Transforming human consciousness in everyday life

F i n d h o r n F o u n d at i o n

2018

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

In this issueRestoring Inner amp Outer Nature The Efficiency of Silence Ecovillage Living Finding Your Purpose

ldquoBeing at Findhorn always reminds me that powerful and positive

visions for the future can be realised I constantly ask myself how

I can integrate this sense of joy connection and inspiration into my

daily life both personally and professionallyrdquo

Ed Gillespie Co-founder and Creative Director Futerra

ContentsWho We Are 3Inner amp Outer Nature 4Co-Creative Spirituality 6The Efficiency of Silence 8William Bloom 10Spiritual Retreats 11Ecovillage Living 12Climate Change 14Finding Your Purpose 15Robert Holden 16Seven Gifts 18Connect With Us 21Calendar of Events 22Location 24Support Us 25

It is easy at this moment in history

to find old systems and ways

of being that are falling apart

Environmentally politically and

economically upheaval and

disruption are now the norm But

this unpredictability that our minds

cannot grasp does invite us to find

a deeper knowing The truth the

55 year old Findhorn Foundation

and community on the Moray Firth

in Scotland demonstrates is that

when we take time to become

still and turn within we find the

way forward emerging for us as

individuals and as a collective We

discover that nature is conscious

and we can work with it We find

that our inner work affects the

outer world as well as inspires

us to right action We find that

instead of feeling at the mercy

of events beyond our control we

gain ways to shape our individual

and shared future There is a

world of potential within you

How will you answer its call

A New World is Calling

findhornorg

2

The Findhorn FoundationThe Park Findhorn MorayIV36 3TZ ScotlandTel +44 (0)1309 690311Email enquiriesfindhornorg

The Findhorn Foundation

The Findhorn Foundation is a living laboratory for transforming human consciousness We welcome you

to come be a part of the ongoing exploration

Who We Are

The Scottish Highlands is home to our four

locations The Park near Findhorn village Cluny Hill in

Forres our satellite community on Erraid and Traigh Bhan

our retreat centre on the sacred island of Iona

Spiritual CommunityOur full-time international

residential community seeks to

bring spirit into all our activities

and honours all spiritual traditions

and practices

Centre for Transformational LearningWe seek to demonstrate a way of living in

partnership with our own wholeness each other

nature and spirit The community holds retreats

workshops and events to support people from around

the world to experience this way of being and to live

into their full potential

We bring three core

principles into everything

we do

Centre for SustainabilityThe Findhorn Ecovillage one of the

oldest and most successful in the world

grew out of this communityrsquos close

partnership with nature It is now one

of the Foundationrsquos key partners in our

sustainability education

2224

18

12

3

ldquoBeing at Findhorn always reminds me that powerful and positive

visions for the future can be realised I constantly ask myself how

I can integrate this sense of joy connection and inspiration into my

daily life both personally and professionallyrdquo

Ed Gillespie Co-founder and Creative Director Futerra

ContentsWho We Are 3Inner amp Outer Nature 4Co-Creative Spirituality 6The Efficiency of Silence 8William Bloom 10Spiritual Retreats 11Ecovillage Living 12Climate Change 14Finding Your Purpose 15Robert Holden 16Seven Gifts 18Connect With Us 21Calendar of Events 22Location 24Support Us 25

It is easy at this moment in history

to find old systems and ways

of being that are falling apart

Environmentally politically and

economically upheaval and

disruption are now the norm But

this unpredictability that our minds

cannot grasp does invite us to find

a deeper knowing The truth the

55 year old Findhorn Foundation

and community on the Moray Firth

in Scotland demonstrates is that

when we take time to become

still and turn within we find the

way forward emerging for us as

individuals and as a collective We

discover that nature is conscious

and we can work with it We find

that our inner work affects the

outer world as well as inspires

us to right action We find that

instead of feeling at the mercy

of events beyond our control we

gain ways to shape our individual

and shared future There is a

world of potential within you

How will you answer its call

A New World is Calling

findhornorg

2

The Findhorn FoundationThe Park Findhorn MorayIV36 3TZ ScotlandTel +44 (0)1309 690311Email enquiriesfindhornorg

The Findhorn Foundation

The Findhorn Foundation is a living laboratory for transforming human consciousness We welcome you

to come be a part of the ongoing exploration

Who We Are

The Scottish Highlands is home to our four

locations The Park near Findhorn village Cluny Hill in

Forres our satellite community on Erraid and Traigh Bhan

our retreat centre on the sacred island of Iona

Spiritual CommunityOur full-time international

residential community seeks to

bring spirit into all our activities

and honours all spiritual traditions

and practices

Centre for Transformational LearningWe seek to demonstrate a way of living in

partnership with our own wholeness each other

nature and spirit The community holds retreats

workshops and events to support people from around

the world to experience this way of being and to live

into their full potential

We bring three core

principles into everything

we do

Centre for SustainabilityThe Findhorn Ecovillage one of the

oldest and most successful in the world

grew out of this communityrsquos close

partnership with nature It is now one

of the Foundationrsquos key partners in our

sustainability education

2224

18

12

3

Ways to Deepen Your Connection with Nature

Try taking off your shoes and noticing how your feet feel in contact with the ground

Notice your breathing - does it change when you enter nature

Relax and notice what images words or feelings come up for you

Restoring Inner amp Outer NatureWhy Being in Nature is Even Better for You Than You Thought

Scientists and shamans agree on something being in nature is good for you

Studies have linked even relatively

small amounts of time spent in nature

to better mental health improved

empathy lengthened attention span

and boosted immune system to name

only a few benefits As more artists

writers business people and others

wake up to the benefits of lsquoforest

bathingrsquo nature retreats and other ways

of immersing themselves in nature

they are finding that their creativity and

inspiration return

Even thinking about being in nature

is enough to benefit people For

instance notice how your body feels at

the moment Then think of a busy city

street cars whooshing past sounds of

construction rushing people How did

your body react Now think of yourself

walking a path in a summer woodland

smelling warm fallen leaves hearing

the soft burble of a nearby stream and

bird song Did you notice any change

within yourself One study indicates

that just thinking about nature like this

is enough to lower your heart rate

change your breathing pattern and

improve your energy level Clearly

there is no shortage of benefits being

in nature provides us

4 5

by Thomas Miller Editor

There may be more happening

when we connect with nature than just

changes in vitamin D levels and healthier

blood flow however After all hormones

pheromones and neural circuitry play

a part in human relationships but few

of us would say that they completely

explain what happens when you put

your arms around a loved one The

worldrsquos shamanic and indigenous

traditions as well as modern spiritual

teachers like Findhorn founder Dorothy

Maclean suggest what that lsquomorersquo

might be

When we look into the eyes of a

pet dog dip our feet into the cool

slipperiness of a forest stream look

out at the splendid colours of a

sunset or hold a newborn child in

our arms we are experiencing other

consciousnesses

ldquoThe world is alive and consciousldquo

The world is alive and conscious

shamans tell us and the way to

understand and relate to it is by paying

attention to our inner experiences

Listening to intuitions and our sense

of when meaningful lsquocoincidencesrsquo

happen are ways of touching the other

lives we are present with in nature

In this consciousness-focused view

of life itrsquos not surprising that stepping

into a midsummer forest seems similar

to slipping your arms around a loved

one What we are doing in both cases

is coming into contact with another

conscious presence like ourselves

As Dorothy Macleanrsquos experiments in

the Findhorn Garden show sometimes

deepening this connection can lead

to extraordinary external results The

possibilities that unfold when we

cultivate our relationship with nature

are endless But perhaps the best

place to begin is just by going for

a walk

6

ErraidThe rugged unspoiled hills and

beaches of this tiny Hebridean island

hold a Findhorn satellite community

that hosts visitors year round

erraidcom

Traigh BahnA retreat house on the sacred

island of Iona Traigh Bhan

hosts spiritual retreats

Nature SanctuaryThis hand-built sacred space is

designed for meditation spiritual

practices and connection with

the intelligence of nature

Sacred Places

7

22 - 27 September 2018 Follow-on workshop 28 September

findhornorgco-creativeFacebookcomco-creativespirit

Email enquiriesfindhornorg Tel +44 (0)1309 690311

Shaping our Future with the Unseen Worlds

ldquoEngaging with the subtle worlds isnrsquot simply to experience or explore the non-physical dimensions The larger purpose is to engage the underlying wholeness that ties the physical and non-physical domains into a living creative onenessrdquo

-David Spangler

At this turning point in our planetrsquos life the world is calling us to enter a new level of relationship with its subtle and spiritual dimensions Come join with non-human and human fellow adventurers to explore emerging possibilities for our shared future

This event weaves Findhornrsquos 55 years of work with the unseen worlds with your loving commitment to our planet Together we will explore a next level of Gaian consciousness and venture into the worlds of

bull Devic and Nature Beings bull The Subtle Realmsbull The Sidhe

Six day conference pound750pound890pound1250Follow-on workshops pound100 if booked in advance pound120 during the event

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

6

ErraidThe rugged unspoiled hills and

beaches of this tiny Hebridean island

hold a Findhorn satellite community

that hosts visitors year round

erraidcom

Traigh BahnA retreat house on the sacred

island of Iona Traigh Bhan

hosts spiritual retreats

Nature SanctuaryThis hand-built sacred space is

designed for meditation spiritual

practices and connection with

the intelligence of nature

Sacred Places

7

22 - 27 September 2018 Follow-on workshop 28 September

findhornorgco-creativeFacebookcomco-creativespirit

Email enquiriesfindhornorg Tel +44 (0)1309 690311

Shaping our Future with the Unseen Worlds

ldquoEngaging with the subtle worlds isnrsquot simply to experience or explore the non-physical dimensions The larger purpose is to engage the underlying wholeness that ties the physical and non-physical domains into a living creative onenessrdquo

-David Spangler

At this turning point in our planetrsquos life the world is calling us to enter a new level of relationship with its subtle and spiritual dimensions Come join with non-human and human fellow adventurers to explore emerging possibilities for our shared future

This event weaves Findhornrsquos 55 years of work with the unseen worlds with your loving commitment to our planet Together we will explore a next level of Gaian consciousness and venture into the worlds of

bull Devic and Nature Beings bull The Subtle Realmsbull The Sidhe

Six day conference pound750pound890pound1250Follow-on workshops pound100 if booked in advance pound120 during the event

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

4 Findhorn Foundation 201718 Findhorn Foundation 201718 5

The Efficiency of SilenceGetting everything in our busy lives done has us running faster and faster Instead we could also take a minute close our eyes go within and find wisdom

by Lisette Schuitemaker Chair of Trustees

Six Benefits of Silence

1 A wider smile

Being silent even for as short as a

minute has us recoup our breath

connect again to what gives our lives

meaning and purpose and smile

2 A wiser approach

Whatever the turbulence around or

inside us through a moment of silence

we can access our inner wisdom that

helps us respond more openly and

lovingly to what is occurring

3 Acts of kindness

Even in a short moment of silence we

can come out of a narrowed awareness

that focuses on what we gain and

expand into wanting to give without

needing to get

4 No sweat

What if everything always happened

exactly at the right time What if things

could not happen differently than they

did Notice the relaxation in the system

when we entertain such an idea

5 Done with drama

In the words of the 13th century

poet Rumi ldquoOut beyond ideas of

wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a

field - Irsquoll meet you thererdquo In silence we

can move beyond our need to judge

6 Knowing what to do

Three minutes of sitting still going

inside and listening to the small voice

and what was unclear becomes clear

Our inner wisdom acts like a compass

to a life of purpose and fulfilment

8 9

ldquoBe still go within and draw forth the priceless treasures within yourdquo

- Eileen Caddy

ldquoWhat is alive in you nowrdquo More and

more meetings these days begin with

this question People come in to the

room with a phone still pressed to

their ear motioning the rest to start as

they will join momentarily Others are

typing away at an email that needs

to be finished and sent before they

can focus their attention on anything

else Someone else may just come out

of an intense conversation that had

their emotions flare up Now they find

themselves in this meeting that was

planned before any of these pressing

issues showed up in their lives

How to concentrate on the issue at

hand Taking a few deep breaths helps

Closing the devices sitting down

looking around at present company

heaving a sigh is all very helpful

Then if the chair of the meeting asks

everyone to go inside for a moment

and gauge what is alive in them silence

descends in the room Within a few

seconds the atmosphere changes

An acute observer might notice how

the seemingly disconnected jumble of

people of a moment ago turns into a

group with a common focus What do

these busy people do in that minute

or two of silence They might close

their eyes as they draw their attention

inwards They engage their witnessing

mind to observe tumbling thoughts of

to-dorsquos They gauge any feelings that

might be running through them - they

might be insecure as they havenrsquot

prepared for this meeting or adamant

that their solution will be adopted

ldquoTaking a few deep breaths helpsrdquo

Identifying these feelings naming

them considering them they will notice

that the waves of their inner sea calms

down If they are able to go deeper

inside still they will find a place of

peace that is unperturbed by all that is

going on in their busy lives

Hitting this spot they can see their

thoughts and feelings more objectively

They become aware that they are not

their thoughts or their feelings but

that they have them - and that they

can change stance on topics as more

information becomes available

This inner journey of just a few

minutes allows them to focus their full

attention on the subject of this particular

meeting from a place of calm wisdom

Taking turns sharing about what is alive

in them a picture will already begin to

form about the direction to be taken with

the matter under discussion

This may seem like an ideal office in

a place far removed from daily reality

as most of us know it Such ways of

conducting business have indeed

been pioneered by the likes of the

Findhorn Foundation but a growing

number of mainstream organisations are

discovering the efficiency of taking time

before plunging in They too realise that

all of us carry an inner wisdom that is a

good guide to follow This makes inner

listening one of top skills to develop not

just for a personal life of purpose but

also for professional success

Findhorn Spiritual Retreat Weeks

Take time apart to be still replenish and deepen into

what is truly essential Findhorn Spiritual Retreat weeks

give you an opportunity to explore your own spiritual and

personal journey within a supportive caring community

environment Give yourself the gift of a week of renewal

connection and inspired action Return home with greater

purpose creativity and joy

Findhorn Spiritual Retreat Weeks run year-round

findhornorgspiritual-retreats

10 11

Truly there is something magical about the Findhorn community In

the middle of gardening or cleaning or teaching or administering

a shift may suddenly happen and a wave of love and magic starts

to flow through the people and the situation In these wonderful and

joyful moments there may be unplanned silence and healing or

song dance music prayer or impromptu comedy as hearts open

and people feel a serendipitous exhilaration at the sheer wonder of

being alive and everything can be sensed as possessing sentient

life plants rocks clouds washing machines buildings the pulsing

and spiralling hum of the universe These blessed happenings may

last only a few minutes or continue for weeks For some people

their whole experience of Findhorn is suffused with this exhilarating

grace and creativity

William BloomSpiritual Teacher and best-selling author of The Power of Modern

Spirituality and Soulution The Holistic Manifesto

Diploma in Applied Spirituality Beginning 13 October 2018

Jointly developed by William Bloom and the Findhorn Foundation

College this is the first nationally accredited diploma course in

applied Spirituality amp Wellness

findhorncollegeorgprogrammesapplied-spirituality

Findhorn Spiritual Retreat Weeks

Take time apart to be still replenish and deepen into

what is truly essential Findhorn Spiritual Retreat weeks

give you an opportunity to explore your own spiritual and

personal journey within a supportive caring community

environment Give yourself the gift of a week of renewal

connection and inspired action Return home with greater

purpose creativity and joy

Findhorn Spiritual Retreat Weeks run year-round

findhornorgspiritual-retreats

10 11

Truly there is something magical about the Findhorn community In

the middle of gardening or cleaning or teaching or administering

a shift may suddenly happen and a wave of love and magic starts

to flow through the people and the situation In these wonderful and

joyful moments there may be unplanned silence and healing or

song dance music prayer or impromptu comedy as hearts open

and people feel a serendipitous exhilaration at the sheer wonder of

being alive and everything can be sensed as possessing sentient

life plants rocks clouds washing machines buildings the pulsing

and spiralling hum of the universe These blessed happenings may

last only a few minutes or continue for weeks For some people

their whole experience of Findhorn is suffused with this exhilarating

grace and creativity

William BloomSpiritual Teacher and best-selling author of The Power of Modern

Spirituality and Soulution The Holistic Manifesto

Diploma in Applied Spirituality Beginning 13 October 2018

Jointly developed by William Bloom and the Findhorn Foundation

College this is the first nationally accredited diploma course in

applied Spirituality amp Wellness

findhorncollegeorgprogrammesapplied-spirituality

12 Findhorn Foundation 201718

Ecovillage Living Co-creating a regenerative cultureThe Park Ecovillage an essential community partner of the Foundation is one of the oldest and most successful ecovillages in the world Designed through locally owned participatory processes it aims to regenerate its social and natural environments through addressing all levels of sustainability

The Living Machine processes the

communityrsquos wastewater through

recreated marsh ecosystems of local

plants and fauna

A community meal from local produce

Our Biomass Boiler provides heat from

renewable local woodchips

The community only maintains a few

light structures on our Hinterland so

nature spirits trees wildflowers and

people have ample space

Inspired by NatureFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - Permaculture

7 April 6 October 2018

findhornorgspiritual-retreat-permaculture

Workshop leader master permaculturist author

of Permaculture a Spiritual Approach potter

and community lsquoferal elderrsquo Craig Gibsone

beside his hand-built whisky barrel house

12 13

The Park Ecovillage hosts ecovillage

training for groups ranging from day

visitors to university students

Eco houses in the Field of Dreams

are models of green building

Harvest Festival in Cullerne Garden

celebrating Autumn Equinox

Chemical-free gardens produce much

of the communityrsquos vegetables and

provide a teaching space for guests

Whisky Barrel eco houses made of

recycled vats from local distilleries

The community supplies a substantial portion

of its energy from wind and solar power

Thomas Miller interviews Robin Alfred a Findhorn

Foundation alumnus and organisational consultant to

the UN PricewaterhouseCoopers BP Greenpeace

International and the Carbon Disclosure Project He

helps both organisations and individuals align their

lives with their true purpose

Finding Your Purpose

15

Charles Eisenstein internationally renowned speaker philosopher programme facilitator and author of several books including The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible

Christiana Figueres former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) who directed events that led to the historic Paris Agreement of 2015

Polly Higgins holder of the Arne Naess Professorship at Oslo University and a lead advocate for Ecocide law Ecologist Magazine named her one of the top ten visionary thinkers in the world

Naomi Klein award winning syndicated journalist and best-selling author of several seminal books including The Shock Doctrine This Changes Everything and No Is Not Enough

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez 17 year-old indigenous (Aztec) climate change activist hip-hop artist and Youth Director of Earth Guardians a worldwide youth-led environmentalist organisation

Bill McKibben founder of 350org instigator of the fast-growing fossil fuel divestment movement and passionate voice for the contemporary grassroots climate change movement

Jonathon Porritt CBE eminent environmentalist author commentator and the founder and Director of Forum for the Future the UKrsquos leading sustainable development charity

Vandana Shiva PhD world-renowned environmental thinker activist physicist feminist philosopher of science science policy advocate and author of over twenty books

Awake bull Celebrate bull Act

CCC19 will be a participatory investigation into how we can steward a sustainable future on a radically changed planet Earth - how we will survive and how we can thrive The event will bring together eminent scientists wisdom keepers activists artists poets young people parents and parents-to-be to envision and begin to inhabit our future It will be an international intergenerational and multi-disciplinary gathering

ldquoWe can build durable and even graceful ways to inhabit this new planetrdquo Bill McKibben

An international conference 20-26 April 2019 Findhorn Scotland

CCC19Findhorn

CCC19Findhorn

CCC19orgEmail CCC19findhornorgTel +44 (0)1309 691933

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

How do people know they are

connecting with their sense

of purpose

If yoursquore aligned with a sense of

purpose therersquos usually a sense of

vitality electricity you vibrate at a

higher level You might experience

times of flow of synchronicities These

are feedback from the universe that

yoursquore doing the right thing So you

need to cultivate the conditions for

deep inner listening whether thatrsquos

through meditation or paying attention

to our hunches in our daily life You can

do it for five minutes a day you can do

it on the bus when yoursquore driving at

the gym gazing at a flower a million

different ways We need to create a

practice of spaciousness where you

can sense the deeper calling the

deeper river running through your life

And itrsquos a whisper itrsquos not strong so

you have to be very quiet to hear it

How do you often see people

keeping themselves from living

their purpose

I think we often decide for safety

and comfort rather than living on our

edge So we cultivate and then sink

into habits like an old pair of shoes

We need a warm base of friendships

and relationships that support us

where we can sit and feel we belong

in the world And we need a sense of

becoming we need to be evolving -

what am I evolving into Belonging and

becoming - two balancing energies I

think we often sacrifice lsquobecomingrsquo for

lsquobelongingrsquo and then we donrsquot fulfill our

potential Maybe we need to cultivate

new friendships maybe we need to

move to a different place maybe we

need new skills or awarenesses to

honour the call to become more

ldquoYou need to cultivate the conditions for deep

inner listeningrdquo

What are some of the symptoms

when people arenrsquot living into their

full potential

Irritation as if people are irritated with

life because they know that some

part of them isnrsquot fully expressed but

really itrsquos a deep irritation with their

own self their own soul because they

arenrsquot living fully into themselves

Depression boredom anxiety all

the symptoms of dis-ease with life

because wersquore not really honouring

what life is calling forth from us So we

carry that as literally dis-appointment

We have an appointment with our self

our soul our purpose and wersquore not

fulfilling that appointment Another

thing is that being connected with your

purpose does not mean you do not

have doubts fears rocky moments

because when more light comes into

your system it means more shadows

are illuminated too My experience of

the spiritual path is that when more

light comes in you have more access

to intuition inspiration but also your

shadow is illuminated and also gets

stirred up more levels of anger for

example might be felt

If someone feels out of touch with

their sense of purpose or calling

whatrsquos a first step they can take

Itrsquos really good to welcome the irritation

you feel Irritation can be two things It

can be an evolutionary stress Irsquom not

living my full potential somethingrsquos

calling Irsquom going to experience that as

stressful I need something else

It may also be a sign that some

shadows are getting activated that

need integration I have swept this

under the carpet for too long and now

it needs attention

Welcome irritation as a teacher and

inquire into it

ldquoIrsquove been presenting talks workshops and conferences at Findhorn every year since 2005 I love to sit in the original

garden The beautiful empty beaches of Findhorn are ideal for a walking meditation The forests offer me shelter and rest The

community of people here inspire me in so many waysrdquo

Robert Holden author of Happiness NOW Shift Happens and Life Loves You

17

Robert Holdenwith Hollie Holden plus special guests Love amp FearA Course in Miracles Retreat

Sat 27 October 2018 (three days)

Robert amp Hollie will share key teachings from

the A Course In Miracles text lessons from the

workbook and inspiration from The Song of

Prayer and other ACIM literature The emphasis

will be on how to apply the teachings to

your daily life your relationships and your

life purpose

findhornorgrobert-holden

16

Robert HoldenLiving Your Purpose Enneagram Retreat on Soul Calling amp Life Purpose

Sat 31 March 2018 (three days)

Join Robert Holden for a spiritual retreat featuring nine soul

meditations on your life purpose using the Enneagram a map

of consciousness over 2500 years old This retreat features

discussions on each Enneagram archetype (ennea-type) and how it

affects your life whether you are conscious of it or not

Key themes include

bull Purpose of the Enneagram - how to use the Enneagram in

your daily life and work

bull You are Your Purpose - daring to express more of the real you

bull Make Me an Instrument - surrendering to the bigger plan and a

higher power

bull Opening Doors Within - opening up to inspiration grace and

soul guidance

bull Doing the Inner Work - meeting the inner blocks - the basic

fear fixation and passion - that hold you back

bull Honouring Your Soul Gifts - embracing the Virtue of your

ennea-type

bull Living your Dream - sharing your purpose with the worldbull

findhornorgrobert-holden

Seven Giftsin Seven Years

Seven years ago after meeting a friend who had lived at Findhorn in the 70s I woke

up with the phrase lsquoFindhorn Life Purposersquo on my mind I discovered a workshop

of that name booked my place and a few weeks later returned to Findhornrsquos Cluny

Hill I instinctively knew the Foundation was the place where I could most learn and

most contribute I innocently thought Irsquod stay a few months and return to Australia

My soul knew otherwise and here I am still The Foundation has been and still is my

lsquoUniversity of the Soulrsquo

- Christine Lines Network Weaver

Finding my VoiceIrsquom naturally soft spoken and feel more comfortable with the written word I knew speaking in groups was my growing

edge During the Findhorn apprenticeship program LEAP I asked my mentor about public speaking Soon afterwards

she nominated me to focalise Council and I found the willingness to say yes When I first stepped up to do this my

body shivered with the unknown tears rolled down my face out of fear and I felt the love and support of those around

me Listening more deeply Irsquove developed my intuition and strengthened the connection between all aspects of who I

am healing the disconnect that occurred early in life Irsquove learned to voice my perspective in ways that transcend early

conditioning with less self doubt The Foundation seems to create opportunities for each one of us to feel nudged out of

our comfort zone and actively engage in our personal path

Deep ListeningI still remember sitting in my Experience Week an

introductory programme to the Foundation surrounded by

new friends my heart so open to life The practice of deep

listening to each other was introduced from the beginning

creating a safe space and that felt deeply healing for me

I could sense everyone give their genuine attention Over

time Irsquove learnt to share more of myself as I discover more

about who I am and how I think and feel Through this I

can be more present with others

1AttunementI savour stillness and here I found attunement

a practice of pausing and connecting with my

innermost self becoming aware of those around

me and breathing in the ever-present spirit of life

From this space I can act with clarity and intuitive

certainty I believe it supports me to live in a more

grace-filled way and it allows the uniqueness of

each one of us to flourish

2

3

Inner AuthorityThrough the three year journey of leading the communityrsquos council I discovered my inner authority I invested my natural

enthusiasm and commitment into the role along with my passion for community life Leadership required me to step

up and I did that slowly over time simply by showing up I listened to my intuition and asked for feedback when I felt

uncertain I firmly believe there is strength in vulnerability and this community is an amazing playground for exploring that

4

Group SkillsIn my role now of Education Director of the

Holistic Centres Network I appreciate how

much my time at Findhorn has shaped me

With peers at a recent gathering in Hawaii I

could draw upon what I learned here about

facilitating groups feel sustained by my

spiritual practice witness each moment and

embrace the growing pains

5

ResilienceMy capacity to grow and learn continues

to expand and I feel deeply grateful for the

strength and resilience Irsquove developed over

the years of living in community I followed

my soul calling into the transformational

journey from my first week here to staff

and beyond through the shattering of

old beliefs about myself Itrsquos no fun to do

so publicly in community but thankfully

community also offers a tremendous

amount of support I feel a new resilience

that can more easily withstand the

emotional ups and downs of life

6

LoveIrsquove developed a self acceptance and discovered a sense of wholeness that has firm foundations

in love From that place I share and experience love more easily than before and more often find a

peaceful way of being in the complexity of life

ldquoItrsquos not always easy or perfect being here but itrsquos the learning journey of a lifetimerdquo

7

18 19

Lessons in Community Living

ldquoLove whatever you do Learn to love the place you are in the

people you are with and the work that you have to dordquo

Peter Caddy

20

C O N N E C T

21

WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS See our calendar of events for our complete list of workshops and special events

Sign up to connect with the workshop or event that will catalyse your next step in life

findhornorgprogrammes

SHORT TERM VISITORCome and immerse yourself in this dynamic living experiment

surrounded by the beach bay and forest of our Scottish Highlands home

findhornorgvisit

BLOGJoin the conversation about inspired living connecting with

the consciousness of nature health love and more

findhornorgblog

NETWORK OF LIGHTThe Findhorn Foundation is part of a worldwide

tapestry of holistic communities Find out

about our global network of partners

findhornorgglobal-

networking

FIND INSPIRATIONJoin the thousands

of people around

the world who receive

weekly inspiring

messages

findhornorginspiration

EXPERIENCE WEEK The best way to experience our

experiment in new ways of living is

to be part of the community for a week

Answer the call to open your heart mind and

soul to a world of new possibility Held by our

expert facilitators the week invites you to join

a group of fellow adventurers as you explore

spiritual practices community dynamics and your

own dreams and identity

findhornorgexperience-week

ldquoLove whatever you do Learn to love the place you are in the

people you are with and the work that you have to dordquo

Peter Caddy

20

C O N N E C T

21

WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS See our calendar of events for our complete list of workshops and special events

Sign up to connect with the workshop or event that will catalyse your next step in life

findhornorgprogrammes

SHORT TERM VISITORCome and immerse yourself in this dynamic living experiment

surrounded by the beach bay and forest of our Scottish Highlands home

findhornorgvisit

BLOGJoin the conversation about inspired living connecting with

the consciousness of nature health love and more

findhornorgblog

NETWORK OF LIGHTThe Findhorn Foundation is part of a worldwide

tapestry of holistic communities Find out

about our global network of partners

findhornorgglobal-

networking

FIND INSPIRATIONJoin the thousands

of people around

the world who receive

weekly inspiring

messages

findhornorginspiration

EXPERIENCE WEEK The best way to experience our

experiment in new ways of living is

to be part of the community for a week

Answer the call to open your heart mind and

soul to a world of new possibility Held by our

expert facilitators the week invites you to join

a group of fellow adventurers as you explore

spiritual practices community dynamics and your

own dreams and identity

findhornorgexperience-week

2018 Calendar of Events julySaturday 7Experience WeekBrazilian Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Creations in NatureCultivating Life Force - a weeklong Chi Gong RetreatSaturday 14Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - MindfulnessIona - Summer RetreatFestival of Sacred Dance Music amp SongSaturday 21Experience WeekFrench Experience WeekFamily Experience WeekBeing in CommunityGame of Transformation - 4 daysIona - Summer RetreatSaturday 28Experience WeekFamily Experience WeekBeing in CommunityIona - Summer RetreatCreations in NatureThe Alchemy of TransformationThe Elusive ObviousYour Exquisite Body of Light

AuGuSTSaturday 4Ecovillage Experience WeekGerman Experience WeekYouth Experience WeekFamily Experience Week Follow-OnBeing in CommunityIona - Summer RetreatAnimal Communication and Nature Connection ISaturday 11Experience WeekBeing in CommunityIona - Summer RetreatWhole Body Mindfulness - Increasing the Power of Your IntuitionSchool of YouthSaturday 18Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual RetreatIona - Summer RetreatGame of Transformation - 7 daysEmbracing Change - An Open Floor Movement WorkshopSaturday 25Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Summer RetreatLife Purpose

SEpTEmBErSaturday 1Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Introduction to MeditationChakra ConstellationsEssence and Empowerment - The TARA ApproachLearning to Lead Sacred DanceSaturday 8Experience Week Findhorn Spiritual Retreat - Living IntuitivelyAnimal Communication and Nature Connection IIWorking With Subtle Energy Embodied Skills and Capacities for LifeSaturday 15Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Transformation in RetreatAdvanced Essence and EmpowermentSaturday 22Co-Creative Spirituality - Shaping Our Future with the Unseen WorldsIona - Space for the HeartNo Living in Community Guest (LCG)Saturday 29Ecovillage Experience WeekLove in Action - Maintenance at The ParkIona - Autumn RetreatGame of Transformation - 4 daysDrawing Out Your Soul -Touch Drawing and Sacred Expressive ArtsThis Being Human -Telling True Life Tales

oCToBEr

Saturday 6Experience Week LGBT Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - PermacultureSacred Dance - Ariadne - Transformations in Dance and teachings of the Dervish TurningSaturday 13Being in CommunityEssentials of PsychosynthesisIntroduction to the Healing Art of Esalenreg MassageSaturday 20Experience Week In Perfect Timing - Gardening at CullerneEsalenreg Massage - Deepening Your PresenceExploring Reality - Living RealitySaturday 27Being in CommunityIona - Autumn Garden RetreatLove amp Fear with Robert HoldenIntegral Mondo Zen Retreat

NovEmBErSaturday 3Experience Week Findhorn Spiritual Retreat - ClayIona - Transformation in RetreatSaturday 10Being in CommunityGame of Transformation - 4 daysSaturday 17Experience Week Being in CommunitySpiritual Deepening - Living from Purpose and SoulThe Alchemy of TransformationSaturday 24Being in Community

dECEmBErSaturday 1Experience Week Findhorn Spiritual Retreat - Primal PaintingSaturday 8Being in CommunitySaturday 15Experience Week Being in CommunityA Christmas RetreatSaturday 22No Living in Community (LCG)Christmas Retreat on IonaSaturday 29Living in Community Guest (Restricted intake week Only those who have done LCG before can apply for this week)Game of Transformation - 7 daysNew Year Celebration - Crossing the ThresholdNew Year Retreat - Turning Within and Moving Forward

jANuAry Saturday 6 Experience WeekNo Living in Community (LCG) Saturday 20 Experience Week Being in CommunityWalking the Amazonian Shamanic PathSaturday 27A Gift to Cluny - Spring Clean CelebrationAmazonian Magical Sounds

FEBruArySaturday 3Experience Week Sprinklings of Light - Spring Cleaning at The ParkGame of Transformation - 4 daysSaturday 10Being in CommunitySaturday 17Experience Week Being in CommunitySaturday 24Being in Community

mArChSaturday 3Experience Week Being in CommunityGame of Transformation - 4 daysProject Earth - Balancing the grid of our planet Saturday 10Findhorn Spiritual RetreatLife PurposeSaturday 17Experience Week Being in CommunitySaturday 24Being in CommunitySaturday 31Ecovillage Experience WeekBeing in CommunityGame of Transformation - 4 days Iona - Easter Retreat Living Your Purpose with Robert Holden

AprIlSaturday 7Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - PermacultureIona - Transformation in RetreatSaturday 14Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Lifting the VeilSaturday 21Experience Week Being in CommunityBeing with the Inner and Outer Spirit of NatureThe Childrenrsquos Fire Ancient wisdom fuels a new storySaturday 28Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - Introduction to MeditationIona - Wholefoods and Detox Retreat Spiritual Intelligence - Next Level Leadership

mAySaturday 5Experience weekIn Perfect Timing - Gardening at CullerneGame of Transformation - 7 daysSaturday 12Experience WeekGerman Experience WeekComing Home to the Garden - Gardening at The ParkAnimal Communication and Nature Connection IMusic and ConsciousnessYoga and Meditation Retreat WeekSaturday 19Experience Week Being in CommunityThe Longing to Belong - Listening to the Call of Your SoulThe Dancer within - Dance training with The Harmony Method regSaturday 26Experience WeekFire in the Heart - Writing and Living the Poetry of Your LifeIn Tune with Nature - Springtime Abundance in Cluny GardenIona - Spring Garden Retreat On the Wings of Art - An Ensouled Glass Workshop

juNESaturday 2Hinterland Experience WeekComing Home to the Garden - Gardening at The ParkIona - The Way of the PilgrimSpiritual Activism - Leadership as ServiceSaturday 9Experience Week Being in CommunityIona Spiritual Retreat - Co-Create a new lsquoIrsquoNature as a Spiritual Path - Journeying with the Four ElementsSaturday 16Experience WeekFindhorn Spiritual Retreat - Wild NatureIona - Transformation in Retreat Saturday 23Experience Week Being in CommunityGame of Transformation - 4 daysReconnection and Renewal A programme run in partnership with Way of NatureSaturday 30Music Experience WeekItalian Experience Week Being in CommunityIona - Japanese Summer Retreat

22 23

Living in Community (LCG) starts on every Saturday unless otherwise stated These programmes require prior participation in Experience Week

LOCATIONOnly 75 minutes from London airports - and a world away - our centres welcome you to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Scottish Highlands year round

THE PARKOur Park site five miles away from

Cluny Hill and near the village

of Findhorn sits within The Park

Ecovillage and blends into the local

duneland ecosystem on the rim of

the Moray Firth

CLUNY HILLOur Cluny Hill site is a former

Victorian spa hotel set amid forested

hills near the historic town of Forres

IONAThe Foundation runs a retreat

house on the sacred island of Iona

a historic destination of pilgrimage

Guests can visit the local Abbey or

enjoy the wild solitude of the island

its rugged hills and white beaches

ERRAIDWithin sight of Iona the tiny island

of Erraid hosts a vibrant offshoot of

the Findhorn Foundation The Erraid

family hosts guests year round to

experience working and spiritual

retreats or simply to enjoy the

islandrsquos stunning beauty and peace

The carrot I held was as big as my forearm As a volunteer veg chopper in Cluny Kitchen my task was to transform that glorious carrot into a lunch salad Findhorn staff and guests would soon be trooping into the dining room ready to be fed and have a bit of a rest before their afternoon shifts I figured this impressive orange giant would feed just about everyone This lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo could serve as a reminder that we live a life of abundance

Findhorn Then and Now

Giant vegetables brought me to

Findhorn I first came as an Experience

Week Guest in the summer of 1979 I

was 25 years old It was the story of

cabbages and community gardens

and angelic guides that lured me to

Scotland to see the magic of Findhorn

for myself I fell in love with its energy

and kept coming back In visits over the

past 38 years Irsquove witnessed enormous

growth and change The sandy rubbish

tip is a teeming garden spot An

ecovillage has risen wind machines

whirr lovely eco houses have replaced

funky caravans and the venerable

old Cluny Kitchen is now as sleek as

a spaceship Despite the changes it

is when I am at Findhorn that I most

clearly see my place in the chain of

Creation and Spirit I see how my

energy - in terms of service of prayer

and contributions - keeps the manna

flowinghellip from Spirit to physicality back

to Spirit and then around again For me

the lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo was yet another

reminder of this connection to Source

All the energy that went into that carrot

the seed the soil rain and sun the

gardeners with their careful tending

and harvesting the driver who brought

it to our door the cooks in the kitchen

and the dinershellip we were all part of a

chain of creation that was needed to

keep abundant and generous energy

flowing We all played our part

Till Sow Harvest

As much as I love Scotland and the

community it is not my patch of earth

in which to take root I am however

grateful for the opportunity to return

periodically to renew and recharge I

give my love and support to Findhorn

because it gives me joy in return

bull It gives me joy to relive my time at

Findhorn Irsquove been my best me there

bull It gives me joy to financially

support the place people

and purpose of the Findhorn

community Many have given years

of their lives to help people like me

find their best path in the world

bull It gives me joy to actively support the

Findhorn principles of Inner Listening

Co-Creation with Nature and Work

as Love in Action all of which have

become important in my life

In English the word lsquocarrotrsquo also

serves as a metaphor for inducement

encouragement persuasion My hope

is that these words might inspire you

to connect with Findhorn in significant

ways Your gifts large or small from

your own abundance helps nurture and

sustain the Spirit of Findhorn In the

meantime keep calm and carrot on

See findhornorgsupport for ways to

support the Findhorn Foundation

Meeting the lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo at Findhorn

London to

Inverness

75 minutes

London to

Aberdeen

or Inverness

connections

to Forres

national

expresscom

citylinkcouk

ukmegabuscom

Four hours

from

Edinburgh

and

Glasgow

London

Bristol

Birmingham

Liverpool

Belfast

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Inverness

Aberdeen

FINDHORN

IonaErraid

By Molly MettlerWall Street Journal contributor Friend of Findhorn

If you truly get in touch with a piece of carrot you get in touch with the soil the rain the sunshine You get in touch with Mother Earth and eating in such a way you feel in touch with true life your roots and that is meditation If we chew every morsel of our food in that way we become grateful and when you are grateful you are happy - Thich Nhat Hanh

24 25

LOCATIONOnly 75 minutes from London airports - and a world away - our centres welcome you to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Scottish Highlands year round

THE PARKOur Park site five miles away from

Cluny Hill and near the village

of Findhorn sits within The Park

Ecovillage and blends into the local

duneland ecosystem on the rim of

the Moray Firth

CLUNY HILLOur Cluny Hill site is a former

Victorian spa hotel set amid forested

hills near the historic town of Forres

IONAThe Foundation runs a retreat

house on the sacred island of Iona

a historic destination of pilgrimage

Guests can visit the local Abbey or

enjoy the wild solitude of the island

its rugged hills and white beaches

ERRAIDWithin sight of Iona the tiny island

of Erraid hosts a vibrant offshoot of

the Findhorn Foundation The Erraid

family hosts guests year round to

experience working and spiritual

retreats or simply to enjoy the

islandrsquos stunning beauty and peace

The carrot I held was as big as my forearm As a volunteer veg chopper in Cluny Kitchen my task was to transform that glorious carrot into a lunch salad Findhorn staff and guests would soon be trooping into the dining room ready to be fed and have a bit of a rest before their afternoon shifts I figured this impressive orange giant would feed just about everyone This lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo could serve as a reminder that we live a life of abundance

Findhorn Then and Now

Giant vegetables brought me to

Findhorn I first came as an Experience

Week Guest in the summer of 1979 I

was 25 years old It was the story of

cabbages and community gardens

and angelic guides that lured me to

Scotland to see the magic of Findhorn

for myself I fell in love with its energy

and kept coming back In visits over the

past 38 years Irsquove witnessed enormous

growth and change The sandy rubbish

tip is a teeming garden spot An

ecovillage has risen wind machines

whirr lovely eco houses have replaced

funky caravans and the venerable

old Cluny Kitchen is now as sleek as

a spaceship Despite the changes it

is when I am at Findhorn that I most

clearly see my place in the chain of

Creation and Spirit I see how my

energy - in terms of service of prayer

and contributions - keeps the manna

flowinghellip from Spirit to physicality back

to Spirit and then around again For me

the lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo was yet another

reminder of this connection to Source

All the energy that went into that carrot

the seed the soil rain and sun the

gardeners with their careful tending

and harvesting the driver who brought

it to our door the cooks in the kitchen

and the dinershellip we were all part of a

chain of creation that was needed to

keep abundant and generous energy

flowing We all played our part

Till Sow Harvest

As much as I love Scotland and the

community it is not my patch of earth

in which to take root I am however

grateful for the opportunity to return

periodically to renew and recharge I

give my love and support to Findhorn

because it gives me joy in return

bull It gives me joy to relive my time at

Findhorn Irsquove been my best me there

bull It gives me joy to financially

support the place people

and purpose of the Findhorn

community Many have given years

of their lives to help people like me

find their best path in the world

bull It gives me joy to actively support the

Findhorn principles of Inner Listening

Co-Creation with Nature and Work

as Love in Action all of which have

become important in my life

In English the word lsquocarrotrsquo also

serves as a metaphor for inducement

encouragement persuasion My hope

is that these words might inspire you

to connect with Findhorn in significant

ways Your gifts large or small from

your own abundance helps nurture and

sustain the Spirit of Findhorn In the

meantime keep calm and carrot on

See findhornorgsupport for ways to

support the Findhorn Foundation

Meeting the lsquoCarrot of Plentyrsquo at Findhorn

London to

Inverness

75 minutes

London to

Aberdeen

or Inverness

connections

to Forres

national

expresscom

citylinkcouk

ukmegabuscom

Four hours

from

Edinburgh

and

Glasgow

London

Bristol

Birmingham

Liverpool

Belfast

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Inverness

Aberdeen

FINDHORN

IonaErraid

By Molly MettlerWall Street Journal contributor Friend of Findhorn

If you truly get in touch with a piece of carrot you get in touch with the soil the rain the sunshine You get in touch with Mother Earth and eating in such a way you feel in touch with true life your roots and that is meditation If we chew every morsel of our food in that way we become grateful and when you are grateful you are happy - Thich Nhat Hanh

24 25

273 PINERIDGE THE PARK FINDHORN MORAY - IV36 3TZ

open every day including Sat amp Sun ( Tues closed)

Our pottery is also available from our online shop wwwfindhornpotterycom- phone 01309 691601-

emailfindhornpotteryyahoocoukFollow us on Facebook

HAND CRAFTED WITH LOVE IN THE BEAUTIFUL

FINDHORN POTTERY STUDIO Home of the beautiful Findhorn Sanctuary candleflower rings

EXPERTS IN ALL THINGS ECO

The best ethical news and Hero products

that help you put your money where your

heart is

MyGreenPodcom

01309 690203 | infofindhornbayholidayparkcomfindhornbayholidayparkcom

匀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 琀栀攀 攀挀漀瘀椀氀氀愀最攀 洀漀瘀攀洀攀渀琀 琀漀 ˻漀甀爀椀猀栀

䌀愀琀愀氀礀稀椀渀最 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀椀攀猀 昀漀爀 愀 爀攀最攀渀攀爀愀琀椀瘀攀 眀漀爀氀搀

䰀䔀吀匀䌀刀䔀䄀吀䔀䄀 一䔀圀

倀䄀刀䄀䐀䤀䜀䴀

圀 圀 圀 䔀 䌀 伀 嘀 䤀 䰀 䰀 䄀 䜀 䔀 伀 刀 䜀 䜀 䘀 刀 䤀 䔀 一 䐀 匀

䈀䔀䌀伀䴀䔀 䄀 䘀刀䤀䔀一䐀 伀䘀 䜀䔀一

Findhorn Foundation College is a short course provider with the British Accreditation Council

Holistic Education for sustainable living

Further amp Higher Education and continuing Professional development courses in English as a second language Ecovillage design Facilitation

Permaculture coaching and Well Being

Bespoke Field study Visits offered for academic groups and independent researchers

curious about sustainable settlement and community studies

The New Findhorn Association is the voice of the community that has evolved around the Findhorn Foundation supporting our collective engagement with purpose and service For more information or to subscribe to our newsletter The Rainbow Bridge please contact nfafindhorncc

findhorncc

26 27

the Next Regeneration Designer

gaiaeducationorg

BecomeImmerse yourself in one of our transformational programmes and discover how Design for Sustainability can help you address todays global challenges All our online and face-to-face programmes cover Social Economic Ecological and Worldview aspects and integrate them through a regenerative design approach to unlock your capacity to be an agent of positive change in the world

Transforming human consciousness in everyday life

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

findhornorg

The Foundation is honoured to have

been chosen by the PEA (People

Environment Achievement) Awards

as their charity of the year for its

work in helping people to reconnect

with nature themselves and their

spiritual path The PEA award

recognises the Foundation as the

UKrsquos pioneering entity and force

in this work which it considers the

crucial work of the next ten years for

individuals and businesses

To learn more visit

wwwpeaawardscom

Transforming human consciousness in everyday life

F I N D H O R Nf O U N D A T I O N

findhornorg

The Foundation is honoured to have

been chosen by the PEA (People

Environment Achievement) Awards

as their charity of the year for its

work in helping people to reconnect

with nature themselves and their

spiritual path The PEA award

recognises the Foundation as the

UKrsquos pioneering entity and force

in this work which it considers the

crucial work of the next ten years for

individuals and businesses

To learn more visit

wwwpeaawardscom