Co-create with nature on this sacred island
Gardening through Attunement Retreat on Iona
Ground yourself in the gardens of Traigh Bhan, our retreat house on the sacred island of Iona, as you connect with and explore the unseen realms around us.
Look again ...
Beyond what we can see with our physical eyes lies a magical world of light, sound and colour, teaming with unseen life.
This week-long retreat on the beautiful Isle of Iona offers an opportunity to explore co-creating with nature, and the different ways in which we might connect with these unseen worlds around us. How does our human energy field communicate with the energy fields of plant, animal and Gaia?
And notice the subtle
Our starting point is attunement to our inner subtle life energies, moving from there to explore interaction and communication with the subtle worlds around us, by actively and passively working with the stunning Traigh Bhan garden.
We’ll be with our group, by ourselves, in silence and in sharing, with plenty of time to explore the wilder energy fields of stone, sea and sand offered to us by the island itself.
What you’ll enjoy
This retreat brings together the energies of Iona, our retreat house, Traigh Bhan, and the Findhorn Foundation, touching into a deep communication and connection with unseen realms.
Practise inner and outer gardening, as you enjoy:
- Co-creating with the subtle realms, one of the three founding practices of the Findhorn Foundation, as we explore our relationship of love and respect for all living beings.
- The Attunement process as part of daily life.
- Sharing our inner experience of self with others.
- Self healing tools and chakra-opening exercises to expand the energy field.
- Daily meditations, personal and group gardening projects, and exercises on island walks.
The schedule is flexible and fluid to allow us to move with the needs of the group.
What to expect
The island, the retreat house and your focaliser will hold a safe space that allows you to relax and deepen into the peace of Iona.
You may not want to join all the activities, but we’ll prepare meals and eat together each evening, creating a heart-centred container and bonding as a group. We’ll share the cooking between us, in the house’s warm kitchen.
Be sure to bring:
Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing – the weather is changeable.
Good walking shoes to enjoy exploring the island.
Sun hat and water bottle.
A journal for insights.
Try to travel light – we carry our goods to the house in a cart or on our backs (or you can book the taxi!) It takes about 25-30 minutes to walk to the retreat house.
The retreat house – Traigh Bhan
Traigh Bhan is in the quieter, more remote northern part of the island, on a beach called Traigh Ban nam Manach – the White Strand of the Monks.
There’s a beautiful porch overlooking the garden and sea – excellent in all kinds of weather – and plenty of books to read.
The shared bedrooms and bathroom are downstairs, while the beautiful Sanctuary is upstairs overlooking the sea. You can see the Isle of Mull across the Sound of Iona, with Erraid in the distance.
Book your space
The retreat supports just five people, so places are limited.
The price of £1 435 includes seven nights’ accommodation, activities with your guide, and all your meals.
The bedrooms and bathroom are shared. One room has four private bunk beds, each with a privacy curtain, individual bedside lamp and bookshelf. The other room has a double bed and a single bed.
We look forward to welcoming you to the peace of Iona!
Your Retreat Guide: Maria Olsthoorn
Maria has a long-standing passion for healing through connecting with the subtle energy realms, and has been teaching Subtle Energy Perception both in the Findhorn Foundation and in her private healing practice for many years, in person and online.
A long-term Findhorn community member, she holds a deep love for Iona and Traigh Bhan. She has visited many times since the early 90s and also lived on the island for a year.
Maria loves painting and as a former art teacher and artist you may well find yourself immersed in colours and creativity as part of your exploration.