It’s About Presence Not Place
by Terry Gilbey, CEO
I’ve just returned from a trip to our retreat house, Traigh Bhan, on the Isle of Iona, and I am excited to report that things are on track for the launch of our Spirit of Iona programme on July 6th. I feel such gratitude that we are able to begin from Iona. It is a beautiful place filled with wonder; a place that has been a destination for pilgrims and seekers for at least 1500 years. When walking the beaches and paths of Iona it feels as if the very stones hum with the essence of spirit and the air is filled with an invitation to deeper connection with oneself, others, nature, and the divine. Our sanctuary on Iona is one that has been filled with Light for decades. It is a perfect location from which to birth our new programmes and I am pleased for all who will be able to join us in the coming months for true rest, reflection, and renewal.
Terry, Gabi and Andrew taking a break between getting Traigh Bhan ready for this summer’s Spirit of Iona retreats
This summer we will begin to prepare the 1800s-era lighthouse keeper cottages on the Isle of Erraid to host experience week programmes. Erraid is itself a Hebridean island, opposite to Iona. Only one square mile in size, it is a quiet, rugged place with an ancient energy and a presence all of its own. It is truly a unique destination, where community life on the island is lived simply and sustainably in deep connection with the land and one another. There are few places quite like Erraid in the whole world and we are blessed to be able to welcome guests to experience it for themselves.
The 1800s-era lighthouse keeper cottages that are lived in by the Erraid Community
“I am often amazed at how a transcendent setting can work its own sort of magic to help calm the nervous system, open the heart, and elevate consciousness. ”
While on the islands, I am often amazed at how a transcendent setting can work its own sort of magic to help calm the nervous system, open the heart, and elevate consciousness. I find myself breathing more deeply, noticing more colours, and expanding my senses – which leaves me feeling more alive and seeing greater possibilities. This is a gift and it reminds me that there is an important and vital role in taking a retreat from everyday life to recharge, shift perspective, and reconnect with what is important. I am pleased that we are relaunching our programmes so that we can share such an experience with others.
The origin story of the Findhorn Foundation is often framed as a story about the power of place – how, in the 1960s, through the guidance of spirit, while co-creating with nature, and acting out of love, the founders were able to transform a little piece of tree-less, wind-swept Scottish coastline into a verdant, thriving, spiritual community and ecovillage. In 1978 the author and environmentalist Paul Hawken published his book, The Magic of Findhorn, and the world’s attention was tuned to the marvels evidenced at the ‘place’ of the Findhorn Foundation. As a result, thousands of people flocked to Scotland to witness for themselves the magic of Findhorn. It was a time when people were looking for deeper meaning, emotional freedom, and new ways of living; a time when people sought refuge in their lives by leaving where they were to find what they sought somewhere else. The community flourished, as did the sacredness of the land, and we learned that ‘place has power’.
And yet, I know that compared to all who may desire to visit us in Scotland, relatively few have the availability and means to make the journey here, or the option to move. I wonder, if you can’t get to a magical place, what do you do in the meantime? How can you find transformation and fulfilment right where you are?
“transformation may be less about a specific geographic location, and more about how we show up in it”
I would suggest that transformation may be less about a specific geographic location, and more about how we show up in it. Research supports that immersion in beautiful and mystical places can bring us into heightened awareness of the present moment, open our hearts, and expand our capacity to care for those around us. In such moments we are able to quiet the noise and distractions of the world and connect with our infinite potential and higher guidance. We are present. So then, is it the power of place, or the power of presence that we yearn for?
In his book, Awe, Dacher Keltner teaches how experiencing awe is a way to bring us into the present moment. He offers that we don’t have to rely on external experiences to create awe for us. Rather, awe is a mindset. In essence, awe-inspiring experiences come more from a state of mind rather than any particular geographic location. Dacher says that awe is a tool that holds the key to the human capacity to flourish within groups, and it is something that is available everyday. We can choose to live in awe of the small and ordinary things, to believe that beauty can be found in any moment, connection can be felt in any place and, wherever we are, we can always come back to ourselves, come back to our breath, and marvel at the miracle of life itself. We can find magic in our everyday lives.
The founders of the Findhorn Foundation chose to make peace with their seemingly unfortunate surroundings and found the abundance of spiritual connection within
“The Findhorn Foundation story teaches us the power of seeing and celebrating the sacredness in all life, imbuing love in every act, and developing spiritual connection with nature that is right outside the door.”
I find it interesting that, if told from a different perspective, the origin story of the Findhorn Foundation is less about a specific place in Scotland, and more about a group of people who chose to be in full presence with themselves, each other, nature, and spirit. Theirs is a story of finding abundance and beauty while living in a tiny caravan, with only limited money, located beside what was described as ‘a rubbish dump bordered by sand dunes’. The Findhorn Foundation story teaches us the power of seeing and celebrating the sacredness in all life, imbuing love in every act, and developing spiritual connection with nature that is right outside the door. It is a story of how a mindset focused on awe can lead to deeper connection and fulfilment, despite the circumstances of place. It is an example of what is possible anywhere.
The Foundation’s three core principles and practices imbue intention and meaning into what might seem mundane and inconsequential. They teach us that presence is a choice and it is always available to us, no matter where we are. We certainly learn and practise these principles in our experiences and programmes here in Scotland, but they are so simple, they are available to you anytime. Finding presence in your life, right where you are, by incorporating inner listening, co-creation with nature, and work as love in action will help you to shape an everyday spirituality that transforms your life and fills you with awe.
Spirit of Iona
If you would like to experience a retreat at Traigh Bhan on Iona please find more information about our Spirit of Iona weeks here:
