Garden for Reflection
Good evening,
The Chaplaincy is working with colleagues from Estates and others on a Garden for Reflection.
In words largely drafted by Barbara Davey, our honorary Quaker Chaplain, the garden’s inspiration is born from our common experience of the pandemic, in the hope that the difficulties we have been through might nevertheless bear rich fruit. It is a response to our growing realisation of the benefits of being with nature, out in the open, taking time to look after ourselves and nurture our inner life. Although the university has many green spaces, none are specifically set aside for quietness and contemplation, with the healing this can offer. The garden seeks to address this vital need, providing a safe space where all, regardless of their faith or philosophy of life, will feel welcome.
The proposal sits firmly within the Chaplaincy’s strong and ongoing commitment to sustainability and concern for the environment. As such it is an opportunity to explore and express fresh understandings of our integral place within a sustainably managed ecosystem, with all the diversity this brings. We do not aim to impose ourselves on the landscape of the site, instead working with it as our understanding of it unfolds, introducing changes incrementally. This echoes work currently being undertaken by the St Andrews Botanic Garden.
So far, a site has been identified, some essential tree-maintenance has taken place, and other preparatory work. The Garden for Reflection will be on the site of the Old Botanic Garden near the Laidlaw Music Centre. An iron gate is being restored, and while that is happening the gateway is open. That’s the reason for the timing of this Companionship email. You are welcome to go in and have a wander, and sense what the space already is and what it could be in the future – somewhere to catch your breath after a difficult time, somewhere for lunch, a place for meditation, and more.
Here is a picture of the gateway.
Yours,
Donald.