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WHEN I LOOK back on my first days at Findhorn I’m amused – and
mildly embarrassed. But I celebrate every life-changing step on this epic journey from the head to the heart.
Just 48 hours after sunning myself on a Cape Town beach beneath azure blue skies I was trudging through snow in a bleak, wintry landscape leeched of colour and vibrancy. I’d joined Findhorn’s month-long Applied Ecovillage Living programme, and found myself standing in a circle and holding hands with 30 other participants. ‘I’m really not into this sh*t,’ I blurted out. ‘And especially not holding hands with guys.’
My homophobic fears and macho male upbringing were rebelling against all this tender, heart-opening stuff. Nobody said a word. Maybe they realised that within days I’d be in awe of this remarkable group of all ages from all walks of life all over the planet. They were drawn to the Ecovillage training by a profound yearning to create a more caring and sustainable world. Soon I loved them all.
I’d just turned 60, was at a career crossroads and desperately wanted to be part of a solution rather than the problem. I intuitively knew Findhorn was exactly where I needed to be. I had arrived in perfect timing.
Until then my life as a race driver, 4×4 instructor, overland expedition guide, editor and photojournalist had been a rollercoaster of fun and adventure. I’d visited more than 120 countries. At times I was on an aircraft somewhere almost every week.
It was fun but simply not sustainable. My carbon footprint was massive. massive. There had to be a better way.
The last day of the programme was pivotal. Suddenly I witnessed beauty everywhere. In the waves breaking on the beach, red squirrels in the woods, a pair of energetic woodpeckers. And then my heart cracked wide open with my first experience of Taizé devotional singing. I, who never showed emotions, fought back tears.
Just before leaving I visited the Phoenix community store, which sells everything from angel cards and dream catchers to healthy locally grown veggies and organic beer. My eye was drawn to a book by spiritual and ecological activist Satish Kumar.
I’d never heard of him, but by the time my aircraft touched down in Cape Town I knew I had to meet him. I vowed to return to Findhorn for a year or two for a deeper immersion. By now I was committed to the idea of service and decided I’d use my journalistic training to help shine the community’s light out into the world.
On my return to Findhorn my friend John Willoner asked if I’d host a visitor and take him to lunch. It was Satish. I was learning the power of creating clear intentions, synchronicity and manifestation when aligned to a higher purpose.
As a young man Satish had walked to the nuclear capitals of the world. He spoke about an incredible woman called Peace Pilgrim, who walked for 28 years without money, declaring: ‘I will remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food.’
Seemingly by chance I came across her book, read it through the night and before sunrise I knew what to do. I’d give up my worldly possessions and walk the equivalent of the circumference of the Earth with climate change messages about treading more lightly and lovingly upon our magnificent Earth.
Findhorn had worked its magic.
Ultimately I walked more than 25,000km before I gave up counting, realising I was still too goal-driven and propelled by ego. The messages were more important than the messenger.
One of Findhorn’s greatest gifts has been learning about attunement and bringing myself fully present to whomever I’m with or whatever the task or process. After much searching I’ve realised I totally resonate with Findhorn’s core principles of co-creation with nature, work as love in action, and going within to access guidance and wisdom. I’m learning to listen before I speak or act, although I often don’t get that right.
Findhorn has given me confidence and many new skills. I remember my terror when I had to speak at a conference in 2012 – now I really enjoy opportunities to publicly share my passion and inspirations.
My next project is a book about embracing life and love, while confronting fear and limiting beliefs. I can’t wait to get started… thank you, Findhorn.
Geoff Dalglish
Writer + spritual activist
from South Africa
First Findhorn visit » 2009
An author, writer, and spiritual and ecological activist
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