breathing space coventry
finding beauty and stillness in the bustle of the city
breathing space coventry

a new season

The opening of our hearts is as natural

as the opening of a flower.

To let a flower open and bloom

it is only necessary to let it be,

so if we simply are,

if we become and remain still and silent,

our heart cannot but be open,

the Spirit cannot but pour through

into our whole being.

It is for this that we have been created.

John Main OSB (1926-1982)

September at Breathing Space

The beauty of the garden continues to flourish as we turn the page and look towards Autumn days….

Though it was a very dry summer, the fruit trees have continued to bear fruit and the joy of harvest comes with thanksgiving.

The haven of Breathing Space Gardens is cared for by our volunteers who generously give their time and dedication. If you would like to come and lend a hand and help maintain the beautiful space, please contact us.

Every Thursday we gather to pray from 9.15am – 9.45am you are welcome to join us.

Looking Ahead this Autumn – Creative Day Retreats

A Two-Day Retreat (1) Paper Making & (2) Book Making

An opportunity to step aside for one or two days to think about the story of our lives and take time to reflect, pray & create. Day one – learn how to make paper and create a beautiful card from the papers. The following month, day two, create your own beautiful book from made papers and recycled materials. You are welcome to come to one or both.

Places are limited to 8, so please contact us to book early – there will be a reserve list.

Reflective times will be led by Ellie Rose, Host and Artist in Residence at Breathing Space & the creative workshop will be led by Sue Ashby a mixed media artist and retired Art and Music Teacher in Primary Education. Co-founder of Kingdom Arts based in Worcester and regular Artist in Residence at the Sheldon Retreat in Devon.

Day 1 Paper Making – Friday 9th October 2026 (10am – 4pm) Coffee and chat at 9.45am

Suggested donation of £20-£30

Day 2 Book Making – Friday 13th November 2026 (10am – 4pm) Coffee and chat at 9.45am

Suggested donation of £20-£30

(please do get in touch if you have a desire to come, but are unable to donate at this time)

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139.16

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Summer Time at Breathing Space

“Hope” is the Thing with Feathers

by Emily Dickinson


“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.

Consider the birds….

During August we are taking time to “Consider the birds” – we are slowing down and considering what Jesus was saying with these words….

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

At the beginning of the month whilst one visitor sat in the labyrinth – she turned to look at the ‘in progress water feature’ and saw a robin perched next to the word HOPE… they seemed to look at each other for a while, then he flew towards her, as if to say, “Have Hope”.

The same robin drew near when a guest sat in the prayer den… she said, “You have such a friendly robin, he sat with me in the prayer den and sang to me”.

We have an interactive Journal where you can also share your ponderings, write down the different birds that you saw in the garden and together let’s discover a deeper meaning.

Personal retreats 9am – 4pm (Thursday – Saturday) for individuals to visit for half- or full- day quiet and reflection. Please book in advance here.

Groups are welcome for ‘away days’ or retreats. The break out rooms and garden nooks and crannies are just great for groups of around 15. . . . a refreshing and inspiring context for team building and vision casting. Secure the day that suits your plans by booking well ahead. Suggest some dates soon and enquire here.

You are welcome here

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Summer Time at Breathing Space

We had an amazing Open Gardens Day with the Allesley Festival at the beginning of this month where we welcomed 169 visitors to our Breathing Space Gardens.

Here at Breathing Space we are also joined to the quiet garden movement https://quietgarden.org/ there are many gardens throughout UK where you can find outdoor spaces for well being and your inner journey. In our Garden you can walk the labyrinth or spend time in our prayer den – sit and rest a while amongst the tiny orchard bearing fruit. Watch the fish bob in and out as the dragon fly hovers over the waters. Sit still for a while and you may see a goldfinch, blackcap or even a woodpecker visit.

During August we are taking time to “Consider the birds” where we will slow down and consider what Jesus was saying here. We have an interactive Journal where you can also share your ponderings and together let’s discover a deeper meaning.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

Personal retreats 9am – 4pm (Thursday – Saturday) for individuals to visit for half- or full- day quiet and reflection. Please book in advance here.

Groups are welcome for ‘away days’ or retreats. The break out rooms and garden nooks and crannies are just great for groups of around 15. . . . a refreshing and inspiring context for team building and vision casting. Secure the day that suits your plans by booking well ahead. Suggest some dates soon and enquire here.