Meditations
Meditations
Although relatively “new” in terms of many English churches, as it is merely Victorian, Highclere’s parish church still has a satisfactory feeling of age and stability. To enter you have to turn a large circular black ring handle whilst simultaneously giving the heavy silvered door a jolly good push. The hinges creak rather satisfactorily creating a sense of anticipation and a further door then leads from the lobby into the main nave of the church.
There are probably lots of scientific reasons as to why high ceilings make us feel freer and more positive but whatever they are, I just feel better. It is as if the height above me creates perspective and an openness which can encourage both contemplation and abstract thought, as well as creativity. For me, time spent in church focusing on others, singing with others and praying with others fosters a stillness of mind and time to just let my mind wander.
In a busy and sometimes stressful world, I find it helps positive mental wellbeing. If your mind relaxes, problems can be observed and walked away from and sometimes even solved. It also makes it easier to understand that we cannot solve everything and that worrying about what we cannot solve is unnerving and ultimately pointless.
The colours in a church tend to be neutral and soothing: sandy beige walls with darker wooden pews and skirtings grounding the space. The stained glass windows bring colour, beauty and smiles and of course most altars are carefully designed to face east and south, towards Jerusalem. Given many church services are in the morning, we are all looking towards the light.
At this time of year we are celebrating Harvest Festival. Remembering once again that our food comes from the fields, with the rain and the sun through the seasons working to produce all the delicious produce that we love to cook and eat. It is such a magical process – the tiny seeds which grow so we can make flour and bread, porridge and biscuits, cereals and cakes not to mention all the fruits and vegetables.
The hymn choices tend to be traditional and two of them are sung every year. The first of these begins with the line “ We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land” which gets straight to the point. It is a German hymn translated in Victorian times and reminds us all that, irrespective of our beliefs, we are at the very least co -dependent with the natural life and wildlife on this planet.
I do not go to church every Sunday. As for so many of us, life gets in the way but when I do go, it does add to my day. Even when my stepchildren and son Eddie were much younger we would all go from time to time. I used to take marmite sandwiches, some sort of game to help keep them occupied and something to drink. Sometimes it worked out quite well except if I used tin foil to wrap the sandwiches which would then be noisily unfolded during the quiet moments of prayer . Once, without quite thinking it through, I rather unfortunately took a marble game for Eddie to play with and of course the marbles bounced noisily and regularly out of the pew. Any mediative thoughts on that occasion could only take place in between the inevitable giggles and disapproving looks from my husband.
There is also the quiet which you find in church and at points throughout many services. How often in our noisy bustling world do we get to sit and simply listen to nothing. It is such a rare occurrence as to be almost unnerving. Many of us these days are almost threatened by silence and can’t cope, having to turn on some music or the television simply to fill the space.
Today, we are encouraged to go to meditation sessions or mindfulness classes and to deal with depression with pills, all of which may be right and help. But these states of mind are not new, they just have a new language and new words associated with them.
Romantic poets extolled the peace and beauty of nature and other writers admire the serenity and harmony to be found in wonderful architecture and interiors. Too many of us though have forgotten how much peace can be found just by sitting for a while in the right space.
48 Comments
Thank you for this beautiful message.
This is a lovely uplifting article - thank you. The photos as always are really good and the church looks beautiful.
Wonderful thoughts to start the week!
There is much power in prayers and being with other people each week. Parkview Church is sponsoring a team of people to participate to run in the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12th many of us are participating and praying for a positive outcome.
Morning, For me to meditate, is for me to connect with my heart, head, and my very being to the Lord, the Universe, and give me, and clear all that is there, that needs to be heard, and return my reason for living. Thanks for reading, John Roberts, Tonawanda, N.Y. USA
Sigh....deep breaths and silence. Oh how I appreciate your "Meditations" writing this morning Lady Carnarvon. It is so true how our world is filled with "noise" and we so rarely sit in silence. Once again, thank you for this thoughtful blog on a Monday morning.
Good morning,
Simply reading your post has somehow left me more relaxed and ready to face a busy week.
Thanks
My bedroom faces east so as I take my first cup of coffee and sit in my meditation chair and feel the first rays of sunshine slip through the falling leaves, I am content to know that in the glow of the sun's greeting, it will be a day of beauty and peace no matter what comes through my door or laptop. Thank you for the meditation and thank you for the lovely event on September 13th at Highclere that I attended. It was a privilege to be able to enjoy the fruits of your loving labor in sharing Highlere with the world.
Beautiful thoughts and photos! Thank you for sharing.
I love the photographs of the Parish church with the gorgeous stained glass windows. It reminds me of the Episcopal church I attended with my family when I was a young child. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.
Dear Lady Carnarvon.
How often I catch myself thinking of a majestic country house, such as Highclere, and imagining myself sitting peacefully in a window, sipping tea,
staring out at the coutryside and nature and the building around me and speaking quietly to God..... of course this is just in my mind as I have never been
to a country house in my life, actualy, I have never set foot in England (despite my British lineage)....
But even just imagining it already calms my mind. Nature, the souls of the home, and God....
Lady Carnarvon,
Having just returned from a church service I appreciate your reflections on the peace and reflection to be found within nature and a church building. I wish you a blest day
I agree with you. Going to church is something that helps me and just brings me joy. I feel closer to God and makes me more Thankful for all the things He does for me daily. Thank you for sharing this with us❤️
Wonderful, heartfelt message.
What a beautiful sanctuary in which to worship the God of all creation! May He bless all who worship there.
Every Sunday I head to church and feel refreshed for the week. As a child we went to Sunday school so very seldom endured regular church.
Always lovely memories.
Thanks for this inspiring message and beautful Church pictures,enjoy your week! Greetings from Canada.
Your writing is always thoughtful and thought-provoking, but today's blog resonated with me on an even more personal, comforting level. Thank you for putting these conceptions into words, especially on a Monday (I always need a little oomph on Mondays).
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon. I needed this message today.
What a rare and beautiful article. Time spent in church, particularly quiet time is the best way to disconnect from all the negativity that surrounds us. What better way to become closer to God?
Having visits the grandeur of Venice I came across a simple Fishermans Church. Wild flowers adorned the altar ,a stream of light cascaded through a small stained glass window ,dappling the simple wooden altar such a contrast but equally as beautiful as the stately grandeur outside the door
As a Quaker, I have the great blessing of sitting every Sunday morning in expectant, silent worship with my fellow seekers. Somehow I go deeper worshiping with others than I do on my own. I don't know how I would cope in these volatile times without the Friends Meeting to ground me in the real reality.
Lady Carnarvon,
As a Pastor, I loved your meditations on being in church. These are sacred spaces that engender special memories. Of course, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I find great comfort in the Word of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Blessings,
Dr. Don Fugate
San Jose, CA
You wrote this when I needed it most.....thank you
In 2018 my husband I were staying at a home nearby and had a lovely walk to this church. I could see a little through one of the windows and then couldn't resist climbing one of the big cedar trees. Sitting up there I felt quite at home, so very peaceful.
Lovely memories and very true about a lot of older churches
which can have a peaceful timeless presence.
Thanks for reminding me your articles are always uplifting.
Thank you for the reminder that being alone with my thoughts can be powerful and so peaceful.
Blessings,
ETA Oct. 23rd, 2025
We took Buzz Lightyear to church and unfortunately his “wings” shot out and he uttered his catch phrase - there were lots of shaking shoulders all around! 🤣
Lady Carnarvon,
Sitting In the holy quiet of any church, from a small country church with dwindling membership to a mighty cathedrals - this is a gift of the Spirit. I look forward to my early morning quiet reading your writings. Every week you are so appreciated. Thank you.
Martha G
I read and enjoy your stories every week , but never comment.
Today- thank you.
My friend who lives in East End was married in that church! I went there with her when visiting from NZ in 2012 -- it was ablaze with flowers for the Queen's jubilee. Such a gorgeous place and area.
I love going to church. Who can’t spare an hour or two on Sunday?
Then we sit in quiet, racing together, or listen and try to stay focused. It is these moments that we hear God best. But not the only moments -he/she is always listening and speaking to us.
Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful insight. I love reading your blog so much.
I always learn something and feel uplifted by your meditations. They are an important part of my day. Thank you.
James Ullman
San Marcos, CA
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for showing us your beautiful and historical parish church. I thought of all of the many family
baptisms, weddings, funerals and Sunday services that must have taken place there through the decades. I am reminded
of a favorite Christian song by Chris Tomlin, “Holy Forever” in which he sings about 1000 generations singing to the King
of Kings. You have blessed me today with this post.
Thank you for this encouraging message. If only more of us understood how important prayer is.
Heather Mills, Nunawading, Australia
My husband and I attend a vibrant church each week on the Isle of Wight (south of England) Amazing friends, amazing worship. God is good
Ruth
Thank you so much. Time to sit and relax and listen is so precious - as you say. It is in the silence that we can hear the Good Lords words to us. I seldom write, but so very much enjoy your message each week. We have just moved to Tasmania from Queensland Australia, and in the middle of a cold winter I needed the presence of God to help me refocus and really appreciate our new home in the country. We were also blessed last week with time in Launceston and went to watch the new Downton Abbey Movie. It was wonderful to see all our "old friends" again and for Lady Mary to tie the ribbon - so to speak - on the final film. A joyous time so well spent.
With thanks. Anne.
Your writings were so inspiring that I shared them with members of a Mental Health Group which I organise in Sydney Australia, and they appreciated being reminded about being still. Thankyou.,
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for this lovely post! As a member of the clergy (from across the pond) I relish news stories about the Church,
her glories, her beauty, her presence and her continued gifts to all. I appreciate that this is the local parish: it is in that
form that she embraces all. I would love to hear more about this parish, her people and her history.
Your posts give us hope especially regarding the state of the world today.
Blessings,
Rev. Donna T. Deal
Pennsylvania
These beautiful words of yours illustrate beautifully the power of stillness, prayer, and meditation. Thank you from someone who attends services regularly.
What a positive and gentle reminder that in the silence we can find peace. Our world is so unsettled and quite honestly, threatening that quieting one's mind is often a challenge. Thank you so much for this uplifting message.
Beautiful church and interesting blog thank you
Very true and very right!
A beautiful post. Thank you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I am late to the blog this week but maybe appropriately so. I have read your Monday "Meditations" this morning, Saturday, and once again have found peace in reading your words. Church, both in beautiful buildings and its very presence, does indeed give us a place for calm and reflective thoughts and the much needed space we all need just to "be". At the end of a week where two close friends are seriously ill I thank you for this little haven created in your blog.
The lovely scene of the tin foil wrapping and the marbles rolling around have also brought a much needed smile this morning. Your writings are a gift. With very grateful thanks and best wishes.
Edith.
Lady Carnarvon,
I loved your post on meditations in church. As a lifelong Catholic I appreciate your outlook on faith, and architecture in churches. By dad would have referred to it as "Bells, and smells." And something else. As for the marmite sandwiches, I am the only one in the house who will eat them.
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My dearest Lady Fiona,
Good morning from Brazil,
A great write said:" It is in silence
that great things are made "
Cheers.
Good week for us.
Vila Alemã
Rio Claro-SP.
Brazil
Quite time with our creator is an amazing blessing to calm our hearts and appreciate our wonderful works. 🩷