Lyfjaberg - wellbeing, healing & peace initiative - eco-anxiety, racism & bullying challenge

1^st. Peace Chaplaincy; Interfaith Mission and Eco Spirituality Chaplaincy celebrated 40 years of service in 2022. The Ministry benefits co-operative communities, encouraging an increase in thoughtful, mindful and compassionate attitudes. In the diverse society in which we all live, understanding of citizenship and democracy is offered. We work with the spirit whatever the faith. We foster interfaith dialogue between people of different religious traditions and multifaith affinity. We focus on the beliefs and philosophies of Pagan, Heathen, Druid, 1st. Nations (US), African Animist, Celtic and Saxon Christian and Spiritualist paths. The Chaplaincy offers expertise in spiritual ecology and wider well being programmes, alongside traditional ministry, worship and mysticism. We have found ourselves more in demand than ever, as people report feeling anxious about the social and political turmoil, fighting and war around the world and lack of action on climate change, nature loss, human and animal suffering.

Physical wellbeing, mindfulness, peace and spiritual healing are a part of our work, much appreciated by our community.

Lyfjaberg, the "hill of healing",  was a healing sanctuary in Old Norse myth, it was the home of Eir, a Norse goddess of healing and mercy. She was said by some to be a Valkyrie. Others compare her to the Greek goddess Hygieia. "She is an extremely good physician", states the Prose Edda. Eir was famed for healing not only the body, but also the mind and the spirit.

Above: Valkyrie.

We promote mindfulness, encouraging participants to pay attention to internal and external moments and to be present in these moments. Understanding our thoughts and feelings, creativity and nature can improve our mental wellbeing, increasing our enjoyment in life. Reconnecting our thoughts to our bodies rather than worrying or repeating negative emotions and behaviours, help us to better understand ourselves and realise what is important to us. Being gentle with ourselves and nurturing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety for some people. 

Our ”flower breathing” exercise is very popular: slowly & gently breath in through your nose, as though you smell the beautiful scent of a flower & breath out through your mouth as though you blow a leaf. Our “circle breathing” exercise is also popular, using a poem, prayer or positive affirmation.  Reciting one line breathing in & one line breathing out, being especially aware of each breath, gives deep connection, awareness & relaxation. Using the magic of like comparison gives extra emphasis: breathe in visualizing a mountain, breathe out saying I am steadfast; breath in visualizing two caring hands reaching towards each other, breath out saying I feel the warmth of your hand; breathe in visualizing the stars, exhale exclaiming liberty!

In our outdoor activities, we often make time to watching the clouds. Watching slow drifting or fast scudding clouds, we can release anxieties, let them be taken by the clouds as we stay grounded here in a liberated reality. The clouds evolve, shapes and colors change as we watch as our worries can disperse our feelings change, responsive to conditions. Nature is not stagnant; it is a living whole. Water in all its forms, clouds & ice are fluid & have often been linked to changing human emotions. Water cleanses our body & quenches our thirst, it can calm our emotions. Come from a hot field to the bank of a woodland stream on a summer’s day and our emotions respond to the change. We try to be aware of the interconnectedness of ourselves with our living, changing natural world & seek in it (mentally or physically) what we find calming, joyful & beneficial. 

These techniques can be practiced in our hearths, harrows, home & open circles, sanctuaries, temples and churches.

Those who feel that that the spiritual is important, may reach out to heal the spirit. 

Our work always challenges racism and bullying and builds self reliance; networking information to individuals in the community, including carers, who may feel isolated.

We have been developing mindful movement and mindfulness in nature practice along with resources for health and wellbeing, for over forty years. Some people may question the value of these practices but we are reminded that Albert Einstein would have seen this as physics: he referred to everything being energy and said if the frequency of the reality that you want is matched; suggesting that you get the reality that you want. 

Mindful movements, have been practiced for centuries by Dervishes as part of meditation, as well as in yoga and tai chi. The chi is seen as life force, in Asatru this is called Ond, the breath of Odin. Mindful, spiritual and magical movement in Asatru is called Stada and is traditionally practiced like the callisthenics of the Spiritualist Lyceum or the series of movements, based on the alphabet, developed by Rudolph Stiner. More recently, Norbert Paul has taken traditional Stada and blended it with a tai chi style of delivery to give a flowing and beautiful form. Mindful movements are being used by NHS Primary Integrated Care Teams who have joined with specialist physiotherapists and consultants to create a new approach to managing pain that considers the work of Vidyamala Burch, founder of the charity Breathworks. With sixty five years of experience in this subject, we have developed a unique pattern of stada that maintains all of it's traditional importance for mind, body and spirit, whilst being informed by the latest science on mindful movements for health.

Racial stress: the Synergy Collaborative Centre have evidenced racism (apparent or micro-aggression & verbal or physical attack) as a stress trigger. Seemingly insignificant events create awareness of being treated unfairly, being isolated or differentiated and disadvantaged due to race. This undermines wellbeing, threaten self-esteem and identity, causes emotional distress and can lead to mental illnesses. Outcomes may include depression, trauma, and psychosis. Injury, as a from a racist attack, can cause post-traumatic stress. Research suggests that mindfulness practices and connection to nature, may help individuals be more able to handle the emotional and physical distress of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

A long tradition, globally observed suggests that some shaman (who may practice ritual, divination & healing) and other psychics develop the gifts following trauma. Odin discovered the runes following self sacrifice, as acknowledged in the Norse concept of: "a gift demands a gift". Freya Aswynn, a Dutch Writer who follows the Northern Path or Asatru, said that she "developed psychic abilities and precognition because I had to be very alert. I was constantly under physical threat and attacks".

Below: a rose petal heart: Little St Mary's Church in Cambridge

First Peace Chaplaincy's Eco Spirituality Chaplaincy offers support and environmental protection educational resources and information, to advance understanding. The collection and sharing of knowledge into an accessible pool benefits people and the environment. Encouraging best practice in the delivery of learning by others, maximizes potential for positive change and engagement, which is vital to improving communities and the lives of citizens. We wish to see confidence, well-being, skills, knowledge, individual capabilities, competences and employability increased and people and communities benefiting from the promotion of respect and compassion and understanding of the environment, contributing to a positive and ethical society. Communicating and discussing specialist research, in our communities of interest learning groups, will benefit people wishing to enhance the wider community & environment.

We hear about Nature Deficit Disorder, plenty of evidence exists to endorse the physical and mental health benefits of nature. Parents have told the Chaplaincy that they want healthy, outdoor activity for younger children, to help the children to learn about nature.

Children learn early & form links, this is true of their relationship to nature. Research shows that youngsters who were introduced to a site early in life, will usually, if possible return to the place, maintaining the relationship. Children can become “site buddies” and contribute to conservation volunteering. 

Philip Carr-Gomm, former Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids: "modern humanity's sense of alienation lies in the fact that we have cut ourselves adrift from both the natural world and from the roots of our past" and "when we let go of believing we are superior, we open ourselves to the experience of living in the community of nature."

Herbalism can benefit the spirit as well as the body. It has become popular in our Communities of Interest Learning Groups, to explore a deeper understanding of and communication with plant spirits. We do this over a period, following various exercises, focusing on just one plant at  time. In this way, participants really feel that they come to understand bout a particular plant.

The Goddess Eir, in her healing rituals, used a plant called the Eirflower. The plant was said to be a "white tanned" flower. Could this have been Yarrow, Meadowsweet or mistletoe, which  were used by Norse herbalists, in addition to those mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Nine Herbs Charm of Woden. Nature was central to Norse ideas of wellbeing and health and this has vital lessons for our communities today. it is good practice to receive the offerings of each season as they come. Runes are used for healing in the Northern tradition, such as the fountain of energy that flows through Laguz or the protective power of Algiz. 

Pagan healing channels intention & the energy of nature, through spells & herbalism to promote physical, emotional & spiritual well-being.

Above: The Norse Asatru goddess Idunn of rejuvenation was the keeper of the apples of immortality & the Norse Vanir goddess Freyja was associated with the daisy, rose & primrose.

Increased understanding of climate change and environmental issues are vital at this current time and will deliver huge benefits to mankind and the environment. Empowering people to live sustainably, conserve heritage plants, wildlife, habitats, ecosystems, water, soil and clean air is vital to a continued healthy society. Eco-anxiety may be reduced by greater understanding, by empowering people to make a positive contribution and the advancement of appreciation that places and landscape heritage have special meaning to communities.  Learning programmes, eco-philosophy and shared research is needed to support  the protection of the environment, flora, fauna, biodiversity and natural history and to increase climate change awareness.

Pope Francis launched Laudato Si, an urgent call to tackle the current ecological crisis. The movement has gathered great momentum especially amongst the younger generation. The text of the late Popes documents, can be found on our Facebook page.

Promoting kindness and thoughtful, mindful, spiritual and compassionate attitudes, benefits animals and people. spreading understanding that responsible and sustainable lifestyles can benefit animals, wildlife & habitats can also demonstrate that the needs of animals, nature and people can be balanced. Sharing best practice encourages people to contribute to creating communities in which the basic means of life, growth and development are available for all. People and communities may benefit from championing  creative social and environmental innovation that better equips people to contribute to communities and the social economy. Learning about nature and seeing earths reality more clearly, can increase reverence for creation and life. In his presentation, "Finding The Spirit Within", former Spiritualist National Union resident, Gordon Higginson said: "before you can touch the spirit, you must find it within yourself." In her key pagan text, Doreen Valiente also encourages followers to seek inwardly for the Divine: "if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou wilt never find it without thee." In this the text does not encourage us to turn from nature but to seek unity with nature, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life and the natural world. 

Spiritual healing is found as an aspect of Paganism and Spiritualism and in Cristian traditions. The Harry Edwards Healing sanctuary offers perhaps the best known example. Harry Edwards, who called himself a Christian-Spiritualist, set up his healing trust and sanctuary in response to receiving 10.000 healing request letters per week. He gave public demonstrations attracting crowds: 6000 people in Manchester in 1948, filling the Royal Festival Hall in 1951 and demonstrating to crowds in Trafalgar Square. spiritualist healers, Pagans and Christian churches, often have a healing book or prayer book or bowl, where requests for help are recorded; these are arguably more important in Pagan and Heathen traditions, where laying-on of hands is not practiced. Here are three examples from our group of chaplaincies (who work co-operatively): one of our multifaith groups uses a prayer bowl, another uses a Lyfjaberh healing request book, yet another offers a tray of pebbles and invites seekers to choose one & pace it into a central bowl of water that holds the request stones whilst the prayer or healing need is written on a card.

   

Above: angels at St Lawrence, Sedgebrook. Perhaps this is Tubiel, the guardian angel of summer and birds, as a bird has made it's nest on his wing.

"Archangels of the Four Directions the Four Winds: Uriel of the north, Michael of the south, Raphael of the east & Gabriel of the west may you direct your energy for peace in the world."

“There came two angels from the north; one brought fire, and one brought frost. In frost, out fire. In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost.”

Ambriel - The angel of the divine white fire of God (sometimes called holy fire)  light of reason & purity burns away negative energies healing situations where you suspect heavy and dark influences are at play. His colour is brilliant, dazzling lemon white - like sunshine upon snow and his crystal Herkimer Diamond. In dark times call him more often to illuminate the darkness & transform untruths, intolerance and hate into light, love and peace.

Our sustainability check-list and learning resource packs are distributed and can help people or organisations seeking to benefit the environment. By delivering learning information on organic plant-based food growing, seed saving, propagation, pollination, composting and soil management we will improve sustainable horticulture and local healthy food production. By encouraging the development and sharing of innovative low technology solutions by we benefit people seeking solutions that nurture sustainable lifestyles and the environment, especially people on low incomes, as these solutions are cheap and easily accessible, giving people greater control over there lives and improved self esteem through self reliance.

"Gia bless us, with gentle warmth from your sun, with joy from your fruits, with health from your grains, that we may live each day, in balance with the Goddess."

Earendel: many people are familiar with J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy The Lord Of The Rings, in which Galadriel gifts Frodo a phial, containing the light of Eärendil's star She says: "May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out."  

Earendel was thought to be the morning star. We find reference to Eärendil's star in the Old English antiphon "O Oriens", "O Dawn of the East" or in  "Dayspring", the fifth of seven O Antiphons from Isaiah 9:2.  

Cultures around the globe assign the Morning Star, the bringer of day: a role in Creation. The Morning Star was celebrated as the bringer of light. In ancient myth and ritual and cosmological traditions, the star-god was “Lord of the Dawn. To Homer, the Morning Star was a masculine force of nature: Heosphoros, “Dawn-bringer: “At that time when the dawn star passes across earth, harbinger of light, and after him dawn of the saffron mantle is scattered across the sea.” Venus is both the Morning Star and at other times the Evening Star according to the synodic period. Northwest coastal First Nations name the Morning Star: “Bringing the Daybreak”.Sioux star blankets depict, according to Chief Lame deer, the Morning Star. 

Now the The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered, on the 30 March 2022, a star that has been given this name. it lies on the outer edge of the galaxy, a light on the edge of deep darkness. 

Christian theology offers the idea of seraphim as beings of pure light who enjoy direct communication with God. They are the highest rank of angels, six-winged beings, that fly around God's throne singing "holy, holy, holy". This triple invocation, generating holy energy is another instance of the widespread belief of the primary importance of triple manifestation of the sacred.  

Many people find inspiration in starlight and moon light. Places with clear, dark skies, such as Keilder Forest, are valued by people seeking spiritual experience, astronomers and astrologers and by wildlife such as bats and night flying birds and insects. 

Right now, Middle Earth needs us! We must do everything that we can to preserve nature, improve our climate and protect our environment. This will improve the lives of humankind and all living beings. 

Tolkien, of course, portrayed the moth as a carrier of messages. they have long been considered to be spirit messengers. Moths, such as the American Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma americana) that mimics leaves, are often protected by camouflage and can go undetected by predators, whilst having the freedom of flight to travel between places. The Apache nations see moths and butterflies as symbols of the soul. We know that moths are attracted to light. This has been used as a symbol of the search for radiant truth, spiritual awakening and the balance of light and darkness. In the UK, (it reverses depending at which of earth's hemispheres you live), the spring equinox brings the light and the autumn equinox brings the darker months of the year. We can adjust our contemplation to harness the energies of these times.

 "Light is not just illumination to see by but a path to follow", Marian Green (author on magic & solitary witchcraft & Western Mysteries and founder of the Quest Conferences & magazine, creator of the Green Circle, a network of pagans).

Above: traditional landscape with old fruit trees between Halam & Farnsfield.

Human rights and the advancement of health, well-being, people and communities, increases when understanding grows between persons of different races & religions. This is central to the ethos of the First Peace Chaplaincy Interfaith Mission. 

Equality is built into every aspect of our work and communication. 

It is important to build community capacity and promote civic responsibilities, create safer, more able and skilled societies with improved inclusion and good relations, challenging bullying, advancing equality, equity. We strive to provide good models of democracy and collective responsibility We build skills to benefit people by enabling them to obtain their ethical aspirations and participate in making decisions that affect their communities, lives, development and access to basic requirements. We promote the reduction of harm, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and suffering. We support opportunities for increased welfare, well-being, quality of life, happiness and enjoyment. We seek to nurture good, respectful and tolerant community relations to benefit people, making them feel involved and equally valued and respected. 

Understanding, spirituality and joy can be increased through learning about cultural and natural heritage issues, sustainability, the environment, climate change and nature solutions, mindfulness, healthy eating and by visiting nature. 

In Michaelmas term 2004, First Peace Chaplaincy, picked up the valuable work of the Juno Project, on Democracy & Governance that had been delivered by Juno Enterprise, within the Triple Helix. This fitted well within the objective: Supporting Communities.

Our Learning Communities of Interest Networks engage, nurture, motivate, enable, encourage and support learning. The Juno Project, focuses on community support,  democracy and governance learning. It offers participation, learning resources, assemblies, deliberations, communication, forums & experience; with the potential to increase self determination. Benefits include increase in thoughtful, mindful & compassionate attitudes; opportunity; multi level community connections and International Co-operation. For example: to start Michaelmas Term 2024 one of our communities of Interest Learning Groups discussed plans and expectations for the Democracy and Governance Programme by debating concepts of inclusion & involvement, transparency and truth, pluralism and neoliberalism, freedom of speech, systems & accountability. this work attracts like minded people who care about our communities. They can be involved with events, activities, local groups, projects and delivering resources. 

Volunteer teams produce a range of resources for use with our Learning Communities of Interest Groups, from healthy eating and attachment and PACE parenting, to basic skills and helping hedgehogs. The annual seasonal work that our volunteers do on heritage and wildlife monitoring and surveys, builds identification skills whilst creating important local maps of trees, plants, animals, landscapes and cultural heritage. The activities offer creative opportunities. 

 
We have made a huge expansion of Juno Project community learning resources. We have built KS1-4  & GCSE resources and added to our diversity resources; trans racial adoption information and elective home education support. Popular spring activities have included a family pre-history project and family wildlife activities for ponds and bees.

Below, top: what a nice "thank you" gift made to us from Little Adventurers Forest School, for our help with the woodland winter festivities for children and families. Below bottom: the "wishing yule log" that the forest school children made.

Our wellbeing spring flower walks: substantial evidence supports the case that nature makes a big contribution to improving health and wellbeing and could make significant national financial savings.

Nature and nature walks can maintain good health. It has been suggested that this can contribute to helping with : recovery from illness, lowering stress, improvement in mental health issues, improvement in physical health, challenging obesity, improvement in the quality of life for older people, improvement in children’s well-being into adulthood, enhancement of social interaction, improvement in community cohesion, reduction in aggression, violence and crime.

Comments from users on our spring flower walks:

“a wonderful journey”...Dolly

“the biggest thrill”...Bessy

“a sparkling day”...Michael

On our woodland flower walks people enjoy spending time in the natural environment. Inner city mental health service users, with no personal transport. love to access some of Britain’s best loved plants. such as bluebells. People like to watch and listen to wildlife, such as oyster catchers on the river Trent. People can enjoy both the woodland tranquillity and the chance for social interactions, peer support and guided learning. 

Above: purple loosestrife and meadowsweet, participants in our Learning Communities of Interest Networks exchange learning about herbs, plant lore and natural wellness.

Ray Beth, author on wildwood mysticism and magical spirituality, writes about the: "mystical appreciation of spirit in all things". She asks people to contribute to a world healing spell via her website.

From a translation of the Homeric Hymn, 7th. century BC: "I will sing of well-founded Gaia, Mother of All, eldest of all beings, she feeds all creatures that are in the world, all that go upon the goodly land and all that are in the paths of the sea, and all that fly: all these are fed of her store".

The cost of poor mental health to the economy is estimated to be over £77 billion each year. Mental health disorders affect 1 in 6 adults. By 2020, depression could become the second most prevalent cause of disability worldwide.

Many children never play outside or visit natural places. A Forestry Commission survey concluded that many teachers were unable to distinguish between an acorn and a pine cone.

Our Moth-Watch Challenge had good community participation and turned up many colourful species such as the Poplar Hawk Moth.

Above: volunteers pictures taken on activities throughout the year.

First Peace Chaplaincy fosters international co-operation to raise awareness & understanding across national boundaries. The aim is to benefit human, animal & environmental well-being, share best practice, grow compassion & celebrate culture. Three examples are given below:

Human: In May 2014 we produced a report on the 1966 symposium on the “Integration of Rehabilitation in Africa” held in Ethiopia & the subsequent orthopedic support that was established. The report was catalyzed when a friend and supporter Mr. M. Hodkinson loaned us his archive comprising documents and wonderful glass photographic slides taken by his father in Ethiopia. Our report, which was submitted to the Anglo Ethiopian Society, feeds into our International Cooperation Programme, using the headings of heritage, culture, learning and well being. We wish to extend our thanks to Mr. Hodkinson.

Animal: pictured below in a photograph taken by one of our community members. The little "aheyawoch" (donkeys) clearly show wounds on the flanks. 

Environmental: Below, a street scene in Addis shows an area where the local community, including one of our supporters, Tsebay,  is campaigning for improvement.