“This world nis but a Thurghfare ful of wo And we ben Pilgrimes passinge to and fro.” So says Chaucer’s Knight, towards the end of his tale as recounted by Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of The Canterbury Tales. Gloomy those words may be, but they totally belie the racy, colourful and much-loved tales told byContinue reading “A Pilgrimage By Steam to The Shrine of a Martyr in Canterbury Cathedral”
Category Archives: faith
Why Les Miserables Is So Popular
How is it that the story of Les Miserables has tapped into the emotions of so many? I first read Victor Hugo’s novel in my late teens/early twenties, and a central idea stayed with me over the years (though not necessarily in the exact words Victor Hugo used): You have been taken away from evil,Continue reading “Why Les Miserables Is So Popular”
Darkness into Light: Celtic Spirituality
Heart of Darkness, Sharing the Darkness, embracing the darkness – the archetypal theme of darkness versus light is ever-present in our lives, through books, movies, media, faith, life experience. Last week – on the night of the full moon – I was at a Celtic Christian service in the 13th century church at Morton Bagot,Continue reading “Darkness into Light: Celtic Spirituality”
Mind Programming: What is the Central Desire of Your Life? And Who Put It There?
IN a recent episode of the BBC Drama Series “Merlin” we saw Guinevere being “brainwashed” by Morgana. Now Arthur’s beautiful queen (who was previously all goodness) is in Morgana’s power,and doing her will. Although of course she did use the full force of her magical powers as well, Morgana used long-established brainwashing techniques on Guinevere.Continue reading “Mind Programming: What is the Central Desire of Your Life? And Who Put It There?”
Searching for Love… And Craving Celebrity
In my last post, on the case of Jimmy Savile, I wrote about the dark side of celebrity. We live in a society obsessed with celebrities – the gods of this secular age. And we try to convince ourselves that fame would guarantee entry into a perfect region of love, wealth and success. Yet theContinue reading “Searching for Love… And Craving Celebrity”
The Heavenly Choir, Voices of Lothlorien, and Glimpses of Eternity
The most profound emotions, the deepest experiences of the human spirit may be evoked by the sound of a heavenly choir. There has often been debate about which is the greatest musical instrument. And of course each of us will have different favourites. It has been said, for instance, that the grand pipe organ isContinue reading “The Heavenly Choir, Voices of Lothlorien, and Glimpses of Eternity”
People of Inspiration Part 4 – Rob Parsons, Gifted Communicator Who Inspires, Moves and Warns
“You don’t have to have everything together to make a difference to people’s lives. You just have to share your brokenness.” So says Rob Parsons, author, public speaker, and founder of the charity Care For the Family. “Most people don’t want answers,” says Rob. “They can find their own answers. They just want to knowContinue reading “People of Inspiration Part 4 – Rob Parsons, Gifted Communicator Who Inspires, Moves and Warns”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 7 – Arriving Where You Started and Knowing The Place For the First Time
Throughout this series, mountains have been an important image for me. And now we arrive at the end of my mini-series, we find ourselves on a mountain again. And this mountain is on the opposite side of the world to the mountain where I had my first childhood experience – in Australia. I’ve told thisContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 7 – Arriving Where You Started and Knowing The Place For the First Time”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 6 – An Inspiring Project in Brisbane, Australia: The Relaxation Centre of Queensland
In Australia I found a unique Centre – located in Brisbane, and run by an Englishman. 35 years ago, LIONEL FIFIELD, formerly an accountant, set up an organisation called The Relaxation Centre of Queensland, using premises in Brisbane. I spent nearly five years living in Brisbane, and during that time I must have tasted everyContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 6 – An Inspiring Project in Brisbane, Australia: The Relaxation Centre of Queensland”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 5 – Secret India: The Land of the Gods and Neel Kanth, Mountain of Light
Does an experience of joy and spiritual upliftment only count as a mystical experience if it changes your life? I believe these experiences gather significance cumulatively, over the course of a lifetime, through the repetition of events grouped around a similar theme – just as in a recurring dream. And for me the recurring themeContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 5 – Secret India: The Land of the Gods and Neel Kanth, Mountain of Light”
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