Introducing Soul Gardening

For a while now, our monthly Saturday gatherings have been an integral part of England’s Quiet Garden movement. The cathedral gardens provide a serene backdrop for contemplation, continuing the reflective journey initiated in Cummings Chapel. However, external factors such as weather, funerals, or other cathedral events occasionally impact our garden sessions. Additionally, the growing number of participants often leads people to explore alternative quiet spaces within the cathedral for their moments of reflection.

It’s worth noting that we don’t precisely align with the criteria of the England group, where gardens serve as the central focus for shared time and emphasize a more solitary experience.

Our Saturday mornings are dedicated to delving into the inner life of the soul, with themes aligned with those set by our Dean for the various seasons. Participants engage in a unique form of group spiritual direction, incorporating poetry, art, drama, music, and the collective wisdom of the gathered group. Our sessions culminate with a celebration of the Eucharist.

While we will still spend some time in the gardens and occasionally offer worship there, the focus of our garden activities is on nurturing our inner lives. Hence, the change in title better reflects our primary focus—Soul Gardening. This term aptly describes how we spend our time during our gatherings.

Rest assured, you can still find us appreciating the outer garden spaces, and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us whenever you can. All are welcome to share in this enriching experience.