Uplifting Reflections from the Silence: Love Notes While Visiting the Benedictine Monks

In August 2015 I set off from Lincolnshire, for a short retreat with the Monks at Buckfastleigh Abbey in Devon. It is a place I know reasonably well but I had never been to the silent-side so to speak.

I stopped off at Dartmoor along the way; sat by a stream near Challacombe Cross, then took photographs of an outcrop of rocks near Widecombe-in-the-Moor. I also visited the Meditation Garden at Darlington Hall during my stay.

The words are a reflection of what one reflects upon once silence is with you, when silence becomes part of the daily routine. A routine which began with Vigils at 5:45AM and ended with Compline at 9:30PM

I am very fortunate to have been gifted both time and health to undertake this journey. The support of those close to me should become apparent through the writing. I would though like to take this opportunity to thank profoundly everyone who has helped me to get this far.

Finally I wish to say thanks to the Monks, especially to Brother Daniel, whose natural eye for detail, and willingness to care for all, kept everyone on the path.