Truth is a continual revelation, a constantly unfolding series of insights about how my mind works, how the world works, how other people view the world, and my role in all of that. The Light of Truth is what guides me, one step at a time, down my path.
I'm using Truth with a capitol T to mean that which is foundational: My values and principles, my world view, and leadings I have for action. It's a little unsettling that my foundation is always unfolding before me, like a foggy pathway, but also liberating because it means I don't need to have all the answers right now. I have faith that New Light will be given to me, because that has been my experience.
But careful: That doesn't mean that I can change my Truth - my foundational moral absolutes - whenever I fancy. I need to measure my New Light against that which I know to be true for me, to discern if this way forward is the right one.
If you have no moral absolutes then you will have no moral guidance, and will do whatever feels or seems right at the time and in that situation. This kind of “whatever feels good” mentality creates a society that regards all values, beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims as equally valid.
At the same time, we need to acknowledge and accept that Truth is not the same for everyone, and learn how to listen to the Truth of others without getting angry or confused. And we need to accept that our own foundations change, as we grow and understand the world differently.
We need to find a precarious and slippery balance between being open and welcoming, and resting in the strength of our convictions.
Sabbath Agenda:
1. Keeping the Sabbath
2. Read "Marking the Quaker Path"
3. Earth Quaker path
1. Keeping the Sabbath:
Keeping a sabbath day is a personal thing. For me, it's a day with a slow pace, and everything I do has a flavor of peace. I schedule some work, but it's work I find fulfilling, or uplifting. Simple is a great word to describe my ideal activities for the Sabbath: Simple tasks, simple foods, and an undemanding schedule.
My perfect sabbath is a celebration, a holiday. I keep it holy with my attitude: I do not rush, complain, or worry. I push against the status quo by "not doing" for one day a week.
My Sabbath might be on Saturday or on Sunday, or part of both days, but I have established a few traditions:
- On the day before, I prepare by finishing all possible deadlines, shopping, and "not-fun" chores.
- I look at my schedule and make sure everything fits the parameters of a Sabbath. I schedule activities that are celebratory in nature - cooking soup or baking bread, planting bulbs or harvesting, painting or sewing, a meal with friends or family - simple, prayerful tasks that celebrate the season or the act of creativity or the joy of community.
- On Sabbath mornings my daily reading and writing time is slower and fuller.
- If it's Sunday, I enjoy an hour of communal worship (on zoom still).
2. Read "Marking the Quaker Path":
My reading this morning is from a Pendle Hill Pamphlet called "Marking the Quaker Path", by Robert Griswold. It's about the need to grow as a Quaker throughout our entire lives.
"Like me decades ago, a large number of those now coming to our unprogrammed meetings are seekers. They come to the meeting as refugees seeking to find something with more spiritual depth or more tolerable theology. Our meetings may be open and welcoming, but a large task still faces us. How do we let seekers know that they are at the start of a spiritual journey, and how do we guide them?"
Griswold has defined 8 words from Quaker history that will act as a guide and show how the Quaker path could unfold:
- Condition (as in "What is your condition?")
- Experience
- Covenant
- Discipline
- Discernment
- Authority
- Community
- Submission
3. Earth-Quaker path:
(I first heard the term "Earth-Quaker" last winter from Carl Magruder, who calls himself an Earth Quaker, and I enjoyed the play on words!)
My first understanding is that the Light of Truth is leading me to remember the Earth and all of Creation in everything I do.
My second understanding is that I need to strip away my ego-based need for comfort and self-actualization (success, pride, and fulfillment), and be open in a deeper way to what exactly I am called to do (and what I am not called to do).
4. Journal queries:
Examining my Truth from time to time is a habit that expands my understanding of life, and gives me greater clarity.
What in my life is asking for the light of Truth to shine on it? Where is my life path leading me?Which paths lead to love, peace, joy, and generosity?
What choices am I facing? What paths am I am resisting?
What are the risks? What are the benefits?
Today I will meditate and write, list some small steps I can take this month, and create an anxiety-defeating plan.
“But however Truth comes, it bears with it just enough of its own sense of rightness to overcome the fear of risk taking. While genuine risk plays a crucial role in all of the Habits of Love, it is perhaps most keen in the Habit of Truth. At too many forks in the road, anxiety stops us from following Truth's suggested direction. What will happen if I say yes to Truth as I recognize it? That question can arrest us in our tracks.” ~Ed Bacon
5. Zen housework and yardwork:
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| New duck yard fencing! |
(I might avoid the new duck yard and kitchen garden because it's rainy today, and I don't want to churn up any more mud!)
6. Moon sharing:
I've started a monthly zoom meeting with a core group of friends, and tonight we will share on the topic of Receiving, Holding, and Nurturing:
What seeds (of inspiration, leading, friendship, love, wisdom...) am I holding inside me that might take root and grow and how do I nurture these tender seeds?What new seeds do I want to invite, and how do I open to receive new seeds?
I really like the ideals and actions of zen housework, zen yard work. I have ducks now too, but they don't live here full-time. They are mallards. I'm excited for your new yard projects!
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