by Michelle Vass. 

It was very appropriate that my arrival here at Campfire was timed with the ‘Space to Be’ retreat led by Fr Bernard McGrath and facilitated by Susan Sullivan. It also seemed appropriate that a 3,000 km journey from Melbourne brought me back to Alice Springs in the 50th anniversary year of my first visit here on a school trip in 1975. The red rocks had remained etched in my memory and I was not to be disappointed. What stories they can tell! So here I am as Meditator-in-Residence, to be a praying witness holding the Silence and sharing with others the beauty of meditation in this place. There is space to ‘be’ and all I need do is be… to honour the space and welcome what it offers; be….to be attentive to what this space in the heart of our country can teach; be… allow myself and through my presence here all who long for the space to be free, to be blessed in the Silence.

During the retreat, we had three opportunities to witness the dawn together. The patient waiting, the joy of light being born, and the surprise of colourful clouds enveloping us all round gave sheer
delight. A haiku and a tanka poem came as gift…..

Wrapped in fairy floss
A child in a lolly shop
Winter sun gives birth.

Wispy gossamer
And the gem of a rainbow
Pink, dappled cloud sky
Filigree trees, red orange rock
Sheer delight, this brand new day.

So as this sojourn in the centre at Campfire begins, let’s be encouraged by the words of Ps 62:1-2,

In God alone does my soul find rest;
From God alone comes my safety.
You alone are my rock and salvation;
With You as my stronghold, I shall not be overcome.

In our times of meditation, may we be drawn ever closer to rest in the shade of the Rock. Ever still, ever silent, ever present…

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Michelle Vass will be leading a silent retreat at Campfire in the Heart from 5-8 September. For more information click here.