Cleveland Newman Association meeting
Meeting Room, St Bernadette’s, Nunthorpe
21st November 2007

The night’s speaker was Terry Doyle, a local holistic therapist and worker in addictions, who has a special interest in meditation. His topic was ‘Is spirituality relevant in the modern world’?

Beginning with a review of modern life, to an extent ‘cut off’ from our roots by increased industrialisation and social mobility, leading to a disruption of the support of the extended family, he moved to a brief guided meditation. Discussing the relevance of spirituality in such a society, the overwhelming conclusion is spirituality is not only necessary, but essential. It is through spirituality that we are connected to all that is: to God, to each other, to our deepest selves. Spirituality is necessary for survival, for we are all connected; in reality all are one. Even more enlightening was the discussion which followed his talk, in which the audience’s questions widened its scope.

Some memorable points arose. The Eastern spiritual and philosophical writings have much in common with Western spirituality: both include the central ‘space’ or ‘Christ consciousness’ within. Meditation, re-introduced into Western religious practice by John Maine (a Benedictine who died about 20 years ago) is the common ground between all religions: a space wherein we allow ourselves to be still and allow God to enter. Only 8% of a particular group is needed to uplift and help a group through their emanation of God’s consciousness. At the heart of it all is love; all we need do is make ourselves available to it.

The Cleveland Newman Association is taking a break over Christmas and New Year: the next speaker meeting is on 20th February 2008, St Bernadette’s, Nunthorpe at the usual time: 7:30pm refreshments, 7:45pm talk on the work of the Medaille Trust. As always, all are welcome.

Maureen Norrie