I’ve been reading Evelyn Underhill for decades, but only recently stumbled on this quote from a talk she gave to clergy. It perfectly captures the combined themes of her work embodied in Underhill House: contemplation and hospitality.
It is useless to talk at large to those working people mostly living without privacy in noisy streets about the reality and necessity of prayer unless you provide a quiet place in which they can practice it. It must be a place which does not receive them with that forbidding air of a spiritual drawing room in dust sheets peculiar to many Anglican churches during the week but which abounds in suitable suggestions, offers an invitation which it helps them to accept. — Evelyn Underhill
I am profoundly inspired in my role as director of Underhill House by its potential. Our listeners have been holding quiet space right off Broadway in Seattle so that guests, whatever their circumstances, have an opportunity to discover the benefits of contemplative practice.
Underhill House’s guests range from local young professionals and longtime contemplatives to unhoused guests of the nearby lunch program and folks who stumble on it while passing by, attracted by the little sign, the archway that echos monastic life and lovely welcoming garden entrance. It’s a cliché to note that people with means aren’t necessarily any less troubled by worry and stress, and Underhill House welcomes plenty of them. But the way in which it serves more vulnerable populations is particularly poignant.
A few weeks ago—back before the daily rain returned—while I was sitting at the top of the steps to the garden, I overheard two fellows who had just picked up their meals. In the middle of their conversation, one suddenly seemed to remember they were standing in front of Underhill House and said to his friend, “You should go in there.” The friend resisted, saying he’s too anxious and can’t sit quietly. His friend said that was exactly why he needed it. What followed as I sat there quietly was a conversation several minutes long about the benefits of meditation, and its challenges. I’ve been a part of variations on this conversation countless times over decades with people from all different contexts. As Milton said, the mind “in itself can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven.”
I confess that asking for support intimidates me. Not because I have one shred of doubt as to the value it would bring through our offerings, or that you would welcome it. It’s just that talking about money isn’t a thing my people do. But what excites me about the opportunity to support Underhill House is that because its needs are quite modest, your donation will make a big difference. It will translate directly into Underhill House reaching more people with its healing quiet — people who, for whatever reason, have not thought contemplative practice was available to them or lack a place to do it. With your support, we can build on what is already so powerful and life giving, expanding the hours and ways that this precious gift is available to reach more people in more contexts.
This is a crucial time for Underhill House. We have weathered the pandemic and a transition of leadership. Now is a time not only to maintain but to build. Your support today will translate directly into greater opportunities to make available this quiet and refuge for all who need it.
To make a tax-deductible GIFT CLICK HERE.
With extreme gratitude and excitement for the future,
Phil Fox Rose
Executive Director