Return from Iona and Holy Island

I have returned from my great Pilgrimage and Play adventure. 

While on the Isle of Iona and Holy Island, I found rhythm.  The rhythm of worship; the rhythm of walking; the rhythm of the tides and the sea; the rhythm of the moon and stars as they alone lit the night. I learned the value of adding rhythm to my life, and how that made my days more even-keeled, and how the moments in those days are meant to mean more than just the passage of hours.  

My intention is to continue this rhythmic walking.  I expect it to serve me well in how I ensure balance in my life.  I believe it will lead me to a deeper spiritual place in my heart and in my soul.

"We walk in the rain

sunshine

and wind"

    Iona Pilgrim

Homeward Bound

6am flight Edinburgh to Amsterdam. Then on to Atlanta. First flight-leg 1 hour, 2nd leg 11 hours.

Cappuccinos in Edinburgh, of course.

Now at Schipol, Amsterdam. Security when traveling out of the country, a real test of maintaining the peace and rhythm found in the thin places I have been. So far I have watched 2 jars of whiskey marmalade get tossed out. One in each airport. Gifts gone.

However, I was treated to a "massage" on the behalf of Amsterdam. Seriously, that is what I was told. 😊

Further gone

Now at Hilton Edinburgh airport.
Rain has hit. Along the drive signs were posted "Heavy Rain Expected". I wouldn't call them heavy, just constant.

We were so fortunate to have such good weather. It is the rainy time of year, yet we had mostly sun. A real blessing.

As we left the causeway to Holy Island, we were stopped for a high-speed train to zip by.

So one last cuppa before our 6am flight to Amsterdam.

Not quite gone

A bit of shopping. Then a cuppa for a walk in the very brisk wind. Storm expected, time to move on.

Lunch first. Soup and cheese toasties.

Leaving Holy Island

This morning following the services of Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, a blessing was given to those leaving Lindisfarne.

After breakfast it was back to the post office for cappuccinos and post card writing.

We have definitely established certain rhythms of worship and sipping whilst here.

This afternoon we leave for Edinburgh , Scotland where we fly out tomorrow morning.

Day 2 - Lindisfarne

English breakfast to begin the day, followed by cappuccinos at the post office.

Then off to walk the rest of the nature reserve. Brief detour to the dunes, deciding there were too many dunes to the North Sea.

Continued along the reserve trail, stopping for awhile at a bird hide. Inside the hide were windows that looked out on a small lake. Ducks, Coots, and a Peregrine Falcon.

Lunch of toasties followed by scone with clotted cream and, of course, a cuppa.

Wandered the beach, then Evening Prayer complete with outdoor procession with prayers to commemorate St. Cuthbert. We were graced with another glorious sunset.

Evensong

Just home as the day draws to an end. Service of Evening Prayer, followed by a procession led by the Vicar to the statue of St. Aidan to commemorate his coming from Iona in 635 to establish the church here on Holy Island. The church cat joined in the procession.

Leaving the church, we walked down a short path to take in an awesome, awe-filled sunset.

O Light of Light,
Keep me this night,
And shed round me
Thy presence bright.