Peace is the Wey of Guildford Sangha's

"DAYS OF MINDFULNESS"

We are planning at least 3 or 4 "Days of Mindfulness" a year with live "Dharma Talks" given by Plum Village UK Dharma Teachers. We will publish the programme of each "Day of Mindfulness" and how to register under the below links - watch this space! Thank you.

Already held days of Mindfulness

Wake Up London Day of Mindfulness

Day of Mindfulness for London Sanghas and Beyond - Sat 6 April 2024

How can nourishing our sangha heal our society?

A non-Sangha related activity

A Concert in Thursley

Practicalities & Latest Info

Hi All,

Please see below the latest info and practicalities about the FREE ENTRANCE concert and if you and your loved ones could make it, that would be amazing..

When

Sunday 11 February, at 3 pm - doors open at 2:45 pm, please arrive by that time, to get the best seats and so that we can start in time at 3 pm on the dot.

Where:

St Michael & All Angels Church, Highfield Lane, Thursley, Surrey, GU8 6QQ

What:

The concert will consist in two parts (please see the set-list below) with a brief interval in the middle, where the audience will be treated with tea, cakes and a glass of wine (for the most adventurous 😊).

I was a former professional singer, piano and keyboard player in live clubs and private parties, for almost two decades in Italy and around the world. For this concert, I will be joined by Maestro Chavdar Mazgalov, a professional accompanist and singing teacher from the London Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Together, we will perform songs from acclaimed musicals, films, and works by Edith Piaf, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, among others.

Why:

This Concert is devoted to my late nephew, Walter, who had tragically died in a car accident at the tender age of 21. And, as I am a Samaritan Listening Volunteer, it is also in aid of the Samaritans There is no ticket to be paid for this self-funded event, the entrance is free; and if you would like to make a donation to the Samaritans, that would be much appreciated. All the proceeds will be equally split between Thursley Parish and the Samaritans.

Please keep in mind that Every £5 raised for the Samaritans has the power to answer a potentially life-saving call.  Every penny count!

Practicalities:

Parking:

For folks coming by car:

You can park either at the church (but you need to arrive quite early as there are not many parking spaces there) or at the cricket ground in Thursley (Thursley Cricket Club, Dyehouse Rd, Thursley, Godalming GU8 6QA) and do a circa 6 mins walk to the church, or (weather permitting), you can park in the field behind the church, I will be able to let you know closer to the time if that is an option.

Train:

For folks coming from London by train, in order to get in time for the concert, you need to get the 1:05 pm train from Waterloo station to Portsmouth harbour and alight at Milford at 2:02 pm, and get a cab to Thursley. 

Cab companies to be booked in advance are:

1. 01483 666999
2. GM cars 01483 566566
3. Keith Tilson: 07836-331111

Or alight at Godalming’s station (the stop before Milford station) and catch a cab there (but I’d rather advise the Milford option, as there may not be any cabs at Godalming station at that specific moment).

Eating before the concert

For who wants to have a yummy Sunday roast beforehand: 

“The three horseshoe” is our village pub: 01252 703900 (to be booked in advance).

I hope you have all the necessary info. In case you need any further, please feel free to contact me on concert.thursley@gmail.com.

Thank you and we warmly invite you to join us at the concert, which promises to be an enjoyable occasion, and it's all in aid of a truly worthwhile cause (the Samaritans).

With a bow.

Sabry x

Also, if you are interested to know why I chose this charity, you can read below the article I wrote for the Jan issue of the Thursley Parish Magazine.

PAYING IT FORWARD: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF EMPATHY AND SUPPORT

My Journey As A Samaritan Listening Volunteer
By Sabrina Dragoni-Long

Choosing to become a Samaritan Listening Volunteer was not a decision I took lightly. It was driven by my own experiences and the desire to give back, to pay forward the kindness that was shown to me in my darkest hour. I've always believed in the transformative power of empathy and understanding, and this role provided me the perfect opportunity to bring those beliefs to life. Each day I am on shift begins with a moment of mental fortification, a reminder of why I chose this path. I'm fully aware that the calls I'll handle can span the spectrum of human emotion, from mild loneliness to severe depression or even suicidal thoughts, plans or active suicide.
This mental preparation is not only to ensure that I can offer the emotional support required, but also a reaffirmation of my commitment to this cause, a cause that, somehow, once saved me.

Signing in at my local branch in Guildford marks the beginning of my shift. The atmosphere is typically tranquil and quiet, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil some callers may be experiencing. I'm greeted by my fellow SAMS (this is how we colloquially call Samaritans) who are ending their shifts and who provide any necessary updates or reminders for the day. I check if there are any follow up calls to do, I prepare a cuppa and off I go to the ops room. No shift is taken solo, for the branch to be open, we need at least two of us; this rule is applied in order to provide full support to callers – for instance, in case we need to wait for the caller to call an ambulance (with the caller’s permission), whilst being on the call with them and in order to support each other, if necessary.

Settled in my private cubicle, I log into the system, don my headset, and start my shift. The calls come through a central system and are anonymous, ensuring the caller's privacy.
The conversations I engage in are as diverse as the callers themselves. Some callers simply need a friendly voice, while others are in the midst of a crisis. Regardless of the situation, my role remains the same: to listen, empathise, and provide emotional support. I am not there to give advice or solutions, but to help the caller feel heard and less alone; I am there for them, fully focused on each call 100%, and empowering them to find their own solutions.
Throughout the conversation, I employ active listening skills. I mirror the caller's feelings, ask open-ended questions, and avoid making judgements. Even in moments of silence, I provide a comforting presence, letting the caller know that I am there for them.

In between calls, I take time to decompress. I might jot down my thoughts or feelings in a journal, have a cup of tea, or chat with my colleagues. This is a crucial part of self-care and preventing burnout.

Training sessions are a key part of my role as a volunteer. These sessions equip me with the necessary skills to handle a variety of situations. I learn about mental health disorders, suicide prevention techniques, and how to manage my own emotional well-being.
Being a Samaritan Listening Volunteer also means being part of a community. We volunteers support each other, sharing experiences and offering encouragement. We celebrate successes, such as when a caller finds the strength to seek professional help, and we lean on each other during challenging times.
The end of my shift often brings a sense of accomplishment, but also a sobering realisation of the immense emotional challenges many people go through, most of all in the current environment, where support for mental health is so lean.

I would sincerely encourage anyone who naturally possesses strong listening skills, rather than a tendency to solve problems, to embark on this remarkable journey with us SAMS. I consider it a great honour and privilege to be a part of the Samaritans community. My learning has been immense, a result of both the exceptional training provided and the insights gained from our callers in the operations room. As Samaritans, our aim isn't to change the world, but to be there for every individual who needs someone to lend an ear. We are there for one another, driven by our belief in a better world and the transformative power of empathy.
With a bow,
Sabry

'Breathing in, I see myself as still water

Breathing out, I reflect all there is.'