What Is a "Thin Place"?
Sylvia Maddox
There are thin places throughout the world. One of them is in and near Asheville, North Carolina. I don't know if it is closer to Heaven, but there is something there that is closer to the Divine.
When one is in a 'Thin Place' one can feel the powerful energy and know that there is more than the world that our five senses knows.
Having experienced this in Asheville, I wanted to go to other 'Thin Places' and Iona, an island to the Northwest of Scotland, is certainly one of those places.
Beauty, Quiet and Spirit on Iona, Scotland
Iona is a small and beautiful island in the Hebridean chain off western Scotland. It is a 'thin place'.It is the home of 125 people, many of whom are from families that have been there for centuries; some who came to experience the Iona religious community and never left.
Iona is the location of the Iona Community, a religious organization where thousands of people have made pilgrimage over the centuries. One can immerse oneself in spiritual practice while giving service to the Community.
Iona is an uniquely beautiful island 1 mile wide by 3 miles long that contains rolling hills, a sheep pasture that doubles as a golf course, and geological wonders with some of the oldest rocks in the world. It is the entry to Staffa, one of the most amazing geological formations we have.
It is the source of a vacation for people who want a very quiet place to be, who want peace, beauty a chance to meditate, whether religious or not. Many people go for a day trip, others stay at the lovely inns serving gourmet foods, still others emmerce themselves in the Abby Community.
It is a wonderful place to go.
Main Street on Iona, Scotland; Facing the Bay
Main Street on Iona and The People Who Live There
'Main Street' Iona is a row of old stores and houses that face the bay where the ferries pull in.Most of the stores are craft shops that have been in the same family for generations. I bought some hand made silver jewelry from a young women whose family had been weavers operating out of the same store where they worked. As an omage to her family and with respect for their tradition, she made weavings out of metal strips in addition to her Celtic jewelry.
There is a convenience store that sells groceries and souvenirs. The Abby has another souvenir/book shop. There is the Abby itself, the ruins of the nunnery, and a lot of meadows grazing sheep that double as gold courses. There is a large inn and a couple of small ones, all serving gourmet food. I believe the small ones are open as bars and there may have been one for the locals.
That is it. If you want a restful vacation, this is the place.
St Columba Lands on Iona
St Columba was one of the men who entrenched Christianity in the British Isles. He was also vital in the monastic movement, and initially lived on barren Iona in a tent like shack to live what he preached.He came to Iona, alone, and landed at what is now Columba Bay on the back side of the island.
Each year young people from the Iona Religious Community make a stone labyrinth on the Bay. Having been there for the summer solstice, I know that it is the sight of that ancient celebration.
The Walk to St Columba Bay
St Columba Bay on Iona, Scotland
I was told that you can hire a horse drawn carriage to go to St Columba Bay on the other side of the island. However, we walked. We walked past the houses of those who lived outside the town and through sheep pastures where people played golf.I am sure that the carriage ride was wonderful, but I enjoyed the walk so much.
On the Bay, where St. Columba landed, are many green rocks. Visitors were encouraged to take some home. I am so glad I did. They are not only beautiful, but when I hold them I can still feel the powerful energy of that 'Thin Place'.
Beautiful Video With a Feel of The Thinness
Walking the Labyrinth on St. Columba Bay, Iona
Walking the Labyrinth: A Spiritual Experience
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Walking and Making Labyrinths
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Lauren Artress, of Grace Cathedral, San Fransico, is credited for bringing the Medieval Labyrinth to America and reviving the ancient spiritual tradition in the United States and Europe. The Cathedral at Charte had a centuries old Labyrinth which wa...
St Columba Bay on Iona, Scotland
The Myth About the Food:
I had heard about British food, it was supposed to be dull at best. Scottish food is supposed to be dull and odd.
Wrong! We stayed at the big inn and also ate at the couple of little hotels on the island, the Argyle Inn was one. Every meal, every place, totally delicious, healthy and gourmet.
I will say, however, that haggis was on the menu. It is a specialty that is oatmeal, which I love, cooked in an animal's stomach, which I don't love.
I am adventurous,but I didn't eat haggis
The Ruins of the Nunnery on Iona
The Iona Nunnery is now only a few walls that are taken over by native flowers and vines. Sitting in the middle of it, one can imagine the centuries of women who lived and worshiped there.It was founded in the 12th century by Reginald of Somerled. His sister was the first prioress. It was occupied until the time of the Reformation.
One does not have to be Catholic or even religious to love this place. The ancient building is alive with history. It is a special prize for the sketch artist or the photographer.
The Nunnery: Iona, Scotland
Walking to Iona Abby, Another 'Main Street'
Iona Abby and Religious Community
Its amazing that so much can be happening on this little island.The Iona Abbey is the home of one of the three Centers for the Iona community which was founded in 1938 by Reverend George McLeod. The Community has its own liturgies and programs which take place in the Iona Abby.
The Abby originated in the 8th century and is it is believed that the monks there were responsible for the Book of Kells.
In 806 everyone there was found dead; it is believed to be from an attack by the Vikings. While the Nunnery was Augustinian, the monks at the Abbey were Benedictine. The building was rebuilt around 1200 and still stands with additions and renovations.
History buffs will see the tombs of many lords and ladies of the day along the outer walls of the Abbey.
Iona Abby Iona, Scotland
The Weather in Scotland
I was there days before and after the summer solstice which is late June. There were days when we could wear shorts and be comfortable. However, there were days when we wore two shirts, hooded fleece jackets covered with slickers. To be safe, take both.
More on Scotland: Other Lenses by Margo
Don't miss the trip to Staffa. When the weather is good, the ferry runs twice a day. Go the first day you are there, because if the weather is bad the next day, you won't be able to go.I would have liked more time there, enough for the cave and then to relax on the top of the island, especially during the last week of June when the Puffins are there. Next time, I would get a lunch, take the first ferry and then wait for the next one to go back. This would also give me time alone to commune on the island.
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Staffa, The Scotish Island with a Wonderful Surprize! If You Know When to Go...
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I almost didn't get to Staffa. My trip was to Iona and I didn't think I had enough time there. On top of that, my neck was broken and in a brace, so climbing wasn't easy, not that I wasn't doing plenty of that on Iona! But, I heard about the boat ri...
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"A" is for "Arrowsmith"
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I began this journey as a lens master on June 21, 2008. I started with the story of how my parents began their first small business. That first lens reached a top rank of 188 overall and 14 in business, and then started back down, getting as low as...
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Walking and Making Labyrinths
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Lauren Artress, of Grace Cathedral, San Fransico, is credited for bringing the Medieval Labyrinth to America and reviving the ancient spiritual tradition in the United States and Europe. The Cathedral at Charte had a centuries old Labyrinth which wa...
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Nova Scotia
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I wanted to go to some place that was exotic, far away and we didn't have any money. Hmmm... how about Canada? I don't know why we choose Nova Scotia, but I am so glad that we did. We kind of blundered around, but its almost impossible to not stumbl...
Don't Miss Staffa with Its Amzaing Geology, Sea Cave and in Late June, Puffins
Have You Experienced a 'Thin Place'?
Did you enjoy your virtual trip to Iona?
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Reply
- Courtney Courtney Aug 29, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
- I was fortunate enough to work as a volunteer with the Iona Community 5 years ago. You have captured the beauty and the spirit of Iona so well. It is a "thin place." You can walk across the island all by yourself and never feel alone. Thank you for taking me back to this place I hope to revisit one day!
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Reply
- papawu papawu Apr 9, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
- Och aye lass, I moost agrrree wit ya. lol. I have yet to visit Scotland, but it is one of my devout wishes to do so and is definitely on my bucket list. As far as thin places, I think I have experienced the feeling, more than anywhere else, deep in desert areas, especially at night when the stars are in full bloom and the creatures of nature are taliking to eachother. It is a truly surreal experience to be in the middle of it.
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Reply
- lynic141257 lynic141257 Mar 28, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
- What a great lens lovely Pictures , I haven't been to Iona but I have been to Mull and eat Haggis if you don't think about what your eating its quite nice.
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Reply
- dc64 dc64 Mar 24, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
- I love the pictures of the Iona Abbey, what a lovely place. The landscape of Iona looks like it comes straight out of medieval times. So peaceful it all looks to be.
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Reply
- keithyoung keithyoung Mar 23, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
- Margo!! I'm stunned!! "Enjoy" is the wrong word!! I was absolutely absorbed by this lens! It is so well done that you almost feel as if you are there!! It brings a longing for the kind of peaceful, simple existence that we all crave deep down!
Thankyou Margo!
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People Blogging About Iona, Scotland
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Books about Iona, Scotland
Mull and Iona (Images of Scotland)
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Historic Scotland - Iona
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Mull & Iona: Highways & Byways (Luath Guides)
Amazon Price: $9.31 (as of 12/29/2009)
Spes Scotorum, Hope of Scots: Saint Columba, Iona and Scotland
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
I Wish I'd Had This Camera On Iona
Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Orange) OLD MODEL
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
This little camera is inexpensive, easy to carry and takes such high quality videos!
Flip Video Accessories
Flip Tripod for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 12/29/2009)
Cables To Go - 19003 - 1M USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable (White)
Amazon Price: $4.28 (as of 12/29/2009)
Flip Video Camcorder: 60-Minutes (White)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Flip Video Underwater Case for 1st Generation Flip Ultra Camcorders
Amazon Price: $27.79 (as of 12/29/2009)
Flip Soft Pouch for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders (Black)
Amazon Price: $10.51 (as of 12/29/2009)
No, I Did Not Eat the Haggis; But People Did
The Dreaded Haggis (from Delia Smith's Complete Cookery Course)1 sheep's stomach
1 sheep heart
1 sheep liver
1/2 lb suet, fresh (kidney leaf fat is preferred)
3/4 c oatmeal
1 ts salt
1/2 ts pepper
1/4 ts cayenne
1/2 ts nutmeg
3/4 c stock
Wash stomach well, rub with salt and rinse. Remove membranes and excess fat. Soak in cold salted water for several hours. Turn stomach inside out for stuffing.
Cover heart and liver with cold water, Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Chop heart and coarsely grate liver. Toast oatmeal in a skillet on top of the stove, stirring frequently, until golden. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Loosely pack mixture into stomach, about two-thirds full. Remember, oatmeal expands in cooking.
Press any air out of stomach and truss securely. Put into boiling water to cover. Simmer for 3 hours, uncovered, adding more water as needed to maintain water level. Prick stomach several times with a sharp needle when it begins to swell; this keeps the bag from bursting. Place on a hot platter, removing trussing strings. Serve with a spoon.
This Small Island Has Every Kind of Terrain
Learn More
- Iona Community
- The website for the Iona Community
- Iona Celtic Band
- Beautiful Celtic Music
Others on Scotland
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Saint Andrew
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... and Romania, Russia, Luqa in Malta, Amalfi in Italy, Greece and and of fishermen (including fishmongers etc), singers, single women, women hoping to get pregnant and the University of Patras, amongst others. The St Andrew's cross, or Saltir...
Standing on Iona Looking to Mull
Feed Your Cells Pure Food
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAbout Margo Arrowsmith
Lensmaster Margo_Arrowsmith has been a member since June 21 2008, has rated 2,018 lenses, favorited 121, and has created 129 lenses from scratch. Margo Arrowsmith donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Heifer International: The Pay It Foward Entrepreneurial Charity". See all my lenses
My Bio
For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and what has made us great. They are what made us great and will save us in these unsure times. I have never wanted to have a great job. Well, better a great one, than a boring dead end one, and I have had both. But I have never really wanted a job at all.
Don't get me wrong, I am a hard worker. I have worked a full-time job, a part time job and a private practice all at the same time for a lot of years in my past. It isn't the work, its the working for someone else. Never wanted to do that, and I don't understand those who want to do that.
When I was six months old my parents bought their first small town weekly newspaper in Iowa. This was back in the day, back when small town newspapers were not just advertising sheets. Perhaps there are still some of them that are real, I hope so.
So I came by this perverse nature naturally. My path to self employment has been different than theirs, but it has always been my path, my direction.
Growing up in Iowa, in the fifties, I also grew up politically conservative. By the time I was 30 I was radically left. Today? I am proudly liberal and what that means will be clearer as we progress.
However, I have had conflicts about 'taking advantage of people'. I now know that employing people is not automatically taking advantage of them, but it took a while for me to learn that nothing is intrinsically good or bad. Well, almost nothing.
I have educated myself in business, I have a small business and I have used EFT and other energy clearing methods to help me clarify the old conflicts and move forward.
My mission here is to provide a forum for people who want to work independently through one person businesses or through employing others and for whom the betterment of human kind is an important value. My lenses are about offering good products, teaching people about betting their lives, and using the money they make for their pleasure and the benefit of others.
That is how I see business and if you have a similar vision I invite you to my blog www.creatingbusinessenergy.com
Margo Arrowsmith
Raleigh, North Carolina
Mother and Grandmother
Clinincal Social Worker, Coach and Internet Marketer
Interfaith Contemplative Minister
Student of life, business, the human spirit that motivates us to be our best in all circumstances.
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For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
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