 Findhorn Dunes
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My point of view
My point of view is that Inner Work is an essential aspect of the Outer Work we do.
This Inner Work can be practised in a large variety of ways. It is widely known as Spiritual Practice.
During my life I have gravitated towards several sources of inspiration.
Buddhism is an important influence, especially the Tibetan or Mahayana version. It includes the idea we need to develop our highest and fullest potential, in order to be of service in the best possible way.
Living and working in the Findhorn Spiritual Community and Ecovillage for over 30 years has exposed me to a wide range of influences, philosophies and practices.
Here are a few word to summarise my point of view:
Gratitude
Give thanks for all that you receive. Gratitude opens the gateways. It makes you notice what is actually there, appreciating the small things in life, as well as the big ones!
Rejoice
Rejoice when others have or achieve whatever it is you would like for yourself. Actively being happy in other’s achievements or success generates a huge amount of positive energy, and will create the cause for your own success.
Spiritual Practice.
If you have a spiritual practice, nurture it, allow it to transform you. It is the most important aspect of our precious human life. It reduces exhaustion, burn out, depression and lethargy. It gives you joy, courage, compassion and inner strength. It allows you to develop your inner qualities, reduces your obstacles in life, and cultivates wholeness.
This Inner Work can be practised in a large variety of ways. It is widely known as Spiritual Practice.
During my life I have gravitated towards several sources of inspiration.
Buddhism is an important influence, especially the Tibetan or Mahayana version. It includes the idea we need to develop our highest and fullest potential, in order to be of service in the best possible way.
Living and working in the Findhorn Spiritual Community and Ecovillage for over 30 years has exposed me to a wide range of influences, philosophies and practices.
Here are a few word to summarise my point of view:
Gratitude
Give thanks for all that you receive. Gratitude opens the gateways. It makes you notice what is actually there, appreciating the small things in life, as well as the big ones!
Rejoice
Rejoice when others have or achieve whatever it is you would like for yourself. Actively being happy in other’s achievements or success generates a huge amount of positive energy, and will create the cause for your own success.
Spiritual Practice.
If you have a spiritual practice, nurture it, allow it to transform you. It is the most important aspect of our precious human life. It reduces exhaustion, burn out, depression and lethargy. It gives you joy, courage, compassion and inner strength. It allows you to develop your inner qualities, reduces your obstacles in life, and cultivates wholeness.
One step at a time. Whether it is our own inner development, or involvement with the changes we want to make in our world, large or small, each step will take us closer. Every journey starts with one step. Every project starts with one action, one idea, one phone call or conversation. Small is beautiful.
Never give up!
No matter what challenges are in your way, see them as stepping stones. Accept the challenges, they are inevitable. Don’t push them away. They are part of your journey, Welcome them. Be curious. Learn from them. Turn them into your allies.
Wounded Healer
The archetype of the wounded healer teaches us that the pains and challenges that we work through give us a clear pathway towards the healing of our world. Our deepest wounds may be the thing that allows us to make a difference in the world.
Synchronicity
Once you have identified an intention, a goal, a project, notice how the Universe is responding to it. There will be conversations, insights, opportunities. There will be people, organisations, articles and opportunities to bring you closer to your aim.
Interconnectedness
We do not have to do it alone. When we share our passion and our pain with others, we open up to inter-connectedness, to cooperation, to a shared vision, to teamwork, creative partnerships and community. It is much more satisfying.
Solitude is valuable.
Times of involvement need to be balanced with times of solitude. Welcome the moments of solitude, and connect with nature, with the invisible forces. Create times for reflection and the deepening of your inner listening. Trust your inner journey is as valuable as the outer ones.
Include your own wellbeing
Looking after yourself is essential. How can we create a sustainable and regenerative world if we do not experience sustainability in our own lives? That includes eating well, and doing some physical exercise, whether it is walking, yoga, tai chi, chi kung, or whatever you are attracted to. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Create supportive structures in your life.
The money stuff.
Money is part of life. In its pure form it is part of the exchange of energy, a sacred economy. When we honour a transaction, when you give me something, I would like to give you something in return of similar value. Yes, it is totally distorted in our world, completely out of balance. Let’s do what we can to restore that balance.
Never give up!
No matter what challenges are in your way, see them as stepping stones. Accept the challenges, they are inevitable. Don’t push them away. They are part of your journey, Welcome them. Be curious. Learn from them. Turn them into your allies.
Wounded Healer
The archetype of the wounded healer teaches us that the pains and challenges that we work through give us a clear pathway towards the healing of our world. Our deepest wounds may be the thing that allows us to make a difference in the world.
Synchronicity
Once you have identified an intention, a goal, a project, notice how the Universe is responding to it. There will be conversations, insights, opportunities. There will be people, organisations, articles and opportunities to bring you closer to your aim.
Interconnectedness
We do not have to do it alone. When we share our passion and our pain with others, we open up to inter-connectedness, to cooperation, to a shared vision, to teamwork, creative partnerships and community. It is much more satisfying.
Solitude is valuable.
Times of involvement need to be balanced with times of solitude. Welcome the moments of solitude, and connect with nature, with the invisible forces. Create times for reflection and the deepening of your inner listening. Trust your inner journey is as valuable as the outer ones.
Include your own wellbeing
Looking after yourself is essential. How can we create a sustainable and regenerative world if we do not experience sustainability in our own lives? That includes eating well, and doing some physical exercise, whether it is walking, yoga, tai chi, chi kung, or whatever you are attracted to. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Create supportive structures in your life.
The money stuff.
Money is part of life. In its pure form it is part of the exchange of energy, a sacred economy. When we honour a transaction, when you give me something, I would like to give you something in return of similar value. Yes, it is totally distorted in our world, completely out of balance. Let’s do what we can to restore that balance.
Power-with
I am a keen believer in the concept of power-with instead of power-over. If each of us are able and willing to step into our own power, to fully own our authenticity, our vulnerability, our truth, and share that space with others doing the same. Let's experience power as a dynamic function, instead of a static situation. Leadership is a changing role. The example of the geese is a great inspiration: when the one at the top is getting tired, they relax and let others take their place. Let’s use our power to be of service, and to benefit our surroundings, our world.
Eco-spiritual nourishment
Go for a walk. Find space in nature near where you live. Connect with the trees, the flowers, the river, sea, hills or mountains. When you are in nature, experience the nature inside of you, not just around you. Look at the sky. See its vastness, its spaciousness, its translucent quality. Then think: "this is what I really am".Your consciousness is clear, vast and spacious, like the sky. Stay there as long as you can.
Our environment
In my work I seem to focus mainly on inner work. Yet in my personal life I am firmly dedicated to making choices that benefit the environment. I live in Findhorn Ecovillage and Spiritual community in Scotland.I am happily living in an eco house, with excellent insulation, triple glazing, an air source heat-pump, and shared laundry facilities. For transport I mainly walk or cycle, yet have access to several cars and e- bikes through Moray Carshare. Most of the vegetables I eat are local, seasonal and organic, produced by Community farmers, and sold in our local shops.
Finally:
I strongly believe that inner and outer development can go hand in hand, and actually need to go together!
These are some of the beliefs and principles I find valuable. Maybe you resonate with some of them. Maybe not.
They probably will change and shift over time, as I develop new insights. They influence my life and my work.
Thank you for reading.
Margo van Greta, edited February 2024
I am a keen believer in the concept of power-with instead of power-over. If each of us are able and willing to step into our own power, to fully own our authenticity, our vulnerability, our truth, and share that space with others doing the same. Let's experience power as a dynamic function, instead of a static situation. Leadership is a changing role. The example of the geese is a great inspiration: when the one at the top is getting tired, they relax and let others take their place. Let’s use our power to be of service, and to benefit our surroundings, our world.
Eco-spiritual nourishment
Go for a walk. Find space in nature near where you live. Connect with the trees, the flowers, the river, sea, hills or mountains. When you are in nature, experience the nature inside of you, not just around you. Look at the sky. See its vastness, its spaciousness, its translucent quality. Then think: "this is what I really am".Your consciousness is clear, vast and spacious, like the sky. Stay there as long as you can.
Our environment
In my work I seem to focus mainly on inner work. Yet in my personal life I am firmly dedicated to making choices that benefit the environment. I live in Findhorn Ecovillage and Spiritual community in Scotland.I am happily living in an eco house, with excellent insulation, triple glazing, an air source heat-pump, and shared laundry facilities. For transport I mainly walk or cycle, yet have access to several cars and e- bikes through Moray Carshare. Most of the vegetables I eat are local, seasonal and organic, produced by Community farmers, and sold in our local shops.
Finally:
I strongly believe that inner and outer development can go hand in hand, and actually need to go together!
These are some of the beliefs and principles I find valuable. Maybe you resonate with some of them. Maybe not.
They probably will change and shift over time, as I develop new insights. They influence my life and my work.
Thank you for reading.
Margo van Greta, edited February 2024
