Yearly Archives: 2015

Meditation – self effort and grace

An interesting feature about meditation is that sometimes, when you make a lot of effort, it feels like nothing really happens.

Yet, at other times, you make no seeming effort, but you can have a very good meditation.

This is an experience I remember from Oslo in June 2001. I was late for a talk by Sri Chinmoy. My mind was anything but calm and tranquil. I was physically uncomfortable – squashed at the back – without anywhere to sit. Yet, despite everything working against a good meditation – I had a very powerful experience of peace. It was a sense of peace that was very tangible; something that belonged to everyone and you felt a sense of gratitude for being able to experience. (more…)

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Oxford photos

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All Souls Spires
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Sheldonian Theatre
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Radcliffe Camera

 

View from South Parks
View from South Parks, Oxford
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Yellow Mist Oxford Spires
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Dusk South Parks

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Oxford Spires Mist

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Dreaming Spires Mist
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Autumn South Parks

 

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Christ Church Quad

church-bridge-sighs-sun-1024 Bridge of Sighs (more…)

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Lourdes and the Pyrenees

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Many years ago I watched a film ‘The Song of Bernadette’ – it was a captivating story, which made me research a little more. Reading first hand accounts, and the words of Bernadette Soubirous herself gave a much deeper insight into the events that took place over 150 years ago.The film was somewhat liberal with the truth, and (in my view) overly sentimental. Still it was interesting to see a spiritual story told in a certain way, but later realise there is a  greater spiritual depth to be discovered. (more…)

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Garden May 2015 – Wildlife and more

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Back Garden

Some photos of back garden.

Trying to combine competitive cycling and gardening is difficult. You never want to over-tax your muscles after a long five hour cycle ride, so I tend to favour the cultivated meadow look.

I would call it – a contemporary combination of avant-garde style companion planting, innovate use of native wildflowers, informal approach to weeding and – a dash of sitting around admiring your handiwork with your feet up.

Back Garden

A garden is a place to be enjoyed, not just to work in.

Geraniums

Good for wildlife is important. I love to see the bees. (more…)

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