Chair’s Report: Dark and Light

Photo by Maxime Caron via Unsplash

Through the window in front of me the sun is shining and the sky is blue with a few wispy clouds reflecting the light. I have always appreciated the change in the quality of daylight in March and, despite the seemly endless rain, there is still that same quality of light.

I am now curious that each time I sit down to write the Chair’s report I look to the weather as a starting point!

Light and dark symbolizes many feelings and expectations which span over centuries in many cultures and religions as well as in philosophy. How are these phenomena experienced through your senses? What do you associate with – the light, the dark or somewhere in the middle? 

I am sure the articles in this newsletter where others have shared their experiences and thoughts about light and dark will provoke some thoughts for you.

In the past few months we have had some exciting changes within UKAGP. We now have a new website platform which is (I understand) much easier to maintain, update etc. and more user friendly! Thanks to Hannah Turner for making this happen!

We also have a new Community Administrator – Rhodri Karim. Rhodri has settled in well and brings with them skills in technology and working within organisations that are both invaluable in the role.

As with many people, some of us in the OC have had challenging times in the last few months and I want to personally thank each and every one of them for their capacity to stay with. I have really appreciated the support we have been able to find as we have moved through the winter months and now emerge into the spring light. As I write this I also notice my experience of dark and light in this moment shifts as I consider our colleagues in EAGT and the difficulties they are facing.

Now in 2024 I invite you to consider the challenge and delight of noticing the presence of both light and dark and how we can influence our response to these experiences. We only know one because of the other. In my view both are necessary for a full experience of life.

This organisation is yours and the OC want to ensure we are able to support the sharing of skills, knowledge and curiosity of the members. To this end please hear that there is an open invitation for any member to come forward with any ideas you have regarding events/meetings either locally in person or online. Process and growth is important to Gestalt practice and I want to encourage everyone, including those of you who are training or recently qualified to come forward with your interests. We have the capacity to invite members to come together to develop your thoughts and interests about your practice either in mental health or within organisational settings.

Finally, I hope to see many of you at our residential conference in June this year. I am delighted that Jon Blend and Roz Carroll have offered to bring their expertise and creativity to the theme of Stuckness and Play. My experience is that these in person conferences are so enriching and I’m sure this year will be equally nourishing.

Ruth Nightingale
Current Chair of UKAGP