Swanwick Star Issue No. 3 (2010)

Lindy's First Visit to Swanwick Centre

I was introduced to Swanwick Centre when I attended an Eckhart Tolle retreat in 2009. I felt like I had come to the most beautiful place in the world. It was a warm and sunny weekend in October and between talks I found time to wander the meandering trails on the property and to the beach. The rocky shoreline is lined with cliffs and leaning Arbutus and many native species of plant life. I came upon a private thicket, covered in thick moss where I could make myself comfortable for meditation. I was bathed in light and warmth as I looked out towards the ocean and sky and realized that I had truly come to a special place.

After the retreat I signed up for the Swanwick email newsletter and when I was notified of the office position I did not hesitate to apply. I began the position as part-time office assistant in spring this year and thoroughly enjoy the job and the environment. On warm days in summer I took my lunch to the beach or walked along the trails. As autumn approaches the air is changing on this part of the coastline, oak leaves are dropping, acorns are being collected, the organic garden is being harvested by the students of Pearson College. The apples are ripening on the trees and the blackberries have already been picked and made into jam. All of nature is busy and occasionally a bear can be seen lumbering through the bush.

I became aware of Krishnamurti in the 1970s when I had the privilege of visiting his Centre in Ojai, California and hearing him talk under the fruit trees in his garden. His writings resonate with me as do the writings of other educators and philosophers. I feel very fortunate to be working at the Centre and to be surrounded by the beauty of nature, kind people, and the work of K. I feel that guests and visitors are fortunate to have this unique and peaceful retreat in which to study away from the pressures of everyday living.

– Lindy MacArthur