A year after my special week to Columba 1400, its magic continues to release into my awareness. During my time on Skye I was aware of the tranquillity, support and unconditional acceptance of the selfless Centre staff. There was the opportunity to reflect on my life and the consideration of the path I could choose to follow after the week away from the demands of a busy life. There was the bliss from the lack of mobile phone reception. There was the chance to be me.

There was the opportunity to meet new people, learning to appreciate the uniqueness of each person in a safe space. There was the deepening of relationships I would not have pursued in normal daily life. There was an understanding of how each person’s differences make for a colourful community. There was the remarkable honest and articulate “talking stick” that spoke what needed to be said. There was the validity of each person’s perspective their Columban experience.

There was the transformation from “chaos” into order as the group “emptied” our prejudices and preconceptions, allowing the flow of common understanding to flow within the circle. There was camaraderie and laughter. Tears flowed and were dried as we learned about who we are and what we are about.

There was an instinctive drive to take some of this magic back into the outside world, to unite people where there has been misunderstanding and to create community where it does not exist. It is a long path. It is a slow journey. Each day and each step makes a difference and sometimes when an “awareness-light” illuminates my perceptions, I have a deeper understanding of what Columba 1400 is about. A growing energy which as it flows from one Columban to another resonates through this world and beyond. One world. One humanity.

Margot Clayton
Columban Graduate