By Jacqueline Debets
Over half of Americans are not concerned about climate change. The other half are very concerned. Modern neuroscience explains how our brains produce these two different reactions, and what we can do to re-shape our brains to be resilient as the consequences of climate change become immediate and personal. [Read more…]
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…]
I’m currently reading the book “Beyond You and Me – Inspirations and Wisdom for Building Community” and feel inspired by the interviews with different people, closely engaged in community life and pioneers in their own way.
Dieter Duhm, co-founder of Tamera in Portugal, writes about Community as a Universal Way of Living and says, “The ability of communities to survive and be future-orientated is closely connected to the self-growth processes of the individuals involved.”
These words resonate with me as I believe the sustainability of the Findhorn Foundation, the community in northern Scotland where I live and work, is strengthened by the focus on personal growth for the benefit of both the individual and the collective.
The book also includes a chapter by Dmitry Morozov, founder of Kitezh Children’s Community in Russia, describing what inspired him to set up a spiritual community dedicated to raising orphaned children. “I felt there is nothing higher for a human being than to see himself as a part of the cosmos, to love and be loved, to do good by learning and making an effort.” [Read more…]
The opening session of the 2012 Gathering will explore the topic of sustainability and members of the Findhorn Foundation will join the participants to engage in the discussion. Each session is co-created by all involved and promises to be an inspiring meeting. Over the next few months, until the Gathering commences in May, we will introduce you to some of the members of our community who are excited to be involved…
Ana Rhodes Castro has been living and working in the Findhorn Foundation since 1994. During this time she has worked within a variety of areas in the organisation. Ana has been a member of the Central Management team over the last seven years, six of those spent being responsible for the area of Spiritual and Personal Development. This comprised of internal trainings, conflict facilitation, supervision and other internal structures that support the Findhorn Foundation to function gracefully and efficiently at an individual and collective level.
If you’re planning to attend the Holistic Centre’s Gathering at the Findhorn Foundation in May 2012 and feel concerned about the carbon footprint associated with your flights, we recommend a great way to off-set carbon when you travel.
Carbon Retirement offers the only 100% guarantee in carbon offsetting. Every tonne is guaranteed to reduce European emissions by one tonne. Their unique method forces industrial companies in the developed world to pollute less, preventing emissions before they happen.
To understand how it’s different from other types of carbon offsetting please read this document about Responsible Carbon Neutrality. [Read more…]
Excerpt from the Annual Report 2010 / 2011 of The Findhorn Foundation entitled “Pioneering Sustainable Solutions.”
The Findhorn Foundation pioneers a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates four aspects – spiritual, social, environmental and economic. By developing not just the externals of sustainability such as ecohousing, ecological sewage treatment systems and renewable energy, but also addressing the inner life of human beings and giving them an opportunity to experience being part of an interconnected web of life, the Foundation has become a unique centre for learning and a valuable and potent force for change.
Our holistic approach to sustainability is demonstrated in our three main areas of activity:
Community life provides the spiritual and social framework of sustainability upon which our ecovillage and economic activities are woven. The Foundation financially depends upon sharing our learning with others through our guest programme of workshops and events.
[Read more…]
The Findhorn Foundation are delighted to announce that May East, Executive Director of CIFAL Scotland and recently nominated as one of 100 global sustainability leaders for 2011, will be participating in the 2012 International Holistic Center’s Gathering.
May East
The 100 global sustainability leaders nominated by ABC Carbon, a renowned climate change consulting company, were selected from all over the world.
The list includes Nobel Prize winners, scientists, architects, designers, artists and CEOs of international companies. Besides the well known, also represented are the quiet achievers who are making a name for themselves and their NGOs, institutes, universities or businesses. [Read more…]
By Kutira Decosterd, Maui Retreat
In May 2010, I was invited to the Kalani Retreat Center on the Big Island of Hawaii as part of the International Holistic Center’s Gathering to present our upcoming movie, “When Heaven Meets Earth”, which showcases the development and cultivation of our land for the past 25 years, turning it into the “greenest spot” on Maui.
The DVD had not gone through the post-production process and I felt a bit nervous to show an unfinished product to all the big center leaders from around the world. After all, I am a Swiss Virgo, and love to have things done perfectly. Our Maui Retreat is a small Bed and Breakfast establishment, and we have the capacity to hold small group gatherings, many of which focus on Eco-Tourism.