A GROWER'S THOUGHTS ON THE SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL WEEKEND
By Daniel Grow Group Member, Southeastern Region
Friday 17th May to Sunday 19th May.
The weekend in Mount St Anne’s was the first Grow weekend since COVID, and my first Grow event altogether. Arriving at the retreat centre, I felt a sense of calm and the location itself was stunning. A walk through a wooded area nearby lets you take in nature, a field populated by cows and sheep with their lambs, or simply the beauty of the building itself. The first evening was very much a meet and greet and settling in.
The second day was when the work, as one might call it, began. A welcome from Mike followed by a moving testimony. During the weekend we found ourselves lucky enough to be allowed a look into another individuals life through their stories. These, to me, offered one the best parts of the weekend. These parts led to an incredible feeling, which we often struggle to describe. A deep feeling of spirituality and connection with others that is absent from everyday life in many ways. It is the same feeling that I get when I attend my local Grow meetings. This feeling allowed for trust and empathy to be shared. The empathy carried out with every act throughout the weekend, whether it be the simplicity of passing somebody the salt at dinner or showing appreciation for someone for sharing their personal testimony. It was something that wasn’t visible, but felt. Being in the room during these testimonies one could see people being truly present in the moment, allowing themselves to be free of their worries, fears and traumas. The beauty in someone giving the gift of themselves through their testimony showcased to me the very essence of Grow itself. It allowed us to find spiritual meaning in the weekend. To find meaning is to open your heart to something. To trust, to look past fear, which leads to the best in us. It felt like everyone was able to find meaning in the testimonies. This difficult to quantify feeling surrounded the entire weekend, and left the weekend feeling like what hospital should be.
Before the weekend ended on Sunday we would once again have the pleasure of hearing further testimonies which left me with the same feeling as the first. The same feeling I get when I attend my Grow group, and the same feeling I have while writing this. The feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself. The feeling that I was safe and that I was home.
After the testimony we took part in a workshop with Sister Gertrude Howley on boundaries. She was assisted by Chris. Through role-play scenarios and passionate teaching they carried out a workshop which I doubt many will forget. As the day progressed optional workshops were available. I myself, took part in an art pastel workshop with Emma. It gave me a lovely feeling that I had in primary school just enjoying creating something. I have since picked up pastel art as a hobby so to Emma, I thank you for showing me something different that I had never quite done before.
Other workshops included tai chi with Sinead, story writing with Sé and relaxation with Felicia. From speaking to other attendees I learned that these workshops were incredibly relaxing and rewarding, while also allowing for growth through a shared experience. They helped people to interact and got them out of their comfort zone. As the grow wisdom states “ feel the fear and do it anyway”.
Later that night there was live music from Ned who was fantastic and brought an incredible atmosphere and spirit to the night. As I awoke Sunday I thought I would be sad to be leaving, but I wasn’t. To me it felt like I could not think badly of this place. The kindness and enjoyment had left a permanent mark on me. I attended the morning thanks and shortly after we had a final workshop with Treasa on leadership. It was beautiful to see the amount of people who attended and were interested in it. It really left me with a positive feeling for the future, knowing that people who have been through hard times were so interested in how they could fill leadership roles not only in Grow, but in their communities.
To all of the staff in the centre and to the Grow staff, I thank you for all your hard work and perseverance to set up and carry out this weekend. I also thank you for being so accessible and letting yourselves be part of those beautiful moments in which that shared understanding was present. It really put me at ease and showed that even the staff themselves truly understand the very ethos of Grow. To each attendee I thank you for putting yourself out there when it was hard, because it led to a weekend that I certainly will never forget.
