although David lives outside of the Findhorn Community he steps in and out with his work as an Architect." |
|
Sunday 30th June
Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland
"I woke up to a lovely sunny morning and even managed to dry my tent before packing and heading for Findhorn. First a stop off at Pitlochry. I have been offered a resting place through the kindness of Laurence Finch's parents. Arriving in Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands is a very welcome stopping place for the night on Sunday 30th June. A very huge thank you to Nora and Gordon Finch. Having never met them before they were so hospitable, kind and very generous of their home and time. I so much enjoyed spending the evening with them just chatting about how life is and has been. Particularly appreciating the general journey of life, which as we all know, can be very challenging at times. The drive to here is already stunning with the Scottish Highlands and rivers. Tomorrow I will head towards Findhorn."
Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland
"I woke up to a lovely sunny morning and even managed to dry my tent before packing and heading for Findhorn. First a stop off at Pitlochry. I have been offered a resting place through the kindness of Laurence Finch's parents. Arriving in Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands is a very welcome stopping place for the night on Sunday 30th June. A very huge thank you to Nora and Gordon Finch. Having never met them before they were so hospitable, kind and very generous of their home and time. I so much enjoyed spending the evening with them just chatting about how life is and has been. Particularly appreciating the general journey of life, which as we all know, can be very challenging at times. The drive to here is already stunning with the Scottish Highlands and rivers. Tomorrow I will head towards Findhorn."
RIGHT Pitlochry |
|
|
|
Sunday 30th June
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland "On Friday 28th June I left Edinburgh and arrived in St Andrews. Another beautiful City with amazing old buildings including university ones. When I arrived here, the City was buzzing with graduates. It was a perfect sunny day for them to celebrate their achievements. I enjoyed sitting on a bench and watching the glowing faces. No doubt relieved to have accomplished their studies. Now to put theory into practice. The real UNIVERSITY. The weather has been even more interesting than usual. Sunny, dry, hot, then very hot, then thundery. It rained all night last night (Saturday)." |
|
|
|
|
|
SIGHTS OF ST ANDREWS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Holy Trinity Church; Church Street; The ruins of the Catholic St Andrews Cathedral (which fell into disuse and ruin after the Catholic mass was outlawed during the Scottish Reformation of the 16th century); St Salvator's Chapel (the Medieval heart of the University of St Andrews - Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1450)
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Holy Trinity Church; Church Street; The ruins of the Catholic St Andrews Cathedral (which fell into disuse and ruin after the Catholic mass was outlawed during the Scottish Reformation of the 16th century); St Salvator's Chapel (the Medieval heart of the University of St Andrews - Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1450)
Thursday 27th June
Edinburgh, Scotland
"This week I have been staying at The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh. It is a place where many forms of study take place as well as therapies. There are two daily group meditations where everyone is invited to attend. I have made lovely connections with the people here, chatting, discussing, making music and sharing food. The other night there were four of us making music with guitar, flute, tabla and percussion - a Scotsman, Polish man, French woman and an Indian - no joke - just celebrating diversity. I can see why The Salisbury Centre would be such a refuge. The energy here is very special. The people are so wonderful caring and loving. Last night, the 'Caretaker', Nick, and I made a fire in the fire pit. It turned into a very important ceremony. Moments like that are so precious. I am deeply grateful. Edinburgh is such a beautiful city with much happening. My time at The Salisbury Centre was the most important for me. Made some lovely connections. We made music. We meditated. We made ceremony around the fire. The candle of peace was shared at the last morning meditation and an oak sapling was left with Alistair to be planted. I have been able to stroll down to the heart of the city listening to bagpipes in the streets meeting strangers and leaving as friends, I hope. One of my favourite places has to be the Himalayan Cafe where Reka, a lovely Tibetan woman, served the most delicious food. I envisage a collaboration with food and music sometime in the future. Tomorrow I will be heading for St Andrews - no, not to play golf!! Two months on and the 'Journey' continues to unfold beautifully."
Edinburgh, Scotland
"This week I have been staying at The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh. It is a place where many forms of study take place as well as therapies. There are two daily group meditations where everyone is invited to attend. I have made lovely connections with the people here, chatting, discussing, making music and sharing food. The other night there were four of us making music with guitar, flute, tabla and percussion - a Scotsman, Polish man, French woman and an Indian - no joke - just celebrating diversity. I can see why The Salisbury Centre would be such a refuge. The energy here is very special. The people are so wonderful caring and loving. Last night, the 'Caretaker', Nick, and I made a fire in the fire pit. It turned into a very important ceremony. Moments like that are so precious. I am deeply grateful. Edinburgh is such a beautiful city with much happening. My time at The Salisbury Centre was the most important for me. Made some lovely connections. We made music. We meditated. We made ceremony around the fire. The candle of peace was shared at the last morning meditation and an oak sapling was left with Alistair to be planted. I have been able to stroll down to the heart of the city listening to bagpipes in the streets meeting strangers and leaving as friends, I hope. One of my favourite places has to be the Himalayan Cafe where Reka, a lovely Tibetan woman, served the most delicious food. I envisage a collaboration with food and music sometime in the future. Tomorrow I will be heading for St Andrews - no, not to play golf!! Two months on and the 'Journey' continues to unfold beautifully."
|
|
|
|
The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh, with Alistair and the oak sapling, and the fire pit
What Peace means to me
|
|
|
LEFT: "Hello. I'm Roisin and I work at The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh at the moment, and thinking about Peace the first words that come to mind for me actually are 'equality' and 'justice'. I think for me really it looks like a world where discrimination and inequalities would be eradicated, and people are able to live in safe environments and have their rights protected. And I think that's just what my instinctive response is, and, obviously, in a more practical sense, without conflict. But I think with inequalities being eradicated we would be well on the way to that."
CENTRE: "Hello. I'm Pavel at Salisbury Centre. For me, Peace means live with other people and be able to solve conflicts. I think our world is actually quite peaceful, contrary to what the media say, and contrary to what the television says. I think we're living in quite a peaceful world at this time, and if conflicts are going to happen, they happen."
RIGHT: "I'm Nick, and I'm at The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh. What Peace means to me is an internal state of integration and calm that cannot be affected by external events, and that radiates out creating peace."
CENTRE: "Hello. I'm Pavel at Salisbury Centre. For me, Peace means live with other people and be able to solve conflicts. I think our world is actually quite peaceful, contrary to what the media say, and contrary to what the television says. I think we're living in quite a peaceful world at this time, and if conflicts are going to happen, they happen."
RIGHT: "I'm Nick, and I'm at The Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh. What Peace means to me is an internal state of integration and calm that cannot be affected by external events, and that radiates out creating peace."
|
LEFT "Hello. I'm Christine, and I'm going to share a poem by Dawn Maghull Rose - "A Circle of Our Prayer":
"Today, the 24th June 2019/the day of our Lord/when the divinity returns to me/when living my free will/and with all the power of my spirit/I've decided to live my life in free communion with God/with no expectations/I will live my life with gratitude, love, loyalty and justice/Beginning with myself/and continuing with my brothers and sisters/I will respect all creation as a symbol of my love communion/with the one who created me/to the eternal happiness of humanity." And the other one is from Vishnu, who comes to this Salisbury Centre: "And, there, in the glint of summer's dawn/her back turned amongst us all/she stood straight/towering above the kitchen sink/tireless in providing for her offspring/the begotten fruit of her short window of fecundity/and their begotten fruit too/The warm water awash her weathered, tender hands/The foam wrinkling her skin/washing away all signs of race/And they knew how lucky they'd been/to be there drinking in her grace." |
Tuesday 25th June
Edinburgh, Scotland
"Tuesday 25th June. I have been able to dry my tent as well as washing some very important bedding.
Earlier today, after sorting out my lost bank debit card, I met Alistair at the Black Diamond Radio Station. We were able to chat on the radio about my journey and spreading oak saplings. He is going to find a nice place to plant one of the oak saplings. During the next couple of days I hope to find some nice music in the city."
Edinburgh, Scotland
"Tuesday 25th June. I have been able to dry my tent as well as washing some very important bedding.
Earlier today, after sorting out my lost bank debit card, I met Alistair at the Black Diamond Radio Station. We were able to chat on the radio about my journey and spreading oak saplings. He is going to find a nice place to plant one of the oak saplings. During the next couple of days I hope to find some nice music in the city."
|
|
|
|
SIGHTS OF EDINBURGH
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The Scott Monument, 1840 (celebrating the outstanding Scottish literary figure, Sir Walter Scott); Bagpiper; Edinburgh Castle; The Himalaya Cafe
The Himalaya Centre can be defined as a Shop/Cafe/Therapy Centre but it is much more than the sum of its parts. Himalaya is colour, Himalaya is love, Himalaya is flavour, Himalaya is therapy, Himalaya is Community. The Himalaya Centre was founded by Reka in December 2007. It had been her dream for many years previous to open a shop but it was only when she chanced a meeting with his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the Scottish Parliament in 2005, that she found the GREAT belief and will to make it happen. His Holiness's word's resonated to Reka's core, "don't forget your Tibetan, and keep the culture alive". The Himalaya is about celebrating Tibetan and Himalayan Culture.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The Scott Monument, 1840 (celebrating the outstanding Scottish literary figure, Sir Walter Scott); Bagpiper; Edinburgh Castle; The Himalaya Cafe
The Himalaya Centre can be defined as a Shop/Cafe/Therapy Centre but it is much more than the sum of its parts. Himalaya is colour, Himalaya is love, Himalaya is flavour, Himalaya is therapy, Himalaya is Community. The Himalaya Centre was founded by Reka in December 2007. It had been her dream for many years previous to open a shop but it was only when she chanced a meeting with his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the Scottish Parliament in 2005, that she found the GREAT belief and will to make it happen. His Holiness's word's resonated to Reka's core, "don't forget your Tibetan, and keep the culture alive". The Himalaya is about celebrating Tibetan and Himalayan Culture.
Monday 24th June
Edinburgh, Scotland
"From Friday 21st June I was fortunate to have three days of mainly contemplation and meditation either on the Holy Island or looking out towards it from the nicely positioned camp site (The Barn at Beal). The island is accessed via a causeway when the tide is out. It is very busy with tourists. I guess I am one of them. I managed to plant an oak sapling in the hedge at the campsite and left Monday morning, just managing to find a short spell without rain to pack a rather wet tent. Monday 24th June and I am in Edinburgh. Seems the country needs a wash. Packed camp near Lindisfarne and arrived to a very wet Edinburgh. Time to catch up with the laundry. Will be spending a few days in Edinburgh hoping to find some music and connect with people. I have been invited to stay at The Salisbury Centre. The Salisbury Centre community have graciously invited me to stay for most of the week. This is most welcome as the last week has been more like autumn with the rain, not mid summer!! Here at the Salisbury Centre there are regular group meditations and also lots of other life changing courses are run. Monday evenings there is soup after the meditation and a chance to chat with the other people, some of whom are residents of the centre. One of these lovely people is Alistair. He is a keen gardener, among other talents, such as a gardening consultant on a local community radio."
Edinburgh, Scotland
"From Friday 21st June I was fortunate to have three days of mainly contemplation and meditation either on the Holy Island or looking out towards it from the nicely positioned camp site (The Barn at Beal). The island is accessed via a causeway when the tide is out. It is very busy with tourists. I guess I am one of them. I managed to plant an oak sapling in the hedge at the campsite and left Monday morning, just managing to find a short spell without rain to pack a rather wet tent. Monday 24th June and I am in Edinburgh. Seems the country needs a wash. Packed camp near Lindisfarne and arrived to a very wet Edinburgh. Time to catch up with the laundry. Will be spending a few days in Edinburgh hoping to find some music and connect with people. I have been invited to stay at The Salisbury Centre. The Salisbury Centre community have graciously invited me to stay for most of the week. This is most welcome as the last week has been more like autumn with the rain, not mid summer!! Here at the Salisbury Centre there are regular group meditations and also lots of other life changing courses are run. Monday evenings there is soup after the meditation and a chance to chat with the other people, some of whom are residents of the centre. One of these lovely people is Alistair. He is a keen gardener, among other talents, such as a gardening consultant on a local community radio."
|
|
|
Sunday 23rd June
Lindisfarne, Northumberland
"Following the wedding celebrations of my son Nikhil to his sweetheart Hebba it has been a very welcome opportunity to have this weekend in contemplation mode. The Holy Island close to the border of Scotland lends itself nicely to reflect and go inwards. It’s not every day that your only child marries. I feel very proud of him and delighted for the both of them. It feels like I have handed Niks over to Hebba, not that he was ever mine to hand to anyone. My job as a father is done and now the time has arrived for the next, maybe final, phase of this interesting life of mine. I have six weeks of this Journey of Peace ahead of me, so it feels right to just continue letting things unfold. Each day brings its own surprises. Tomorrow I shall head for Edinburgh.
Lindisfarne, Northumberland
"Following the wedding celebrations of my son Nikhil to his sweetheart Hebba it has been a very welcome opportunity to have this weekend in contemplation mode. The Holy Island close to the border of Scotland lends itself nicely to reflect and go inwards. It’s not every day that your only child marries. I feel very proud of him and delighted for the both of them. It feels like I have handed Niks over to Hebba, not that he was ever mine to hand to anyone. My job as a father is done and now the time has arrived for the next, maybe final, phase of this interesting life of mine. I have six weeks of this Journey of Peace ahead of me, so it feels right to just continue letting things unfold. Each day brings its own surprises. Tomorrow I shall head for Edinburgh.
|
At low tide you can walk across on the mud flats to the Holy Island. As I was walking back this afternoon, there was a very strange sound in the distance. When I looked through my binoculars, I could see a whole load of seals. There could have been a couple of hundred basking in the sun. I’ve never seen this in real life before. Wonderful to see the abundance of such life."
|
|
|
Friday 21st June
Lindisfarne, Northumberland "After another short interlude, I'm back on the 'Journey' along the east coast and getting closer to Scotland, currently near Lindisfarne. I have found such a glorious campsite looking out beyond the Holy Island. So far today, the weather has improved again and is great, and am hoping that it will last. I have had a quick walk around the island and hope to spend more time there over the weekend. I had some interesting visitors while having coffee on the island ..."😀 RIGHT Some more 'friends' visit Girish on his journey |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, also known simply as Holy Island, is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. It has a recorded history from the 6th century, and was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith and Eadberht. After the Viking invasions and Norman conquest, a priory was re-established. Later, in 1550, a small castle was built on the island.
|
|
|
LEFT Hadrian's Wall near Whittle Dons Reservoirs - constructed on the orders of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD122, to separate the Roman province to the south from the 'barbarians' to the north
CENTRE Heddon-on-the-Wall Women's Institute - founded in 1917, they moved into their current wooden hut in 1922
RIGHT Gertrude Jekyll's Garden - Arts & Crafts garden designer, writer and artist, Gertrude Jekyll, created this small walled garden at Lindisfarne Castle in 1911, alongside Edwin Lutyens
CENTRE Heddon-on-the-Wall Women's Institute - founded in 1917, they moved into their current wooden hut in 1922
RIGHT Gertrude Jekyll's Garden - Arts & Crafts garden designer, writer and artist, Gertrude Jekyll, created this small walled garden at Lindisfarne Castle in 1911, alongside Edwin Lutyens
Saturday 15th June
Newcastle Upon Tyne
"The sunshine has returned up here as I woke up to another wonderful chorus, not just the birds, there are now sheep, cows, and later on the cockerel too. How wonderful. Ventured into Newcastle. A typical city with regenerated areas and some older worn down areas. I found some music in the streets. A young guitarist and a band called 'Soznak'. Lovely varied music. As I sat on a bench in Newcastle, a man [Tony] with probably his grandson sat next to me. As we chatted we shared a common interest in music. He actually new what 'tabla' were. Quite rare I have found recently. Anyway what he said peace meant to him, was very simple and to the point. As I walked around, there was a lot of signs of homelessness. I spoke to one of these people. He did not want me to record him but needless to say, it is extremely sad. I went away from him and sat on a bench watching people and could not hold back my tears. It is very depressing. Specially when we know that there are enough resources for all of us. I pray that we humans will wake up soon. I am privileged and can drive away into the countryside and use nature to cope with my sadness. After tomorrow, Sunday, I will be on another family interlude until Friday 21st."
Newcastle Upon Tyne
"The sunshine has returned up here as I woke up to another wonderful chorus, not just the birds, there are now sheep, cows, and later on the cockerel too. How wonderful. Ventured into Newcastle. A typical city with regenerated areas and some older worn down areas. I found some music in the streets. A young guitarist and a band called 'Soznak'. Lovely varied music. As I sat on a bench in Newcastle, a man [Tony] with probably his grandson sat next to me. As we chatted we shared a common interest in music. He actually new what 'tabla' were. Quite rare I have found recently. Anyway what he said peace meant to him, was very simple and to the point. As I walked around, there was a lot of signs of homelessness. I spoke to one of these people. He did not want me to record him but needless to say, it is extremely sad. I went away from him and sat on a bench watching people and could not hold back my tears. It is very depressing. Specially when we know that there are enough resources for all of us. I pray that we humans will wake up soon. I am privileged and can drive away into the countryside and use nature to cope with my sadness. After tomorrow, Sunday, I will be on another family interlude until Friday 21st."
Contrasts on the Streets of Newcastle
|
|
|
|
|
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
1. War Memorial for the South African War (1899-1902), Haymarket; 2. "There was a lot of signs of homelessness ... it is extremely sad"; 3. The Northern Goldsmith's legendary store (1892) on the corner of Pilgrim Street and Blackett Street: the iconic Rolex clock on the building - known as the 'kissing clock' - is a well-known local meeting place; 4. Soznak - a multi-ethnic world music band based in Newcastle, comprising musicians from around the world, and whose street performances create dancing in the street; 5. A young guitarist busking
1. War Memorial for the South African War (1899-1902), Haymarket; 2. "There was a lot of signs of homelessness ... it is extremely sad"; 3. The Northern Goldsmith's legendary store (1892) on the corner of Pilgrim Street and Blackett Street: the iconic Rolex clock on the building - known as the 'kissing clock' - is a well-known local meeting place; 4. Soznak - a multi-ethnic world music band based in Newcastle, comprising musicians from around the world, and whose street performances create dancing in the street; 5. A young guitarist busking
|
"Hello, I'm Tony. We're in Newcastle. Peace to me means people just getting on with each other and respecting each other." |
Girish auditioning new band members in the countryside near Newcastle
|
"Woke up to another wonderful chorus, not just the birds, there are now sheep, cows, and later on the cockerel too."
LEFT The Raga Baa-Baas? |
Friday 14th June
Newcastle Upon Tyne
"The rain continued in Whitby throughout the night. It was still raining in the morning. I decided to record the dawn chorus at 3.50 am - it was quite awesome!! Ended up packing the tent in the rain and headed for Newcastle. Found a lovely campsite on a farm about seven miles west of Newcastle. I was able to drape the tent in a barn to dry while I went in search of a laundrette. Doing the laundry is always a relief as they are not easy to find. I am now on top of the washing and on returning to the farm, the tent was dry and sun was shining again. Things are really looking up. After pitching up the tent I enjoyed practicing the tabla outside my tent with a couple of ponies and sheep in the adjacent field. The ponies immediately ran over and looked over the fence with great interest at the sound of these drums. The sheep and the cows decided to add the vocals and so we made music on the farm. What fun!! Tomorrow I shall go and explore Newcastle.Thank you everyone for keeping in touch through your likes and loves and comments on Facebook and my blog via St Laurence The Future website."
Newcastle Upon Tyne
"The rain continued in Whitby throughout the night. It was still raining in the morning. I decided to record the dawn chorus at 3.50 am - it was quite awesome!! Ended up packing the tent in the rain and headed for Newcastle. Found a lovely campsite on a farm about seven miles west of Newcastle. I was able to drape the tent in a barn to dry while I went in search of a laundrette. Doing the laundry is always a relief as they are not easy to find. I am now on top of the washing and on returning to the farm, the tent was dry and sun was shining again. Things are really looking up. After pitching up the tent I enjoyed practicing the tabla outside my tent with a couple of ponies and sheep in the adjacent field. The ponies immediately ran over and looked over the fence with great interest at the sound of these drums. The sheep and the cows decided to add the vocals and so we made music on the farm. What fun!! Tomorrow I shall go and explore Newcastle.Thank you everyone for keeping in touch through your likes and loves and comments on Facebook and my blog via St Laurence The Future website."
|
|
|
Domestic chores
|
Girish with Mary and her mum
|
|
|
Thursday 13th June
Whitby, North Yorkshire "Camping in Whitby, and it is has been rather wet. Last night I lay on my airbed inside my sleeping bag, all snug and warm listening to the orchestra created by the rain on the tent. It was lovely. I think it rained all night, but nothing keeps me awake. The sound of rain on 'canvas' I find very soothing. This morning, the sun was shining and the birds are singing - this is the sort of music I truly love. It's clouded over a bit now, but I don't mind. I shall walk up to the Abbey later and see what I find....." "The clouds have descended once again but it is mild. Umbrella out and a nice walk up 199 steps to the Abbey. The views from up there are wonderful. There are a lot of tourists around. A very different feel to tourism compared to during school holidays. Mainly older people, so I'm feeling at home as part of them! My friend Mary Murray-Wells from Minchinhampton is visiting her mum not too far from here. The three of us plan to meet up tonight. I used to take them through yoga a few years ago - maybe we will do some in the pub!" |
|
Whitby Abbey and St Mary's Church
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday 12th June
Whitby, North Yorkshire - The Land of Fish and Chips! "The mist has gone now and it’s dry. Walking through the streets and listening to people talking there is a real sense of warmth and friendliness so different to some of the other places I’ve been. The people also have a down to earth about them too. I will venture into the pubs tonight and see who I meet. I managed to get the tent up on a campsite very close to the centre of Whitby. Now it is very misty again and people are walking around as if it were a mild winters day. One of the ways to describe Whitby would be the land of Fish and Chips! There are so many of them, I've lost count as I walked around the town. Well it is a fishing port and a colourful one at that. This place is very much an old fashioned seaside resort. The sea looks very dramatic and the waves are fierce. Later on in the day I was able to see the beach. On a nice sunny day I can imagine the sun bathers out there and children building sand castles. I've asked around about live music but there does not seem to be any until the weekend. The Abbey ruins at the top of the hill were not visible from down in town until later on when the mist cleared a bit. I hope to venture up there tomorrow. Not much energy left today. On the drive from York, I did see a steam train in the distance. I went to see if I could find it today. I found a station in a place called Grosmont. If the modern cars were not around, I could easily have thought I had gone back in time. It was so quiet and peaceful too. I'm not sure at this stage whether I will leave Whitby tomorrow or the day after. The forecast is heavy rain tonight, so the tent will be tested." |
|
Views of Whitby
|
|
|
LEFT The harbour
CENTRE The Whitby Swing Bridge over the River Esk
RIGHT The Old Smuggler's Cafe - believed to have been built in 1401, in a time when smuggling was rife, due to heavy tax on goods and excise, and smugglers would cross the quiet moors in the dead of night to haul their contraband goods into the many ginnels and passages throughout the town
CENTRE The Whitby Swing Bridge over the River Esk
RIGHT The Old Smuggler's Cafe - believed to have been built in 1401, in a time when smuggling was rife, due to heavy tax on goods and excise, and smugglers would cross the quiet moors in the dead of night to haul their contraband goods into the many ginnels and passages throughout the town
|
|
|
|
FAR LEFT Gothic Ice Cream!
CENTRE LEFT The White Horse & Griffin Hotel and Restaurant - built in 1681 by Sir Hugh Cholmley, it was the first Coaching Inn from Whitby to York and London, and was used as a meeting place for explorers Captain James Cook and William Scoresby who hired and fixed their crews from the building
CENTRE RIGHT Arguments Yard - early deeds from the mid 17th century suggest that this yard belonged to a Thomas Argment and his family, the spelling remained the same for the yard until 1830, when it was changed to ‘Arguments’. It is believed that Argument is actually an Anglicization of the Flemish name 'Argoment’. As one of the oldest shopping streets in Whitby, one can imagine Victorian children running around and playing games whilst walking through this yard that hasn’t changed much over the years.
FAR RIGHT Loggerheads Yard
CENTRE LEFT The White Horse & Griffin Hotel and Restaurant - built in 1681 by Sir Hugh Cholmley, it was the first Coaching Inn from Whitby to York and London, and was used as a meeting place for explorers Captain James Cook and William Scoresby who hired and fixed their crews from the building
CENTRE RIGHT Arguments Yard - early deeds from the mid 17th century suggest that this yard belonged to a Thomas Argment and his family, the spelling remained the same for the yard until 1830, when it was changed to ‘Arguments’. It is believed that Argument is actually an Anglicization of the Flemish name 'Argoment’. As one of the oldest shopping streets in Whitby, one can imagine Victorian children running around and playing games whilst walking through this yard that hasn’t changed much over the years.
FAR RIGHT Loggerheads Yard
|
|
|
LEFT Wesley Hall (1901) - now The Museum of Whitby Jet
CENTRE & RIGHT A misty harbour
CENTRE & RIGHT A misty harbour
|
|
|
LEFT HMS Bark Endeavour - a full-size replica of Captain James Cook's ship on his first voyage to Australia and New Zealand 1768-71
CENTRE The harbour front
RIGHT Whitby Abbey on its headland - the ruins of the Abbey are among the most celebrated sights of North Yorkshire. The first monastery here, founded in about 657, became one of the most important religious centres in the Anglo-Saxon world. In 664 it was the setting for the Synod of Whitby, a landmark in the history of the Church in England. The headland is now dominated by the shell of the 13th-century church of the Benedictine abbey founded after the Norman Conquest.
CENTRE The harbour front
RIGHT Whitby Abbey on its headland - the ruins of the Abbey are among the most celebrated sights of North Yorkshire. The first monastery here, founded in about 657, became one of the most important religious centres in the Anglo-Saxon world. In 664 it was the setting for the Synod of Whitby, a landmark in the history of the Church in England. The headland is now dominated by the shell of the 13th-century church of the Benedictine abbey founded after the Norman Conquest.
Grosmont
|
|
|
|
LEFT & CENTRE Grosmont Station is home to the operating and engineering world of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). There are regular steam services on the Esk Valley Railway to and from Whitby.
RIGHT The Grosmont Cooperative Society is Britain's oldest independent retail cooperative, with a focus on ethical practices
RIGHT The Grosmont Cooperative Society is Britain's oldest independent retail cooperative, with a focus on ethical practices
|
Wednesday 12th June
Whitby, North Yorkshire "Yesterday, Tuesday 11th, I made my train journey from London to York and left a couple of oak saplings with Sue Collingwood. These will be planted in the gardens around York Minster replacing a couple of other trees that were removed. My drive from York to Whitby was rather wet and with the constant rain and the wind I could not put up my tent. I am in a guest house in Whitby and hoping to get the tent today." |
|
|
Monday 10th June
Hastings, East Sussex - A Beautiful Interlude
"On Sunday 9th June I said bye to the beautiful river in York and onto the train station for another interlude on my journey and still part of the journey too. I am heading for London again on my way to Hastings on Monday 10th June for the registration wedding of my son, Nikhil, to the delightful Hebba.
A bit of a mammoth journey and well worth it to so see the gorgeous couple so happy with just the immediate family on this occasion in Hastings Registration Office. An amazing spread of Egyptian food, courtesy of Hebba's father and his wife. Weddings can be rather tentative when meeting family members that you have not met before. This was such a joyous occasion and another wonderful example of celebrating diversity. A small group of people, now all family, as a result of two people making a commitment to each other. Marriage can be between nations if only we could all have the courage and trust to support each other on this beautiful earth. There are no words to describe how happy and proud I am of this wonderful young man who happened to arrive on this planet via Sharon and I. They are a beautiful couple and deserve more than a life time of happiness together."
Hastings, East Sussex - A Beautiful Interlude
"On Sunday 9th June I said bye to the beautiful river in York and onto the train station for another interlude on my journey and still part of the journey too. I am heading for London again on my way to Hastings on Monday 10th June for the registration wedding of my son, Nikhil, to the delightful Hebba.
A bit of a mammoth journey and well worth it to so see the gorgeous couple so happy with just the immediate family on this occasion in Hastings Registration Office. An amazing spread of Egyptian food, courtesy of Hebba's father and his wife. Weddings can be rather tentative when meeting family members that you have not met before. This was such a joyous occasion and another wonderful example of celebrating diversity. A small group of people, now all family, as a result of two people making a commitment to each other. Marriage can be between nations if only we could all have the courage and trust to support each other on this beautiful earth. There are no words to describe how happy and proud I am of this wonderful young man who happened to arrive on this planet via Sharon and I. They are a beautiful couple and deserve more than a life time of happiness together."
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Guardian Angel
"The young lady with a colourful top was someone that can only be described as a guardian angel. In Victoria train station there was chaos on Monday as I was heading for Hastings. Trains being cancelled and the information office gave me the wrong details of alternative trains. Lauren, this young lady, happened to be standing by the information desk, exactly at this moment to overhear the wrong information being given out. She stepped in and proceeded to guide me to the right train, as she was heading in the same direction as me. We had a lovely chat on the train and I was able to ask her what peace meant to her. I'm feeling incredibly blessed and protected along every stage of this journey."
"The young lady with a colourful top was someone that can only be described as a guardian angel. In Victoria train station there was chaos on Monday as I was heading for Hastings. Trains being cancelled and the information office gave me the wrong details of alternative trains. Lauren, this young lady, happened to be standing by the information desk, exactly at this moment to overhear the wrong information being given out. She stepped in and proceeded to guide me to the right train, as she was heading in the same direction as me. We had a lovely chat on the train and I was able to ask her what peace meant to her. I'm feeling incredibly blessed and protected along every stage of this journey."
|
'Guardian Angel' Lauren
"Hello. My name is Lauren, and we're currently on the train at Tunbridge Wells trying to get to Hastings. What Peace means to me? I think Peace is a comfort within oneself, but also an acceptance of others, and being able to sort of be warm and accept how other people's choices are in life. And be able to be yourself as truly as you can, I think - yeah, I suppose that's the root of it. If people stopped worrying about what other people did or not, then we'd be in a much more peaceful place." |
Sarah Frazer, Girish's friend, on being with Girish on the York leg of his journey
"I joined Girish on the York leg of his journey, and it turned out to be 30 hours packed with everything that his journey is about.
Love - The openness and hospitality that we received from Rev Canon Chris Collingwood and his wife Sue, was so nourishing and warm. They are both such busy people, yet it is rare to come across people who embody their Christian beliefs quite as deeply as they do. They opened their home and their hearts to us, and their thoughtfulness around the smallest of details was quite extraordinary.
Peace - We joined them at the weekly Zen sitting, which again was so rich with heartfelt love and reverence. It was wonderful to watch Girish's peace candle light the candle for the meditation sitting that night.
Love - Not only was the hospitality in the beautiful Minster home of Sue and Chris full of love, so was the meal which was lovingly and carefully prepared by Atul, an old friend who hosted us for a meal on Friday evening.
Celebrating diversity - Well, what better than to experience the Gay Pride celebration in the centre of York. We gathered with thousands of people, undaunted by the rain, to revel in the beauty and joy of people celebrating the freedom to be exactly who they are. We collated some lovely expressions of what peace means to the various people we spoke with.
Music - Was ever present, from the street buskers astonishing virtuosity to the ever present and deeply resonant Minster bells. The mighty Great Peter chimes the hour, and the collective 35 bells bring music to the Minster area throughout the hours and days. These truly were the best peels I have ever heard. Friendship - 'Meet as strangers, leave as friends' was one of the lovely sayings that Girish told me he has picked up on his journey. We certainly didn't meet as strangers but we parted in deep friendship, and my hope is that this kind of acceptance and friendship pervades every meeting between humans. My heart is filled with hope.
We talked about the nature of Christianity and faith in general, and what I came away with was the notion that the people that are most deeply connected with Christianity are those that do not follow the mainstream, they are able to be present and connected on such a deep level that they greet each moment with compassion and humility. I am no theologian, or religious scholar, and really have no qualification to comment other than being part of the human race, but I believe this is exactly the way Jesus lived his life. Sue, Chris, and also for good measure I would say Simon Howell, live their faith and sometimes that takes them a little on the edge which is, I believe, just what Jesus wanted us to do."
Sarah Frazer, 9th June 2019
|
|
Sarah and Girish in York
Sunday 9th June
York
"What an amazing city York is. I arrived on Thursday looking for a camp site near by and then find myself invited by the wonderful Canon Chris Collingwood and his wife Sue into the heart of York Minster. I have been so well looked after by their outstanding hospitality with five star accommodation in their home in Minster Court. Sarah Frazer visited me on this journey on Friday and we have had a wonderful time exploring the city. On Saturday, there was the Gay Pride march in York and hundreds of people gathered in rainbow coloured outfits. It was an absolute delight to mingle with them as it truly reflects the celebration of diversity in yet another way. I also had the pleasure of asking some of the people here, what peace means to them. The York Minster Cathedral itself is another incredibly beautiful building with ongoing history dating back 627 AD. We had the honour of being allowed to explore inside the building early Saturday before the doors were open to the general public. This was a real privilege and we could really enjoy the immense peace there. I will need to take a short break from the journey as I head for Hastings via London for my son, Nikhil's registration wedding with Hebba on Monday."
York
"What an amazing city York is. I arrived on Thursday looking for a camp site near by and then find myself invited by the wonderful Canon Chris Collingwood and his wife Sue into the heart of York Minster. I have been so well looked after by their outstanding hospitality with five star accommodation in their home in Minster Court. Sarah Frazer visited me on this journey on Friday and we have had a wonderful time exploring the city. On Saturday, there was the Gay Pride march in York and hundreds of people gathered in rainbow coloured outfits. It was an absolute delight to mingle with them as it truly reflects the celebration of diversity in yet another way. I also had the pleasure of asking some of the people here, what peace means to them. The York Minster Cathedral itself is another incredibly beautiful building with ongoing history dating back 627 AD. We had the honour of being allowed to explore inside the building early Saturday before the doors were open to the general public. This was a real privilege and we could really enjoy the immense peace there. I will need to take a short break from the journey as I head for Hastings via London for my son, Nikhil's registration wedding with Hebba on Monday."
|
Sue and Chris Collingwood,
York Minster |
|
|
"It was such a pleasure to have you here and to share so much together, Girish, and to meet Sarah too. May God bless you on your travels."
Sue Collingwood, 8th June 2019
Sue Collingwood, 8th June 2019
York LGBT Pride, Saturday 8th June
|
|
|
What does Peace mean to you?
|
|
|
|
|
"Equality" .... "Everyone be themselves and be happy" ... "Pride Day - Christians of Pride - Jesus Christ" ... "Global cooperation - everyone working together" ... "The right to have dignity"
|
|
|
"My name's Monique, and we're in York at the Pride Parade. So, Peace, to me, means being at full acceptance with yourself, your life, and your situation - Which can be hard to achieve, but I think if you start looking at the positives rather than the negatives, it's a lot easier to be at peace with yourself."
|
"I'm Chris Collingwood and we are at York Minster. Peace comes from the knowledge, the deep knowledge, of who we truly are. And when we discover that, essentially, we are people of love and compassion, then we are able to include everybody in that love. So, Peace is the outflowing of love from our hearts, and we are not threatened then by people who are different from us, and we can recognise everybody as essentially this love and compassion."
|
|
Visitors on this planet "We are visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years at the very most. During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life." "The True Meaning of Life" 14th Dalai Lama RIGHT Gaea Soul from Portland, Oregon, USA, busking in York: "Sacred beings of light on a journey to help others ground as we ground ourselves ..." |
|
Saturday 8th June
York
"It is June 2019 and I have been on what I'm calling a 'Journey of Peace' for over a month. I have driven over 1,000 miles and walked in many places. I have met so many people, and I have shared music, food and silence. The intention to meet, share and celebrate is, so far, being fulfilled. I am grateful for the freedom, the time and the means to do what I am doing. Many people have expressed a desire to do something similar. I urge you, if you have never done something like this before and you have the opportunity, do it. If the first month is anything to go by, these experiences that I am sharing are priceless. I have not even begun to digest what is happening. Maybe this will happen once I return to Gloucestershire in August. The awareness in the back of my mind is - will I actually go back? Not that I don't want to. I am writing short blogs with photos and they are being shared, with the kind help from the team back in Stroud, on the St Laurence The Future web site. I am writing a more detailed log and recording people sharing what peace means to them. i am doing this journey mainly alone, with people joining me occasionally for short spells. I am meeting lots of people so there is no space to feel lonely. As I am generally happy with my own company anyway, this has not been an issue. In fact, travelling alone, and those of you who have done this will know, enables meeting others more easily. One of the things that I have found is how beautiful the British Isle is. Although I already knew this, the reality is even more awesome. The countryside varies so much from region to region. The landscape speaks silently of it's presence. I meet the earth with love, reverence and gratitude. I hope that the oak saplings that I am planting as I go along will grow into the giants that they can be and exude the peace and joy that i feel right now. i hope that the candle of peace that I am sharing with people will illuminate the beautiful connection I know we have with each other. I hope that this beautiful, diverse land, with it's people, will celebrate this without fear and without human-made barriers."
York
"It is June 2019 and I have been on what I'm calling a 'Journey of Peace' for over a month. I have driven over 1,000 miles and walked in many places. I have met so many people, and I have shared music, food and silence. The intention to meet, share and celebrate is, so far, being fulfilled. I am grateful for the freedom, the time and the means to do what I am doing. Many people have expressed a desire to do something similar. I urge you, if you have never done something like this before and you have the opportunity, do it. If the first month is anything to go by, these experiences that I am sharing are priceless. I have not even begun to digest what is happening. Maybe this will happen once I return to Gloucestershire in August. The awareness in the back of my mind is - will I actually go back? Not that I don't want to. I am writing short blogs with photos and they are being shared, with the kind help from the team back in Stroud, on the St Laurence The Future web site. I am writing a more detailed log and recording people sharing what peace means to them. i am doing this journey mainly alone, with people joining me occasionally for short spells. I am meeting lots of people so there is no space to feel lonely. As I am generally happy with my own company anyway, this has not been an issue. In fact, travelling alone, and those of you who have done this will know, enables meeting others more easily. One of the things that I have found is how beautiful the British Isle is. Although I already knew this, the reality is even more awesome. The countryside varies so much from region to region. The landscape speaks silently of it's presence. I meet the earth with love, reverence and gratitude. I hope that the oak saplings that I am planting as I go along will grow into the giants that they can be and exude the peace and joy that i feel right now. i hope that the candle of peace that I am sharing with people will illuminate the beautiful connection I know we have with each other. I hope that this beautiful, diverse land, with it's people, will celebrate this without fear and without human-made barriers."
Andy Williams, Girish's friend, on the magical beauty of the English countryside
"I echo your feelings about our beautiful country. Years ago, on my way home from a long period of travelling I imagined I would find England rather dull. I had seen huge volcanoes, exotic cities, tropical beaches, jungles and snow-topped mountains, so the UK would be rather ordinary. But on a long walk shortly after my return I was really blown away by the magical beauty of the English countryside. I even had a few short minutes when I felt the Buddhist reality of being connected to everything - even that tree on the hill was part of me, and I was part of it. I always intend to start meditating again because I want to get that feeling back."
Andy Williams, Stroud Sacred Music Festival Volunteer, 8th June 2019
"I echo your feelings about our beautiful country. Years ago, on my way home from a long period of travelling I imagined I would find England rather dull. I had seen huge volcanoes, exotic cities, tropical beaches, jungles and snow-topped mountains, so the UK would be rather ordinary. But on a long walk shortly after my return I was really blown away by the magical beauty of the English countryside. I even had a few short minutes when I felt the Buddhist reality of being connected to everything - even that tree on the hill was part of me, and I was part of it. I always intend to start meditating again because I want to get that feeling back."
Andy Williams, Stroud Sacred Music Festival Volunteer, 8th June 2019
|
Thursday 6th June
York "I arrived in York on Thursday 6th June and found a place to get onto the wifi to look for a campsite near here. When I looked at a notice from Face book, I found that our dear friend Andrew Watton in Stroud, had re-connected me with Chris and Sue Collingwood who used to be in Minchinhampton a few years ago. I had helped with some food for an event at the church when Brother Martin was visiting from Shanti Vanam in South India. Subsequently, I was thrilled to get a call from Sue who very kindly offered me accommodation in York Minster. There is no end to surprises on this journey so far and the generosity from such wonderful people I deeply appreciate and admire. On the agenda for the next few days is a visit to a local Mosque, a meditation group and explore York Minster of course. I hope to walk along the lovely river too. I'm sure to stumble into more unexpected happenings." |
The River Ouse in York
|
York Minster
|
|
|
|
|
|
York Churches
|
|
|
LEFT St Martin le Grand's is most famous for the clock overhanging York's main shopping street. The church dates from at least the 11th century and was one of York's main parish churches. It was largely destroyed by bombing on 29th April 1942. In the 1960's the surviving south aisle and tower were incorporated in a rebuilding on a smaller scale under the direction of the leading church architect George Pace. It was re-hallowed in April 1968 with a dedication to peace and reconciliation.
CENTRE Church of All Saints, Pavement, York. All Saints stands in the centre of one of the earliest paved streets in York, hence its name. The present building dates from the 14th century, but there has been a church on this site for even longer. The earliest mention was in the Domesday Book (1086), and an Anglo-Saxon grave cover, dating from the 10th century, is the earliest evidence for a burial ground. One tradition even claims that All Saints was built in 685 AD for St Cuthbert.
RIGHT St Michael le Belfry - "home to an active family church", and, historically, known for being the place where Guy Fawkes was baptised!
CENTRE Church of All Saints, Pavement, York. All Saints stands in the centre of one of the earliest paved streets in York, hence its name. The present building dates from the 14th century, but there has been a church on this site for even longer. The earliest mention was in the Domesday Book (1086), and an Anglo-Saxon grave cover, dating from the 10th century, is the earliest evidence for a burial ground. One tradition even claims that All Saints was built in 685 AD for St Cuthbert.
RIGHT St Michael le Belfry - "home to an active family church", and, historically, known for being the place where Guy Fawkes was baptised!
The Shambles, York
|
|
What do you think and feel?
|
|
|
|
Wednesday 5th June
Harrogate, North Yorkshire "Wednesday 5th turned out to be another unexpected invite by my friend Alys Glover in Harrogate. I met Alys in Stroud a couple of years ago at a mindfulness walk lead by Katie Harris and Kieran McCarthy. They are now very involved with Stroud Sacred Music Festival, with Katie our Chairperson of the Trustees. Alys very kindly showed me around the dales and we had a lot of fun playing and connecting with the beauty of nature. In the evening we were joined by her partner Stephen Cree, and William Thomas. We had a wonderful evening with food, music and meditation culminating in sharing the flame of peace from my candle of peace. This is very much the sort of connections I was hoping for and it lifts my heart to experience it happening so spontaneously. |
|
Stephen has offered to help me by sending press releases to local newspapers and radio stations ahead of my journey. They are all excited, as I am, for they will join me again on my route and we are planning a night of sleeping under the stars and really connect with nature. So, watch out for the dates for this and come along and join us for an amazing sleepover!!"
Girish with Alys in the Yorkshire Dales
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen Cree on 'Peace'
"Peace is within each of us. When Peace is at play, we can feel it glow right down the centre of our bodies. A sense of Peace is as comforting as a cuddle from grandma and as warm as soup after a Winter hike. Peace is always available, even outside working hours - especially outside working hours. It operates at varying levels of activity, depending on how close we are to ourselves. When we move from our own Truth, Peace seems like it’s an echo away. It gets smaller and we sometimes need to pull a face and squint in order to see it. This echoey, squinty-face state of affairs doesn’t come about because our Truth and Peace are some way apart, but because Truth and Peace are one of the same. Peace is our natural state. There’s a very simple experiment that proves this:
First, bring yourself to a state of Peace for a few moments and feel how good that is. Then think of something that irritates you; that rattles your cage, pokes you with a sharp stick and steals your chips and see how that feels. Compare and contrast the two. That is all the proof you need.
Peace isn’t a solo activity. If you’re kind and groovy to your neighbours, you’ll see fairy lights flickering within them as they slip into Peace. Guess what! They’ll then be inclined to be warm and sexy with people they meet and before you know it, Peace will spread like wildflowers as it kisses and licks the gorgeous face of life. Sometimes we momentarily forget about Peace. It’s easily done, but that’s when mischief occurs and we get crabby with ourselves and uncool with others. When this happens, simply apologise to yourself and the elderly aunt you’ve left in tears, breathe gently and say “It’s okay...” Peace will soon return.
Peace be with you..."
Stephen Cree, June 2019
First, bring yourself to a state of Peace for a few moments and feel how good that is. Then think of something that irritates you; that rattles your cage, pokes you with a sharp stick and steals your chips and see how that feels. Compare and contrast the two. That is all the proof you need.
Peace isn’t a solo activity. If you’re kind and groovy to your neighbours, you’ll see fairy lights flickering within them as they slip into Peace. Guess what! They’ll then be inclined to be warm and sexy with people they meet and before you know it, Peace will spread like wildflowers as it kisses and licks the gorgeous face of life. Sometimes we momentarily forget about Peace. It’s easily done, but that’s when mischief occurs and we get crabby with ourselves and uncool with others. When this happens, simply apologise to yourself and the elderly aunt you’ve left in tears, breathe gently and say “It’s okay...” Peace will soon return.
Peace be with you..."
Stephen Cree, June 2019
Girish with Alys, Stephen and William in the Yorkshire Dales - "A wonderful evening with food, music and meditation, culminating in sharing the flame of peace"
|
|
|
Tuesday 4th June
Bewerley, North Yorkshire
"William [Thomas] is a friend I first met in my early twenties when I was part of the Yoga and Meditation Ashram (a place of spiritual learning) in North Wales. He has returned to settle in the Yorkshire Dales where he lived with his family as a child. He is putting me up for a couple of nights. We have a lot to catch up with and today we went for a lovely long walk. This amazing landscape opens the soul in a way that you just connect with the vastness of creation. The sounds of the birds, the wind blowing the trees and the shrubs. At the same time bringing me back to the present day sounds as a low flying jet soars past with immense velocity. Places like the dales have not changed over 100's of years and I can sense how things might have been before the industrial revolution. The peace that I feel away from the bustle of the towns and cities is very soothing and just what I need right now."
Bewerley, North Yorkshire
"William [Thomas] is a friend I first met in my early twenties when I was part of the Yoga and Meditation Ashram (a place of spiritual learning) in North Wales. He has returned to settle in the Yorkshire Dales where he lived with his family as a child. He is putting me up for a couple of nights. We have a lot to catch up with and today we went for a lovely long walk. This amazing landscape opens the soul in a way that you just connect with the vastness of creation. The sounds of the birds, the wind blowing the trees and the shrubs. At the same time bringing me back to the present day sounds as a low flying jet soars past with immense velocity. Places like the dales have not changed over 100's of years and I can sense how things might have been before the industrial revolution. The peace that I feel away from the bustle of the towns and cities is very soothing and just what I need right now."
Girish with William in the Yorkshire Dales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"My name is William. I've known Girish for too many years to say, and this is Yorkshire. We're sitting on the edge of a rock on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. This is where I come from. Peace - Peace is when we stop moaning and groaning and just realise that we are all muddling through. We're all in it together, and we're all just making it up as we go along." |
|
|
|
Monday 3rd June
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"It is now Monday and I will be visiting a friend in Harrogate before a couple of nights in a place called Bewerley, where there just happens to be another friend. I did not realise I had so many scattered around the country - that's quite handy and lovely to catch up with them all too. On Wednesday I should be heading for York. So far it is a mixture of beautiful connections, amazing landscapes and places, extremely tiring, and lots of demands too - but completely worth it. I came to a conclusion quite a while ago that there is no meaning to life, it just is. The challenges are to see the positive in all things and avoid judgements."
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
"It is now Monday and I will be visiting a friend in Harrogate before a couple of nights in a place called Bewerley, where there just happens to be another friend. I did not realise I had so many scattered around the country - that's quite handy and lovely to catch up with them all too. On Wednesday I should be heading for York. So far it is a mixture of beautiful connections, amazing landscapes and places, extremely tiring, and lots of demands too - but completely worth it. I came to a conclusion quite a while ago that there is no meaning to life, it just is. The challenges are to see the positive in all things and avoid judgements."
|
Sunday 2nd June
Wakefield, West Yorkshire "After planting an oak sapling on the edge of a woodland near Lincoln, I had an impromptu visit to Wakefield on Sunday. Here my friends Pete and Marie gave me a bed for the night, an evening meal and a breakfast in the morning, before I set off for Harrogate. These visits were not on the list, but with Hebden Bridge visit moved to Thursday 11th July, I have the opportunity to connect with a few more people that I was not expecting to see. I did not realise that there is a Cathedral in Wakefield. Pete took me into the city on a seemingly quiet Sunday and we found a music festival happening in the centre. Here I also found another venue called 'Cow Shed'." RIGHT Another oak sapling planted on the edge of woodland near Lincoln |
|
ABOVE LEFT Pete and Marie in Wakefield
ABOVE RIGHT Wakefield's "Long Division" Music Festival - an award-winning combination of independence and DIY culture, celebrating community and dedicated to supporting the vibrant grassroots of the city |
RIGHT "The Cowshed" in Wakefield, now a restaurant, this 16th building is said to have been the inspiration behind Joanne Harris' celebrated book "Chocolat" |
|
Wakefield Cathedral
|
|
|
|
Saturday 1st June
Lincoln
"Oakfields campsite near Lincoln is a very large caravan site with space for tents. There is a woodland next to it and a fishing lake. It is very quiet and I have been able to practice my tabla - then it wasn't that quiet! The facilities here get five stars from me. I explored the city of Lincoln on Saturday, and to my surprise it's rather nice, specially higher up towards the Cathedral. Old fashioned cobbled streets and some very old buildings. A group on the street sharing information about vegan eating was a very welcome sight, for me. I found an old Tudor building with a cafe where there was wifi. These places have been absolutely essential for me to keep the team in Stroud regularly updated with pictures and comments. I was well looked after in this cafe with veggie choices of food. I have a feeling that by the end of this tour, I will be looking like a well fed monk with a beard!! When I left this cafe, having accidentally left behind my log book, a very kind waitress chased me down the street with it. I wonder what the passers by thought of that."
Lincoln
"Oakfields campsite near Lincoln is a very large caravan site with space for tents. There is a woodland next to it and a fishing lake. It is very quiet and I have been able to practice my tabla - then it wasn't that quiet! The facilities here get five stars from me. I explored the city of Lincoln on Saturday, and to my surprise it's rather nice, specially higher up towards the Cathedral. Old fashioned cobbled streets and some very old buildings. A group on the street sharing information about vegan eating was a very welcome sight, for me. I found an old Tudor building with a cafe where there was wifi. These places have been absolutely essential for me to keep the team in Stroud regularly updated with pictures and comments. I was well looked after in this cafe with veggie choices of food. I have a feeling that by the end of this tour, I will be looking like a well fed monk with a beard!! When I left this cafe, having accidentally left behind my log book, a very kind waitress chased me down the street with it. I wonder what the passers by thought of that."
Views of Lincoln
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEFT Jews Court, Lincoln - a 13th century building, now a bookshop, traditionally thought to be on the site of a medieval synagogue. This area of Lincoln was in early medieval times associated with a thriving Jewish community, before all Jews were expelled from England by King Edward I in 1290.
|
Lincoln Cathedral
|
|
|
|
"I have had a number of people say, "Oh, I thought you were walking this journey?". Well, with a team to take care of accommodation, food, shopping, laundry, making arrangements for travel, pitching up tent, packing down the tent, etc, etc, this may have been possible. As it happens, I am mainly on my own, hence driving has been essential. A third of the way along this journey, over 1,000 miles, so many wonderful meetings, now I do need a couple of days to myself. This is now possible as I have re-arranged the Hebden Bridge date to Thursday 11th July. So, this week, I will have a couple of days to stop, meditate and feel the earth beneath my feet."
|
Friday 31st May
Lincoln "On Friday 31st May I arrived in Lincoln after leaving an oak sapling and lighting the candle of peace in Cambridge. I found rather a large campsite and I'm pleased to see that it has great facilities. I was immediately able set up my tent and sort my laundry too. Now I am in a local food place with the very useful wifi." Oakhill Leisure Camping, Fishing and Storage Site, Norton Disney, Lincoln
|
|
Thursday 30th May
Cambridge
"Cambridge has the latest Mosque in Britain. State of the arts building costing £23m. Funded largely by banks and businesses in Turkey. Apparently two thirds of the cost. It is truly impressive and the Muslim community here are welcoming the wider community to use some of the facilities that includes a hall, a garden and a cafe (not complete yet). I was shown around the whole of the Mosque and made to feel very welcome. They have extensive parking for cars under the Mosque. The running costs of the building has zero carbon print, apparently. We wondered around Cambridge with it's magnificent buildings - a lot are part of the university. I was aware that many great minds had walked these paths, including Sir Isaac Newton, Mahatma Gandhi, Neru and Stephen Hawking to name but a few. In the streets of Cambridge I came across some buskers too. Their music was very welcome."
Cambridge
"Cambridge has the latest Mosque in Britain. State of the arts building costing £23m. Funded largely by banks and businesses in Turkey. Apparently two thirds of the cost. It is truly impressive and the Muslim community here are welcoming the wider community to use some of the facilities that includes a hall, a garden and a cafe (not complete yet). I was shown around the whole of the Mosque and made to feel very welcome. They have extensive parking for cars under the Mosque. The running costs of the building has zero carbon print, apparently. We wondered around Cambridge with it's magnificent buildings - a lot are part of the university. I was aware that many great minds had walked these paths, including Sir Isaac Newton, Mahatma Gandhi, Neru and Stephen Hawking to name but a few. In the streets of Cambridge I came across some buskers too. Their music was very welcome."
|
|
|
|
|
Views of Cambridge
TOP LEFT King's College Chapel and the Gibbs' Building; TOP RIGHT Gt St Mary's, the University Church; BOTTOM LEFT Corpus Christi College; BOTTOM CENTRE Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the'Round Church'; BOTTOM RIGHT Punting on the River Cam
TOP LEFT King's College Chapel and the Gibbs' Building; TOP RIGHT Gt St Mary's, the University Church; BOTTOM LEFT Corpus Christi College; BOTTOM CENTRE Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the'Round Church'; BOTTOM RIGHT Punting on the River Cam
The new Cambridge Mosque
RIGHT Girish's guide to the mosque, Sarah: "For me, Peace is the synthesis of mental, spiritual, and physical harmony, and I think when all of those things come together, then that is what Peace represents to me." |
|
|
|
|
The new Cambridge Mosque is the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge, and is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque. Its mandate is to meet the needs of the Muslim community in the UK and beyond by facilitating good practice in faith, community development, social cohesion & interfaith dialogue. It was opened to the public in April this year. With its emphasis on sustainability and high reliance on green energy, the mosque is Europe's first eco-mosque. In addition to the mosque's dedicated areas (ablution, teaching, children's area, morgue) there is a café, teaching area and meeting rooms for use by the local Muslim and non-Muslim communities, and the mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers.
Thursday 30th May
Cambridge
"Well, I arrived in Cambridge yesterday on Wednesday 29th May, and am staying with some friends of Ish, my brother. I was so well looked after by them. They happen to live in the same street as Stephen Hawking lived with his wife. I'm wondering if she might meet me? I will explore Cambridge today and will head for Lincoln on Friday."
Cambridge
"Well, I arrived in Cambridge yesterday on Wednesday 29th May, and am staying with some friends of Ish, my brother. I was so well looked after by them. They happen to live in the same street as Stephen Hawking lived with his wife. I'm wondering if she might meet me? I will explore Cambridge today and will head for Lincoln on Friday."
Wednesday 29th May
London
"The last few days in London have been a bit of a whirlwind experience for me. From visiting a beautiful 'Hindu' Temple in Neasdon, near Wembley, London, to a full on family Indian wedding with all it's colours, food, dancing and generally celebrating the marriage of my niece. In-between that there was a lovely visit to St Ethelburga's in Bishopsgate, London. St Ethelburga's was closed for refurbishments but we managed to go inside and have a look. It was obvious that when in full working order, this was a place where lots of activities would happen around peace. Zoe and her daughter Phoebe, from Stroud, joined me for the day. We went along to an area of London called Dalston. Here there was a gathering of people and a lot of children collectively sharing the vision of 'Peace in the Streets'. Children were contributing drawings that would then become the basis of a huge blanket. A group of youngsters were on the music desk playing great dance music. Also near here is an oasis, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. On entering a very unassuming gate, we discovered a hive of activity to do with growing, cooking pizzas and playing. A completely family orientated place where the sun shone and the colours were glowing with great happiness all around me. I left another oak sapling to plant with my family in London and lit the candle of peace before heading for Cambridge."
London
"The last few days in London have been a bit of a whirlwind experience for me. From visiting a beautiful 'Hindu' Temple in Neasdon, near Wembley, London, to a full on family Indian wedding with all it's colours, food, dancing and generally celebrating the marriage of my niece. In-between that there was a lovely visit to St Ethelburga's in Bishopsgate, London. St Ethelburga's was closed for refurbishments but we managed to go inside and have a look. It was obvious that when in full working order, this was a place where lots of activities would happen around peace. Zoe and her daughter Phoebe, from Stroud, joined me for the day. We went along to an area of London called Dalston. Here there was a gathering of people and a lot of children collectively sharing the vision of 'Peace in the Streets'. Children were contributing drawings that would then become the basis of a huge blanket. A group of youngsters were on the music desk playing great dance music. Also near here is an oasis, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. On entering a very unassuming gate, we discovered a hive of activity to do with growing, cooking pizzas and playing. A completely family orientated place where the sun shone and the colours were glowing with great happiness all around me. I left another oak sapling to plant with my family in London and lit the candle of peace before heading for Cambridge."
"A full on family Indian wedding, with all its colours, food, dancing and generally celebrating"
- the marriage of Girish's niece in Wembley, London
- the marriage of Girish's niece in Wembley, London
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The "Peace in the Streets" initiative, and the Eastern Curve Garden, Dalston, Hackney, London
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RIGHT
"My name is Brianna ... and Peace means everything to me." |
|
The "Peace in the Streets" initiative seeks to put on events, run workshops and deliver programs to inspire young people to a lifestyle of Peace. Working alongside other organisations they connect young people with fun experiences, skills development, training, mentoring and support - all promoting Peace.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a vitally needed public green space in the heart of one of the most built-up areas of London. It is a free-to-enter neighbourhood garden that is open seven days a week, twelve months a year, providing an oasis of plants, connection to nature in the city and a community gathering place for the people of this part of Hackney. Deeply embedded into the community, the Garden provides numerous social, economic, environmental and health benefits to all sections of the local population. Extensive volunteering involvement and a year round programme of activities help to break down barriers to engagement in the community, to combat social isolation and to bring residents and neighbours together.
St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, Bishopsgate, London
|
|
|
|
Zoe and Phoebe from Stroud, at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in Bishopsgate, London. |
St Ethelburga’s is one of the few surviving medieval city churches in London, the site being first recorded in 1250. In 1993, an IRA bomb was detonated in a tipper truck loaded with almost a ton of fertiliser, parked right outside the church. One person was killed and about 40 people were injured. Damage to the surrounding commercial buildings, including the NatWest tower – then Europe’s tallest building – was massive and 500 tonnes of broken glass were eventually removed; 70% of the fabric of St Ethelburga’s was destroyed. There was considerable disagreement about what should subsequently happen to the ruins of St Ethelburga’s, but it was the vision of a small group including Bishop Richard Chartres, the then Bishop of London, that it be rebuilt and serve a different function. The building was formally re-opened as a new Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in 2002. Their core values have emerged from the unique history of the place, and are expressed through four elements – 'Crisis as an opportunity for change', 'Spiritual values into action', 'Collaborating across differences', and 'Protecting the sacred'. These are expressed through three main project areas – ‘Peace and Faith’, ‘Peace and Global Issues’, and 'Peace and leadership’.
Saturday 25th May
Wembley, London
"I am in London now and had a quick visit to a Hindu temple in Neasdon near Wembley. One of my nieces is getting married this weekend as well, and I have the pleasure of camping in the marquee in their garden in Wembley. It's the biggest tent I've ever camped in."
Wembley, London
"I am in London now and had a quick visit to a Hindu temple in Neasdon near Wembley. One of my nieces is getting married this weekend as well, and I have the pleasure of camping in the marquee in their garden in Wembley. It's the biggest tent I've ever camped in."
|
|
LEFT Baps Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, popularly known as the 'Neasden Temple', is Europe's first traditional Hindu temple, and is a sanctuary of vibrant Hindu worship in north-west London. The Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship, designed and constructed entirely according to ancient Vedic architectural texts – using no structural steel whatsoever. Using 5,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara and Indian Ambaji marble, and the finest Bulgarian limestone, it was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London. The Mandir has been created as a place of worship, learning, celebration, beauty, community, charity and peace.
RIGHT Camping in style - all set up in the marriage marquee of Girish's niece in Wembley
RIGHT Camping in style - all set up in the marriage marquee of Girish's niece in Wembley
Thursday 23rd May
Canterbury, Kent
"Arrived in Canterbury Wednesday 22nd May. What an amazing city. Sadly, the Cathedral has a lot of scaffolding around it for ongoing essential work. I met a guy from the Hare Krishna movement fundraising for his organisation and selling books. Had a lovely chat with him as he expressed basically that most of our challenges are in our minds on a personal level. The Hare Krishna movement devote themselves largely to chanting the mantra: Hare Krishna ... Hare Krishna ... Hare Krishna Krishna ... Krishna ... Hare Hare ... Hare Rama ... Hare Rama ... Rama Rama ... Hare Hare. The City is very cosmopolitan with a huge student population from all over the world. My host in Canterbury, Angela, is very much a follower of yoga and an artist and poet. She loves the countryside around here and took me for a tour of the city with a walk along the river too. Another very humble and kind soul. I am very grateful to Angela for her time and thoughtfulness. Angela has recently written a poem about connections. She thought it was rather uncanny, as it seems to relate very much to my journey."
Canterbury, Kent
"Arrived in Canterbury Wednesday 22nd May. What an amazing city. Sadly, the Cathedral has a lot of scaffolding around it for ongoing essential work. I met a guy from the Hare Krishna movement fundraising for his organisation and selling books. Had a lovely chat with him as he expressed basically that most of our challenges are in our minds on a personal level. The Hare Krishna movement devote themselves largely to chanting the mantra: Hare Krishna ... Hare Krishna ... Hare Krishna Krishna ... Krishna ... Hare Hare ... Hare Rama ... Hare Rama ... Rama Rama ... Hare Hare. The City is very cosmopolitan with a huge student population from all over the world. My host in Canterbury, Angela, is very much a follower of yoga and an artist and poet. She loves the countryside around here and took me for a tour of the city with a walk along the river too. Another very humble and kind soul. I am very grateful to Angela for her time and thoughtfulness. Angela has recently written a poem about connections. She thought it was rather uncanny, as it seems to relate very much to my journey."
ABOVE and RIGHT Canterbury Cathedral
FAR RIGHT The Buttermarket - the small square at the Christchurch Gate to the cathedral, with its war memorial and historic buildings BELOW LEFT and RIGHT The River Stour at Canterbury |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday 21st May
Alton, Hampshire
"Just met the oldest man in Britain, he is 111 years old!! A lovely friend that I met at Stroud Sacred Music Festival a couple of years ago, Mark, emailed me a few days ago and asked if I would like to meet the oldest man in Britain, Bob Weighton. Well, as he happens to live in Alton, right on my route to Canterbury, it was obviously meant to be. He is 111 years old and incredibly well. Still does his own shopping and cooking. He is so humble and very open minded. I spent a couple of hours with him and recorded him on my phone video too. I need to find the time to re-listen and watch him. I know that he had many clear views about diversity, peace, religion and politics. Mark also took me on a wonderful walk, part of 'Pilgrims Way'. Stunning countryside. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be in Canterbury."
Alton, Hampshire
"Just met the oldest man in Britain, he is 111 years old!! A lovely friend that I met at Stroud Sacred Music Festival a couple of years ago, Mark, emailed me a few days ago and asked if I would like to meet the oldest man in Britain, Bob Weighton. Well, as he happens to live in Alton, right on my route to Canterbury, it was obviously meant to be. He is 111 years old and incredibly well. Still does his own shopping and cooking. He is so humble and very open minded. I spent a couple of hours with him and recorded him on my phone video too. I need to find the time to re-listen and watch him. I know that he had many clear views about diversity, peace, religion and politics. Mark also took me on a wonderful walk, part of 'Pilgrims Way'. Stunning countryside. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be in Canterbury."
|
Girish in Alton, Hampshire, with Britain's oldest man, 111-year old Bob Weighton. Upon celebrating his latest birthday on 29th March this year, Bob told the Evening Standard newspaper, "I quite like meeting people I have never seen before, that's one of my delights. I like meeting people who have been places and have some understanding of what it means to be human. Promoting human interaction is the motive of my life." He joked that the secret to a long life was “avoiding dying”.
|
|
|
ABOVE St Catherine's Hill, south of Guildford in Surrey, with a ruined chapel on its top. The hill is about half a mile south of Guildford on the way to Godalming, near the village of Artington and the River Wey, near the Pilgrims' Way at the crossing on the river. The ancient chapel ruin was probably originally a 'chapel of ease' associated with St Nicholas Church in Guildford, and was built in the early 14th century by the rector of the church, Richard de Wauncey. A five-day fair has been held here historically, first licensed by King Edward II in 1308. The hill and chapel have also been famously depicted by the artist JMW Turner.
Tuesday 21st May
Kingsley, Hampshire
"Had a peaceful night. After a bit of a trying day, this is yesterday, I decided to pop into town and get a takeaway. As I was sitting on a bench and eating, a young lady came and sat next to me. She seemed to have difficulties walking and was rather over weight. Perhaps I should not have, but I offered her some chips which she gladly accepted. We got chatting and all she could talk about was what she would do if she came into a large amount of money: buy a big house, with a swimming pool, have unlimited cigarettes and party!! Well, I am out here to celebrate diversity. As we continued to chat, three young teenagers across the road shouted, "Give us a chip!" So I called out, come and get them, which one of the lads did. They were genuinely grateful, for I gave them the whole bag. Then back to Cricketer's Inn country pub, to my tent in their garden."
Kingsley, Hampshire
"Had a peaceful night. After a bit of a trying day, this is yesterday, I decided to pop into town and get a takeaway. As I was sitting on a bench and eating, a young lady came and sat next to me. She seemed to have difficulties walking and was rather over weight. Perhaps I should not have, but I offered her some chips which she gladly accepted. We got chatting and all she could talk about was what she would do if she came into a large amount of money: buy a big house, with a swimming pool, have unlimited cigarettes and party!! Well, I am out here to celebrate diversity. As we continued to chat, three young teenagers across the road shouted, "Give us a chip!" So I called out, come and get them, which one of the lads did. They were genuinely grateful, for I gave them the whole bag. Then back to Cricketer's Inn country pub, to my tent in their garden."
|
Monday 20th May
Kingsley, Hampshire "Having one of those days today - car and phone problems. Then to finish it off, the camp site I arrived at are only open on weekends!! I was in a country lane near Alton, Surrey, so I began knocking on the doors. The very first person, an old guy said sorry can’t help - wait for this - the name of his house - Karma. Ok, time to really surrender. The landlord of the Cricketers Inn has allowed me to pitch my tent in the pub garden. I can only smile and then burst into a belly laughter. What a wonderful life. I’m grateful for so much." |
The Cricketers Inn, Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire
|
Monday 20th May
Winchester, Hampshire
"On route to Canterbury and stopped off in Winchester to have a quick look at the Cathedral and the city. So much history. Having more car problems. Delayed looking for a camp site. I am trusting in the spirit. Also, thank you to Lina, occasional member of The Raga Babas, partner of Barry Mason (Raga Baba), for a very welcome overnight stay in Sway. These very comfortable interludes are very welcome as camping has been rather damp and cold."
Winchester, Hampshire
"On route to Canterbury and stopped off in Winchester to have a quick look at the Cathedral and the city. So much history. Having more car problems. Delayed looking for a camp site. I am trusting in the spirit. Also, thank you to Lina, occasional member of The Raga Babas, partner of Barry Mason (Raga Baba), for a very welcome overnight stay in Sway. These very comfortable interludes are very welcome as camping has been rather damp and cold."
Winchester Cathedral
|
|
|
Sunday 19th May
Salisbury, Wiltshire "Another oak sapling planted and a candle lit. This morning I went along to the 'Big Brekkie', start of Christian Aid week. This was in Hyde Parish Hall." The "Big Brekkie" in support of Christian Aid Week, at Hyde Parish Hall, Winchester |
|
|
Another oak sapling planted,
with Anne at Breamore, Hampshire |
|
|
Saturday 18th May
Salisbury, Wiltshire "On Friday 17th May I explored Salisbury with its amazing Cathedral and other historical buildings. The City seems to be recovering well after a huge decline in visitors following the 'poisoning scandal' last year. Last night, I was invited by a local church group social evening in the home of Alex and Brian in Fordingbridge. We had an Indian takeaway and watched a very funny French film, 'Mic Max'. It was based on the arms trade, so had a clear underlying message. Today Saturday 18th May, Anne took me to a local village farmer's market and then for brunch in the village hall. Meeting lovely people. Tonight we will be going to a local event with African food. Tomorrow morning there is brunch in connection with a church in Fordingbridge followed by a service and a talk as it is Christian Aid week." Salisbury Cathedral |
|
|
|
|
LEFT and CENTRE Hale Village Hall and Local Food Market, Hampshire. The Hale & Redlynch Transition Group is striving to rebuild the resilience lost as a result of cheap oil - raising awareness and working towards solutions to some of the environmental challenges being faced. They aim to encourage more people to think about the benefits of shopping and eating more locally, and to try to move their consumption patterns away from supermarket foods which are grown on the other side of the world, highly processed and over-packaged, towards foods which are grown or raised in the garden or on local farms, or bought from the local shop.
RIGHT Brunch in Hulse Hall - Breamore Village Hall, Hampshire
RIGHT Brunch in Hulse Hall - Breamore Village Hall, Hampshire
Friday 17th May
Breamore, Hampshire
"The drive from Exeter to Salisbury was smooth and gentle yesterday. I am staying with Anne, a friend of one of The Raga Baba's, and she lives near the village of Breamore in Hampshire. I feel incredibly well looked after and welcome a bed in a warm delightful cottage, in a beautiful edge of village setting. I discover that Anne is the mother of a couple of women in Stroud who used to come to my yoga classes many years ago - the connections continue. One of these women now lives in Australia. Today, Friday 17th May, I will go and explore the city of Salisbury and see what happens there and who/what I meet. I've had a long walk this morning and met some amazing Yew trees in the woods. Their wisdom in the art of being still was oozing out from the depths of their roots. It is cloudy today and a bit nippy in the air."
Breamore, Hampshire
"The drive from Exeter to Salisbury was smooth and gentle yesterday. I am staying with Anne, a friend of one of The Raga Baba's, and she lives near the village of Breamore in Hampshire. I feel incredibly well looked after and welcome a bed in a warm delightful cottage, in a beautiful edge of village setting. I discover that Anne is the mother of a couple of women in Stroud who used to come to my yoga classes many years ago - the connections continue. One of these women now lives in Australia. Today, Friday 17th May, I will go and explore the city of Salisbury and see what happens there and who/what I meet. I've had a long walk this morning and met some amazing Yew trees in the woods. Their wisdom in the art of being still was oozing out from the depths of their roots. It is cloudy today and a bit nippy in the air."
|
|
RIGHT Anne's cottage near Breamore in Hampshire
|
|
St Mary's Church, Breamore, Hampshire. The little Saxon church of St Mary's at Breamore stands in a copse of trees just below the Elizabethan manor of Breamore House. It can rightly be considered one of the most historically important Saxon buildings in the south of England.The church was probably founded by King Ethelred II, known to history as 'The Unready', around 1000 AD. It was very likely a minster church serving a royal estate.
Thursday 16th May
Exeter, Devon
"After leaving Dartington on Tuesday I found a lovely campsite near Exeter in a village called Langford. Here I was introduced to another camper, Chris, who is a musician. He invited a couple of his friends, Julian and Castle, a lovely bunch of guys, round last night and he also invited me to join him and his two girls, Martha and Evie, for supper. We all enjoyed a lovely evening of making and playing music together around a heart-warming camp fire on the site. Shared food and drinks. During the day in Exeter, I watched an amazing busker operating a dancing puppet. Today I am heading for Salisbury."
Exeter, Devon
"After leaving Dartington on Tuesday I found a lovely campsite near Exeter in a village called Langford. Here I was introduced to another camper, Chris, who is a musician. He invited a couple of his friends, Julian and Castle, a lovely bunch of guys, round last night and he also invited me to join him and his two girls, Martha and Evie, for supper. We all enjoyed a lovely evening of making and playing music together around a heart-warming camp fire on the site. Shared food and drinks. During the day in Exeter, I watched an amazing busker operating a dancing puppet. Today I am heading for Salisbury."
|
|
|
Girish with Chris, Martha, Evie and friends in Langford
"I have started ‘The Journey of Peace 2019’. For me, there are many layers to this. It is about celebrating the unity that lies within diversity. It is about having music, food and meditation as the main basis of meeting a variety of communities and individuals. It is about sharing the vision that other places can also host centres for ‘Peace and the Arts’, just like St Laurence Church in Stroud. It is also a very personal pilgrimage around a land that has been very kind to me. I am grateful to this land and its people for all that it has provided for me in my 53 years here after arriving at the age of six. I am expressing my thanks by planting trees of peace everywhere I go, and lighting a candle from a candle that I got from a recent visit to Fatima in Portugal. In March, I saw thousands of people, of all ages, walking for peace: an uncanny coincidence - or was it? I am aiming to camp close to the earth. I would like to walk as much as I can. I would like to share tea with strangers and hear their story. Every one of us has something special to offer. I would like to know what that is from people I’ve never met before and maybe will never meet again. I would like to discover what we have in common, as it is all too easy to see the differences. I know that in the heart of everyone, there is a desire for peace, happiness and love. Let us always remember this."
Wednesday 15th May
Exeter, Devon
"I am now in Exeter, and the sun is shining. Done my domestic chores and laundry today. Then into town to see who and what I can find. Hoping to connect with more people. Will head for Salisbury tomorrow. Continuing to light the candle of peace."
Exeter, Devon
"I am now in Exeter, and the sun is shining. Done my domestic chores and laundry today. Then into town to see who and what I can find. Hoping to connect with more people. Will head for Salisbury tomorrow. Continuing to light the candle of peace."
|
Taking the Candle of Peace to Exeter
RIGHT Exeter Cathedral |
|
Monday 13th May
Dartington, Devon
"I have a friend Jennie Barr visiting me and as it is her birthday today we decided to book into an airbnb heading towards Exeter from Penzance. We are in a lovely place in Dartington with a lovely host, Belinda. The selection of this place could not have been more random, and yet as we are sitting in the sunny garden chatting with Belinda, our two dear friends Katie Lloyd-Nunn and Jonathan came and joined us. What a surprise! They just happened to be staying in the same place!! Katie, from Hawkwood College, had wanted to join me - the universe made that happen."
Dartington, Devon
"I have a friend Jennie Barr visiting me and as it is her birthday today we decided to book into an airbnb heading towards Exeter from Penzance. We are in a lovely place in Dartington with a lovely host, Belinda. The selection of this place could not have been more random, and yet as we are sitting in the sunny garden chatting with Belinda, our two dear friends Katie Lloyd-Nunn and Jonathan came and joined us. What a surprise! They just happened to be staying in the same place!! Katie, from Hawkwood College, had wanted to join me - the universe made that happen."
Sunday 12th May
Penzance, Cornwall
"I am in sunny Cornwall right now. Beautiful walks close to St Michael's Pilgrim's Way route. It is an absolute delight to be sitting on this earth silently, at times, and also practicing my tabla. Have a sense of connecting with the heart beat of the Earth. Noongallas have given me permission to plant one of the many oak saplings that I am taking around the country. I shall need a few more by the time I reach Edinburgh. Help required to source more please."
Penzance, Cornwall
"I am in sunny Cornwall right now. Beautiful walks close to St Michael's Pilgrim's Way route. It is an absolute delight to be sitting on this earth silently, at times, and also practicing my tabla. Have a sense of connecting with the heart beat of the Earth. Noongallas have given me permission to plant one of the many oak saplings that I am taking around the country. I shall need a few more by the time I reach Edinburgh. Help required to source more please."
ABOVE Noongallas Campsite, Gulval, Penzance.
RIGHT Girish, with Kay and John and sheepdog Harry, planting an oak sapling at Noongallas |
|
|
Friday 10th May
Penzance, Cornwall
"It is deeply heart-warming to receive such blessings and affirmations. Five days into the journey and already a multitude of wonderful encounters with such beautiful people. I am grateful also for this time that has been granted. Arrived at Noongallas campsite near Penzance yesterday; my second destination. It is an old farm and Kay and John were very kind and welcoming, and Harry their young sheep dog just wants to play ball!! The sea views are amazing. The night was cold and almost peaceful after a nice evening with my fire, the skies, and a noisy cow in the adjacent field. Lovely hot shower this morning."
Penzance, Cornwall
"It is deeply heart-warming to receive such blessings and affirmations. Five days into the journey and already a multitude of wonderful encounters with such beautiful people. I am grateful also for this time that has been granted. Arrived at Noongallas campsite near Penzance yesterday; my second destination. It is an old farm and Kay and John were very kind and welcoming, and Harry their young sheep dog just wants to play ball!! The sea views are amazing. The night was cold and almost peaceful after a nice evening with my fire, the skies, and a noisy cow in the adjacent field. Lovely hot shower this morning."
ABOVE Archie Brown’s Healthfood Shop & Cafe in Penzance, was founded upon a particular ethos: leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, supporting and supplying that which is good for its customer's bodies and minds, as well as for the environment.
RIGHT A sign in a shop doorway in Penzance |
|
"I was in Archie Brown's cafe/healthfood shop in Penzance. I shared a table with a lovely old couple, Mr and Mrs Hutchinson. He, 85 years old and a retired music teacher said, "diversity has to be the future." Mrs Hutchinson gave me lots of information about the Pilgrim's Way and St Michael's Way, which I will be exploring over the weekend. Also, the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. The weather at the moment is sunny, dry and warm. Oh, my car would not start this morning. The rescue service replaced the battery and all is well, I hope."
|
Thursday 9th May
Penzance, Cornwall "Left Hartland this morning. Enjoyed a lovely yoga class with a lady called Grizel [Luttman Johnson] last night in Hartland. Nice surprise; balance of men and women in the group. Used the candle I got from Fatima, Portugal, and lit one for Grizel. Oak sapling with the Resurgence team to plant. First of 25 stages completed. Now I am pitched up less than 3 miles from Penzance on a lovely farm campsite with lovely, gorgeous sea views. Beautifully sunny at the moment. Apparently the forecast is good. It is so heart-warming to have so many people's blessings. So far it is a mix of endurance (weather), exciting (lovely people), trusting (don't know what's next). No one else camping here at the moment. Now, will light my fire for the evening and watch the sky. Will explore the town tomorrow." |
|
Wednesday 8th May
Hartland, Devon
"Was a wet night but managed to stay dry. I have left one of the oak saplings with the Resurgence team. There is quite a lot for me to do just camping and meeting people. So far so good though."
Hartland, Devon
"Was a wet night but managed to stay dry. I have left one of the oak saplings with the Resurgence team. There is quite a lot for me to do just camping and meeting people. So far so good though."
ABOVE The Resurgence & Ecologist Team @ Resurgence Trust, Hartland. Created in 2006, The Resurgence Trust is an educational charity that has become the flagship voice of the environmental movement across the globe. Their mission is to inspire each other to help make a difference and find positive solutions to the global challenges we now face. To do this, they publish Resurgence & Ecologist magazine, run The Ecologist website and host regular events - not just to share their collective concerns about climate change, social justice and ethical living, but to find solutions.
RIGHT Girish presenting an oak sapling to Angie Burke from Resurgence, in Satish Kumar's garden. |
|
A big THANK YOU to Dan Barr for the gift of a great tent, and to Zoe Blount-Tonner for the tent and stove. Also to Amanda from Stroud Farmers Market, and Alena from Stroud Slad Farm, who have provided oak saplings that will be planted at various locations along the way.
|
Tuesday 7th May
Hartland, Devon "Thank you very much to you all for your thoughts and blessings. I have found a peaceful camp site with free hot showers!! What luxury, was not expecting that. Last night I met a group of people in Hartland, North Devon, who were rehearsing some beautiful chamber music. I enjoyed listening - it felt like the pleasure of a private concert. I interviewed the double bass player. This guy called David, has lovely things to say which sounds very much what Raga Babas are about. I have encountered some lovely chamber music and a few very interesting people. When I was looking down into the cove at Hartland point this morning I saw a seal bobbing it's head up a few times." |
David, from the Hartland Chamber Orchestra. Founded in 1992, this group of friends meet regularly to play music and perform free concerts in the North Devon area.
|
|
Monday 6th May
Hartland, Devon "Arrived in Hartland today after a beautiful send off from St Laurence Church, Stroud. Thank you Simon Howell and all the friends that came to St Laurence Church this morning. It was a deeply touching send off with the church bells in full swing making it very atmospheric. Thank you Ishverlal Patel and Peter Baxendale for walking with me on the first part of the Journey of Peace. Popped into Shamrock’s the village chippy in Hartland and the Irish blessing was on a wooden clover leaf. Simon Howell had given a beautiful blessing which included that, and wonderful words of support and prayer this morning. This beautiful blessing seems to be flavour of the moment for lots of people." 😀 |
|
THE DEPARTURE
|
Monday 6th May
St Laurence Parish Church, Stroud The journey began at 11.00 am on Monday 6th May, setting out from 'The Stroud Centre for Peace & The Arts' , and enabling its spirit of peace to be set forth across the land. The ‘Stroud Centre for Peace & The Arts’ is an inter faith centre for healing, reconciliation and education, centred on St Laurence Parish Church. A group of supporters were on hand, as Revd Simon Howell marked the start of the Journey with a Celtic Blessing for those who travel in peace and light. Revd Mathew Page commented, "So excited to be witnessing this journey done with such intention. It is an ancient and sacred undertaking. Go well!" |
|
