Kathryn Lord

I have been a companion for five years and here are just some of the things I love about Contemplative Fire (which are all summarised in the wonderful trefoil): the vulnerable journey as we encourage each other to follow in the way of Christ; contemplative practices such as listening threes, chants and body prayer; accepting and learning from people and things that are different from us: nurturing the skills that companions have and the willingness to give new things a go; connection; unknowing.

I find great nourishment from the gatherings that are offered: my Journey to God group in Sheffield, retreats, the community weekend and online Wisdom on the Way and Times of Togetherness. I have contributed to these and in the Summer of 2023 I co-lead a four day online retreat space for stories, creativity and connection with nature.

I began my ‘work life’ as a Science teacher and then began the work of ‘killing the teacher in me’ when I became a trainer in Godly Play. Godly Play, like Contemplative Fire, has also had a massive impact on my spiritual journey. I think that story, play, creativity and curiosity can help us find connection and meaning and I have sought to apply the principles of Godly Play in setting up the OutoftheBox initiative, which is part of the Deep Talk movement. I am a spiritual accompanier and retreat leader and find that Godly Play and Deep Talk are helpful tools for both personal and group spiritual accompaniment.

I am very fortunate to be living near to Whirlow Spirituality Centre where I regularly attend the weekly reflective communion and Space to Be which is an opportunity to meditate in silence, which is a practice I need to practise!

My mantra at the moment is “First the fall, and then the recovery from the fall, and both are the mercy of God” from Julian of Norwich. I have fallen many times, which has sometimes led me intodepression. But in the end I do think we “fall upward.” I spent a precious morning with Philip Roderick a few months ago and he asked me “What is the most important question for you?” My answer was “Who am I?” and I think that CF is helping me to discover that finding God and finding my true self cannot be separated. I love swimming in the wild – it helps me feel connected with myself, others, nature and the Divine. I believe that “Christ plays in ten thousand places.”