Feeding Mind, Heart and Soul

Conferences pulse strongly in my Findhorn DNA, as they do in that of the venerable Roger Doudna. Arriving at Findhorn as the 1990s began, I found conferences being held twice yearly and the impact on the community was striking. This rhythm lifted and informed our daily comings and goings, the theme bubbling underneath at water table level, and the next conference was always something to look forward to.

It felt like the circus came to town; exotic themes and presenters, with the Universal Hall serving as the big top. We left our departments and chopped wood and carried water together. Eileen usually lit the opening night candle. It was true community spirit.

I served my conference apprenticeship on Songs of Heaven and Earth in the mid-90s. A whole week of song proved irresistible and Universal Voices Song and Story, and Visionary Voices followed.

I have a lingering regret that I didn’t, inexplicably, see Sir George Trevelyan invoking Archangel Michael through his booming aristocratic voice at the opening of the autumn conferences. But I did see The Paul Winter Consort at John Talbott’s epic Ecovillage Conference, 1995. This conference, in its breadth and scope, brought a renaissance in conferences. John’s vision, especially his chutzpah in wanting someone special like Paul Winter, inspired me.

I surprised myself by proposing a conference, Angels@findhorn2000. Fully booked five months in advance, with a 100 plus waiting list, it too was extraordinary.

William Bloom and I went on to organise Spirit of Healing in 2004 and this also was fully booked months before and also proved a great success. David Spangler came as a presenter and performed with rock musician Mike Scott in a concert featuring New Troubadours songs. During the week I told David we were having a presenters meeting. “Sorry,” he said, “I’m rehearsing with Mike.”

We changed the presenters meeting!

I remember the Flower Essence, Forgiveness, Restore the Earth, and Sex and Spirit conferences. Conscious Living/Conscious Dying catalysed a whole new approach to caring for the sick and elderly in the community.

Recently the emphasis changed to special events and we no longer had the twice-yearly conference rhythm. I felt the community had lost something intrinsic. However, in 2012 we are hosting two special conferences, Into Christ Consciousness, and Love, Magic, Miracles.

It’s time to welcome the conference circus back to Findhorn town.

Michael Hawkins