Holidays with spirituality

by Jules Bueno

Stay and work with one of these communities for a more soulful escape from the rat race

According to most people, the whole point of a holiday is, surely, to indulge oneself - either doing nothing at all but slapping on sun block or pursuing a passionate interest.

Most viewed

But there is another way to fill these precious breaks, which could have a profound effect on your personal development and test you in a different way.

Scores of individual communities dotted around the UK are happily getting on with life outside of the rat race and many throw their doors open to non-community members to join them for various lengths of time. In exchange for general mucking in to keep the show on the road, you get to sample their particular brand of co-operative living, and perhaps pick up a few tips about other spiritually-enhancing things too.

Here's only a handful of what's out there for any nascent caring-sharer. One thing is for sure, it has to be one of the cheapest ways to holiday.

Richard Glyn Foundation at Gaunts House

Ethos
Set in stunning parkland on a grand Dorset estate (dating from the 14th century), this small community is dedicated to the development of spiritual and personal life in a non-denominational way. It runs a series of courses for the outside world throughout the year, including Tai Chi, shamanic studies, and 'sweeping leaves retreats' - which should give you an idea of their eclectic/holistic approach. There are group hugs and emotional honesty aplenty here.

Who can join?
'Students' (17-29 yrs) can join the community for 1-6 months (often with a view to joining on a more permanent basis). Adult volunteers can join on a day or longer basis in exchange for free access to courses.

What's the deal?
Students get free bed and board in return for a half-day 'energy-exchange' (mostly simple chores around the house and garden) as well as £10 a week pocket money. Volunteers can exchange labour on an ad-hoc basis in exchange for free access to a course, and are actively sought for the annual big Summer Gathering event in August (setting up and clearing up). In exchange for six hours help per day, you get free entrance to the event and access to two of its workshops (of a holistic/personal-development bent), camping accommodation and vegetarian meals. A 'Community Experience Weekend' is another way get an instructive taste of community life (£105/Non-residential £65). Couples are welcome, but kids do pose a problem. Community life includes twice daily meditations; regular sharing and discussion groups and evening activities such as 'dances of Universal Peace', yoga, videos and community meetings. Perhaps not for the truly shy or cynical.

Richard Glyn Foundation at Gaunts House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4JQ
Email: admin@rgf-gaunts.demon.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1202 841522
http://www.rgf-gaunts.demon.co.uk

Atlow Mill Centre for Emotional Education

Ethos
A registered charity, this industrious community in Derbyshire offers a programme of courses designed to develop emotional literacy - including victims of domestic violence and children at risk of exclusion from school. Set in a beautiful tranquil spot, living here means respecting their work, the environment, and being prepared for a high level of emotional honesty.

Who can join?
Anyone willing to participate with an open heart and mind. Couples welcome, and those with kids considered too.

What's the deal?
Much depends on when you join. If there's a course going on, you may be working very hard to provide back-up in the kitchen or on general cleaning duties. This could be for over 12 hours a day. You may even get roped into assisting the course leaders (for example, mentoring groups of children). If there's no course on the go, there are plenty of general chores to keep life going, such as chopping wood or digging the garden. In exchange you get food and lodging and a unique taste of emotional literacy.

Atlow Mill Centre for Emotional Education, Hognaston, Derbyshire, DE6 1PX
Tel: +44 (0)1335 370494
E-mail: centre@atlowmill.ndo.co.uk
http://www.atlowmill.ndo.co.uk/

ivillage uk

Holidays with spirituality