During the Virtual Gathering in May 2020, various threads emerged encouraging each center to explore their origins and focus on their essence, as a guiding pathway to evolution. Inspirational speakers included voices from different centers and perspectives;

• The role of our centers hasn’t changed. How we fulfil our missions is in question – Terry Gilbey, CEO, Esalen
• We must look back at our origins as we look towards the future – Barbara Vacarr, CEO, Kripalu
• Focus on the essential – Rev. angel Kyodo Williams, Author, Radical Dharma
• Who are we serving? – Mike Rowlands, Chair, Hollyhock

These threads then wove together into one of the final sessions of the month long event; Origins, Essence and Evolution: Findhorn Foundation (FF) as a Case Study, as each center responds to this time of crisis and opportunity. This nine minute video offers a taste of the conversation as the FF looks towards its sixth decade and each center asks how can we emerge stronger? Pivoting to online offerings and exploring hybrid models – in person and virtual events – is key, as we deepen into our role, relevance and service to the world.
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At a time when the world is seeking ways to address deep-seated inequities, a new video featuring Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne shines a light towards a better humanity. Called the Gandhi of Sri Lanka, the video showcases Dr. Ari’s inspiring journey to create a sustainable peace in Sri Lanka. The video premiered at the Stone Soup Leadership Institute’s16th Sustainability Summit on June 26, 2020 and can be viewed here.
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THE AUGUSTINIAN SISTERS WILL WALK FOR 20 DAYS IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS

The Augustinian Sisters of Québec are initiating a movement to show compassion towards healthcare workers and caregivers, through symbolic walks that will take place daily between June 15th and July 4th 2020. The nine sisters invite the public to join the movement by financially supporting Le Monastère des Augustines and its Trust (Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines) in helping those who care for the sick and most vulnerable among us.

“The work accomplished by healthcare workers during this pandemic is unprecedented,” says Isabelle Duchesneau, Le Monastère des Augustines’ General Manager. “These frontline workers need our support. Since 2015 Le Monastère has offered a respite and wellness program that targets these dedicated individuals. We therefore call on everyone’s generosity to help us welcome even more dedicated healthcare workers and caregivers. Together, we can help traverse this difficult period as well as highlight the continuing importance of nearly 400 year old mission!” [Read more…]

[Written by Jenyng Wu; Adopted by the HCN Board of Directors and Executive Director, this June 12, 2020]

While the tragedies of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor happened recently, the systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression of Black people have been part of our social fabric for centuries. It’s time for change.

Black lives matter. The Holistic Centers Network (HCN) stands in solidarity with the international movement Black Lives Matter.

We stand in solidarity with the entire BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community against systems that degrade and harm the innate humanity we all share. Systemic racism, discrimination, and the oppression of any people have no place in the work of holistic education. [Read more…]

As many of us spend more time in the virtual world and centers pivot to create supportive online offerings, we discover it is possible to share love, learning and connection in this way. Although online events will never replace the in-person experiences we love and value, there are silver linings to be found in the unexpected. In person and hybrid events will hopefully be possible in time to come. For now we share a range of tools, services and practices to nourish us during this time. We invite you to be in touch so we can expand upon the offerings shared below.

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The Open Center, the country’s longest running urban holistic health and education center, has announced the launch of New Yorkers for New York, a free public service created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New Yorkers for New York will provide frontline and essential workers, as well as all other local residents struggling with stress and anxiety, the mental and emotional wellness support they need right now amidst the city’s current health crisis. The program will offer an array of free tools, resources and services to those working to keep our community healthy, safe and nourished. [Read more…]

To my friends and colleagues, known and unknown within the Holistic Centers Network, a warm greeting. I am Peter Moore, business director of Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat & Conference Center in Oregon. I also serve as president of the Holistic Centers Network and have been looking forward with great anticipation to the next International Holistic Centers Gathering (IHCG), scheduled for May this year at one of my favorite holistic centers on Earth, Esalen Institute in California. [Read more…]

Our friends at Retreat Guru are in the unique position of having access to tons of data. They’ve created an insightful COVID-19 industry impact report for retreat and holistic center leadership that is now available to view via the link below.

We also encourage your contribution in the survey designed to collect questions and ideas from HCN members. These will inform Retreat Guru’s presentation Retreat Industry Data & Trends in 2020 during HCN’s Virtual Gathering for Holistic Centers 3-7 May.
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The Findhorn Foundation are delighted to announce the online release of their new documentary INNER CLIMATE CHANGE this Friday, 24th April 2020 at 8am BST and to invite you to join our worldwide audience. Featured in the documentary are Charles Eisenstein, Polly Higgins, Jonathon Porritt, Vandana Shiva, Argaangak Angakkorsuaq and many more known and unknown climate activists. [Read more…]