THE ARCH PROJECT - FOUR WINDS - July 2005

… most touched by the sense of community that informs this (Arch Project) work and of people who have passed on and now, contributing softly. Indeed, the work reflects the best of people and what can be. Whatever the outcome, women, men and youngsters have come together without attachment to old positions or structures, and with simple intent of more deeply opening an exquisite place of peace, resonance, sacredness, restoration and potential.

The Gift – Thank you, Ladies

THE PRESENT

THE FUTURE?

THE CHILDREN

THE ARTS

MUSIC

COMMUNICATION

What the Young People Say…

‘…Four Winds is a Khankah, a home. It is not 'my home‘… not exclusive. It is the home of a multiplicity, of many, a place where any one of a shifting complex of lives can return to…. (we) trusted that there was somewhere to come back to because it had the permanence of gifts and of many trusts resting on each other.’

‘I always thought it was wonderful that here was a home and a community, but it wasn't permanent, meaning we weren't insular and completely out of sync with the world, like, say, Findhorn…. The best thing was being able to be in this world with its traffic and chavs and clubs, but always know there was this place that was different, even if you didn't go there that often… I did and do and will think of Four Winds (and the community it represents) as being the most important thing…’

(Four Winds means to me) ‘… a home from home. A place of solace, inspiration and peace. Four Winds means far more to me than its physical grounds can hold, although there is undeniably a very strong and positive energy force within that space. Four Winds means just that - four winds of energy which seem to gather all who pass through its open gates. I would hope the centre could be sustained to attract individuals and groups who had never heard of the place, giving them the opportunity to sample what we sometimes take for granted.’

I hope we can go forward to create a place of empowerment for youthful bods of all ages.

Voices of the Arch Project…

When I first came to Four Winds. I thought, goodness, what holds these people together, so many shapes, colours and values and beliefs. (unlike other communities…) here the apex was raised, and differences were allowed, and transcended, again and again. That intention and process is important, which for me does not mean convincing people of anything, merely to make an effort to be as convincing as possible in relation to my own truth. In my heart, this is what Four Winds stands for.

…in these days of polarisation and depersonalisation (globally, etc) places, people and events which can carry continuity, intimacy and are connected to place and the earth are incredibly important. It is not about ownership, but it is definitely about custodianship.

A centre to be proud of which embraces new ideas, new paradigm thinking, which attracts researchers to look at non- establishment methods to help the evolution of human kind.

… the work at Four Winds extends into the community, … into the health service, social services, among young people, the elders, religious groups, into business, even within prisons…

People are touched, directly and indirectly, by the special energy of Four Winds and the people who constellate around it – in ways we know about and in mysterious ways that may take years to gestate. The world needs the sanctuary of this place, especially now.

Four Winds: a space for the future Inter-faith activities and communication Meeting place for community leaders Meditation and prayer Multi-cultural music and arts Local community activities Diverse groups and activities Retreats Safe place for healing and nurturing –physical, emotional and spiritual

To ensure a world to which we want to belong… we must Be creative Engage with change and progress Live our values Contribute Commit Take responsibility for our inner process – only then can the outer world change

Four Winds provides a unique healing space where, together, we can continue to intensify with courage the inner and outer process towards peace: accelerating change through aligning the domains of spirit, imagination, values and logic.