I was thinking today about what we can do, as ordinary people to make the

[roguevalley]

world better in small ways that I can manage myself. I hope that it should all add up some day to peace. Hopefully. I try and do three good things for someone each day and I never tell anyone or let them see if I can. I do this for my own soul and because I believe God/Creator expects me to use my brain in an enlightened way. I can't be completely happy when there is injustice, when there is hunger and pain. If three small things happen in a day for someone through my effort, my covert effort, then I feel a sensation of gratitude for being alive.

What do you do?

[Lilli]

1. I've been working with online prayer circles for the past year or so

and continue to work on growing sprirtually. I find that when I'm as centered as I can be, I'm a better friend and counselor to those around me.

[Arianrhod]

4. I know what you mean.

I'm the last person I would go to for advice, but when I'm fully in harmony with the Earth and the Moon, I'm much better able to address issues. Moreover, I find that people actually seek me out. This is a primary reason why I am not allowing myself to freak out over current events. I'm staying centered, so I can see clearly and hopefully come to know what needs to be done.

[Arianrhod]

2. I'm a firm believer in the kinda pop-NewAgey ideas of

"paying it forward" and "random acts of kindness". Like you, I especially enjoy it if the other person doesn't know who did it. :)

[Arianrhod]

3. BTW

I extend this idea to the entire Universe.

Recently, a colleague at work and I spent a month of lunch hours picking up trash in a local wooded area. No one knew we were doing this, but the Earth literally breathed easier for it. I could feel it. I make a point of picking up trash wherever I find it now.

[Lilli]

5. thats a really good thing!

we do that when we're hiking and backpacking

[Justpat]

6. I have come to believe

that simple kindness is the highest form of spirituality. I think
to be kind is as holy as we can get in this life.

Every day I commit myself to being kind to my employees. This doesn't mean that I am a pushover - just fair and respectful of each
individual. About twenty five years ago I joined the Society of Friends becaused I loved their philosphy of "Walking gently over the
earth, aswering that of God in everyone." It is not always easy to
do, but the core of my spiritual belief is that God lives in each
one of us.

Don't think I'm a blissful, centered person. I have many days when
I fall so far short of my own beliefs, but the spiritual path is
something I am commited to and I pick myself up when I scew up and
ask for quidance and forgiveness. And I start over, and over, and
over..

And I contribute to groups committed to healing our environment
and our society.

The rest of the time, I'm an Irish woman with an attitude and
stubborn streak that I prefer to call "persistence".

[Arianrhod]

7. Wonderful.

I agree with you on the kindness thing. And on the stumbling and falling and failing and getting up and trying again thing. And even on the Irish thing, as I draw that line from my mother. :)

[Justpat]

8. Hello Arianrhod

Nice to meet you.

[Arianrhod]

9. Hello.

I enjoy exchanges like the one you posted. I tend to get too involved in the political discussions on DU, which almost inevitably leave me feeling drained and discouraged. I'd like to see this Group add a dimension of discussion regarding how we live our spiritual lives in such a difficult time as this. Goddess knows I could use a different focus! hahaha One of the reasons I joined the Circle is because of the energy I'd experienced in another group I was in a few years ago. That one didn't last very long, unfortunately, and I'd been feeling a bit of emptiness as a result. Not that my own meditation/ritual times aren't fulfilling, but there is just something about a group effort. I firmly believe in the Christian concept of "2 or 3 gathering together"; joined minds and wills are so much more powerful and energetic.

I feel good with this group. :)

My background is straight Celt on both sides of my family. My father's side has left written records as far back as 1064, in the Celtic area of northern France. The ancient Roman city of Trier is named after us; my ancestors settled it in 500 BCE. :) We went to England with William, and settled in Penzance. My mother's father was from Ireland.

My spiritual practice is not purely Celtic, however, although a lot of Celtic elements are incorporated into it. A little Zen, a little paganism, a little Beatitudes. :) In my view, it all works out to the same result.

Nice to make your acquaintance. :D