Green Sanctuary Program
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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Green Sanctuary Program |
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Philosophy of Simplicity Circles
The core of simplicity circles or study groups is to assist individuals in returning to a simpler way of life. This simpler way encompasses many aspects of life, some small and some not so small. The idea of the simplicity cirlcle is to help guide individuals in reducing their footprint on the earth, bring passion back into their lives, make their spiritual path a priority and find joy in doing so. Some of the main ideas of a simpler life: * Reducing Clutter - Determine what you really need and dispose of the rest. Got a buffet filled with papers that haven't been looked at in how long? How about that junk draw? Do you really wear all the clothes in that closet? * Reducing Consumption - Buying things creates a market for making things that use up vital natural resources and creates waste problems. Do you really need that extra TV? Are you buying food that spoils before it gets eaten? Are you buying gifts rather than creating your own? Is that cell phone really necessary? Why buy new when existing (used) items are available and will serve the same purpose? * Discovering your Passion - Search your soul for the the things you really enjoy doing and make them a integral part of your life. * Careers - Take your passions and make them support you. Do you like your current job - then why are you doing it? What would you really like to be doing - why aren't you doing it? * Spirituality - Examination of your spirit path (or lack thereof) and start working on making your spirituality a daily presence in your life. * Earth Consciousness - The earth is under massive assualt from our consumption and it needs to be toned down significantly before She is totally ravaged and there is nothing left. Are you recycling? Are you a part of a Green Power program? Are you a spokesperson for those who cannot speak for themselves? Are you buying local and organic food products? Just how "Green" are you? How can you become a darker shade of Green? Active Circles
Currently there is one active simplicity circle, the first circle initiated back in the Spring of 2006 using Cecile Andrews book entitled "The Circle of Simplicity: Return To The Good Life." Most members donated their copies of this book to the BUF library for use by other simplicity circles. Other circles had been conducted and have run their course. New groups are ongoing and for more information, contact Linda Fels at gr8fels@msn.com Simplicity Group Projects & Activities
The core of the original simplicity (with some modification to its membership) has been very active in developing activities and projects that support the "simplicity philosophy" particularly as it relates earth-based and environmentally responsible actions. One of the first actions of the group was to replace a good percentage of the existing light bulbs with complact florescent bulbs. The next action of the group was to promote, develop and institute the Green Sanctuary Program. On July 16th 2007, simplicity circle members attended a delightful "Free Qigong in the Gardens" led by local healer Robert Bates. Mr. Bates has a number of professional standings that include a Mater of Medical Qigong degree. For more information on Robert Bates and his Qigong program, check out his website at: http://www.robertbateshealing.com On August 6th 2007, simplicity circle members will hold their own potluck of dishes prepared with local or organic ingredients and what a tasty success! See below for the recpies. Roasted Vegetables by Mary GibsonA collobrative effort brought the Pachamama Alliance's "Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream" symposium to the Bellingham area and was very well attended by the local community. Also, at least ten people from the Bellingham area signed up, attended and completed the ATD facilitator training so you will be seeing and hearing more on "Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream" in the future. Another series of upcoming projects includes the review and development of "Cakes for the Queen" and "Rise Up and Call Her Name" workshops. Both workshop curriculums are under revision and members of the simplicity circle are on mailing lists for when the curriculums are released. Once released, copies will be purchased, reviewed and courses of action will be mapped out as to how best to bring these phenomenal works to the congregation. Cakes for the Queen of Heaven, by Shirley A. Ranck, 1986. This workshop is primarily designed for women and addresses issues of gender and religious beliefs. It originally explored the 1980s archeological investigations of the role of women in prehistoric cultures, with particular emphasis on the religious and spiritual dimension of women. Participants explore their spiritual journeys in both traditional religious history and reinterpretations of womenÕs religious history. The curriculum is currently under revision with the first part of the workshop being released this summer/fall. The second part of the curriculum is due to be released in August 2008. |
