COMMUNITY: THE PEOPLE

Growing Up in Findhorn
Then and Now

Family Schnadt 1984

I grew up in the community in the 80s, very happy times for me, and those fond memories drew me back again to live and work here as an adult. I remember the incredible freedom I had, running straight from our bungalow into the woods to climb trees or into the dunes to play, alone or with friends. There was lots of opportunity to be in and connect with nature, and many playful adults around who would join in and engage with me. Looking back it feels like such a privilege, all that freedom and trust.

Having also lived and worked outside of the community, I notice a natural ability to come from the heart in a powerful way. I think that’s been the community’s biggest influence on me. My heart and mind have a very healthy communication and I can make decisions using both, bringing the softness of heart energy in.

Ida Smith Oikkonen at General Office 2007

When I came back I helped run the Youth Project (YP) groups for a couple of years, the main highlight being our exchange with some teenagers from Kitezh in Russia in 2009. It was an amazing experience and the YP youth still mention it to me when they see me, saying that it meant a lot to them. I love being on the other side of things now, and consciously try to really notice, appreciate and engage with the young people growing up here. It takes a whole village to raise a child and I think this community is a beautiful place to grow up, and in which to have children.

Gabrielle Haworth Hamm