Ah the sleeping that is improved by the lullaby of
rain. I lay snug and happy in bed this
morning thinking of Scotland, the spiritual gifts we inherit from the Celts,
Scotland’s September weather (averaging 44-60 degrees F [7-17 C], rain likely),
my raincoat, and red walking shoes. I am twenty-two days from meeting our little band of travelers in Edinburgh, Scotland which begins our tour and travel to Iona for retreat. I
could not be more excited.
Vivienne Hull, with the voice of expertise from long experience taking groups on retreat to Iona, advises that travelers cooking for themselves on Iona pick up some groceries on the way to Iona. This I compare to shopping
at Safeway in Anacortes on the way to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. Here’s what a Scotland tourist
website has to say about Oban.
Oban in
Gaelic means "little bay." It has a resident population of
8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands - the "Gateway
to the Isles." The panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and
islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for
centuries are as striking now as they were when Dunollie Castle, which has
stood sentinel over the narrow entrance to the sheltered bay for around six
hundred years, was the northern outpost of the Dalriadic Scots.
Beyond Oban lie the islands of the Inner Hebrides:
Kerrera, which protects the town from Atlantic storms; the low, green island
of Lismore, majestic Mull and the granite
mountains of the Morvern peninsula. Beyond them, the sacred island of
Iona. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/oban
|
 |
Often when I know before rising that the skies are grey, I
think of one of my all-time favorite quotations from Christian mystic, Julian of Norwich. Philip Newell, the preeminent writer on Celtic spirituality and onetime warden of the Iona Community recognizes
the Celtic flavor of Julian’s vision of a tender God.
She wrote, “though the dawn broke cheerless on the isle today, Imy spirit
walks upon a path of light for I know my greatness. Thou hast built me a throne within thine heart.
I dwell safely within the circle of thy care.”
May you know your belonging in this circle of care -
Sue
Looking forward to your words and images as you travel.
ReplyDeleteAh, friends look forward to such things. Thank you Debby.
ReplyDelete