This is a one of a little series of Findhorn Dharma Talks, sharing the unfolding of an experiment in exploring via Action Research how a Findhorn Foundation SCIO can serve the community of the Park Ecovillage Findhorn in new ways – especially through being a vehicle for the educational impulse alive in the community. The Dharma Talks were originally articles published in the Rainbow Bridge, the community’s weekly magazine/ezine.

Findhorn Foundation SCIO / FF3 – Co-Creating Meaning

What’s in a name? – of an organisation, a programme, a community? What do you mean by “educational impulse”? When FF3 (the nickname we have given the FF SCIO temporarily) Trustees step into the community through Focus Groups and Guided Surveys (seeking feedback to our emerging business plan, financial framework or marketing strategy) – and when Trustees turn up at conversations cafés and listening circles and community meetings – we hear questions about meaning and naming.

So, let’s start with Educational impulse – at its heart, this is the sense we share about learning that grows from lived practice – attunement, community life, care for Nature and the Land, inner awareness, and relationship with both the visible and invisible realms.

As we savour messages referencing the name(s) of our ancestors – like Findhorn River, Findhorn Peninsula – even Findhorn Holiday Park, we realise our names are shared by neighbours (like Findhorn Village), myths, organisations – and probably Clans (I have become quite curious about the lost Clan Findhorn😊)

Our words and our names can shape who feels invited and how trust is built – locally and globally.

When we realise that names are cherished and feel owned by a global community, it seems a risky task to change a name that people want to keep track of because they have literally invested time, money and effort to be connected with it. 

Although the language and meaning-making feedback is not always easy for us to hear, say or do, we realise that in this time of uncertainty and rebuilding, clear language and visible learning are essential for trust, inclusion, and shared purpose.

So, today’s update finishes with 4 invitations – to join us to make meaning together.

You are warmly invited to:
• February 28, Cullerne House Garden Room. Feedback for FF3 Business Plan – 2-5pm

  • Education Circle meetings – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at Cullerne House
    • Education Circle Attunement – Fridays at 1.00 pm at the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary
  • Join Global Morning Meditations, Inspirations, Newsletters  – 9am Weekdays. https://bit.ly/3M5L6tj

These spaces are open to the whole community to listen, contribute, and stay connected as we move into implementing our FF3 pilot phase.

Submitted by marilyn.hamilton@findhorn.org On BEHALF OF TRUSTEES