Peace and spirituality: ‘The Theological Kindergarten’

ABSTRACT This article explores how our inner peace and spirituality are linked. It begins by very briefly mentioning ‘mindfulness’ and ‘watchfulness’, then expounds a different contemplative approach set out in the letters of Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941), a significant writer on spirituality in the first half of the twentieth century. During the Second World War, Underhill wrote to a group of women who named themselves ‘The Theological Kindergarten’, outlining spiritual practices for maintaining inner peace amidst the chaos of war. Underhill believed the roots of war lie in the spiritual realm and should be fought there, so she encouraged the women to undertake ‘spiritual war-work’, praying for the dictators. She encouraged the women to develop rhythms of daily contemplative prayer and meditation upon spiritual writings and liturgy to help them gain inner peace. Underhill also encouraged the women to try to accept their suffering and look beyond it to Eternity as well as being alert and expectant of God’s intervention. Rest and self-care were also emphasised, plus limiting exposure to war news. The current COVID-19 pandemic has often been referred to as a ‘war’ against an invisible enemy. The spiritual practices and posture that Underhill recommended to the ‘Theological Kindergarten’ during wartime provide insights regarding the cultivation and maintenance of inner peace during our current uncertain times of living with COVID, plus our global insecurity with wars and rumours of wars.