Blog

In January 2018, the National Trust published a report, the results of which proved that places have a powerful effect on us.

More than 2,000 people were interviewed to find out what special places mean to them: for many, childhood memories or a link to loved ones creates a special attachment to a particular place. 

Surprisingly, for over 40% of those surveyed, their meaningful places were recent discoveries.

Whether alone or in company, these are places to relax, enjoy nature, or simply get away from our... Read More

Dorset Art Weeks launches tomorrow on Sat 26 May 2018. It's been all hands on deck here at Othona, getting ready for our 4th DAW! We are very excited (and knackered)! Mart Tebbs, who has been exhibiting here since Othona first began participating as a DAW venue in 2012, is featured in the May edition of the very snazzy new mag, Bridport Times, along with other local artists. You can read the magazine online, or pick it up in Bridport venues.

Do come and visit us over the DAW weeks (26 May to 10 June) - for art, cream teas and sea views! You... Read More

"Anyone who believes in indefinite growth in anything physical, on a physically finite planet, is either mad or an economist" - Kenneth Boulding (Quaker economist)

Unfortunately, this is not a view which is shared by the majority of our academic institutions or politicians! Economic theory, as taught in British universities, assumes that infinite growth is indeed possible. And although Britain uses approx 66% more resources than is sustainable (according to The Global Footprint Network), almost all our politicians talk about how to get the economy growing again (which inevitably means using more resources): the emphasis is on increasing efficiency, the language that of scarcity, and anything approaching spiritual values is considered irrelevant.

Here's an interview with Sue Thomas, author and facilitator of Othona's 'NOT a Digital Detox: (How to feel better without logging off)' weekend in May. An opportunity to reflect and rebalance our tech rich (tech challenged?) 21sy century lives!

More nature not less technology key to handling digital overload

Reprinted from Bournmouth Daily Echo 4 April 2018

Human beings need more nature, not less technology.

That's the basis of a new, digital wellbeing retreat at a Dorset retreat later this spring.

Dr Sue Thomas, who was Professor of New Media at De... Read More