Page 7 - SPRING 2024 News and Views

As the time approaches to leave the retreat, are there any thoughts or experiences you will
take with you?

Arthur Charlton:

‘The sense of community is a good feeling I will take with me. And conversations I will return to.

I’m aware too of lots of random thoughts I’ve yet to crystalise. Ideas to integrate within my body of
thoughts… Things to take away – like a good meal, not yet fully digested.’

Izzy Collins:
‘I’ll take the reverential sense of Park Place with me: the simplicity of the shared meals, and of my
bedroom – uncluttered, stripped of unnecessaries. Also the smell of incense from the chapel (or was it
furniture polish?). And the smiles of Friends and of the Franciscan Sisters… all contributing to the
combined calming effect I felt so deeply.

I have felt at home here, feeling accepted, feeling I can be myself here. And I’ve drawn upon the
common values many shared so authentically and so generously. That has been a total delight to me.’

Footnote:

[1.]
Utah’s aspen forest, is called ‘Pando’, aka ‘the Trembling Giant’. It weighs more than 6,600 tons and
contains approximately 47,000 genetically identical stems (or branches), all growing from one vast root
system. For more information see:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/the-worlds-largest-tree-is-ready-for-its-close-up-180981128/

* We are pleased to add that Khaled has since been received into Quaker Membership. Eds.

7