At the heart of perhaps every center in the network is the recognition of the interdependence of all life. We foster connection to self, other, nature and spirit, in an ever evolving relational dance. Connectivity is vital, a powerful antidote to the chaos and crises of these times. Leading scientists recognise large scale shifts in human consciousness are essential. Is our unique role to create safe space for healing, growth and transformation, to be custodians of the earth and inspire others with our place based centers? HCN seeks to link these centers around the world and to connect with other like minded networks. These include the Global Ecovillage Network and Bioneers. Together we can accelerate and amplify the urgency of our work and maximise our collective impact of doing good in the world. [Read more…]
Mutual Learning and Support within the Network
A few months ago I received an email from Cameron Wenaus, co-founder of Retreat Guru, who bring together retreats, teachers and practitioners, as well as develop retreat management software. Cameron attended the 2016 Gathering at Le Monastère des Augustines and there are natural overlaps and interconnections between our networks.
He wrote to make an introduction, saying, “Heather Scott is the Executive Director of Dorje Denma Ling, a retreat center in Nova Scotia connected to the Shambhala Lineage. I have been to DDL many times for retreats; it is a humble and powerful location.
I was talking to Heather about the challenges they are facing recently and she expressed a yearning in networking with other retreat centers during this next phase of growth and change. I thought that the Centers Gathering might be a good resource.” [Read more…]
Exploring a Map of Consciousness
This article continues on from my earlier post Evolving Centers of Consciousness.
Several years ago members of the Findhorn Foundation (FF) became interested in a well-researched model of the growth patterns of human consciousness known as Spiral Dynamics. In the last 12-18 months this has emerged again more strongly in our co-worker body as we move through a lengthy change process within the organisation.
In brief, the pioneering work of Professor Clare Graves from the early 1970’s was developed by his students Don Beck and Christopher Cowen and integrated further by Ken Wilber, showing how psychological models can be used together to provide more accurate focus to human development.
Spiral Dynamics Integral (SDi) offers a neutral exploration and explanation of the states and stages of consciousness. This can be applied to our evolution as individuals in our personal journey of growing up and waking up, and also to our centers as we aim to evolve organisationally in leadership style, inclusivity, dynamism and a more holistic worldview.
A Unique Cross-Cultural Gathering
Since 2010 I’ve had the great joy of attending the Holistic Centers Gathering that takes place around the world every year. In October it was held in Asia for the first time in its 30-year history – a unique cross-cultural experience full of potential for the future of humanity.
Hosted by The House of I, we were nestled in the mountainous region of Yanqing, to Beijing’s northwest and 80km from the Great Wall of China, one of the sites of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. I feel the Gathering shares an affinity with the spirit of the Olympics – nations coming together to foster understanding and friendship. [Read more…]
Ecologia Youth Trust
Liza Hollingshead, Founder of Ecologia Youth Trust, will be attending the 2012 Gathering hosted by the Findhorn Foundation. She says, “Networking and linking holistic centres and groups with a common interest in Findhorn has been a key to our work and we look forward to continuing this cross pollination activity in the future.”
Ecologia Youth Trust is an international charity based at Findhorn that has been supporting youth and environment initiatives since 1988, linking many organisations with the Findhorn Community, particularly from Russia. [Read more…]