This article was first published in GENESIS XVII, September 26, 1997 under Future Scenarios.

Whilst they are still only words, how encouraging and inspiring it has been to see all the future scenarios begin to articulate the spirit of renewal and revitalisation that I believe is beginning to surge through this place. This place, formerly known as the Findhorn Foundation Community, but which now seems ready to embrace what many see as its next evolution, the Findhorn Bay Community. Just the name alone conveys much of what forms my own future scenario.

A ‘foundation’ symbolises strength. It speaks of rock and granite, slate and brick. It has an aura of worthiness earned though tradition and service. Foundation is the energy of institution, and all communities need their institutional anchors: the university, the school, the church, the sanctuary, the hospital. They create security and unity for the people of the community.

I honour the work and people of the Findhorn Foundation, but believe the time has come for the Foundation to begin to step back from trying to be in control of the community and focus instead on what it does best. I will leave others to create their future scenario for the Findhorn Foundation but I would certainly sell at least Drumduan and move all formal Foundation educational functions to Cluny. There would be created the campus with the funds and staff ready to welcome our fellow human beings as they come to nourish their individual spiritual selves. It would be a professional faculty with an individual heart and dedication to love and service.

For me, ‘bay’ conveys movement. At the Park is the place for people going about their daily lives; eating, shopping, building, dancing, teaching, talking, loving, sharing and unifying. The education here is the zen of life: I am still moved by ‘chop wood, carry water’. The Park becomes a centre of community inspiration and sustainability. Here are the faculties of social, political, creative and economic lifestyles. Here we teach people to bake bread, learn tai chi, practise carpentry, try to dance, study ethical investment.

On the physical level I would group the activities around two main centres— the Hall and the Village
Green. The Hall would house the complexes for public performance, conferences and the expression and training of the creative arts. The existing Hall would upgrade to a theatre with additional function rooms built on for smaller conferences, weekend events and artistic intensive programmes. 1 could see a new age hotel emerging with chalets dotted amongst the woods and dunes. Here a pottery, there a studio,
listen to the music…

But my heart lies with the Village Green. What was the Phoenix, Medway Building and assorted caravans
are long gone: replaced by functional but beautiful eco-housing developments, tastefully spread through the Park, the Field, and a modest area of dunelands. Particularly inspiring is the work of the Findhorn Bay Housing Association, which has created a wonderful cluster of low-cost housing for rent-to-own schemes.

What we have now is activity. I did not move up here to escape either people or the world. I came to interact with both in different ways. So I dream of hundreds of people who are embraced by and embrace our Community. They come because they want to eat bread made by real bakers, and have cheese from real farms; to buy fresh organic food in our magnificent food hall. They come to enjoy the courtyard cafe with its wonderful gallery setting, and to be able to relax and enjoy the special ambiance of our ecological buildings. They enjoy the creche facilities and are thinking of enrolling their children in the new Park
Steiner school. They are impressed that we take care of sewage and energy, and want one of our newly designed solar panels for their house.

Membership of the Health Club adjacent to the cafe filled ages ago, but you can still get a day pass to have a sauna or mud bath and herb wrap, or just a swim and dip into the outdoor plunge pool. The relaxation area by the juice bar is a particular favourite.

The Green hums with the sound of contented activity. A glass of beer and game of chess or a contemplative espresso while you watch the exertions of the croquet players. Maybe it’s time to choose a few plants from the organic nursery or order some paint from Eco Hardwares. It was great to cycle here, as everything can be home-delivered by the fleet of solar vans converted from old milk floats.

In amongst the shopping there may be time to read the community magazine or drop in on one of the educational classes. Great to see the credit union thriving—and how nice to use LETS instead of all that other stuff. The new ethical investment bank is now open and tonight there’s a talk on ethical funding in Africa. Don’t know why it took so long to change from that Clydesdale account.

Placards announce the upcoming community elections. Technology has really simplified much of the decision-making process. While the important issues are still dynamically engaged with in the village hall, we can have instant community referendums on all those small things that used to so irritate people when they thought they had no say in anything…

And yet in amongst all the bustle and trade, what people really come for is the magical sense of peace, simplicity and community that permeates this place. The people here are truly happy and healthy. The children and elders arc honoured, and how nice to see such a diversity of race and culture in the north of Scotland. ‘I hear they have over 200 for Osho Dynamic at 6:30 every morning’, I heard one elderly Scottish lady announce the other day. ‘Oh that’s nothing’, replied her companion, ‘they raised £250,000 for an extension to the Forres Old Folks Home in four hours last week’.

Yes, the Findhorn Bay Community was not just an enclave for the middle class seeker but a vibrant and inspirational village ever ready to open its heart and wallet to all who came knowing that to truly serve was a path to Nirvana.