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Those of us who gather
together as seeds of change
bring our respective experiences, points of view, insights, and wisdom. We also recognize many shared understandings and perspectives
that continue to guide each of us throughout our lives. Our respective internal guidance systems permit us to discover each
other initially. As a result, we identify a common set of guiding principles to honor and re-commit to those values we share.
We understand guiding principles to be a set of guidelines
– both inspirational and practical – by which all people in an organized context can remain truthful to expressed
beliefs; make healthful and interdependent choices; and support efficient and effective decision-making by those closest to
various choice points that relate to shared activities.
Analogous
to the roots of a tree carrying nutrients from the Earth to the tree itself, guiding principles supply inspirational perspectives
and practices that serve to reinforce alignment of our inner beliefs with our expressed actions. As exemplified by our interpretation
of the cosmic tree depicted on our home page, we suggest that there are five roots, or five fundamental principles, which
bring us nourishment in the forms of healthy thoughts, considerations, and guidance. These "roots" transmit compassion,
understanding, wisdom, and intention with the "heart" –
or tap root – delivering a combined sense of peace and love.
We are most present when we employ these principles interdependently, as each has its own unique gift in helping
us cultivate harmony, healing, and wholeness. Our Guiding Principles include affirmations that help integrate and sustain
them within us. The essence of the Guiding Principles include, but are not limited, to the following: |
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Compassion: I am compassion.
I choose to live and connect with people open-heartedly with respect and honor. I recognize the wholeness in myself and others.
I bear witness to events and behavior (my own and others’) without judgments as to "rightness" or "wrongness."
I believe that achieving balance is a dynamic, continuous process, although people – including myself – may occasionally
express imbalance. I accept that all beings are connected by a shared sacred essence.
Understanding: I am understanding. I choose
to engage in a process by which mutual understanding may be optimized. I commit to self-understanding through introspection;
openness to my own gifts and challenges; and enhanced self-awareness. I comprehend others by listening attentively, reflecting
for accuracy, and exploring respectfully another person’s truth. I promote understanding by being clear, saying what
is so for me in a given moment, and speaking respectfully without judgment. I acknowledge that understanding does not require
agreement, since perspectives or systems of thought are arbitrary and subjective.
Wisdom:
I am wisdom. I choose to integrate my learning experiences, knowledge, intuition,
humor, and various other sensibilities tempered by discernment. I recognize that wisdom is the mindful application of insights
from a balanced Self. I embrace personal responsibility for aligning my thoughts, words, and deeds in the present moment,
while remaining open – not attached – to outcome. I employ wisdom personally and collaboratively.
Intention:
I am intention. I choose to cultivate and model harmony, healing,
and wholeness in myself and with others. I am mindful of my own true intent in a given moment. My clarity of purpose strengthens
my ability to make sound decisions. My focused intent helps me support mutual effectiveness when I collaborate with others
in healthful accord.
Peace and Love:
I am peace and love. I choose to be at peace within myself
in the midst of my true thoughts, feelings, and emotions without denial in a given moment. I share my feelings respectfully.
Being peace expands my consciousness to embrace seemingly paradoxical experiences synergistically and in unity. Peaceful balance
exists in the presence of all possibilities. My internal and external sense of peace opens me to experience unconditional
love for myself and others, as well as from myself and others. I am grateful that my sense of peace opens my heart to experience
love. |
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