UKSpirituality newsletter

Greetings friends,

NEWS FROM THE UKS TEAM!

www.ukspirituality.org
 

The Autumn Equinox has passed and the clocks have officially gone back. The evenings have come fast and crisp, the days ever shorter, and guess what's just around the corner? Yes, Christmas, or Yule tide is now just (gulp) weeks away!

In the spirit of communion and generosity, we have decided to extend our offer of free listings until March 2010, when Spring will be upon us and the daylight hours will be stretching further into the dark. So please, tell one, tell all, and together we can ease the loneliness of these chilly months and fill our hours with light, laughter and enlightenment. Now, more than ever, finding a spiritual community and a place of sanctuary holds the utmost importance for our peace of mind. And just think of all the wonderful reading you can catch up on! Some spiritual tomes that the UKS team are currently attending to include Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now", "Eating in the Light" by Doreen Virtue and Vicky Prelitz, and "The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have". Phew! No shortage of seekers in this cosy wee office!

In the coldest climes, animals hibernate these months away. As much as some of us may desire to do the very same, that option may not be completely realistic! Therefore, why not try something just as restorative for your body and spirit, like Clear the Mind Buddhist Mahamudra Meditation in Brighton, or Hatha/Vajrasati Yoga in Brighton? Or why not work up a total sweat and celebration prior to the holiday feast with Dances of Universal Peace taking place in various locales across the UK, or the Tribalheart Ecstatic Trance Dance at St Mary's Church in Islington? If that is too hyperactive there is always the All Day Angels Groupt in Bury St Edmunds, A Chance to Open Your Voice and Heart in Totnes, or take in a meditative Labyrinth Walk at the beautiful Rosslyn Hill Chapel in historic Hampstead.

It is vital that each one of us takes the time to connect with our soul and inner being. We can help you to find the spiritual practice that is right for you at this time in your life. Please take a look at our extensive range of workshops, retreats and classes covering the UK, we are sure you will find something that attracts you.

If you do attend any workshops or classes, be sure to give us some feedback about your experience, either by a blog entry, email, or comments on our programme pages.

OUR PROGRAMME OF THE MONTH:

Poetry for the Soul, taking place at the Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church on Thursday the 17th of December from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Led by Reverend Linda Hart, who has posted some beautiful blogs on the website, it is described as a place to "join with others to read and reflect upon poetry from a wide range of sources. The evening has a theme, and a selection of poetry for reading is provided. As well, there is an opportunity to read favourite poetry or your own poetry. After reading together and time for quiet meditation, we’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of what we have heard. " Further details can of course be found here: http://www.ukspirituality.org/venueView.cfm?venueID=923842826

Finally, here is some soothing verse from Thomas Campion to leave you with. It is our sincerest wish that your nights are warm, your mind and body sound, and your spirit at peace.

Now Winter Nights Enlarge

by Thomas Campion (1617)

Now winter nights enlarge
The number of their hours,
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze,
And cups o’erflow with wine;
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine.
Now yellow waxen lights
Shall wait on honey love,
While youthful revels, masques, and courtly sights
Sleep’s leaden spells remove.

This time doth well dispense
With lovers’ long discourse;
Much speech hath some defence,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well;
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys,
They shorten tedious nights.

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