Greetings all, I wanted to post the results of our first Community Earth Council meeting. It was an amazing success. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's a community building effort proposed by Eric Utne, founder of Utne Magazine and the Salon movement in the early 90's. The theme is to gather together people of all generations, building community-based groups working towards practical solutions for the environmental challenges our planet faces.

The meeting was everything I hoped it would be, respectful, creative, inspired, many ideas and initiatives came out from members of our community, I invite you to review http://southbaycec.blogspot.com for more information on what this is all about.

To all my Druid colleagues, I highly recommend that we all begin considering more ways to engage in community-building. I am finding that the Druid community is well-positioned to be an effective force for change, for building bridges of understanding between many different groups. We are at a nexus point in a sense. For example, many Druids I know have a Christian background(like me), many Druids are grounded in the Pagan mindset and identity, many Druids are grounded in engineering and technical fields(like me), many Druids are grounded in the Arts, many Druids are grounded in eastern spiritual paths such as Bhuddism(like me), many Druids are grounded in Native American spiritual paths. Between us, the community of Druids has branches reaching into almost every facet of society.

I believe this is a gift of Druidry, partly because Druidry encourages it's practitioners to encompass and understand the unique gifts of every discipline, every spiritual path, by refusing to embrace a dogmatic stance. Druids are peace-makers now as they were in ancient times, and I encourage all Druids to see if they are called to engage in peace-making for our modern time, true community-building, to see if they are called to reach out and build bridges of understanding between as many different peoples of as many different backgrounds as possible.

In my very humble opinion, in the opinion of one who knows less each day and is just a beginner on this path, it is time for Druids to walk this earth in truth. It is time for us to redouble our efforts to build bridges of peace, respect, humility and understanding between different cultural groups, to strengthen the subtle, cunning assault on the forces of dual polarity holding our world hostage. Not with weapons or words of denigration, but with humble, compassionate, respectful words, witness, and action starting with our local communities. Let us pull together, let us reach out with the mighty love of all existences and strive to fulfill the dream of all Druids: peace.

May all beings prosper in the manner right and perfect for each one!

John-Paul Riley, Bard of Croi Na Gleann

The power of this charter is beginning to shake the foundations of our society.  Note the symbol on top of the Charter, the infinite loop, it is an Aeon, the symbol of divine loving-change.  Do not underestimate the power of this Charter.

Sign at the URL below:

http://charterforcompassion.org

Peace!!
       -JPR

http://charterforcompassion.org

I encourage every member of the House of Danu to sign the Charter for Compassion.  At the next council meeting, I will put forth a motion that the House of Danu publicly endorse the Charter for Compassion and display it prominently on the website.

Read the text carefully.   Understand that this charter does not leave any room for an attitude which opposes enlightenment.  The light of this charter does not suffer that which opposes enlightenment.   Who do you think will sign it?  Who do you think will oppose it?  The Dalai Lama has signed it.  Archbishop Desmund Tutu has signed it.  Melissa Etheridge has signed it.  Several prominent Muslim scholars have signed it.  The world is polarizing, but this is not neccessarily a bad thing.  For the light also gathers at it's pole, raising the third pole to challenge duality.  Blessed be!!!


I have included the text of the charter below:

"The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community."

Yes, it's time.

Thanks Brian, for the words of encouragement!  I've started a blog on Google, called "Journey to Procyon".  There is a lot of wisdom I've been working with that isn't specifically Druidic in form or feel, so I decided it was better to post it there, and let my Druid colleagues know about it, if they are interested. the url is journeytoprocyon.blogspot.com

Peace to all,
        I'm writing this to share my interpretation of some practical wisdom that many of us are in touch with these days.  Please forward this message to any you feel would want to be a part of this, I'm also posting it on the HOD forum.

The wisdom that comes to me is that now is the time for those among the wise, among the spiritual seekers,who are so moved to step forward and serve as a living witness
to the simple truth of these times: we must respect not only each other, but we must equally respect the eco-system that sustains us, because until we do, we are headed on a path that can only end in destruction.  At this point in time, a witness, backed by actions of integrity showing that change IS possible, to this truth, will have great power to encourage positive change.

What I've outlined below is the simple outline of a practical, plan that begins to work towards manifesting and supporting the kind of changes we all need to make, and while making these changes, they can serve as a powerful witness that it is possible for an individual to change.   Especially when that individual is supported by others on the same path, with compassion and kindness, without judgement, but instead with gentle support to help each other make the changes we need to make in order to preserve the life-web of our world.

These kind of things start small, but the small, positive, changes get the momentum started, especially when shared in a cooperative group environment.  Even something simple like using cloth bags instead of plastic bags, or having a thoughtful, intelligent conversation with a co-worker searching for clear perspective, they all lend power to this momentum for positive changes.  And as the momentum builds, we find that eventually, we are able to tackle the bigger, harder changes. 

Also, the completion of each of these changes lends power to our witness, both in the energetic sense and in the apparent world.
I have a notion that we could enact a type of "Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony" that taps into this dual, aligned power, this power created by the completion of these changes done with intention, done with compassionate support, and loving encouragement of a group, as both a witness to the apparent world and a source of positive energy.
I have a notion that such a ceremony, conducted by this same group, tapping into the positive energy generated by our deeds, done with the intention to inspire others to follow a path of integrity that honors what is right and perfect for each one,
would be incredibly effective, incredibly transformative, and wonderfully magical for both the participants and audience, and the atmosphere of the planet in general.
My vision is that we can hold a "Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony" at the Gorsedd.

My goal, as informed by wisdom that occurs to me, is that we forge a practical plan that is a product of all our wisdom. 
If you feel moved, let's meet and talk about this, let's start an email exchange, and let's see what happens when you get a bunch of us on the same page in the same room, to make a plan.
So don't take the plan I outlined as anything special, it's just one interpretation, where I strive to capture the essence of the wisdom that came to me.  Improve upon it, edit it, as you feel moved.

What occurs to me is that many of us are not used to speaking openly about these deep truths, for many different reasons.
What I really seek to find/create is a forum where we can get comfortable sharing our deep wisdom with one another, without fear of judgement, without fear of others tearing into what is sacred, what we have learned to protect.  Where we can stay grounded, centered, balanced, and yet still deal with these deep truths that shape our near future, and commit to positive, mutually supportive action to shift our consciousness.

Another aspect of this wisdom is that each of us has our own path, and many beings will not be called to this path, because it is not for them.  That is just as it should be, and must be honored.

The plan is an expression of my interpretation of the wisdom that is available to many of us, so don't be surprised if many parts of it mirror your own wisdom, it is the same wisdom!
In fact, in a discussion with Jen and Brian, many of the notions expressed below are theirs, so if I don't attribute proper ownership, apologies in advance!  Speak up and correct me. <G>
And of course it's all passed through the filter of my human engineer mind, so please bear that in mind. :-)

1) Define or find a simple word that encompasses this concept, this notion of universal respect.  I've been using the term Procyon, but there are other words, perhaps better ones, that will
    occur to others, maybe Divine Integrity, maybe Divine Respect.

2) Swear an oath/pledge.
Here are some key points of such an oath/pledge:

a)  Simple statement of the journey leading to the pledge. Example: "I acknowledge that the institutions of modern humanity no longer accord equal respect to
existences other than themselves.  I acknowledge this attitude to be ultimately destructive     to self and other.  I accept that until these institutions change, we walk a path that leads only to destruction."   

b)  Simple statement of personal acceptance: Example: "I accept responsibility for the destructive consequences of my lifestyle choices, without blame, without judgement.  I acknowledge my desire to live with integrity, I desire that my actions should align with my thoughts and words." 

c)  Personal Pledge to shift: Example: "I pledge that I shall work to
shift the foundation of my life, that my new foundation shall accord respect to all existences in thought, word, and deed, in the manner which is right and perfect for each one."

d)  Group Pledge to shift: Example: "I pledge that I shall I work to shift the foundations of our
civilization, that our civilization's new foundation should accord respect to all existences in thought, word, and deed, in the manner which is right and perfect for each one."

3) Support each other in making small simple changes, to live out the pledge.
Here is a simple concept:
a) Agree on a simple, flexible set of categories to help provide some simple structure to
the actions we can take with the intention of living with greater integrity.( I know that James' Taliesin group are focusing on making practical changes as well, I would love to hear about that!)

For example, here are some from the set I presented in the prior message:

Positive Education - This means getting the word out in the manner we are called to.  For example, someone might feel called to write a letter to the editor, or might choose to create art that expresses the message, or might choose to  financially support organizations that provide positive education.
                                                 
Reduction - This means making steps to reduce our impact on the ecosystem.  For example, you might start using cloth  bags instead of plastic bags.                                                                 
You might commit to getting lower wattage lights.  You might commit to remember to turning off your lights.

Owning our Impact - This means being aware of the consequences
of our lifestyle choices on our world.   For example, for me, I've decided that the best
place to start is by simplifying, by reducing the amount of stuff in my life.  It seems to me that if I
have less stuff, less attachments, I have less impact that I need to be aware of.  To that
end, we've committed to going through our rooms  one by one, slowly but surely, and reducing our stuff.

Care - Care for yourself and others. For example, simple things like taking care of your teeth, matter, and can be done with the intention to support this shift.

Youth of spirit - Stay receptive to new ideas! Cultivate the spirit of youth, the spirit of awe, acceptance without judgement. 
                                                 
Open to Spiritual Inspiration - Follow a spiritual practice so that we may stay open to divine inspiration.   For example, by commiting to a weekly spiritual practice.

Nurture - Nurture others on this path.  For example, by committing to a monthly meeting where we offer each other non- judgmental encouragement.
                                             
b) Touch bases once a month in some type of meeting.

c) At this meeting, there are five parts:  (Jen has a similar inspiration, a 12-step    program, that I would love to hear more about!!)

A) We enact an opening ceremony, something that puts us in sacred
space, where we leave all judgement behind, and take wisdom, encouragement, and humility with us.

B) Each of us shares with the group what changes we had committed to last month, and whether or not we achieved it, and what we learned from our experience.

C) Each of us shares with the group what we plan to change this month.  Each of us commits to change only as much or little as we are moved to do.

D) Close down the sacred space. (Maybe after E?)

E) Talk about new ideas, share wisdom that has come to us with each other.
 
4) Enact a "Witness Ceremony" where, with one voice, and one mind, and one heart, we recite our pledge/oath before others.

Some thoughts on such a ceremony:
a) The intentions of such a Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony include:

A) Provide inspiration to those who are called to this path, but feel alone, or isolated, or hesitant, or trapped in cultural conditioning, that we serve as a witness to them, that they should be inspired to heed the call of their inner path.

 B) Speaking this oath begins the process of making public the "dirty truth", the truth that unless we change, destruction is the only outcome, but at the same time, we present a positive direction, a positive path of integrity, a path that is humble, simple, compassionate, wise, without judgement that acknowledges this truth without succumbing to doom and gloom.  The world needs this!  Let me say it again, to emphasize how strongly I am moved as I write this,

THE WORLD NEEDS THIS, THE WORLD IS READY FOR THIS!!

b) Jen's Earth Healing ritual seems so appropriate here, where as each of us
recite the oath, we pour sacred liquid into the central cauldron, emphasizing
how each of our small changes, the positive, sacred contribution of each of
us, contributes to a greater healing whole.
 
Some random notes:
                 
Divine Respect: The concept that all existences are reflections of the divine mystery, and as such, it is right and proper that each existence prosper in the manner that is right and perfect for that existence.  (Wording Inspired by the Druid's Prayer!!)

Divine Integrity: A state of being where our actions align with our highest self.

Peace, may the cauldron of Awen bubble and brew, may practical inspiration of the highest loving-wisdom shine forth and be made manifest,
                            -JP

If you haven't read it yet, please read Tarw Llywd's post "On Making a Druid Community"

Dear Council, Staff, and Druid Grove of the House of Danu:
      We have reached a turning point.  A new energy and purpose is spreading through the world, a new clarity, a new direction, a new voice.  The events and the aftermath of the Copenhagen summit have birthed a river of loving-wisdom that is flowing around our planet.  I have worked with this loving-wisdom energy ever since I noticed it in late November.  As I work to integrate this energy further, a deep and unshakable clarity emerges, which I have expressed to the best of my ability in the words that follow.

Peace to all who read this, and a blessing as well, that all beings should prosper in the manner which is right and perfect for each one. 

Each and every one of us walks a path through life, making our way,
bearing our burdens, sharing our blessings, struggling at some points, gliding past others, each one of us yearning to find guidance and a sense of the right direction to take, each of us making mistakes, learning from our mistakes, ultimately growing into more than we were, each of us being human.  When I look at another person, I am sometimes able to see that struggle going on within them, to briefly glimpse for just a moment behind the mask, and I see within them the same strengths, the same weaknesses, the same human qualities that are within me.  The truth of those moments reveal a special humble, beauty, as we see how their path is really no different from ours.   What then, when I stare into the eyes of an animal and see a being on their path, happy some times, struggling others, just like me?  What then, when I walk within a forest, and all around me I see the patterns of life repeated, life striving, changing, growing, each in it's own unique and special way striving to be more than it is, just like me?  The love that flows through those moments is divine, sacred, one with the sacred love that flows through all the moments of wisdom, of peace, of sorrow, of loss.  These moments are real, they are true.  The divine light shines back, where ever we look to find it.  All beings are truly divine, all beings are truly sacred.   

If this is true, then I must also compare it with another, much harder truth.  I must honestly, without judgement, without anger, without fear, but rather with compassion and love, look at the impact of my way of life on the divine web of life upon this world.  I find the awnser painful to accept, hard to reconcile with the first truth.  The fundamental truth is that our modern way of life does not treat the world and the ecosystem of the world with divinely-inspired respect, and this lack of respect is sending the life-web of our world to destruction.  The fundamental truth is that I cannot avoid my own personal responsibility for the  this lack of respect.  The truth is that if I do not change my personal habits, when I die the web of life on this planet will be weaker because of my existence, it will be weaker because I did not take personal responsibility for the full impact of how I lived my life.  How can I maintain my integrity as a being who sees the divine shine forth from the web of life that gave us birth, while my lifestyle choices threaten the very existence of that web? 

We all know change is hard. As with all things regarding change, one must start by accepting where you are, with the intention of traveling a path towards the new goal.  And so it is for me, I can only accept my impact for what it is, without trying to avoid it, without judging it, without fearing it, simply accepting it for the simple truth that it is.  Then, free from guilt or fear, I can seek divine inspiration in how I can best proceed to forge a new path, one step at a time, joining with the many others who have already started this journey, on a path towards divine integrity.  A world where we honor the sacred balance of Nature's web in more than just our words and thoughts, but in our deeds as well.

Now is the time for all beings of wisdom to stand and speak in every language, in every paradigm, from every perspective, send the message out in every way so everyone hears it, while serving a witness by commiting and implementing change in our own lives.  Now is the time for us to  provide the deepest support, the strongest compassion, the truest encouragement for each other as we blaze a new path towards a new way of life, one with divine integrity.  The insanity of our current way of life must stop.   We must shift the foundations of every aspect of society so that the well-being of the world's ecosystem is as important as our well-being, our deepest wisdom tells us they are the same thing.  Now it is critical to start listening to the deep wisdom of the heart.

I will bear witness here to the practical advice I received from the deep wisdom of my heart. 
This advice applies only to me, your own deep wisdom may lead you in a totally different direction.
It will take a great diversity of approaches to shift our foundations, here then is one.

"I, John-Paul Riley, can take the following steps to begin my journey on the path to divine integrity:

   POSITEVLY educate everyone around as to what is at stake and what we must
    do.  For me, this means I must share these simple truths whenever my heart bids me do so,
    with compassion, love, simplicty, directness, authority, authenticity, and wisdom.       

   REDUCE my personal impact in the best way I can.   For me, our family has
    started by brainstorming a list of ideas to reduce our impact, and committing to
    1 or 2 ideas a month, using a whiteboard to keep them visible.

   OWN my personal impact in the best way I can.  For me, our family has
    started by simplyfing our lives.  Being aware of the true impact a person has in this day
    and age is extremely difficult, but it seems to me that the impact of a simple life is easier to
    be aware of. 

   CARE for my own health and well-being and the health and well-being of my family.   For only
    when we operate from a foundation of balance can we sustain true change.

   YOUTH of spirit needs to be honored and respected.  The spirit of youth is the spirit in each of
    us that accepts new ideas, new ways of thinking, new loving-awe at old wonders, the sense of
    innocence and resonance with the life pulse of creation, the spirit of youth is
    capable of accepting that which we might otherwise deem impossible.  We need this spirit as
    we integrate radically different ideas and solutions to implement lasting change.

   OPEN my heart to divine inspiration, to Awen.  Divine inspiration, Awen, those aha! moments of
    creation, is the wellspring of new ideas, new ways of walking with greater personal integrity. 
    For me, this means commiting to a regular spiritual practice, cultivating the energies and
    wisdom that is most perfectly suited for our place in time and space.

   NURTURE my friends and dear ones, my fellow spiritual seekers, providing wells of compassion
    and loving-peace to bathe in, that we may all be renewed to face the growing challenges of
    our time.  Also, I support groups and  organizations that spread the foundation of divine
    wisdom, such as House of Danu, OBOD, Gathering of Light, Thorn T. Coyle.   For it is from this 
    foundation of divine wisdom that will come the will, the drive, and the practical solutions that will
    allow us to be with the world in a new, respectful way, long-term solutions that will be capable of
    reversing and healing the degradation done to our world.

This is my PROCYON pledge.  I pledge to work to shift the foundations of our civilization towards divine respect, in the manner which is right and perfect for each one, may this work contribute to the preservation of the life-web of our world."

I was called to OBOD because the truth of the divinity, the sacredness of all Nature shone forth from every OBOD teaching and from the words and deeds of their members.  To me, that is the heart and soul of all that is Druidry.    The Druidry within myself yearns to respond to this call, my Druidry calls me to action of the highest integrity, the most compassionate love, and the most balanced truth for these uncertain times.   What does your Druidry say to you?

I would ask that the Council, Staff and Druid Grove of the House of Danu consider these words with care and attention.  I would ask that in the weeks to come, the Members meditate and seek wisdom and guidance on this question that I put before us all:  What can we, the House of Danu do, to awnser this call?  The challenge has been issued all across this earth, now how shall we rise to awnser?   

Peace upon you during these cold winter months,
Peace upon you as Awen burns brightest.
May the Awen gift you with that which your heart needs most to experience.
May all beings of wisdom hear, and in hearing, be heard. 

May all beings prosper in the manner which is right and perfect for each one.
Peace,
       Bard of OBOD, Council Member representing the seed group of Croi Na Gleann, December 28th, 2009
       -John-Paul Riley