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 I
seem to let serendipity play an important part in my life. It looks
like things just happen to me, that I get presented with situations
that end up great gifts, both in learning and experience. But also
in riches and joy. The same was also true around finding this place
when I was sailing in my boat 'Fridtjofen' from Edinburgh to the
Orkneys. Findhorn Bay looked like a challenging enough place to get
into for the night, and because of the extreme spring tide on that
day, I was stuck in the harbour for 10 days. Enough time for me to
walk about on land and just 'discover' the Foundation. It really was
as simple as that. Also so beautiful in its simplicity. I have since
sailed back and forth a few times. However, for the last few years,
I have stepped ashore and Cluny is my home.The deepest and truest answer to why I am here is that I just love seeing guests walking in through the front door. I am absolutely aware of the big steps they have taken to get here, from making such a huge decision as to spend time and money in making this journey instead of the many much easier journeys to holiday resorts, to familiar places, to family connections, to highly advertised resorts that bring whatever the advertising world is pretending it provides. I am also aware how expensive and difficult it can be travelling to this corner of the world. And, coming here is often done in solo; in other words, leaving family, friends and jobs. And to singly take up the walking stick to get here. So, as I stand by Reception on Saturdays, which is when most workshops start and end, I very strongly feel this admiration as they come through the door. I can see some fatigue, some confusion, some uncertainty and fear, and some need for being welcomed and taken care of. And that is when I know that that welcome absolutely can make a difference. I am there when they often need me the most. I am there when they are at their weakest. So, by easing them into our loving Cluny I can do my part in setting up the week for them. My spiritual practice is therefore to be mindful of just this opportunity. An opportunity I can choose to meet with love and care, or I can squander the opportunity and end up with an awareness that I will do it with more love next time. What I do I reap. By connecting with an open heart, this love stays through the week. My only regret is that I also get to see them depart one week later. That also is a spiritual practice: learning how to let go in a good way. Learning how to cry with love when someone is leaving, but respecting them for going back out in the world with all the challenges that provides. And learning how to look after myself when I feel left behind. My life here includes good days and bad days. I seldom wake up later than 06.30 and am always up and about by 07.00. That is when I go into my lovely routine of turning the lights on in halls and corridors, sorting the mail, and drifting to the Dining Room before 07.30 to greet other early members of the Cluny Family. I too have my particular friends, and it lifts me to have a quick check-in and natter with them over a cup of coffee/tea. Then we go for our daily Taize singing that lasts for about half an hour. This singing is a lovely combination of quiet time, reflection and singing out of joy. And with the 20-40 people there, it is a sharing of this experience. I also know that it is our togetherness that creates this experience, where we all take part in our own unique way. In fact, it is a mini-example of how a community works: we all share and support in the way that best brings it out for the best - the best for each of us as an individual, and the best for our Universe. That is what makes my heart sing. Sverre Sverre Buzznet |
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