Whilst it seems that everyone in the UK has been shivering away, we’ve been basking in glorious sunshine with the unfortunate addition of being bitten by various beasties. We’re really part of the team now here at the Quaker Intentional Village – Canaan. Our contribution is clearly valued, and we’re finding ways to offer our… Continue reading It’s Labor Day! Anarchy anyone?
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Exiting Empire, step by step
Our second week at the Quaker Intentional Village – Canaan has been filled to the brim with good things. We were treated to breakfast in Chatham with Jens, one of the community founders, and Dianne, a good friend and advisor of the community. I had French toast for the first time, and Adrian barely survived chowing… Continue reading Exiting Empire, step by step
Arriving at the Quaker Intentional Village
The eve before our flight from Heathrow, Adrian reflected that in the London marathon it can take almost 45 minutes for those at the back to get to the starting line. All our planning, Skype-ing, packing and spreadsheets have been those 45 minutes, and we’re ready to begin. Our journey hereAfter being fed and watered… Continue reading Arriving at the Quaker Intentional Village
The Purposeful Adventure begins!
It’s only just over a fortnight since school broke up for the summer, but it already feels like a lifetime ago. We’ve spent the last couple of weeks with our families, travelling around England and making the most of the glorious sunshine. We ventured up to Stanage Edge in the Peak District, surrounded by purple… Continue reading The Purposeful Adventure begins!
Searching for intentional community.
Here's my first ever vlog! To kick off our 'purposeful adventure', here's me explaining exactly what we're doing, why we're doing it, and what an intentional community is.
Spiritual Grounding
On Friday I facilitated a session with the new cohort of students on the Young Adult Leadership Programme at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre. This course, now in its third year, aims to support 18-30 year old Quakers in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to take on leadership roles within the Society of Friends.… Continue reading Spiritual Grounding
New Monasticism for Quakers
Our London life is gradually being packed in to boxes. As our long goodbye picks up speed, London recedes into the distance, slipping like sand through our fingers. Amidst the to-do lists, farewell drinks and creeping sadness, I want to crystallise some of the theory that will underpin our explorations over the year. Before we… Continue reading New Monasticism for Quakers
Lessons from a finger-bone lampshade
As a teenager on a family holiday in Rome, I visited the Capuchin Crypt. This series of small cellars is decorated with the bones of several thousand Capuchin friars. Femurs line the walls whilst finger bones adorn the light fittings. One room alone is dedicated to pelvises. My self-righteous 16-year old self was horrified. Not… Continue reading Lessons from a finger-bone lampshade
A Purposeful Adventure – Carrs Lane Lived Community
Planting seeds On Tuesday, whilst visiting a community in Birmingham, I spent several hours digging over a vegetable plot, preparing it for vegetable seeds to be planted. I have a big blister on my thumb and a painfully pink neck to prove it. Every intentional community we’ve visited so far has involved digging and planting, whether… Continue reading A Purposeful Adventure – Carrs Lane Lived Community
A Purposeful Adventure – Windsor Hill Wood
My husband and I have recently returned from visiting Windsor Hill Wood in Somerset. Founded by Tobias Jones and Francesca Lenzi, this community ‘aims to create a peaceful environment where people going through tough or uncertain times can come and reflect on life’. Toby’s book ‘Utopian Dreams’ is what initially inspired our ‘purposeful adventure’, so… Continue reading A Purposeful Adventure – Windsor Hill Wood
Jolly Quaker 