Pilgrimage for Change

Iona Abbey

So...for anyone wondering about this mystery workshop I'm doing on Iona...here is the scoop.

Let me begin by saying that my first trip to Iona made a huge impact on me.  I am so blessed to have spent such a wonderful week with some truly wonderful souls in October 2009.

Here are some blogs I wrote about my first Iona experience while in Scotland and then upon my (reluctant) return to New York.

The Seeds for Iona

Iona, in the Beginning

Taking the Plunge 

Life Run

Wednesday on Iona

Pilgrimage Day

The St. Columba Hotel

Matter Matters

Iona Stones

Pilgrimage for Change, St Columba Hotel, Iona, Scotland
(9-16 April 2011)


In April 2011 John Philip Newell, along with his wife Ali, will be leading Pilgrimage for Change, a week on the Isle of Iona for young adults, 20 and 30 year olds, seeking inner and outer transformation in their lives and world. Iona over the centuries has been a place of new beginnings and commitment to peace. In the development of his work and vision, John Philip has placed a priority on working with young leaders in the belief that they hold part of the key to new beginnings in our world. Pilgrimage for Change is designed to support this work.

Each day on Iona will begin and end with the rhythm of prayer and meditation together, either at the Abbey or elsewhere on the island. In the mornings John Philip will teach on themes related to the oneness of the human soul and the healing of creation, asking what sacrifices we are to make in our lives as individuals, as nations, and as a species, if we and the world are to be well. The afternoons will be given to hiking, conversation, and rest, and in the early evenings Ali will lead us in embodiment practices of chant and meditative movement and further reflection on the way of transformation in our world. On at least one of the days we will walk the seven-mile island pilgrimage route together to reflect on the journey of our lives and universe. Wholesome breakfasts and evening meals, with provision from the organic gardens of the hotel, are an important part of our community life together.

Participants are welcome to bring children to stay in the hotel with them and to participate in mealtimes but the programme sessions will not include children. This means that participants with children will need to provide their own childcare. We know, for instance, that at least one granny intends to come and look after her grandchild during the sessions!

For costs and registration information contact info@stcolumba-hotel.co.uk

Scholarships: The recently formed foundation ‘Friends of John Philip Newell’ www.fojpn.com is offering a limited number of scholarships for this event – International Scholarships ($1000 USD) and British Scholarships ($500 USD). Scholarship awards will be announced by the end of December 2010. For further information and application forms contact Helenmarie Zachritz, Executive Vice President of Friends of John Philip Newell at helenmariez@gmail.com

Matter Matters

 Cloisters, Iona Abbey

I have always considered myself a spiritual person instead of a religious person.  Matter Matters and my time on Iona ended up being something I had been searching for without knowing it. 

To prepare for the week I purchased two of J. Philip Newell's books: Sounds of the Eternal: A Celtic Psalter and Listening for the Heartbeat of God.  I began this whole journey by using the prayers in Sounds of the Eternal as my morning and evening meditation time. This is something I continue to do since my return to New York.

Both of these were quite a revelation for someone who has been searching for a form of faith and worship that felt more in tune with who I am for years. Celtic Spirituality really speaks to me...and I'm very eager to learn more.

The tone of the week was really refreshing. There was nothing age specific...I feel it's something anyone in a similar head and heart space would benefit from greatly.

The combination of Philip's sessions at the hotel, Neil's outdoor activities, and the Iona landscape made for a perfect combination.  Reconnecting body and spirit...something I have been yearning for. I know a lot of people would love to experience this. We definitely spent the week "Listening for the Heartbeat of God..." and on Iona, it was very easy to hear.

As I look through my notes, everything I have written down shows the importance of and need for connection, relationships and love. Living in a city like New York, it's very easy to start feeling isolated after a while...even in the midst of all those people.  You ironically lose a sense of community.  Matter Matters gave me a sense of what I've been missing and I will be forever grateful.

The Cloisters, Iona Abbey

 

Between the Columns (cloisters)

Celtic Cross

The St. Columba Hotel

I can't talk about the retreat week and not mention the hotel because it was such a big part of the experience.


The St. Columba Hotel is a wonderful place to stay and get away from it all.  It felt like a home instead of just a hotel. If we were hanging out in the lounge late at night we'd simply be asked to shut off the lights when we were through...and we could line up our wet shoes on the hearth to dry after a day of walking through wet grass.

The rooms were very comfortable with adjustable heat and hot showers! The first trip I made to Scotland, I stayed in hostels and would rate them well depending on whether or not there were hot showers.  :) 

NO TVs! A definite plus since when I vacation, I want to get away from TV too... Free WiFi and internet access for guests was a really nice bonus. Thankfully, I was able to post some blogs! Pretty much everything I needed, such as laundry service, was there so I never felt stressed out about anything. Sigh.

There was also a level of  trust in the hotel that I've not experienced before, because although they gave out keys, we never locked our doors.  Something unheard of where I come from!

Oh, and the food...THE FOOD!  I saved most of our menus...being the cooking blogger that I am. Some personal favorites were cullen skink, grilled salmon, honey and cider roast loin of pork, garden beetroot & orange soup (the hotel has its own organic garden...swoon), the bread, Scones, breakfast Fry-Ups...Nom Nom Nom...

And last but not least, the management and staff were excellent. They were very friendly and helpful.  The whole place has a youthful, peaceful, laid back feel and the efforts at being green and using local produce and products was so nice to see (right down to the soap and shampoo in the bathrooms).

So, thanks for everything guys!

XO


(There are more photos of the hotel and grounds in an earlier post "Wednesday on Iona")

Pilgrimage Day

Thursday, 10/29, was pilgrimage day...

We spent a wonderful day hiking over Iona... new friends helping one another and two lovely dogs bounding about.  It was glorious. 

I started the morning with my third and final swim...impressing the hell out of myself on many different levels...then we were off!

We covered a lot of ground, both physically and spiritually.  Throughout the walk we stopped to listen to a piece of scripture or to sing an Alleluia (in harmony, which I loved).

We did Tai Chi and drank from the well of eternal youth (one of my new friends told me I wasn't allowed to drink because I'm too young already :)

It was a day of choosing our steps carefully, yet boldly...helping each other out (sometimes stepping in each other's footprints for steady footing), hearing the squish of our feet in the moist earth and the tide filtering musically through the many stones on the seashore; of climbing hills and slippery slopes...approaching a crossroads and choosing a way...letting go of certain things while holding on to others...

It was beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Happy Feet

Life Run

Tuesday, 10/27, started with my first dip in the water at 7:00am and then later, a "Life Run" (which I described earlier as a "Spiritual Amazing Race").  It was a wonderful, solitary, tour of parts of the island. We weren't just exploring Iona though, we were exploring our souls.

The rain was coming down, but it didn't matter. We all made our way from spot to spot with our journals...opening little envelopes to find out our writing tasks before running off to our next post. I can't tell you how meditative I found the whole morning.  I have a clear memory of hearing my breath mixing with the wind as I left "The Bay at the Back of the Ocean."  Some new understanding had been reached within my heart.  It was very magical.

I didn't take my camera with me, amazingly.  I found that I really just wanted to be completely present and part of the elements. All the images of that day are special and just for me and my new friends...who were all working together in spirit if not physically so.  Another favorite memory I have is coming upon my new friend Bev as she was just going under the water and applauding her as she emerged.  Team building at its best.

The race ended with another "swim."  I feel very grateful for the different energies I was able to experience over the 3 different dips.  Tuesday morning it was just me, Philip and Neil...so I was "one of the guys" and there was a definite sense of "Let's Do This Thing!" In the afternoon I went with three of my new lady friends...so it was more like, "Wheee!" The third dip was on Thursday morning with Neil and my friend Cindy...so it was a balance...not sure there was a lot of "whee!" in the air but the expectation was different since we'd all done it already.  In some ways it was harder without the rain to sort of ease me into being all wet again...but the sense of achievement was always there.

What a way to spend a day.

XOXO

Taking the Plunge...

I found myself in the middle of, quite possibly, one of the loveliest groups of people I have ever met. The best situations tend to be the most random, don't they? Here we were a bunch of strangers who immediately bonded and became friends, it was extraordinary!

Another important thing to note, is that I was the youngest attendee by quite a few years and yet I never felt that way...I was an equal. I suppose it should have occurred to me to ask what the age range would be since the magazine my Mom put on my bed was AARP...but nah...

This age split turned out to be one of the many gifts of the week. I floated around between everyone and learned so much about love and trust and relationships (not what I thought the week would bring, that's for sure).

Iona effortlessly stripped away all unnecessary layers and it was all me. I was shown how letting go is actually easy when you're in the right place and how simple things can be when you look to the heart of life. I took three dips in The Sound of Iona...simply because I knew that I had to. I mean, how many chances does one get to go for an Autumnal swim in Scotland (hopefully I'll get many more in the future!) I had decided that I wasn't going to let fear make my decisions for me, especially if the bigger part of me wants to do it. I'm so glad I did! Now, whenever I wonder if I'm capable of something, I'll feel the rain on my face and the cold water enveloping then releasing me to a warmer place.


XOXO

The Seeds for Iona...

I've been trying to wrap my head around my time on Iona...and I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have to break it all down into a few different blogs.

It was such a deeply personal journey...and since this isn't my journal...I'm trying to separate the two.

First of all, I need to give a big shout out to my Mom for putting the magazine article about John Philip Newell's workshop/retreat weeks on my bed shortly after my last visit to Scotland. I had put my wish out to the Universe to return to Scotland as soon as possible and to have it be some sort of group activity...and Boom! an article about Iona, and Philip, turned up on my childhood bed (with another about Edinburgh on the reverse side). I said, "What's this?" and Mom responded..."It's about Scotland."

Indeed, it was.

I took the website info down and found out when the next Iona week would be. This particular week was titled, Matter Matters: A Celtic Perspective Led by John Philip Newell and Neil Harvey. I researched Iona very little in the process. All I really knew of Iona was that it was beautiful...and the songs by Mike Scott and The Waterboys :)

Matter Matters had the following description:

"Iona has been described as a thin place, in which the veil between heaven and earth is translucent. Here we see more readily the glory of creation in the Celtic world. ‘Matter Matters’ will be a physically rigorous week of reflection and exercise, of pilgrimage hikes and community sharing led by John Philip Newell along with Neil Harvey, in which we renew our spiritual commitment to matter, whether that be the matter of the human body, the matter of creation, or the matter of the body politic and how we relate as nations."

After debating in my head, and checking with my boss, I contacted the St. Columba Hotel to reserve a space. Then I set about saving money and buying supplies. The fact that I'd be going alone and being with a big group of strangers didn't even phase me, when in the past that would have been enough to make me count it out immediately.

A short while before I was to fly out I got an e-mail from the hotel about the week...it started off with the above description and the following:

"Each day will begin and end together with the rhythm of prayer and meditation, either at the Abbey or elsewhere on the island. After breakfast the mornings will be given to teaching and sharing with John Philip and on Tuesday to an outdoor activity with Neil . On the Thursday we will walk the island pilgrimage route together, so sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are essential for the week! Wholesome breakfasts and evening meals, with provision from the organic gardens of the hotel, will be an important part of our shared community life. Lunches and afternoon hours will be free for solitude and rest."


Sounds pretty good so far, right?

Indeed, it was.

I set out for Scotland on October 22nd...arrived and had a wonderful day in Edinburgh on the 23rd, and was off to Iona the morning of the 24th. The day's travels went so smoothly...I even met a new friend who was also bound for Iona and we kept each other company.

When we finally arrived on Iona that evening, I walked towards a man wearing an orange rain jacket to ask where the St. Columba Hotel was. It turned out to be John Philip Newell.

My week had begun.

XOXO

Wednesday on Iona

Today I had the pleasure of walking around with my camera...I photographed the cows grazing outside of my hotel and sat in the little chapel next to the Abbey...sang with some fellow group members in the ruins of the nunnery and did Tai Chi outside...

It's been a very contemplative, reflective sort of day...so not much more to share on here :) Instead, I will post a few photos. (I took the Staffa photos on Monday)...


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Staffa

Fingal's Cave, Staffa

Nunnery, Iona

Iona, in the Beginning...

Trust and Love in a Basket :)

I was completely delusional in thinking I'd have the energy to write and post a blog a day here on Iona...so they are going to be on a sort of tape delay :)

I had a hard time falling asleep the first night here because I'd had tea after dinner and small computer issues...but no worries...all is well.

View from my Window the first Morning

Iona is already the exact experience I need at this exact moment. Last time I was in Scotland I felt like I was looking really hard to find my experience and afraid it wouldn't happen...I realized later that it was all part of the journey as a whole...the difficulty and almost desperate energy to recognize the moment.

On my first Iona morning, I woke up and delighted in seeing sheep grazing across the road!

Later I went to Sunday morning service at the Abbey and was really struck by the simpleness and humanity of it all.

Afterwards...I ended up drifting in and out of different groups of people...and I find that extraordinary since I can be very anti-social in certain situations when new people are introduced. I am very much at ease and much more open here with an attitude of, "What ever happens happens and it's all okay."

In that spirit...I've had constant, wonderful, companionship without even trying.

In that spirit of new friendship...a group of ladies and I went to the pub after evening prayers and had a whisky then walked arm and arm back to the hotel through the dark, spotting shooting stars and the big dipper!

Time expands here...I can feel it and am filling it with so much love and meaningful energy.

Yesterday we had our sessions, went out to the AMAZING island of Staffa and checked out Fingal's Cave, did Tai Chi under the moon went to evening service at the Abbey...followed by a whisky at the pub and then a few quick dances at the Ceilidh.

Today I started the rainy day by taking a very quick dip in the Sound of Iona with two Scottish men! Who'd have ever thought I'd do that!!! I'd like to think that I am at least an honorary Scot now :) We did a "Life Run" later in the day (sort of a Spiritual Amazing Race). At the end of the run I took another dip with a wonderful group of women from the workshop...the energy was completely different from the morning. I'm definitely delighting in balancing out my masculine and feminine energies here! Scotch, Dancing...you name it. And it's only Tuesday.

Two announcements before I take a nap on this fine Scottish afternoon...

#1 I am now supplying the "New York Optimist" with a special Lion's Share blog every week (the first one is something I wrote while preparing for my Scotland Flight) It can be found HERE

#2 I will do my best to post more photos of Iona and Staffa before the week is out. I'm not making any promises :)

Now...room 8 is calling me!

Back in Scotland! October 25th, 2009

Scotland welcomed me with bigger, outstretched arms than I could have even hoped for.

My flight out was delayed by about an hour...but no worries. I wrote a bit on a blog while waiting at the airport...although I couldn't post it because I couldn't get on to a network! Much like right now, actually. I'm writing this from my Iona hotel room on Saturday the 24th of October...about to go to sleep. I was hopeful that I'd be able to connect via wireless from my room...but Chelsea isn't picking up anything. No worries though, I'm still going to write!

I got into Edinburgh at a little past 11:00am Friday the 23rd of October. I was on a plane dominated by Scots...so that was a nice intro to returning. My friend, Christina was waiting for me with tea at Waverly Station so I hopped on a bus into town. As we drove along I thought, "this looks different" and after asking a couple very nice locals, I figured out that the bus was not going to let me off across from Waverley...so I got off and onto another. That one didn't either, but it did leave me off in familiar territory...so I walked the rest of the way.

Princes street is all torn up due to the building of a new tram, but otherwise Edinburgh is just as I left her...though dressed in Fall colors.

I met Christina and got my train ticket for Oban and then we were off to her flat. I relaxed with a bit of tea and a chat...then thankfully showered and was off into town! I walked along Regent road so I could pass my beloved Arthur's seat...and was struck with such a sense of contentment...it was superb. The past two times I was in Scotland I kept thinking, "I can't believe I'm here!" and this time...all I can think, with peace in my heart, is "How can I not be here..." It's simple. I am reminded of a phrase from the books that brought me here the first time...(The "Outlander" Series by Diana Gabaldon)...I'm paraphrasing since I don't have the books beside me...but it's something to the effect of...you reach a moment when you realize that everything is possible...and therefore, nothing is necessary.

I have had a lot of moments like that in this country. It is exactly where I want to be.

So...back to my first day...

I wandered past Arthur's and Holyrood...and got my cell phone set up...then I decided to stroll over to the Royal mile in search of a half pint. I found it at The "Toll Booth Tavern" ...a place I went last time, near the bottom of the mile. I actually sat at the bar...my friend Kim would be proud, and ordered a Caledonian 80...followed by a Deuchars IPA. Now, keep in mind I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. I chatted with the bartender a bit, then was off down towards Arthur's seat. Something, however, told me to go over to my other favorite spot...Calton Hill....which is near the restaurant I dined at for my 30th birthday in August 2008. I was taking photos of the sun setting on the buildings of Princes street making them glow...and when I turned around...there was a giant rainbow arching from Arthur's Seat over Calton Hill.




It was the most magical moment I have experienced as of yet. I am on Iona right now, listening to the ocean right outside, after all.

I walked up Calton Hill and followed that rainbow....and took my hood down to let the Scottish rain Christen me. I was home.

Today...my trip out to Iona was quite lovely! The landscape is so amazing. I saw ruined boats resting in a harbor, gorgeous mountain and streams, highland cows, sheep and reindeer. I was seated across from a Dutch Woman on the train from Glasgow who was also travelling alone to Iona. We boarded the Ferry to Mull as soon as we got to Oban and the trip across was extraordinary. We were treated to the site of 2 castles, the gorgeous ever changing sky, and can you guess what else? Multiple rainbows. They seem to want to greet me me here.




We ended up having a two hour wait for the bus to Fionphort, which is where we needed to be to get the ferry to Iona, so we sat in a little pub and chatted away...it was exactly where the two of us needed to be.

Then the bus to Fionphort...a short Ferry Ride to Iona....and I was met by the Man running the workshop! What a lovely surprise! We walked by the ruins of a nunnery...so close I could have walked through them....and then onto the hotel for a quick intro and lovely dinner and then more of an assembly.

I am now completely knackered :) and the waves are calling me to sleep.

XO

*As I post this...I am fresh off of my first morning service at the Iona Abbey...and am preparing to go for a walk with my camera...check back for more!!!*