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Daniel Stokes, Chair of the board of Sharpham Trustees, and a long-time trustee, steps down this month.
He has been an integral part of the charity's development into a leading national centre for mindfulness that welcomes hundreds of people each year to a rewilded estate to stay in a variety of retreat venues, including the newest centre The Coach House (Daniel pictured above on the Coach House launch night in 2022).
Here Daniel shares reflections about his many years of connection to Sharpham:
As my time on the Sharpham board comes to an end, it is nice to reflect on the journey.In a way, my connection with Sharpham started 35 years ago when, in my early 30s, I discovered meditation as a way of coping with the stresses of a pressurised business career - I was very driven at the time, in pursuit of building a company.
When I was 34 I had a deep transcendental experience which totally re-orientated my outlook on life. My deepest impulse then became a desire to support a deepening of the collective consciousness wherever possible.
I first came to Sharpham in 2006. Maurice Ash's philosophy of Sharpham and what Sharpham was trying to do really resonated with me. I was particularly drawn to its philosophical openness, spaciousness and spirit of generosity.
I joined Sharpham’s board in 2012 and over the past 13 years my role as a trustee has felt like a form of co-parenting. Helping to coordinate and nurture the collective energy of everyone involved - teachers, coordinators, volunteers, staff, alumni and trustees - so that we could together care for the Trust as a living, growing community.
It has been a privilege to support Sharpham as a Trustee and Chair. I have learned a lot, working with a group of people who share a love for the Trust; including the necessity to listen deeply to all differing perspectives, not just those who agree with me.
I have learned that the immeasurable qualities of Sharpham are more important than its 'performance indicators' and that its strength and love emanate from its stillness and silence.
I hope as Sharpham’s pedagogy continues to develop, the Trust puts its faith in its teachings of mindfulness and compassion and is guided by them in all things.
Sharpham has many wonderful people and it is still characterised by a spirit of generosity, I am very grateful for all the kindness and support I have received over the years.
With love to all,
Daniel
