John Philip Newell, Ph.D., an internationally renowned teacher and author of multiple books, will speak at Brenau University on Sunday, Oct. 25, and Monday, Oct. 26.
Born in Canada of an Irish father and Scottish mother, Newell resides with his wife, Ali, in Scotland. In 2016, he began the Earth & Soul initiative and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada, as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland.
“Brenau is dedicated to fostering environments where global perspectives meet personal and professional growth. John Philip Newell’s approach as a ‘wandering teacher’ brings timeless wisdom regarding our place in the natural world directly into conversation with the challenges of the modern era,” James C. Eck, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Brenau, said. “We are honored to host both Newell and Cami Twilling, as their combined work in the Earth & Soul initiative offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the vital intersection of compassionate action and overall well-being.”
Newell will present two sessions at Brenau: a Sunday evening event open to the public and a Monday morning session specifically for the Brenau community:
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 4-6 p.m.: The Great Search — An Afternoon Talk by John Philip Newell. Newell outlines the main themes of his ground-breaking book The Great Search: Turning to Earth & Soul in the Quest for Healing & Home. Twilling, director of Earth & Soul, an initiative of study, spiritual practice, and compassionate action based in Colorado, will lead the audience in the spiritual practice of listening within and reflection following the talk.
- Monday, Oct. 26 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Sacred Earth Sacred Soul — A Morning Talk by John Philip Newell. Newell outlines the main themes of his award-winning book Sacred Earth Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World. A special screening of Hebridean Treasure: Lost and Found will follow John Philip’s talk. Hebridean Treasure is the film version of a live stage performance featuring dance, music, and song by some of Scotland’s most talented young artists.
Both sessions will take place in the Hosch Theatre at the Burd Center for Performing Arts, 429 Academy St NE, Gainesville, Georgia. Registration is required for the Sunday session, which is free and open to the public.
Newell earned a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, and he has authored more than 15 books. Newell speaks of himself as “a wandering teacher” following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic tradition, seeking the well-being of the world. He has been described as having “the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar,” combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.
In addition to serving as the director of Earth & Soul, Twilling facilitates the spiritual practice component of the Earth & Soul Retreats. Previously, she was the Director of Contemplative Spirituality and Youth Ministry at Trinity UMC in downtown Denver and has studied meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition of Shambhala. In addition to leading mountain and urban retreats, she has led international pilgrimage groups to Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland and work teams to Guatemala to build houses in communities that have suffered from political strife and economic hardship.
