Author Archives: chrisahrends

In silence. In the waiting silence. In the daily waiting silence. Attentive and with inner smile, Mindfully they sit, as though their lives depend on it; Because they do. The silence, waiting watching non-judging smiling silence. It works on them. … Continue reading →

i Waking Heart brittle at dawn’s river of loss Frozen rafts of memory breaking off, flotsam on morning sand fragments grieving their fragmented home, longing to be home to be home. ii Clamouring Choices screaming calling me through cold currents … Continue reading →

Could I ever find the words; to tell you how you shape my life each day; of the moods you assume; each morning’s slant a different view unlike before; just as its been its changed again; Hues of blue, azure … Continue reading →

Have just returned from an amazing trip to Namaqualand, in which I was involved in several great community workshops – really powerful comments and issues shared by courageous and determined people.   But the poverty is overwhelming – and all the associated … Continue reading →

              A poignant reminder of remarkable and sacrificial leadership. Have we truly realised the magnitude of his contribution? What will Mandela Day 2013 be like? Will he see it? Can we remember his role … Continue reading →

What shall I bring to the river who flows so agelessly without my offering? How shall I answer its call the river who asks me to enter in?   What will it do to me this river if I trust it … Continue reading →

i Sitting on your bench Ted King It’s been a long time since I’ve thought of you I’m sorry about that Buried as you are here just near this bench, and in my heart. ii Looked more like a Welsh … Continue reading →

The boy reaching out finds no one and as a stranger to his world knows no love and so he seeks his feelings in secret always unfulfilled.   He plays in toyful world of longing dancing touching hoping the many … Continue reading →

If we are trying to create a new future, to genuinely discover ways of living together, of making our democracy work and make it meaningful for all South Africans, we have to be agents of transformation and healing – and … Continue reading →

    ******************* The Perennial Tradition The perennial philosophy lies at the heart of all the great faiths. In Christianity  – when free from the ideological overlays – we can see this ancient perennial tradition in the stories of creation, the incarnation and … Continue reading →

                    There is a vow that, according to tradition, Buddhist saints make… it is this: “Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save them all”   How many others, of such … Continue reading →

We know that to make our journey in the world, we need to look forward – to have vision – to know where we are going. But there is a time for and a purpose in knowing where we have … Continue reading →

On the 18th January, 2012, our friend Pete Sherman died after years of such courageous battling with cancer. A month later, I was sitting at the lagoon – thinking of him, and Sue and Mike and Nicki…   Here at … Continue reading →