After reading The Magic of Findhorn in 1986, I was looking for a possibility to visit that place where people were trying to live applying principles that I found so difficult to implement in my daily life. After a couple of months, maybe even less I do not remember well, Giovanna was on TV introducing Findhorn and saying that she was organising the first Italian Experience Week. I called her immediately and we agreed that I could travel with the Italian group although attending the English one.

Both Experience Weeks were in Cluny.  It was the beginning of June, with long days and short nights, so we had many possibilities to share. I remember I didn’t sleep much.

Italian Experience Week focalised by Giovanna Bonvicini and Isabella Popani 1988

Then Giovanna insisted that I become a Resource Person. I didn’t know what it meant, but in the end I went along with her and accepted that “strange” role.

After that we did many things together. We organised residential gatherings that we used to call “Friends of Findhorn”, involving as many as a hundred people, sometimes even more.

I’ve always had the tendency to be a very serious person, and Giovanna could bring lightness to my seriousness. So, whenever we organised something we could reach a balance, making people feel comfortable and open to what was going to happen.

We were geographically distant but our hearts were so close that we did not feel any distance between us.

Giovanna Bonvicini photo Isabella Popani

Giovanna Bonvicini (photo Isabella Popani)

Last time we met was on the occasion of a conference where I was asked to give a talk about Findhorn. That was just before Covid appeared. This event was in Bologna so I called her, inviting her to come and join me. She was not fully well but decided to come. As usual she was very enthusiastic and very engaging, suggesting people go to Findhorn and experience how it is possible to live this life differently.

She’s not here any more, I cannot call her on the phone, but I know she will always be in my heart as a tangible presence that had an important impact in my life, teaching me that you can go deep, and face serious topics with lightness, kindness and joy.

Thank you Giovanna!

Isabella Popani

 

Eileen Caddy during one of the visits to Italy, with Isabella Popani (Photogrpag by Isabella Popani)

Eileen Caddy during one of the visits to Italy, with Isabella Popani (Photogrpag by Isabella Popani)

Featured image: Eileen Caddy and Giovanna Bonvicini – photo Isabella Popani