Wayside’s Inner Circle

I’m always moved to tears and feel very humbled and inspired when I read or listen to Graham’s letter to the Wayside’s Inner Circle, it’s aired at 1.30pm each Monday, on ACB 702′s ‘Afternoons with James Valentine’ you can listen to podcasts here – http://www.thewaysidechapel.com/podcasts.php

Here’s a paragraph from 2 September 2010:

“This is going to sound really weird, but there are worse things in life than death. I’m sure we are never the same after the death of a loved one but even in such a terrible event, there is a gift. The death of my own son has loosened the grip of many things that once I held too tightly. I care little for reputation, status or material things. It has awakened me to the lovely things that I was inclined to overlook. The value of time, the richness of fun, the comfort and healing power of real conversation, the rarity of intimacy, the measure of enough. Although sadness is always with me, I’ve never been more alive and I hope my own death, will be the same kind of gift to those I have loved. It’s funny that it is often only in darkness that we begin to see the light.”

Further on there’s a great line:

“We’re not much like a church which might suit you if you’re not much like a Christian.”

This resonates with me, as I’m not in any way religious. I teach meditation but don’t feel it’s my job to advocate codes of behaviour that stem from ancient traditions/religions. I don’t believe in Guru Worship and that surrendering your judgment in favour of someone else’s is necessary to enjoy the full benefits of meditation. Meditation naturally allows you to connect with a deep still part of yourself that is YOURS; your own spirituality has personal expression that is sometimes beyond words or meaning for anyone else.

The Wayside Chapel has provided unconditional love, care and support for people on and around the streets of Kings Cross since 1964.

Each year, thousands of people visit Wayside for assistance in gaining equitable access to essential health, welfare and related services.

In the past year alone Wayside has provided, amongst other services, 8275 meals (either for free or a handful of change), 4370 changes of clothing, 2120 counseling sessions and over 1790 referrals to services and agencies.