The Barn's newest volunteer retreat coordinator Philip admits he's 'fizzy with delight'

Also at The Barn I can practice and hear the Dharma. Not only is there a wonderful, packed-full library but there are Buddhist teachings and a chance to sit silently and with guidance. The schedule offers time together to practice and time on your own if you wish to read, walk, take in the views and nature, nap, garden, cook and do whatever I might need to look after myself and reflect on the things that really matter in my life.

I always leave more connected with my own inner wisdom and that of the Buddhist teachings.

Finally - and most importantly - there is the community that is created each and every week. I would come down just for this to be honest. By cooking together, tending to the building and our space and caring and feeding the animals (and by eating and meditating together) a community gets created that supports and nourishes every individual within it.

Every time I came on retreat I was bathed in each of these three supports: nature connection, Dharma and community. It became obvious where this was all heading.

I knew I wanted to be a part of the lineage of coordinators here and offer to others what had been offered to me. When I was offered the post I did not stop beaming for a…well, I am still beaming and it has been five months so far.

I am loving being part of the weekly community and the longer-term one of those people that live and work here. Each group's participants that I have spent the six days with have ended up holding me as much as I have held them and the space we are in.

There is no disputing it is hard and tiring work, not just in the coordinating of a retreat but in being present for those on retreat as well as for me and all my emotions and senses.

I have no plans for the end of my time here. I just know that this experience will set me up for whatever the rest of life holds. It will lead into what is fitting and right for me.

I don’t believe there is another location in the country that offers this unique blend of those three pillars of support and that does so in such an intimate and peaceful way.

I would love to see you down here too. Book a retreat and join me. It will be a blessing on your life like it has been and continues to be on mine.

Peace.

Philip Anderson.