Two roads converge: Rachel Carson & Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton’s letter to Rachel Carson is a lens through which to view today’s global issues, and the diverging roads we face. Would we choose life or hatred of life?
Attentiveness
“Westering, Exeter”
There have been a thousand thanks given,
a thousand vows shaped in golden beeswax
“On his Cross”
What do crucifixes show?
The dying or the death?
“and in another thirty”
“But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
“Cadenza”
Compose yourself in the scene
in first century Judea
The Merton Journal
Just out…
Clare Bryden. “Two roads converge: Rachel Carson & Thomas Merton”, The Merton Journal, Vol. 33 No.1, Eastertide 2026.
Plus three poems: “Knit together”, “On his Cross” and “Westering, Exeter”.
“Some of our conversations”
Some of our conversations have become songs — delight, appeal, lament, contentment with a job well done
“Passing of the Artist”
Celebrating the artist Veronica Gosling, 10 May 1931 – 20 November 2025.
“In winter I survive”
Morsels // of heliotrope / daphne / gorse / bid — // come close / and breathe / our fugitive / breath.
Slow Book Group: A Lectio Divina approach to Poetry
Some notes on running a slow reading group reflecting at depth each month on a poem that speaks to contemplative prayer and deepening our relationship with the Divine. We drew from an anthology compiled specially for the group.
“Heartwood”
Written while on retreat at Tymawr Convent in September 2025, responding to some of the many trees in the grounds.
“The heart-shackles are not as you think”
After a line in Mary Oliver “When the Roses Speak, I Pay Attention”
“Praise God in luminescence”
Praise for inflorescence of the swaggering wisteria!
“The greater and the lesser lights”
O Oriens is the Great O Antiphon for 21 December, anticipating the light of the world. “O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
“Uplift”
Acknowledging something of the darkness at the lightest time of year might remind of the possibility of finding light at the darkest time.
“Sowing seeds”
“unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12.24).
“And there was light”
Responding to the Easter Vigil service at Exeter Cathedral on 31 March 2024.
“At Tymawr Convent”
Place your hand upon these walls, /
soft on rough rock /
hewn haphazard into a house of prayer.
“Kilpeck Church”
Back or forth in time—which way do echoes carry?
“Blythburgh”
Blythburgh Church is a numinous place, with centuries of prayer saturating the stone. Luminous too.
“VJ Day 2025”
On 6th August 1945, the Allies dropped a “Little Boy” nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. Three days later on 9th August, they dropped a “Fat Man” bomb on Nagasaki. The Japanese Emperor’s announcement of surrender was broadcast on 15th August 1945.
“Everyone welcome”
During Lent in 2024, I aimed to write a poem a day, prompted by the Gospel reading for that day.
“Continue in my word”
Since April 2020 I have been hosting a Lectio Divina group, one beautiful outcome of the Covid lockdowns.
One Haiku
how do I begin? the song of a robin is lost in the telling
“Writing on my hand”
Sometimes I make notes of things to remember on my left hand, and then go up to receive communion…
Four Haiku and One
redefining pink –
bursting magnolia buds
stretch their baby fists
“Made for your hand”
Pebblebed Heaths lie inland of Budleigh, and the beach is formed of pebbles, beautifully smooth.
“Learning to float”
I learned to float when I was 53, off the beach at Budleigh Salterton, Devon.
“Exploring Prayer”, a series
For three years I wrote a series of articles for Exeter Cathedral, introducing contemplative prayer as a way deepening our relationship with God.
The Depth and Breadth of Kith and Kin
What if we were to listen to our home with the ears of our heart, with the proprioception of our soul? To open ourselves up to a relationship with a particular place.
Slow Book Group: Carl McColman, “Befriending Silence”
Some notes on running a book group reading “Befriending Silence” by Carl McColman, sharing and reflecting on insights that are helpful for in practising prayer and living the spiritual life.
“What is the point of contemplative prayer?”
Or are we asking the wrong questions? For one of the points of contemplative prayer is that it has no point, and our goal-oriented and purpose-driven world finds this hard to grasp.
Guided Meditation: Jesus speaks to the weary
An imaginative meditation on Jesus as he is teaching ‘I will give you rest’.
“Prayer at/on the edge”
“Come to the edge. We might fall. Come to the edge. It’s too high! COME TO THE EDGE! And they came, And he pushed, And they flew.” – Christopher Logue
Guided Meditation: Centring Prayer
A guided meditation introducing Centring Prayer as taught by Fr Thomas Keating OCSO; for use in groups.
The Depth and Breadth of Kith and Kin
Clare Bryden. The Depth and Breadth of Kith and Kin, The Porch Magazine, 3 September 2024.
The English writer Clare Bryden has written an extraordinary reflection for The Porch on kith and kin. That’s a term that used to be familiar to me, but when I read Clare’s essay I realized that I had missed the depth of possibility contained in those words.
“Spiritual journalling”
In essence, a prayer journal is a written record of your relationship with God. Putting things down on paper accesses different parts of the brain, and in the hard times, it may remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Guided Meditation: Jesus visiting Zaccheus
A guided reflection on the story of Zaccheus meeting Jesus; in the style of Ignatian meditation.
“Finding God in all things”
Teach me, my God and King,
In all things Thee to see,
And what I do in anything
To do it as for Thee.
— from The Elixir by George Herbert
Guided meditation: Giving and receiving hospitality
A meditation on John 12.1-8, on giving and receiving hospitality; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Praying continuously”
In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul urged his readers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5.17). So what does this mean?
“The Jesus Prayer”
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Guided Meditation: Shining like the sun
An imaginative meditation based on Thomas Merton’s realisation that all people are walking around shining like the sun; for use in groups.
“Praying with icons”
Many icons depict Jesus, or Mary presenting her son, as gazing directly at the pray-er, inviting eye contact as a way into encounter with the person of Jesus.
“Compline: A celebration of Ascension” in St Olave’s Church
Performance of “On the Holy Mountain” by Andrew Wilson and other vocal and instrumental music, concluding with the ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto).
“Friendship with God”
Consider your friendship with God. How do you relate to God as you would relate to a friend? What makes a good friendship?
Slow Book Group: Malcolm Guite, “The Word within the words”
Some notes on running a one-off group reading The Word within the words by Malcolm Guite, including questions for prompting discussion and a guided meditation.
Guided meditation: The Word within the words
A meditation on “A Lens”, a poem by Malcolm Guite; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Accompaniment in prayer”
Spiritual Directors or Soul Friends will not finish the race for us. But they will share the journey and help us notice where God is active in our relationship of prayer and in our daily lives.
“Always beginning in prayer”
We are all always beginning in prayer, and always will be. The true experts in prayer have a beginner’s mind, always open to new possibilities.
Slow Book Group: Mother Mary Clare SLG, Encountering the Depths
Some notes on running a book group reading “Encountering the Depths” by Mother Mary Clare SLG, sharing and reflecting on insights that are helpful for going deep in prayer.
Come and Pray: Lectio Divina
Come and Pray was a day-long event at Exeter Cathedral, featuring opportunities to engage in different forms of prayer and worship. It was lovely to play a small part myself, leading a shared Lectio Divina session for anyone who wished to experience a new way of praying with the Bible.
“Praying our Gratitude”
Gratitude reminds us of abundance and leads to an attitude of contentment, interdependence, and respect for Creation and Creator.
Guided meditation: Encountering the Depths
An imaginative meditation on Julian of Norwich’s description of her thoughts being led down to the seabed; using the approach of Anthony de Mello in Sadhana; for use in groups.
“Petition through contemplation”
There are two basic blunders that we can make make in praying for ourselves: to be too demanding; and not to ask at all.
Guided meditation: The Common Mind
A meditation on Ephesians 4.11-15, on our common mind and growing up in every way into Christ; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Contemplative intercession”
Three (very tentative) understandings of what I am doing in intercession as part of my contemplative practice
Guided meditation: Being Christians
A meditation on an excerpt from Encountering the Depths on our co-operation with God in prayer; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
The Pilgrim Chapel at Malling Abbey: Drawing in light
Refuge from the heat. Saturated with silence. Present to my presence.
“Visio Divina, praying with the eyes of your heart”
The slow reading of a picture may be more helpful to those who find it easier to engage visually with the world rather than through words
“Playful prayer”
Playful prayer – being light-hearted, spontaneous, simply enjoying God – helps us avoid ‘worthiness’ and ploddery.
Guided meditation: Listening
A meditation flowing between listening to our breathing, to exterior and interior, and to God; for use in groups.
“Discerning the path of prayer”
“Pray as you can and do not try to pray as you can’t. Take yourself as you find yourself: start from that.”
Jetzt ist die Zeit!
At Kirchentag I learnt a new word: ‘Impuls’… an idea, inspiration, stimulation, or prompt to conversation, action or prayer…
“The purpose of prayer techniques”
“Prayer is not a technique but a relationship. There is no unfitness, no obstacle, no problem… All anyone can do for us is to keep our eyes on Jesus…”
Guided meditation: The Search for a Relationship
A meditation on an excerpt from Encountering the Depths on our relationship with God; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer”
As you read scripture or spiritual writing, one saying or word might strike you. Stop and write it out long-hand. Then ask yourself three questions…
Preaching to the birds
Gradually becoming aware that I was surrounded by birdsong, I began to muse and murmur…
“Praying with three questions”
As you read scripture or spiritual writing, one saying or word might strike you. Stop and write it out long-hand. Then ask yourself three questions…
For as soon as…
“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7.7-8; NRSV)
“Walking and Praying the Labyrinth”
Praying a labyrinth is a journey to the centre. It is akin to walking a winding pilgrim path, taking time to reflect and ponder our interior landscape.
Slow Book Group: Anthony de Mello, Awareness
Some notes on running a one-off group reading Awareness by Anthony de Mello, including questions for prompting discussion and a guided meditation (or two).
Guided meditation: Awareness
A meditation using the list of contents in Awareness by Anthony De Mello; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Olave’s Church
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring musicians Andrew Maries (Oboe), Sophie Brewer (Flute), Catherine Bradley (Cello), John Draisey (Keyboard) and the music of Andrew Wilson.
“Praying the Examen”
The Examen is a way of reflecting prayerfully on your day. It may be a very short prayer, or a period of longer reflection. It may prayed at any time, but is often prayed last thing at night.
“The apophatic way: desiring God in the darkness”
The apophatic, or negative, way of prayer starts with the teaching that God is no thing that we can grasp. God is utterly transcendent and beyond every thing that God has made.
Slow Book Group: Paula Gooder, Everyday God
Some notes on running a group reading Paula Gooder’s book for Ordinary Time: “Everyday God” over six months, holding a space for the members to reflect on the text and how any insights might help them in their prayer life and spiritual journey.
The Great O Antiphons
The Great Os are the antiphons used with the Magnificat at vespers or evensong on the last seven days of Advent. They are the material for the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.
“The kataphatic way: praying with metaphor”
The kataphatic, or affirmative, way of prayer seeks to describe God, and to express what or who God is in terms of what God is like, in order to understand and come closer to God.
Guided meditation: Glimpsing Glory
A meditation on the story of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai with the skin of his face shining after talking with God; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
“Pray the Collects and write your own”
Constraints can be a vital source of creativity. They force us to think and release our imaginations. The form of the Collect is a way to collect our intentions in prayer and arrange them.
Guided meditation: The Call to Extraordinariness
A guided reflection on the story of four friends lowering a paralysed man through the roof to Jesus; in the style of Ignatian meditation.
“Praying the Daily Office and the Psalms”
The Church’s pattern of prayer today is a simplification of the eight-fold monastic daily office associated with Psalm 119 v164 “Seven times a day I praise you” and v62 “At midnight I rise to give you thanks”.
Guided meditation: An Ordinary Kingdom
A guided reflection on the parable of the treasure hidden in the field, in different tellings.
Greenbelt ponderings
I got Greenbelt wrong this year. Not totally – in many ways it was wonderful – but enough to make me wonder: What might I do differently?
“Praying with the Bible – Ignatian meditation”
Praying with the imagination can be helpful if you have spent time in study and want to deepen your encounter with scripture, or if you struggle with the Bible’s content and want a different way in.
On writing guided meditations: open questions
In therapy, the reflective question “How do you feel about that?” has become a cliché. But there are reasons for that: it is open-ended while not being leading.
Guided meditation: An Everyday God
An imaginative meditation on God as potter; using the approach of Anthony de Mello in Sadhana; for use in groups.
“Praying with the Bible – Lectio Divina”
Regular Bible reading and study gives us breadth of knowledge. Lectio Divina helps us also absorb Scripture at depth.
Guided meditation: Unsung heroes
A meditation on the story of the feeding of the five thousand in John’s Gospel; in the style of Lectio Divina; for use in groups.
Providing hospitality, receiving hospitality, sharing space
The story of Mary and Martha is a well-worn sermon topic. What might I have said if I had been on preaching duty last Sunday evening?
“If only”, an imaginative meditation
An invitation into encounter, through a guided meditation on the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5.
“If only”, a creative reflection
Everything is started by a simple “if only” by a young girl. The girl is not named. But she does still have a story – everyone has a story.
“Embodied prayer”
Engaging our body in prayer – praying with the whole person – deepens our attentiveness and enables different intentions in prayer.
Guided meditation: On turning aside
A meditation on turning aside to the miracle of the burning bush; in the style of Ignatian meditation; for use in groups.
“Prayer which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes”
Can we come close to seeing and scenting a spray of the lily of the valley as God might see it? Hearing the chatter of a treeful of sparrows as God might hear them?
Guided meditation: SMILE
Saturday’s Prayerdle was SMILE, which brought a smile to a friend’s face. So I thought I would write and offer this short meditation.
“Pilgrimage: Prayer on the Way”
“Pilgrimage is an opportunity to reflect on the journey of our lives, and on our journey homewards to God.” – Devon Pilgrim guidance on the St Boniface Way
Slow Book Group: Maggie Ross, Writing the Icon of the Heart
Some notes on running a group reading Maggie Ross, Writing the Icon of the Heart together. Through slow reading, pondering, and sharing our responses and insights, we sought to discern how the Spirit is calling us to deepen our faith and prayer.
Slow reading
“Reading gives God more glory when we get more out of it, when it is a more deeply vital act not only of our intelligence but of our whole personality, absorbed and refreshed in thought, meditation, prayer, or even in the contemplation of God.” – Thomas Merton
“Praying with a prayer-phrase: Maranatha and the Psalms”
Repeating a short phrase over and over can be a helpful way of holding the surface mind’s attention while the soul encounters God in the depths.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Olave’s Church
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring the music of Barber, Bach and Pergolesi, and musicians Ruth Molins (Flute), Emma Welton (Violin), John Draisey (organ).
“Distractions in Prayer”
When we enter our prayer time, it is probably not long before we get distracted. But there are preparations we can make and tactics we can employ.
15 minutes of flame
This week I’ve been doing a tiny bit of press for Prayerdle
Lunar reflections
During February, while the Cathedral is hosting the Museum of the Moon, what might I have preached in the face of this reminder of my finitude?
“Centring Prayer and the Sacred Word”
We often find our attention wandering in prayer, but over the centuries, people well-versed in the practice have developed techniques that can help us.
He sat down
How sitting down among the people was a symbolic or sacramental action that made the Incarnation real.
“Forming habits of prayer”
How can we make sure we make time for God? Form a habit and find a bridge.
Awareness walks
Set off alone and start walking. Find your own space and breathe deeply. Be aware of your own body. Feel your limbs and the ground under your feet.
“1×1”
Studies of colour, form and pattern that are below, around and above me.
“Waiting on God”
It is hard going against the flow of today’s culture, and waiting for anything. So it might be helpful to think in terms of waiting on God.
Considering the body
I don’t necessarily articulate in my mind my understanding of an action as my body performs it during the liturgy. I allow that physical action to be my expression of intention and my offering.
“Explore Prayer” for Exeter Cathedral news
You are infinitely loved by God, and God is waiting and longing to be with you. Prayer is simply the expression of our relationship with God.
The gift of the blue bottle
It is prayer hour in the convent chapel on a sunny summer morning. Dust motes swirl idly in the sun’s rays streaming through the high windows. The chapel is still, apart from a solitary blue bottle.
“Someone”, an imaginative meditation
An invitation into encounter, through a guided meditation on the vignette in Matthew 12.46-50.
“Someone”, a creative reflection
Anyone is invited to share in Jesus’ most intimate relationship: his relationship with his “Father in heaven”. Everyone may be a Someone.
New blog on prayer and spiritual life
I have increasingly been feeling that I wanted to write more about my prayer and spirituality. I have therefore started a new blog…
Prayer installations
As part of starting a new blog devoted to prayer and spiritual life, I have moved over the material on related installations.
Performance in a worship context
As part of starting a new blog devoted to prayer and spiritual life, I have moved over the material on related performance.
Prayer and Bible reading groups
As part of starting a new blog devoted to prayer and spiritual life, I have moved over the material on related workshops and group work.
Slow Book Group: The Cloud of Unknowing
Some notes on running a group reading The Cloud together. Through it, we hoped to gain a deeper understanding of prayer and through that to deepen our own prayer lives and relationships with God.
Seeing and believing and living
Another in my very irregular series of ‘were I to have preached’… What happens when we look at the two stories of Mary Magdalene at the tomb and Doubting Thomas together?
#DIYLent #poetry #light #prayer
In this year of quarantine, I have been observing a DIY Lent. I thought it would be wonderful to get together (via Zoom of course) with one or two different friends each week. Both of us bring a poem, or piece of poetic prose, or art, or music to share and reflect on.
Come dancing
I went on an expedition today, all the way to Middlemoor roundabout, for a picnic lunch amidst the trees and daffodils.
Life is like a box of tesserae
There is a bi-i-ig difference between jigsaws and mosaics. Jigsaws have only one correct solution. Mosaic tiles can be pieced together in many different ways…
Psalmathon
St Peter’s day on 29 June 2020, Exeter Cathedral held a Psalmathon – reading all 150 Psalms in about 8 hours.
Lectio Divina on Zoom
Initially a step into the unknown, group Lectio Divina over Zoom has proved to work extremely well; its very structured format holds open a space for deep encounters with both God and each other.
Where prayer is valid
During the days between Ascension and Pentecost, I found myself ruminating about Exeter Cathedral as building and people, prompted by the lack of access to church buildings during lockdown.
Fracted / Emerging
#ice #crystals #fractals #window #sky #monastery #gate #bars #tunnel #amphitheatre #grass #bowl #blue #green #light #dark #2×2 #patterns
Explore Prayer
I have been writing some material about prayer for the Cathedral website, in hope that it will help visitors deepen their relationship with God and draw them closer to the community of praying people in the Cathedral.
“2×2”
Studies of form and pattern, inside and out, natural and artifical, found and artefact.
A Christmas message
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, with love and hope for 2020.
China clay in your hand
Many years ago I saw a TV segment exploring a china clay pit, and was struck by the infinite landscape and colours. I’d been wanting to see one with my own eyes ever since, and have finally had the chance.
Thy Kingdom Come 2019
Thy Kingdom Come is a global wave of prayer uniting Christians around the world during the days from Ascension Day to Pentecost. From 30 May to 9 June 2019, Exeter Cathedral is hosting a special prayer room in the Grandisson Chapel tucked into the West Front. Based on the parable of the hidden treasure, I’ve set up a small installation with a small action to help people pray.
“Springs in the Desert” for ViaMedia.News
O wilderness God, I do not ask to avoid the journey and the struggle. Only help me to trust that you are always beside me holding my hand fast in yours, even when all seems dark and dry, and that you will lead me to a place of refreshment, and blessing at the end. Amen.
“Listening to Silent Spring” at Mikrofest
Mikrofest was a free mini festival to launch Kaleider’s new home. I took the opportunity to trial an installation of “Listening to Silent Spring” in a couple of bird boxes in the building.
“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Martin’s Church
The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring the music of Bach, Barber and Saint-Saëns, and musicians Ruth Molins, Sophie Brewer (Flute), Emma Welton (Violin), Catherine Bradley (Cello).
Catching the wind
Mucknell Abbey, Worcestershire, 10 March 2011 – The anticyclonic frost and cold of the beginning of March has become cyclonic bluster and low cloud. I take advantage of the force 5-ish sou’westerlies, and reach for my kite.
Workshop on “Slow Bible Reading”
I led this workshop on the ancient monastic practice of Lectio Divina, as part of a Prayer & Spirituality Day at Exeter Cathedral.
Community Star Gazing
Following the “Star Spangled Kyrangle”, it’s great to see the idea of Community Star Gazing taking off around Exeter.
“Listening to Silent Spring” audio
“Listening to Silent Spring” is a piece of sound art, based on a listening walk around east Exeter on the 50th anniversary of publication of “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. The sounds I noted became the script for the piece. The work is mostly silence, which allows the listener to become aware of their own ambient soundtrack.
A prayer story
There are as many different understandings and types of prayer as there are different people. Here are mine.
What are the places that mean something to you?
What are the places that mean something to you? What three words…? started out as a coding exercise. I’d been learning Javascript, and wanted to put it into practice.
FALAFELS
FALAFELS stands for Free Art Friday Exeter St Loyes Loves Anagrams. You have to think about it a bit!
Action in a World of Contemplation *
Greenbelt is a festival of arts, faith and justice, held over the August Bank Holiday. The programme is huge, so to help me manage it I often choose a theme. This year I didn’t, consciously at any rate, but it became apparent as the weekend unfolded that I’d ringed quite a lot of talks relating to contemplation and action.
Northbrook mouth to source
Twas on the day of the autumn equinox that Diana and I decided to walk the Northbrook from mouth to source.
Clare and Rosie go for a wander
My ideas for an artist’s residency in St Loyes Exeter are gathering momentum. I’m close to putting in my first grant application, and on Friday 28 July Rosie King kindly joined me on a walk around the ward. It’s an area ripe for an artistic response!
#ExeterClimateHope at “Think…Art”
Today, my “Little colouring books of climate mindfulness” popped up in the Exeter University Forum alongside “Green|Blue: Exe”. I was doing a colour-by-numbers activity as part of “Think…Art”, a day of free fun artistic activities linked to the University’s research themes.
“Little colouring books” in the “Kuuki” exhibition
“Kuuki : the things we take for granted, but cannot live without” is a response to climate change and other environmental concerns, and a statement on the desperate need for social change.
“Little colouring book: Winter Blues” in the “Artist Toys” exhibition
The idea for the “Little colouring books” originated partly in the games I made for my “Particulart: Up in the Air” show. It seemed a natural progession to create more playful engagement with climate change. Although the maps are of the UK, they can be applied elsewhere, and I am very happy that they have made their way to other lands.
World Origami Day
In modern times, origami has been used as a beacon of hope. I created the origami “Soul Cube” to help me get past that powerful critical voice in my head and access the deeper nurturing wise voice that speaks words I need to hear.
“Little colouring book: Winter Blues” in the “Toying With Art” exhibition
It’s a toy shop that isn’t a toy shop, full of toys that aren’t toys.
Five “Little colouring books” went to market!
I’ve finally finished my fourth and fifth “Little colouring books of climate mindfulness”. You can now get hold of “Winter Blues”, “Summertime”, “Middle Course”, “Grandchildren” and “Worst Case” in the shop.
A hymn to bees
Clare Bryden. A hymn to bees. Third Way Magazine, March 2016.
As the first shoots and blooms appear, Clare Bryden welcomes the returning buzz of bees, and takes a year-round look at the complex threats to these and other pollinators so necessary to the interconnected web of creation.
New work: “Little colouring books”
Today I p-p-picked up a pilot from the University printshop. I am very excited to see my idea for presenting the UK Climate Projections 2009 as a colour-by-numbers booklet coming to fruition! So, I present to you…
More tea? Yes, and do take your time
Clare Bryden. More tea? Yes, and do take your time. Church Times, 11 September 2015.
A quick coffee might suit some, but there is no substitute for ritual, Clare Bryden discovers.
“Touch:Triptych” in the Exeter Community Centre Summer Exhibition
My first piece in my first exhibition! The three panels of Touch:Triptych together for the first time.
“Knitting and other revolutionary acts”
Clare Bryden. Knitting and other revolutionary acts. Third Way Magazine, May 2015.
As competing political voices reach election crescendo, could it be that artistic, home-spun forms of activism are more positive and quietly persuasive? Clare Bryden hails the rise of ‘Craftivism’ and explains how knitting can change the world.
“Particulart” participating in Lent Carbon Fast
You’ve probably heard of Lent fasts: giving up chocolate or biscuits or swearing for the 40 days before Easter. The Church of England in the south west is going to be running a Carbon Fast this year, and Particulart is going to be involved through a new exhibition in Bristol Cathedral.
Lecture – “Particulart, or the art of knitting, chemistry, meditation and gentle protest”
Last night, at somewhat short notice, I stepped into a breach and gave a St Michael’s Lecture. I liked the title so much, I adopted it for the work.
Rainfall as blessing
During Lent 2015, Eco Church South West is promoting a Carbon Fast, focusing on water. You can sign up to daily emails containing an action, bible reading and reflection. I wrote about rain as a blessing for today’s reflection.
“Particulart, or the art of knitting, chemistry, meditation and gentle protest”
Particulart is all about knitting. It’s also all about the Exeter Incinerator, which was inaugurated on 16th October 2014, and about waste management strategy, and monitoring emissions, and the environment, and health, and transparency, and visual impact, and chemistry.
“Particulart” in the Real Food café
The original “Particulart” was a collaboration between Clare Bryden and Diana Moore, exhibiting in the Exeter Real Food café during autumn 2014. Knitting and emitting particles was our way of telling other people about the Exeter Incinerator and its potential impacts.
A Spirit of Our Time
Clare Bryden. A Spirit of Our Time. Resurgence Magazine online, September/October 2014.
Clare Bryden introduces Simone Weil, whose life and philosophy were one and the same.
Zombie Apocalypse
“I would ask you to take a walk on your own (where and at what time of day is up to you) for at least half an hour. I would like you to walk ‘as’ the last human survivor of a zombie apocalypse.”
How Place Shapes Prayer
Clare Bryden. How Place Shapes Prayer. Reform Magazine, November 2013.
Clare Bryden explores the spirituality of place in a Benedictine community in Worcestershire.
In search of pseudo-sacred spaces
Yesterday was the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment. So it’s appropriate that I spent the afternoon walking with Phil Mythogeography Smith in search of sacred and pseudo-sacred spaces.
Blackberrying for beginners
Clare Bryden. Blackberrying for beginners. Resurgence Magazine, Sep/Oct 2013.
Shortlisted essay from the Resurgence & Ecologist Nature Writing Competition.
Tewlwolow Kernow
It was a hot bright day during the 2013 summer heatwave. I approached from below through the gardens recently planted with exotics from even hotter climes. I passed through a circular seating space, an antechamber, through a narrow door into a low and dark space stoppered by light in front and behind, and opened out suddenly into bright height.
A lane of two halves: one year on
Last year, I did the first half of a walk down the 1800s route of Woodwater Lane. I managed the western half as far as the Retail Park, before giving up due to the rain. Exactly one year later, I completed the journey.
Wildflower whispers!
Now is the time when we most need our pollinators, and our pollinators need wildflowers to thrive. So I have been feeling sad over the last few days about the acres of wildflowers in the verges in Exeter that are being strimmed, and took it upon myself to protest a little…
Digging where we stand
Clare Bryden. Digging where we stand. Third Way Magazine, June 2013.
Driven by restless searching, our modern world often seems to undermine the very community we crave. But Clare Bryden believes that’s an invitation to dig deeper for the roots that truly sustain us.
“#turnedoutgreyagain”, a Twoem
Blackbird perched precariously in pyracantha, picking at plentiful berries. #ventriloquismforbeginners
Living the Questions at TEDxExeter 2013
There are several possible origins for the word ‘religion’ and its modern senses. None of these need imply certainty and rule out doubt. I want to go back to the etymological origins of ‘religion’, and ask a few questions. In the spirit of the TEDxExeter 2013 theme of Living the Questions, I’m not expecting to answer them.
Pilgrim at the Northbrook
I intended to spend the morning re-reading Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, but instead spent the morning reading around it. So after lunch, I allowed the sun to call me out for a walk down by my very own Tinker Creek that is the Northbrook.
Autumn audit
In honour of Silent Spring, I spent two hours wandering around my neighbourhood and listening. Listening not just for birds, but for everything, including all those sounds we usually tune out.
Silent Spring
Today is the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. In its honour, I am spending a couple of hours walking around my neighbourhood listening for bird song. In the meantime, here are three short posts I wrote a year and a half ago, reflecting on the book.
Blue, the colour of home
A response to Rebecca Solnit’s A Field Guide to Getting Lost and the BBC programme A History of Art in Three Colours, Blue.
Woodwater plants
The house martins were gathering and sporting on the wing, prior to departure for warmer climes, and Mark Lane from Wilderness Guide kindly popped over to see what plants we could find in Woodwater Lane in September.
Summer fruits
I was away from Exeter for a couple of weeks, and when I returned (though I returned) I remained absent. It was several days before I remembered it was ‘high summer’ and there was free fruit to be had in Ludwell Valley Park and along the suburban margins.
Mythogeography
Maybe I just wanted to be a mythogeographer when I grew up.
St Loyes Chapel
It’s a pleasant little segment in Rifford Road, set in a garden surrounded with metal railings. There is a bus-stop in front, and it is very ease to miss St Loyes Chapel altogether if you don’t know it is there.
Woodwater by night
I spent a day immured in the office at the computer, feeling wintry-cold while it rained and rained. By night-time, I was completely frowstie at being stuck indoors. As the rain had pretty much dried up, I decided on some mythogeography. Going for walks at odd times, like 10.30pm, follows mythogeographical principles, after all.
Woodwater wander
As a birthday treat, I promised myself a walk down Woodwater Lane, from home to water to wood to home again. A satisfying experimentation in exploring the present day.
From wood to water
Yesterday, cycling down a section of Woodwater Lane, I noticed a corn cockle in the bank. It struck me that I have cycled down the lane many a time, walked down it occasionally, picked blackberries at that time of year, but I have never really paid attention to it.
Ludwell life
It was a happy accident that the house I bought when I moved to Exeter is very close to Ludwell Valley Park. It is my slice of countryside in the city, where I can wander down enclosed lanes, through fields of nodding purple grasses.
The migrants’ return
This week I am happy because “my” house martins have returned. It happened on Tuesday. As I was sitting at my desk, suddenly there was a rush of gurgling and chuckling, and I looked out of my window to see madcap aerobatics.
Christmas Day
Evening meal; lunchtime walk around the Exminster Marshes, and the Exe Canal and Estuary around the Turf Hotel and Topsham
Great expectations
Expectation can be good; having high expectations of students can lead them to do better. People in general tend to live up to or down to expectations. The problem is when the expectations are unrealistic.
Reading to know we are not alone, part 2
The monastic practice of lectio divina allows us to open ourselves to God’s word. It can be loosely translated as ‘spiritual reading’, but does not just involve reading.
“Presence”
A poem inspired by Iona, and commended in Earthing Faith’s “Inspired by Creation” competition, October 2010.
Talking about “Prayer”
This evening, I’ve been asked to talk about Prayer, I suppose because I have a practice of contemplative prayer and am about to go and live alongside a monastic community. Trouble is, how do I express the inexpressible? Here is roughly what I want to say.
“My soul has taken flight”
An experiment in a geo-located poem, August 2010.
“Waiting for the Fionnphort Bus”
Poem published in Poetry Scotland, Late Spring 2010.