Yarra Valley Living Centre is transitioning

Sad news this. So many of us will have happy memories of times well spent on this amazing land, meeting, working with or supporting wonderful people doing truly wonder - full things. 

And as all things change, it seems the conditions created by the pandemic have proven too much to overcome and the Centre will close, with the prospect of morphing into something new. So this week, a few reflections and observations, but first

Thought for the day

The world is a fragile and unpredictable place. 

There are no sacred cows here either :) 

Everything can be turned upside down in a moment. 

That must not be a shock, 

But rather an expectation of an inevitability.  

If we had 1000 lifetimes to live, 

We would pursue every pleasure and adventure. 

Fulfill every wish. 

But after all that, at some point,  

We would choose a life that is a total surprise. 

One where nothing is under control, 

Where you do not know what is going to happen. 

That is the life we are living right now. 

The closer I am to experiencing reality 

Instead of trying to control it, 

The closer I am to God. 

This year is a practice in presence.

Adam Schwartz

Maybe it is worth remembering the work of the Foundation began in 1981 with the inception of the Melbourne Cancer Support Group in rented premises. It was not long before we were conducting wellness groups and meditation programs. Residential programs commenced end of 1983. 

However, it was not until 1984 the land at Yarra Junction was purchased and not until 1991 we had established buildings on that land to enable fully residential programs to be presented there.

So the early history was of many years without a place to call a centre we owned. While it is appropriate to mourn the end of the Living Centre as we know it; it will be interesting to learn what arises in its absence.

Having said that, so many people benefited from that wonderful property. It was selected because of its palpable presence. 

So many people have walked onto those 40 acres and felt a deep, natural peace, along with an atmosphere of healing. Maybe it is because the land is in the heart of the Yarra Valley with all its magnificent tall trees. Maybe it is because the buildings are nestled into the land away from roads and the gaze of others. There is comfort in its solitude. Maybe it is the view from the top of the hill, or the tranquil sounds of the Little Yarra River flowing on through.

Maybe the place had significance for its indigenous ancestors; it certainly has been developed more recently with work, love, prayer, a great deal of meditation and the good-hearted efforts of many, many well motivated people.

Having not been so directly involved for nearly a decade now, I remain acutely aware of all these good people who have contributed. Those who donated time or money, those who worked as staff or as volunteers, those who attended programs and contributed their own learnings and energies. What a remarkable time we all had! And how much good work was accomplished – so many people’s lives transformed for the better.

The first Melbourne Cancer Support Group, the genesis for all this, was held on 16th September 1981. It will be 40 years this September since it all began. Forty years. Wow!

People are beginning to ask me how I feel about the closure. 

It is like this.

I feel deeply saddened that things have changed to a point where the Centre is no longer viable. So many people benefited from what was offered there by an incredible crew of staff and volunteers. And while the MS work is carried forward by Overcoming MS, and there are plenty of people and groups offering meditation and retreats, there is real concern for how the cancer work will continue to be made available. In my view the cancer residential program remains world’s best practice; offering a truly integrated, lifestyle-based, cancer self-help program. 

It is hard to be clear why such a closure should happen; the pandemic was clearly a major and final factor, however, it would be simplistic to say there was no more to it. 

Times change. People change. Foundations change. Some come for a while, do their work and then fold; others morph into something new.

Regarding ownership of land, it always has been clear – we never really own land, we simply serve as its custodians and guardians for a while. My aim with all the places I have lived and worked upon was to leave them better than when I arrived. 

Also, I do not identify too closely with the many and varied roles I have played in this life. 

So - co-Founder of the Foundation, student, teacher, father, son, husband, veterinarian, athlete, football player, gardener, one-legged person – lots of roles. And this by way of saying, I care for what the Foundation has offered and may still offer, but have little attachment to its personal impact upon my own sense of self. 

Hope this sounds close to the way it is intended – not dispassionate; I care deeply for others and to be engaged in how to be more useful, but it is what it is and we have no idea as yet as to what will emerge from it all.

I do feel deeply for those closely involved with the Centre as this unfolds. The Board has difficult decisions to make, staff will need to look for new employment, volunteers lose their connection and all those who relate to the Centre as a place of healing and renewal, a place where they might return to one day, and need time to adjust to the loss.

So in practical terms, I have been informed that the meditation retreat Ruth and I will present end of March will be the last before the doors close and staff cease employment. For those of you who know and care for Dorothy Edgelow, every effort is going into ensuring she can continue to live on the property. 

Apparently discussions are under way with the Board and several groups interested in taking
responsibility for running the Centre going forward, with different models being explored as to how this might work. 

The Board has told me their primary aims are to preserve the legacy of the Foundation and to be of benefit to the community as much as possible. 

So thank you again to all who participated in what was achieved until now, and all best wishes to those who plan to contribute to what transpires. Life goes on… Bon chance to all.