Writing

Three years ago (or thereabouts) was invited to write a book about contemplative prayer and the experiences of Elijah the prophet. I've been longing to write about this for some time, so it was a welcome opportunity.

Unfortunately the process has been so hard. The pandemic and other circumstances at Launde meant we were all under huge pressure for a couple of years after March 2020, and once that pressure began to lift I suffered a breakdown. I was off work for three months, which you might think would be ideal for getting a book written. And so it would, if the breakdown hadn't left my concentration so scattered that I could barely write a text message!

Rebuilding from the lockdown years has continued to be hard at Launde, and I've continued to struggle with both physical and mental health. The book has been on the back burner all this time: I was longing to write but simply couldn't.

Optimistically I picked up a £25 laptop on eBay to bring with me (something cheap enough that I wouldn't cry much if it got lost or stolen!) As the weeks have rolled on I've opened it up once or twice and tapped away a little.

This afternoon, helped by a magnificent view from my room at the monastery, I've sat and begun writing again. Properly. With some ease and pleasure. I think, over the last month, some healing has begun.

///thankful.pots.minority