“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”
—Jane Goodall
We’ve been talking about discernment and clarity for Earth-care in the new year; after you have taken the time to listen deeply, and find clarity about what you think, how you feel, and what you are moved to do, you can set some intentions for the difference you want to make in the world.
Quakerism is a faith of intentionality. Intentionality is a part of integrity; we take the time to be thoughtful in our words and deeds, so that they truly reflect our beliefs. We proceed “as way opens”, living with intentionality and the willingness to “be” with a question or decision rather than jump to a rash action out of panic or pressure.
Quakers are careful with language: We take the time to find the words that best describe what it is we are thinking and doing. Intentionality requires us to define what we want to do and why we want to do it; when we can articulate the deepest, most meaningful reason for an action, then we find that the way and the will opens before us.
As a community, we show our intentionality with our process of seasoning and decision-making: We believe that we each hold a piece of the truth, and it is only by listening to and digesting all available insights that we can arrive at the right decision for our community. Our Quaker process allows for a healthy discussion, listening to everyone, and community intentionality.
In her essay for FWCC World Quaker Day, titled “Becoming the Quakers the World Needs”, Patricia Thomas says,
To become (becoming) suggests a beginning, a middle and an arrival. Becoming suggests a journey which starts here and now with you and me. Becoming means transformation and requires intentionality and commitment on our part.
This new year, how can we, as a community and as individuals, become the Quakers that Nature needs?
Let’s get together and set some intentions with Nature in this new year! Join us at our next EFM Earth-care Support Meeting, on Monday, February 5, 2024. We gather each month to help season our individual and group intentions for unity with the Earth.
Queries to aid your seasoning:
- How can I be intentional with my buying habits, sustainability practices, with recycling, with energy use, and carbon emissions?
- How can I be intentional with care for the animals, insects, trees, plants, microbes, and all of nature?
- And how can I be a better advocate in the world, witnessing to integrity with Earth-care?
- What is the transformation that will take us closer to unity with all of Nature, as individuals and as a community?
