While rumours had been circulating for a while, it still came as a bit of a shock to have the actuality confirmed, that CECAS must vacate Myross Wood at the end of June. That includes my weekly mindfulness meditation group and monthly mindfulness peer support group for family carers. I was hoping for a miracle, and still hold that hope, though the immediate reality has brought a wide mix of emotions to the forefront. I feel a great sadness for my own work and the wonderful people, now friends, who’ve been meditating with me for all these years. We’re all feeling the loss of potential and what might have been, for the local community with this vast amenity, grounded in local history and memories.
While this change is outside of our control and will be managed, maybe even embraced in the future, we must allow ourselves to ‘have our moment’ and allow time to genuinely feel uncomfortable feelings. I am not a ‘get on with it’ type of person and very often find it hard to disguise what I’m feeling. The process of anything, as far as I’m concerned, is as, if not more important, than the task. So how something happens is as valuable as the way it actually happens. The balancing of the process and task is embedded as a principle in community work training and in mindfulness training also. It’s the journey, not the destination that is important.
But, in this moment, the destination matters too, because we don’t know where the mindfulness groups at Myross Wood will re-locate to. This will take months to figure out but I am relying on patience and trust and will take it one step at a time. And I’m not at all on my own, so many people care, including my weekly drop-in meditation group on Tuesday mornings, people who have been sitting meditating collectively for six years. Everyone offers comfort and potential solutions. My monthly mindfulness peer support for family carers, also in its sixth year, care very much where we will gather in the future.
This work really matters to me, it supports us through grief, loss and change in our lives, helping us to manage the micro and the macro moments, allowing us to feel real happiness and joy. We are in the process of developing an online communication page and notice board for all carers in West Cork and this is vital work, led by the carers group at Myross Wood. The empathy and compassion for others in this monthly group is very special to behold. Huge thanks to Cork ETB who have funded this work for a number of years through REACH funding with the welcome addition this year of the Collaboration and Innovation Fund. The work won’t stop, it will need a new venue.
But here now, reflecting over my time at Myross Wood, I have such appreciation for every single person I have encountered along the way. Whether it was at a weekly mindfulness drop-in session, a themed workshop, staff teambuilding/wellbeing days, last year’s overnight retreat for family carers, or at a fundraising workshop last November to honour Dermot and all the souls. Or perhaps we connected at our monthly mindfulness peer support sessions for family carers, annual reconnect and re-engage programme or outdoor mindfulness in nature sessions. Thank you every single one of you, from the bottom of a very full heart.
I have an appreciation for the place itself, close to my native Castlehaven, that held us all, surrounded by nature, such a special place connecting us to our very roots. Walking the other day, I had the most magical encounter with a giant hare, who lolloped along the road, stopped and rose up to his/her full height, just looking at me for a couple of minutes before heading off down the path. I hope so much that the wildlife and nature living there will continue to be supported after CECAS leave. The many staff and volunteers who supported us over the years deserve a massive mention on this list of gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for the wholesome soup for our carers group and associated events, the homemade cake and most of all the care.
We will deal with what’s happening but it’s ok to pause and take a moment or more, to feel our feelings around the loss of this community space. I will keep people posted in these monthly writings but please keep an eye on my Facebook page for up-to-date information on where we’re heading. Care by Rachel Holstead feels very apt today.
‘In those moments when you want to care for all the world, / Remember that in you is also the whole of the world. / And you can only begin here – caring for this skin, / These bones, this heart. / Delve deep into caring, and every cell becomes a temple in which to honour the world.’
Mindfulness in June
Our last two drop-in mindfulness sessions at CECAS, Myross Wood, Leap on Tuesday mornings 10-11am, June 16, and 30. €12. Beginners, returners and newcomers are always welcome.
For more information: phone: 087 2700572 or email: susanoreganmindfulness@gmail.com
f susanoreganmindfulness
www.mindhaven.ie
