Gift of Peace Leadership Circles starting in Iceland builds on Iceland’s global standing for peace. It aims to foster a new dimension of leadership rooted in self-awareness, reflective practices, and meaningful connection. The project was piloted in autumn 2024 and spring 2025, involving a total of 54 participants across five leadership groups. Scientific research on the project yielded very positive results, and participants reported feeling better equipped to manage the complex challenges associated with their leadership roles.

Embracing the world. This project marks the beginning of what we hope will become a nourishing and spiritually rejuvenating wave that spreads across the Globe and embraces leaders across all nations.  Read MORE

Kristin Sigurdardottir, Accident and Emergency Physician

This journey has undoubtedly meant a great deal to me in many different ways and has been a lovely source of support. In my calendar, it was always at the forefront, and I constantly looked forward to those shared moments. We explored important themes—among them tolerance—which came at just the right time while I was facing difficult challenges. I remember feeling as if fate had handed me a gift in that moment. Diving into concepts together like this matters deeply because there is so much power in words, and when we unpack them, it helps us reflect on their meaning at a deeper level.

I think it takes real courage to bring leaders together in this way—people who often have strong opinions and take up space—and yet whenever we met, humanity, trust, and sincerity were always at the heart of our discussions and time spent together. I truly believe most people are good at their core, and it was something special to witness the beauty of human nature shining through in all of our meetings.

I believe leadership circles like this can make a real difference. Those in leading roles can then go on to inspire others. These circles offer us profound tools to nurture the health of our society, with far-reaching effects. Basically, since medical school, I’ve tried to draw attention to the lifestyle- and society-related illnesses that have been on the increase and the opportunities in health and prevention. The better we care for ourselves, the better we treat others, our environment, and the natural world. I believe one of the greatest challenges humanity faces today is disconnection, and spaces like this help us reconnect—with ourselves and with others—on a much deeper level. One feels deeply the privilege of being alive and the beauty of sincere connection to others, which is called Humanity.

Hulda Hallgrimsdottir, Project Manager, Economic and Urban Development – Office of the Mayor, City of Reykjavík

Taking part in the leadership circle has been a truly wonderful experience. I felt there was an energy in it that was so positive and exciting. I have a tendency to live life at a fast pace, and at times, I experience a lot of pressure in my work. That’s why it was so valuable to have these monthly gatherings—to slow down and find a sense of calm in the middle of all the busyness. I remember one time arriving very tired, yet leaving full of energy. It never felt like a burden to show up—on the contrary, I always felt supported and left with a sense of lightness. Even though I didn’t always manage to practice as much as I wanted, the meditation became a kind of lifeline.

Being part of the circle has given me a deeper inner peace and a sense of hope that positive change is possible—which is especially important for me, as I work in environmental issues. It’s incredibly valuable to have meaningful, nourishing, and solution-oriented conversations with people who are on the same wavelength, to receive support, and to mirror yourself in others. I felt that when we meet and talk in this way, there really is potential to make a difference in society. I’ve also learned to protect my energy better from negativity around me and to hold on to my own inner strength.

I found it especially important to connect with people across different areas of society, not least as a counterbalance to the polarisation that has become increasingly visible in Icelandic society. Here, we learn to listen more deeply and try to understand one another at a deeper level. In a world dominated by social media, there’s a real risk of mainly encountering opinions from people who think like us, which can leave us isolated in our own bubbles—something that can be dangerous. Gatherings like this can counteract that and help us connect in a beautiful and meaningful way, across different perspectives and beliefs.

Hildur Johannesdottir, Headmaster of Dalskoli, Reykjavik

I had little to no connection to meditation before, though I’ve always been deeply interested in people and connections. The invitation to the leadership circle came at the perfect time, right as I was at a crossroads in my life. A few months earlier, I probably would have said no—since I so often feel short on time—but when it arrived, I felt so strongly it was meant for me that I couldn’t do anything but say yes.

From the very beginning, I’ve felt immense gratitude. To sit with others who take the time to ask meaningful questions and explore themes like tolerance, inner balance, and intuition has been a rare gift. It became much more than meditation for me. I found myself eagerly anticipating each gathering, and the experience has had a powerful, positive impact on my life.

I long for more spaces like this—where people can come together to reflect on shared values and the deeper questions of life, free from judgment or expectation. I’ve learned to listen more openly and to release the need for ready-made answers. I truly believe that genuine conversations are possible with anyone, and that when they happen, both sides grow and benefit.

In a time of rapid change, it feels more important than ever to nurture our sense of belonging to one another. The leadership circle has been a reminder of that, helping us shift from “I” to “we”—from standing alone to moving forward together.

Soffia Vagnsdottir, former Director of the Office of Elementary School Affairs in Reykjavík City

These gatherings felt like a gift from above, arriving at exactly the right time in my life. I’ve practised meditation on and off over the years, but what this experience has given me is the ability to listen much more deeply. My relationships with those closest to me have completely transformed for the better—because I have changed.

Taking the time to pause and reflect together on concepts like intuition and love matters so much. We often live at such a fast pace, always trying to achieve more, add degrees, and collect titles—but how often do we allow ourselves to stop and truly consider what is meaningful? To reflect on the values we want to stand for?

Bringing leaders together in this way is powerful. These are people who can reach others, and when they dare to speak openly about their positive experiences, the ripple effects spread even further. Projects like this can have a remarkable impact if we manage to unite those who are passionate about creating positive change in society.

For me, the focus on inner peace felt especially important—the idea of living in harmony with oneself and with others, and recognising that inner peace is the foundation of peace in society. I’d love to continue that conversation, especially around how Iceland might contribute to peace on a global scale. The dialogue itself is vital, and so is the courage to talk about peace.

What I’ve taken from these leadership circles is the sense of a quiet yet powerful wave for positive transformation—something authentic, without marketing or pretence—real change that begins within people themselves.

Jon Gauti Jonsson, Project Manager for Innovation and Business development for the Investment Firm Íslensk fjárfesting

This journey has been an incredible experience and has meant a great deal to me. To feel the genuine, beautiful, and generous energy that formed so quickly within the group was truly unique. In times when individualism and obsession with appearances so often dominate, it is deeply rewarding to connect with people in this way—setting aside roles and titles and simply meeting each other as human beings. The framework was clear and kept us engaged, and the topics we explored were both interesting and challenging in the best possible way. Taking the time to really reflect on different values and to see life with fresh eyes—through the lens of tolerance and understanding—was invaluable.

I think it’s fair to say that most of us rarely have the chance to engage in conversations that are this positive and constructive. So much of our culture today has become one of constant complaining, where our discussions are often marked by criticism—whether about the weather, politics, the state of the world, or something else. There’s no doubt in my mind that the more people in society who adopt this focus—thinking and talking together in a constructive, solution-oriented way—the greater the impact it can have, even to the point of transforming communities.

When we let go of identifying ourselves with external roles and titles, and instead connect deeply inward—to our own inner peace—we increase the likelihood of being truly present, both for ourselves and for others.

Thorgrimur Thrainsson, Icelandic writer, motivational speaker, and former professional footballer

When I was invited to the Leadership Circle organised by the Spirit of Humanity Forum and Lótushús, I had to think it over. I have never practised meditation systematically, though from time to time I have become aware of the importance of dwelling in silence, taking deep breaths, and meditating.

For decades, I have been spiritually attentive and aware of the inner calm and depth within all of us, yet I had not embarked on a serious journey to dive deeper day by day. That was what was offered here. There is little more important than feeling inner peace, surrounding people with love and kindness, and accepting everyone as they are. Each of us has a role in life, even if some do not realise it. When we honour silence, sail into the calm sea, and dare to dive deeper, we understand our role. And, not least, we recognise the beauty and the opportunities life has to offer.

I have long been aware of my own role in life: to serve. But under the guidance we received, I had that confirmed, because I felt my purpose so strongly. In silence and meditation, doors open that far too few dare to enter. The closeness to others on the course was tangible, and the trust that formed was unique. We are all one, all struggling with something. But the greatest struggle in life is the struggle with ourselves. We need stillness and silence to touch the soul, listen to our intuition, and flourish – to be good human beings. To help others.

An enlightened, fearless individual can work miracles. The pace of life and the rat race have caused darkness and anxiety in the lives of many, but under the guidance of our facilitators, light emerged. And this can endure, if we care for ourselves daily.

Heartfelt thanks for supporting those individuals who work passionately to nurture children and young people every single day. I will continue to follow my intuition, listen to my heart, and serve the community, with the aim of helping more children to flourish.

Gudrun Kaldal, Director of the Tjörn Leisure Centre for Children, and a member of the project management team for Better City for Children, City of Reykjavík.

In the spring term of 2025, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to attend a course organised by Lótushús and the Spirit of Humanity Forum, which concluded with a weekend retreat at Sólheimar in Grímsnes. It involved a group of passionate individuals, all dedicated to enhancing the welfare of children. 

The course aimed to bring together professionals, fostering a great deal of collaborative learning. When a group of experts gathers with the goal of giving of themselves and learning, magic happens.

The course will contribute to increased professionalism in the field of well-being work and has strengthened the network of connections. The group will continue its journey together under the guidance of Stefania Olafsdottir from the SoH Forum, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of children.