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Ottawa Area 2008 Group Leaders Workshop

On Saturday, September 27, twenty-five experienced, as well as potential, Group Leaders, met at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Kanata, Ottawa, for an annual Leader’s Workshop. Leaders represented some 40 groups located in the Ottawa community as well as surrounding areas such as Morrisburg, Arnprior, Brockville. and Kemptville.

Chairperson of the Area Coordinating Committee, Flora Benoit, opened the workshop by outlining the objectives of the day’s event. Flora encouraged us to lead our grassroots meditation communities which enable us to introduce contemplative prayer to other “seekers”, within their own faith tradition.

Ron Dicks, Regional Coordinator, began the session with an inspiring presentation on the Spirituality of the Group Leader. Firstly, we are asked to leave self behind and have humility comes from Wisdom. With this Wisdom comes attributes such as purity, peacefulness, impartiality and sincerity. Secondly, we are “called” to leadership. Thirdly, we are loved and must love others. Fourthly, we must seek the Spirit’s guidance in what we do. Finally, we need to realize the greatness of what we are called to do. Our community is to be enabled and guided and not controlled (by a leader). “Leaders are ‘holy listeners’ who listen others into existence.”

Through individual presentations and small group activities led by facilitators by Flora Benois, Jean Anderchek and Ted Sugden , we explored new ways to publicize the group, create sacred space, discover various roles of Group Leaders, how to attract and welcome new members as well as tips on how to help deal with challenges we may face as a leader.

Peter Collins, speaking from personal experience, entitled his presentation on: Difficulties on the Meditation Path. Peter reminded us that some mediators come to the point of desperation before they adopt the “path”. Because of our woundedness we yearn for home-ness, “Presence and God- mindfulness”. When we face the “swamp” or dark side of our soul, he advised us not to give up our contemplative practice in a state of discomfort. He encouraged us by stating we should try instead to be present to the feelings in our own body- Be still- and Be with-our pain.

Archie Boyd, speaking from his own experience after leading a group in Ottawa for 20 years, spoke of transitions, and how to encourage leadership and co-leadership.

Following these discussions, the group watched an excellent new video direct from Australia. called “Silence in the City” a video by the young Australian meditation community, as well as the endearing video, « Coming Home: A Guide to Teaching Christian Meditation to Children » also new this year from Australia.

Adding to the wealth of material presented, I appreciated the opportunity to purchase books which were for sale. Best of all, I love the opportunity to meet the other leaders which enlivens and encourages me to continue leading a group in Morrisburg. Our appreciation to organizers; Ron Dicks, Flora Benoit, Ted Sugden and Jean Anderchek. And thanks to Marg McGowan and her group for preparing freshly baked scones and muffins!

Robin Lane


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