A quiet day with + Adrian Newman 'Decomposing '

DECOMPOSING

Retirement after a lifetime of making things happen

Adrian Newman had to retire early a few years ago on health grounds. After spending the majority of his life in full-time ministry in the Church of England, most recently as a Dean and then a Bishop, he has spent the past few years reflecting deeply on what ‘retirement’ means and how this phase of life can be lived to the full. He writes about this quiet day:

In human terms, after a working life of ‘composing’ – making lots of things happen – retirement is an opportunity to de-compose in some crucial areas and discover that later life is fertile ground for the wild hope of a new human flourishing.

In ecological terms, and under the right circumstances, decomposition can have the effect of creating, sustaining and encouraging new life. What happens if we apply this metaphor to the period of life we label ‘retirement’?

If you have an intuition that you have reached a Moment of Truth, and sense that God is calling you into a divine disturbance where life can be rearranged in a richer way, this may be the quiet day for you. I offer it to anyone who – like me – finds themselves at this peculiar transition point in life and wants to experience it as an opportunity rather than a threat, a gateway into a world of adventure, and a phase of existence fecund with possibilities.

The cost of £45 includes coffee and pastries on arrival, a retreat lunch and afternoon pot of tea and cake

Or come and book to stay overnight Friday and make the most of being at this extraordinary urban oasis. All our lovely rooms are ensuite and include breakfast.

Kind Notice

Any non-chargeable cancellations should be made at least 7 days prior to the day of arrival. A 100% cancellation fee will be made for any late cancellations or non-arrivals.

Any refunds made prior to this will exclude Eventbrite and or administration fees.