Is there a spiritual practice you'd like to be doing regularly, but that you find you aren't quite managing to do?
I am putting together a free, 12-week virtual peer support group for people who want to engage in a regular spiritual practice and get support from other people.
- Free.
- On-line.
- Runs for 12 weeks.
- You pick the spiritual practice you want to do. It can be almost any spiritually-oriented practice or discipline. It can be something you do by yourself or something you do in a group. It can be mostly physical or mostly mental, or a mix. Everyone in the group can have a different spiritual practice. Since we're checking in weekly, it will be helpful if it's something you can do at least once a week.
- Once every week, the group checks in about what happened in the past week and to get support from the others in the group. Did I meet my goal this week? What worked? What didn't work? If I didn't meet my goal, why not? Was my goal realistic? Too hard, too easy, just right? Does my goal need to change? How?
- Each group will have 13 people maximum.
- We will do the check-ins on-line, in a locked blog, a private Facebook group, whatever fashion works best for the group.
- People are welcome from a wide range of spiritual traditions, including none at all.
This 12-week cycle will start Sunday, 1 September and end Sunday, 1 December.
If you're interested, let me know by leaving a comment or sending me an email at stasa dot website at gmail dot com.
(If you send email and don't hear back, the cyber-gremlins ate it; please try again.)
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Edinburgh Complaints Choir
I am having so very much fun singing with the Edinburgh Complaints Choir, part of the Edinburgh Arts Festival.
I signed up because I have long been a fan of complaints choirs, and I thought it would be fun. It has been a blast in so many ways!
I think none of us knew the Edinburgh choir would become so popular so quickly, but all of a sudden, we are in high demand!
Places to find us in real life:
Place to find us in print and in video:
- From BBC Scotland: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23574229
- BBC Radio 4 Today (from this morning!): http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01dt2q9
- BBC World Service (also today!, at about :50 into the Newsroom programme): http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016tklr
- BBC Radio 5 Live (live performances today at 4.30pm, 5.50pm, and 6.50pm): http://www.bbc.co.uk/5live
In the meantime, enjoy this video:
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Labyrinths! Thinking outside the box
Workshops at FGC Gathering are 13.75 hours, five mornings from 9:00 am to 11:45 pm. (They used to be 16.5 hours, six mornings.)
My workshop outline called for us to walk a labyrinth on day two.
A number of times over the past ten years or so, someone at Gathering has built a temporary labyrinth on campus. I was hoping this person, or someone inspired by him, would create a labyrinth this year. But if not, I had a couple of options. There was supposedly a labyrinth in a church about a mile from this year's campus; I could talk to them and make arrangements for us to go there Tuesday morning. We could do a spiral walk in our classroom. We could maybe build a very simple labyrinth in our classroom, with the ever-present blue tape on the carpet. (I have come to love blue painters' tape.)
I was very sure that building a large outdoor labyrinth was not something we would have time for, and equally sure it was beyond my skill set.
It turns out, I was wrong. Which is a wonderful thing.
About a week and a half before Gathering, I emailed the Gathering Office to find out if anyone was making a labyrinth on campus. No, not this year.
As I continued finalizing my workshop outline details, I found I wasn't sure I wanted to spend a workshop morning working with an indoor labyrinth in a Christian church. But I also wasn't really satisfied with any of the alternatives I'd identified, either.
I posted a query in my social media network for Pagan and Pagan-friendly friends -- here's the situation; here are my options; if you were in this workshop on the Goddess and magic, what would you prefer? I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me what to do, but I was hoping people's answers would help me sift through all the ideas in my own head and shake something free.
The conversation did way more than that.
A couple people spoke to how walking a labyrinth in a Christian church could be problematic, or work just fine, or both/and. Someone talked about what a gift it is to the entire Gathering to build a labyrinth. If my workshop couldn't do it, maybe a Junior Gathering group could. I started looking at possible labyrinth patterns I could ask someone else to do. More ideas flowed. Maybe I and some helpers could do it the day before the workshop started, or the first afternoon of the Gathering. Maybe we could use a painted dropcloth. Maybe we could outline it in heavy rope. Or birdseed. Or flour or constarch (cornfour) or... Maybe this. Maybe that.
Some of the suggestions were completely unrealistic; some were great ideas but not quite "it"... but the whole conversation was super-helpful. Everybody's contributions got the ideas flowing, and -- most of all -- helped me see I'd been thinking in a box, and that maybe I didn't need to think in that box...
Early in the conversation, one friend shared this video of how to draw a simple Cretan labyrinth, saying (she was right) that she thought I'd be more interested in Cretan ones than Medieval ones:
I suddenly found myself fascinated with drawing labyrinths.
Later in the conversation, someone shared this page on how to lay out a temporary labyrinth quickly, easily, and with a small group of people:
"Laying Out a Labyrinth," http://www.labyrinthos.net/layout.html
I still didn't see how I could do this in the workshop, but I kept drawing labyrinths.
Then Beloved Wife got home from a professional conference and asked me how my prep was going. I explained. She asked more questions. I showed her my drawings, the video, and the web page. She studied the how-to. "Oh, you could totally do this in your workshop, and have plenty of time the same morning to walk it!" I was dubious at first, but as we talked about it more, I came to the conclusion she was right.
We played with several different seed patterns. I wanted something long enough to be interesting, but short enough that we could all walk it in the time needed. We decided on a seed pattern, and modified it slightly so it would have fewer right angles, and still have the suggestion of a heart-shape in the heart of the labyrinth.
We even laid it out on our living room floor, using ribbon, markers, and really big paper. It worked!!
I emailed the Gathering Office, apologizing profusely, and said I'd be happy to get in touch with Facilities / Grounds Crew / whoever was appropriate at the University, to find out what it would be all right to use for boundaries -- bird seed, flour, etc.
When I got email back from the Gathering Coordinator, the answer was: I found The Perfect Spot on campus; also, the answer is field paint, and they sold us three cans. (!!!!!)
(Yes, it's true. I absolutely had to play with spray paint to build this labyrinth. Heh heh heh heh.) (It was wicked fun.)
The afternoon before Gathering started, Beloved Wife and I laid out the seed pattern using tent stakes, a ribbon marked at the appropriate intervals with magic marker, and the field paint. (This was also a test to make sure I could tolerate the field paint. It was fine.)
Day two of Gathering, we built the labyrinth in my workshop. We had a couple of small hitches, but it worked! Everyone got to participate, either by painting, walking the marker ribbon, making sure the ribbon came around the right pegs without the pegs coming out of the ground, holding space while we did this in a spirit of worship and magic, etc.
We had just enough space to make aisles that were three feet wide, so people who use wheelchairs or scooters had enough space (and if their chairs or scooters could cope with the grass and the slight slope). Two of the four trees were outside the labyrinth, two were incorporated; when she had scoped out the space, the Gathering Coordinator was charmed by the idea of including some of the trees, and hoped we would. Also, and best of all, the space was in shade both morning and afternoon.
Details of how we built it in the next post.
Now I want to build a labyrinth in our communal back garden at home for Fall Equinox!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 2013 Minute of Exercise (more on the Transgender Youth Policy)
Minute of Exercise from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions 2013:
For background on this issue, please see these two links:
Youth Programs Transgender Policy
http://www.pym.org/2013/07/19/youth-programs-transgender-policy/
Transgender Youth Policy Suspended by Action of the Clerk
http://www.pym.org/2013/07/24/transgender-youth-policy-suspended-by-action-of-the-clerk/
On 7/25/13, approximately 60 people met to respond to the Transgender Youth Policy which was finalized by the Education Standing Committee (ESC) about a month earlier. The policy was published by the Yearly Meeting a week later and was suspended by the PYM Clerk on 7/24/13. The group included one member of the ESC who was active in creating the policy and one who was not active in creating the policy.
Many feelings were strongly expressed including: shock, hurt, anger, confusion, pain, rejection, and feeling degraded and devalued.
Many Friends were confused by the policy. Much of the policy used strong trans-inclusive language. And yet the requirement to segregate bathrooms and sleeping rooms by "biological sex" was understood by those gathered to be unwelcoming to trans Friends and harmful to them and others.
We heard many concerns about the process that generated this policy. Prior to finalizing the policy, the ESC heard from staff, Young Friends, and about 15 parents and other adults interested in youth programs. The resulting polcy did not reflect the wisdom or desires of these groups.
We kept asking, "Why?" Why was a policy created for a group of Friends who did not unite with it? Why did Education Standing Committee think it necessary to change the long-standing practice of designating bathrooms and sleeping arrangements by gender identity? One member of the ESC suggested that the Committee experienced both a generational barrier and inexperience with transgender issues, and that the Committee failed to overcome these challenges.
We learned that PYM youth staff communicated to the ESC their conscientious objection to the new policy almost three weeks before it was made public. The Committee did not respond to these objections before the policy was published. Why was the Committee unable to engage with these concerns before the policy was made public?
What is needed now:
Friends called for apology, reconciliation, and healing. One ESC Committee member apologized personally. There will be more work for the committee to do in this area.
We need to examine and understand the roots of this problem. What were the structures and institutional habits that allowed this to happen? How could we change our institutional practices to avoid similar problems in the future?
We need to involve Young Friends in any policy changes that impact them. This means that the Young Friends liasion with the ESC should be a Young Friend. Also, ESC will be stronger if it includes young adult Friends who were in the Young Friends program previously and other adults with connections to the Young Friends Program. [This type of "fix" is applicable to all committees: let's follow the principle of "no decisions about us without us."]
Young Friends policies should be developed collaboratively with Young Friends and ESC, and approved by both bodies.
Many Friends suggested that the next version of the policy be drafted by a group of Young Friends who would then send their draft to the ESC. Ideally, the two groups would communicate with each other until unity is found.
Samara Rockwood, co-clerk, Young Friends, Millville Meeting, Upper Susquehanna Quarter
Sebastian DiMino, participant, Young Friends, Fallsington Meeting, Bucks Quarter
Peter Lane, member, Education Standing Committee, Westtown Meeting, Concord Quarter
Carrie Sandler, mother of Young Friends participant, Birmingham Meeting, Concord Quarter
Grayfred Gray, Lancaster Meeting, Caln Quarter
Traci Hjelt Sullivan, Green Street Meeting, Philadelphia Quarter
Walter Hjelt Sullivan, Green Street Meeting, Philadelphia Quarter
Tesla DuBois
Juliette Lane, Westtown Meeting, Concord Quarter
For background on this issue, please see these two links:
Youth Programs Transgender Policy
http://www.pym.org/2013/07/19/youth-programs-transgender-policy/
Transgender Youth Policy Suspended by Action of the Clerk
http://www.pym.org/2013/07/24/transgender-youth-policy-suspended-by-action-of-the-clerk/
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Dancing with the Beloved Dead at Beltane
It seemed like an odd time of year to be thinking about death.
It's spring; life is bounding forth. It's Beltane, a welcoming of spring and celebration of all the new and returning life in nature.
But two things happened: I was getting ready to go to the semi-annual gathering of the Quaker Concern Around Dying and Death (QDD), and one of my social networking friends shared a new video, from the last week in April, of one of my favorite Samhain songs.
I found myself listening to it over and over.
'Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
~ from “Dance in the Graveyards,” (c) Ian Holljes; recorded by Delta Rae on “Carry the Fire,” 2012
Walking the labyrinth at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre just before our gathering started, I remembered the Beloved Dead whom Roses, Too! Coven always honored at Beltane. Several people we love died just before Beltane, or had special connections for us with Beltane or May Day, and we always named them, and tied a black ribbon onto our May Pole for them.
Walking the labyrinth, Spring abundant around me, I was also reminded that at Beltane and Samhain, the veil between the worlds is thinnest. And while we may not expect visits from the Beloved Dead at Beltane, death and life are part of each other, and if the dead come calling at Beltane, let us dance in joy with them, around the May Pole and in the graveyards.
It's spring; life is bounding forth. It's Beltane, a welcoming of spring and celebration of all the new and returning life in nature.
But two things happened: I was getting ready to go to the semi-annual gathering of the Quaker Concern Around Dying and Death (QDD), and one of my social networking friends shared a new video, from the last week in April, of one of my favorite Samhain songs.
I found myself listening to it over and over.
'Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
~ from “Dance in the Graveyards,” (c) Ian Holljes; recorded by Delta Rae on “Carry the Fire,” 2012
Walking the labyrinth at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre just before our gathering started, I remembered the Beloved Dead whom Roses, Too! Coven always honored at Beltane. Several people we love died just before Beltane, or had special connections for us with Beltane or May Day, and we always named them, and tied a black ribbon onto our May Pole for them.
Walking the labyrinth, Spring abundant around me, I was also reminded that at Beltane and Samhain, the veil between the worlds is thinnest. And while we may not expect visits from the Beloved Dead at Beltane, death and life are part of each other, and if the dead come calling at Beltane, let us dance in joy with them, around the May Pole and in the graveyards.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Is your spiritual path a labyrinth?
First off, yesterday was Beltane and I was somewhere warm. That was wonderful. (What's "warm"? Er, 15 C / 59 F. My, how my standards have changed...)
Yesterday afternoon I was walking an outdoor, grass labyrinth (in the warm sun, mmmm). There was a moment when its path took me very close to the center. But suddenly, it changed direction and took me back much closer to the outer edge. Dramatically.
I was very much struck by the example of the labyrinth as spiritual path.
Right that moment, following the path took me physically further away from the center. Yet at the same time, it took me closer towards the center in terms of the process of the labyrinth, the path of the labyrinth.
I feel like this describes an awful lot of life. And an awful lot of spiritual life.
Also: this labyrinth was generously dotted with goose poop. I got to decide to step on it or around it.
Does your spiritual journey ever feel like a labyrinth? Does it ever feel like a labyrinth dotted with goose poop?
May all the goose poop in your life become fertilizer.
Yesterday afternoon I was walking an outdoor, grass labyrinth (in the warm sun, mmmm). There was a moment when its path took me very close to the center. But suddenly, it changed direction and took me back much closer to the outer edge. Dramatically.
I was very much struck by the example of the labyrinth as spiritual path.
Right that moment, following the path took me physically further away from the center. Yet at the same time, it took me closer towards the center in terms of the process of the labyrinth, the path of the labyrinth.
I feel like this describes an awful lot of life. And an awful lot of spiritual life.
Also: this labyrinth was generously dotted with goose poop. I got to decide to step on it or around it.
Does your spiritual journey ever feel like a labyrinth? Does it ever feel like a labyrinth dotted with goose poop?
May all the goose poop in your life become fertilizer.
Monday, April 29, 2013
A spiritual check-in at Beltane
At 9:30 tonight, it was not yet fully dark, and the sky was an amazing deep, bright color, somewhere between deep turquoise and indigo.
Where I live, the Sun set today at 7:48 pm. And tomorrow, there will be four more minutes of daylight than there were today.
Tomorrow is May Eve, when some traditions celebrate Beltane; others wait until the following day, May Day itself.
Happy Beltane! Happy May Day!
What is happening in nature where you live right now, this time of year? What animals, plants, flowers, insects do you see? How is that different from what was happening in mid-March?
What is the Sun doing where you live right now? Has its angle in the sky changed since Spring Equinox? How much longer are the days than they were in mid-March? (For some help with this one, see this nifty set of tools at the US Naval Observatory: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/. You don't need to be in the US!)
What do Beltane and May Day mean to you? Are they the same, or different?
Weaving a May Pole is common in many cultural and religious traditions this time of year. What are you weaving into your life now for the next year, over the next year?
Welcome, Spring!
Where I live, the Sun set today at 7:48 pm. And tomorrow, there will be four more minutes of daylight than there were today.
Tomorrow is May Eve, when some traditions celebrate Beltane; others wait until the following day, May Day itself.
Happy Beltane! Happy May Day!
What is happening in nature where you live right now, this time of year? What animals, plants, flowers, insects do you see? How is that different from what was happening in mid-March?
What is the Sun doing where you live right now? Has its angle in the sky changed since Spring Equinox? How much longer are the days than they were in mid-March? (For some help with this one, see this nifty set of tools at the US Naval Observatory: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/. You don't need to be in the US!)
What do Beltane and May Day mean to you? Are they the same, or different?
Weaving a May Pole is common in many cultural and religious traditions this time of year. What are you weaving into your life now for the next year, over the next year?
Ravenna Ravine May Pole, 2009. (c) Stasa Morgan-Appel
Weave, weave, weave, weaveWomen weave the web of lifeSisters everywhere are weavingGoddess every one.~ (c) Roses, Too! Tradition; to the tune of "Rose, Rose / Dear friend"
Welcome, Spring!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
On Violence and Language (the Day After the Explosions at the Boston Marathon)
I wrote this for my friends on Facebook. And then people kept asking me if they could share it. I am honored.
Also, I am grateful to my professors in Third World Politics at UMBC for helping me to learn to think critically about these issues, and to Professor Clark R. McCauley at BMC for the opportunity I had to do research under his guidance into the development and prevention of violence in political movements.
- sm
Beloved friends,
When you find yourself wanting to use the word "terrorist" right now in the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon, I invite you to think first.
"Terrorism" is political violence, whether it's violence from below (guerrilla groups) or violence from above (governments). "Terrorism" is not actually a catch-all term for senseless, deliberate violence inflicted by people on other people, though that's how we've come to use it.
What happens if, instead of using the word "terrorism," you use the phrase "political violence"? What does that do to the ways you think about and understand the situation, whether it's what happened in Boston, or another situation?
Contrary to popular belief, we cannot read the minds of those who perpetrate violence, though it's very tempting, because it allows us to make them "other" -- Not Like Us -- and easier for us to think we would never do such a thing.
But that is dangerous, for several reasons. One is that incorrect assumptions make it harder, not easier, to prevent future violence, and when we pretend we can read minds and therefore know motivations, we are making incorrect assumptions.
But one of the most important ways this is dangerous is that the primary thing which makes such violence possible is Other-ing. Specifically, seeing people as Other to the point where they are no longer considered fully human. Where we might not commit violence against other human beings, it's easier to commit violence against pigs.
Language choice is an essential step in this process towards violence.
I am not making this up. Decades of research into political violence, some of which I have been part of, bear this out.
So in the midst of this hurt and shock, I invite you to think. And I invite you to refuse to perpetuate the cycle of violence in the language you use.
Love and blessings,
Staṡa Morgan-Appel
-----------------
(c) 2013 Stasa Morgan-Appel. Permission to reprint with attribution.
And please do leave a comment here with the link!
Also, I am grateful to my professors in Third World Politics at UMBC for helping me to learn to think critically about these issues, and to Professor Clark R. McCauley at BMC for the opportunity I had to do research under his guidance into the development and prevention of violence in political movements.
- sm
Beloved friends,
When you find yourself wanting to use the word "terrorist" right now in the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon, I invite you to think first.
"Terrorism" is political violence, whether it's violence from below (guerrilla groups) or violence from above (governments). "Terrorism" is not actually a catch-all term for senseless, deliberate violence inflicted by people on other people, though that's how we've come to use it.
What happens if, instead of using the word "terrorism," you use the phrase "political violence"? What does that do to the ways you think about and understand the situation, whether it's what happened in Boston, or another situation?
Contrary to popular belief, we cannot read the minds of those who perpetrate violence, though it's very tempting, because it allows us to make them "other" -- Not Like Us -- and easier for us to think we would never do such a thing.
But that is dangerous, for several reasons. One is that incorrect assumptions make it harder, not easier, to prevent future violence, and when we pretend we can read minds and therefore know motivations, we are making incorrect assumptions.
But one of the most important ways this is dangerous is that the primary thing which makes such violence possible is Other-ing. Specifically, seeing people as Other to the point where they are no longer considered fully human. Where we might not commit violence against other human beings, it's easier to commit violence against pigs.
Language choice is an essential step in this process towards violence.
I am not making this up. Decades of research into political violence, some of which I have been part of, bear this out.
So in the midst of this hurt and shock, I invite you to think. And I invite you to refuse to perpetuate the cycle of violence in the language you use.
Love and blessings,
Staṡa Morgan-Appel
-----------------
(c) 2013 Stasa Morgan-Appel. Permission to reprint with attribution.
And please do leave a comment here with the link!
Monday, April 15, 2013
An open letter to Gavin Brown, MSP
Dear Gavin Brown,
Over the weekend, "Scotland for Marriage" put a horrible pamphlet through our letter slot urging residents in our area (Newington/Grange) to contact you about proposed equal marriage.
The pamphlet is full of fear-mongering and threats. A more accurate name for this group would be "Scotland for Marriage Discrimination."
I am writing to tell you that our family support equal marriage. We find this to be a matter of civil liberty and religious liberty.
People's rights should never be subject to popular vote. Homophobia should not be protected legally.
I direct your attention to several responses to both consultations by religious groups who wish to perform same-sex marriages as a matter of religious liberty.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best wishes,
Stasa Morgan-Appel
------------------------
UPDATE: I received the following email from the Equality Network, whom I had notified about the flier campaign. - sm
Over the weekend, "Scotland for Marriage" put a horrible pamphlet through our letter slot urging residents in our area (Newington/Grange) to contact you about proposed equal marriage.
The pamphlet is full of fear-mongering and threats. A more accurate name for this group would be "Scotland for Marriage Discrimination."
I am writing to tell you that our family support equal marriage. We find this to be a matter of civil liberty and religious liberty.
People's rights should never be subject to popular vote. Homophobia should not be protected legally.
I direct your attention to several responses to both consultations by religious groups who wish to perform same-sex marriages as a matter of religious liberty.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best wishes,
Stasa Morgan-Appel
------------------------
UPDATE: I received the following email from the Equality Network, whom I had notified about the flier campaign. - sm
Hi Stasa,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We have been made aware of similar leaflet campaigns in other areas across Scotland.
The Equality Network is encouraging supporters of equal marriage to contact their MSPs using our online email tool: http://www.equalmarriage.org.uk/takeaction
In the coming months, as the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) bill is introduced to the Scottish Parliament, we will be launching a new campaign drive to ensure that the voice of those supporting equal marriage is not lost.
Unfortunately we do not have the level of funding that Scotland for Marriage are able to utilise to produce and distribute their mass leaflet campaign. We know that Scotland for Marriage have, by their own admission, spent at least £60,000 and possibly a lot more on their campaign against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality.
In contrast, the Equality Network has only been able to spend a fraction of this amount as we rely on individual donations to fund the Equal Marriage campaign.
Please encourage your friends to contact their MSPs, and if you are interested in fundraising for the campaign do let us know and we'll do what we can to support your efforts!
Thanks for your help!
Best wishes,
Tom
Tom FrenchPolicy Coordinator,EQUALITY NETWORK
The Equality Network is a company limited by guarantee (SC220213) and a registered Scottish charity (SC037852) both at 30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6PR.Take action for Equal Marriage:
You can now donate directly to the Equality Network's Equal Marriage campaign:
Mobile: Text 'LGBT77 £10' to 70070
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The Wheel of the Year & the Slinky of Spiritual Growth
The eight spokes on the Wheel of the Year are lovely waypoints for me to check in spiritually -- with myself, with my spiritual friends, with That-Which-Is.
How are things going? What is happening in my spiritual life? In all parts of my life? What is happening in nature? How is what's happening in my spiritual life connected with what's happening in nature? (Is it?)
The spiral of the seasons -- a circle that never quite returns to the same place it was, but keeps progressing through time -- reflects for me the rhythms of life, and also provides a model for my spiritual life and spiritual growth.
Picture a slinky in your hands. (If you have a real-life slinky, feel free to take an actual slinky in your hands!)
Is it a classic silver one, or perhaps one of the rainbow plastic ones?
Take the slinky in one hand. Take your other hand, grasp the top, and pull it up; stretch it out vertically, so it looks more like the path a spiral ramp or spiral staircase would take.
Imagine you are walking along that spiral. As the spiral curves gently upward, imagine Spring Equinox; about an eighth of the way around, imagine Beltane; a quarter around, Litha; another eighth, Lammas; half-way around, Fall Equinox; another eighth, Samhain; three-quarters of the way around, Yule; another eighth, Brigid; and, as you reach the spot directly above where you started, Spring Equinox again.
The repeated cycles of the Wheel of the Year travel in time along this vertical spiral.
At Spring Equinox each year, I might be at the same place on the spiral in one sense. But I am at a completely different place in another sense. Those two loops of the slinky, those two loops of the ramp, those two steps on the staircase, cannot occupy the same place at the same time.
As I have traveled the spiral, I have continued to travel in time -- and hopefully in other ways, too. I'm in a similar place, but it's not possible for me to be in the exact same place.
How does your spiritual life resemble a spiral?
How is the image of a slinky, or a ramp, or a staircase, useful to you? How does it help you?
How are things going? What is happening in my spiritual life? In all parts of my life? What is happening in nature? How is what's happening in my spiritual life connected with what's happening in nature? (Is it?)
 |
| Used with permission. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wheel_of_the_Year.JPG |
The spiral of the seasons -- a circle that never quite returns to the same place it was, but keeps progressing through time -- reflects for me the rhythms of life, and also provides a model for my spiritual life and spiritual growth.
Picture a slinky in your hands. (If you have a real-life slinky, feel free to take an actual slinky in your hands!)
Is it a classic silver one, or perhaps one of the rainbow plastic ones?
 |
| Used with permission. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2006-02-04_Metal_spiral.jpg |
 |
| Used with permission. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slinky_rainbow.jpg |
Take the slinky in one hand. Take your other hand, grasp the top, and pull it up; stretch it out vertically, so it looks more like the path a spiral ramp or spiral staircase would take.
 |
| Used with permission. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_TST_Urban_Council_Centenary_Garden_%E5%8A%A0%E9%80%A3%E5%A8%81%E8%80%81%E9%81%93_Granville_Road_Spiral_ramp_footbridge.JPG |
 |
| Used with permission. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cologne_spiral_staircase.jpg |
Imagine you are walking along that spiral. As the spiral curves gently upward, imagine Spring Equinox; about an eighth of the way around, imagine Beltane; a quarter around, Litha; another eighth, Lammas; half-way around, Fall Equinox; another eighth, Samhain; three-quarters of the way around, Yule; another eighth, Brigid; and, as you reach the spot directly above where you started, Spring Equinox again.
The repeated cycles of the Wheel of the Year travel in time along this vertical spiral.
At Spring Equinox each year, I might be at the same place on the spiral in one sense. But I am at a completely different place in another sense. Those two loops of the slinky, those two loops of the ramp, those two steps on the staircase, cannot occupy the same place at the same time.
As I have traveled the spiral, I have continued to travel in time -- and hopefully in other ways, too. I'm in a similar place, but it's not possible for me to be in the exact same place.
How does your spiritual life resemble a spiral?
How is the image of a slinky, or a ramp, or a staircase, useful to you? How does it help you?
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Gratitude to Alexandria Goddard and Jane Doe
There are two women I am feeling particularly grateful to right now: Alexandria Goddard and Jane Doe.
Last week, my social networking feeds and news feeds were all lit up with, first, news of the sentencing in the Steubenville, OH rape cases, and then, with reactions: to the sentencing, to the news coverage of it, and to rape culture overall.
Countless women, male allies, and genderqueer people reared up and thundered: We have had enough of rape culture. We have had enough of rape apology. We are not standing any more for cultural narratives that normalize or explain away this kind of violence.
It was the first time in my life that I had ever been surrounded by that much no-holds-barred, unapologetic, outrage and advocacy.
I have been active in feminist causes and anti-violence work for almost 30 years now. There are plenty of times before now when I have been surrounded by amazing, loud, unapologetic feminist women and allies.
But never in my life until last week was I ever surrounded by such a huge, huge swell of us -- and such a mainstream swell of us.
There are two women I am particularly grateful to for making this open, vocal outrage and advocacy work possible.
One is Alexandria Goddard, the blogger and former Steubenville resident who worked so persistently to bring the perpetrators to the awareness of both the public and law enforcement. Goddard didn't give up even when her own personal life was affected and when she received death threats and was sued. Goddard's work has very much helped shape the cultural discussion of this case.
You can read Goddard's story here: http://www.xojane.com/issues/steubenville-rape-verdict-alexandria-goddard
The other is Jane Doe, the victim and survivor of the rapes this case is all about. Her persistence, courage, and integrity were instrumental in moving the cases forward, securing convictions, and in shaping the cultural discussion.
Thank you both. I am grateful.
Last week, my social networking feeds and news feeds were all lit up with, first, news of the sentencing in the Steubenville, OH rape cases, and then, with reactions: to the sentencing, to the news coverage of it, and to rape culture overall.
Countless women, male allies, and genderqueer people reared up and thundered: We have had enough of rape culture. We have had enough of rape apology. We are not standing any more for cultural narratives that normalize or explain away this kind of violence.
It was the first time in my life that I had ever been surrounded by that much no-holds-barred, unapologetic, outrage and advocacy.
I have been active in feminist causes and anti-violence work for almost 30 years now. There are plenty of times before now when I have been surrounded by amazing, loud, unapologetic feminist women and allies.
But never in my life until last week was I ever surrounded by such a huge, huge swell of us -- and such a mainstream swell of us.
There are two women I am particularly grateful to for making this open, vocal outrage and advocacy work possible.
One is Alexandria Goddard, the blogger and former Steubenville resident who worked so persistently to bring the perpetrators to the awareness of both the public and law enforcement. Goddard didn't give up even when her own personal life was affected and when she received death threats and was sued. Goddard's work has very much helped shape the cultural discussion of this case.
You can read Goddard's story here: http://www.xojane.com/issues/steubenville-rape-verdict-alexandria-goddard
The other is Jane Doe, the victim and survivor of the rapes this case is all about. Her persistence, courage, and integrity were instrumental in moving the cases forward, securing convictions, and in shaping the cultural discussion.
Thank you both. I am grateful.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Reprint from Ask Moxie: A Letter To My Sons About Stopping Rape
A Letter To My Sons About Stopping Rape
Dear Boys,
Some really horrible things happened to someone who could be one of your friends, and it was done by some people who could be your friends. You're 11 and almost-8 now, so the incident that made me write this letter isn't something you've heard about, but this stuff keeps happening, unfortunately. So I need to talk to you about it.
First of all, I know we talk all the time about how special your bodies are, and how you’re one who gets to decide what to do with your body. I’ve never made you put anything in your mouth that you didn’t want to, or touch anyone you didn’t want to, or talk to anyone you didn’t want to, because I wanted you to understand that you and you alone control your boundaries. We worked on blowing a kiss so you could show that you liked someone without having to touch them, and high fives if you were ok touching them but only with your hand. We talked all the time about not letting people tell you that what you wanted was wrong or that they knew better, and that you should always always tell your dad or grandma or me if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable.
And we talk all the time about making sure that if you’re touching someone else that they want you to be touching them. That if they say “No” you have to stop right away (even if it’s just fake-punching your brother) and that even if they aren’t saying “No” you need to make sure they’re still enjoying it. You know how sometimes you like to be tickled and sometimes you don’t? Well, everyone’s like that, so even if they liked it when you did it yesterday, you should still make sure they really want you to today, whatever kind of touching it is.
Now I’m going to talk about sex. I know you know “how it works” because we’ve been talking about it ever since you two were little, since before you could read, and you know all about sperm and eggs and penises and vaginas and vulvas and orgasms and condoms and all that. And I know I told you it feels good and you had a hard time seeing how that could be true but took my word for it. Well, the thing I didn’t tell you is that it feels unbelievably amazing when you’re doing it with someone who really wants to be doing it with you. Like , better than popcorn followed by ice cream, or a Supah Ninjas marathon, or two snow days in a row. You know how excited I get when I get a new pair of shoes? It’s like 500 times better than that, when the person you’re doing it with is so excited to be doing it with you that they start asking you for it.
This is what I want you to wait for. I want you to wait to have sex until the person you’re with asks you for it. Tells you they need you now, and that they can’t wait, and they want it. Calls you by your name and asks for it.
If you’re ever in a situation in which someone is asking you for it and you don’t want to have sex with that person, don’t do it. And if you’re ever in a situation in which you want to have sex but the other person doesn’t ask you for it, don’t do it. It’s only good if you both want it, and can tell each other you want it, and are sure you both want it. Otherwise someone’s going to get hurt. And romance is weird enough without hurting other people when you can stop yourself (and you can always stop yourself -- that goes along with having opposable thumbs).
This letter is almost over but this next part is super-important: Not everyone you know has been taught all the stuff we’ve talked about. You are going to know people, and maybe even be friends with people, who think it’s ok to hurt other people in a lot of ways. One of those ways is sex. I know you’re going to hear other boys say things about girls, or sometimes about other boys, that means they don’t care about those girls’ feelings or bodies. When you do, I need you to step in. All you have to do is say something like, “Dude, that’s not cool” or something that lets the person saying something nasty know that it’s not ok. Remember that everyone wants to fit in. If you can take control of the mood in the room by letting them know nasty talk isn’t ok, they’ll stop so they don’t look like an idiot.
Remember how we talk all the time about how we’re the people who help, who fix things when there’s a problem or someone’s in trouble? You may get the chance to do that someday. Because those boys who say nasty things about girls may actually do something to those girls. If you are ever anywhere where boys start hurting a girl, or touching her in any way that she doesn’t want, you need to step in. If she’s asleep or drunk or passed out or drugged and can’t say “no,” you need to step in. Remember, it’s not good unless both people can say they want it. If a girl isn’t saying anything, that doesn’t mean she wants it. If she isn’t saying specifically that she wants it, then it’s wrong.
Here’s how you should step in:
We have been practicing for this for a long time, for being the ones who help.
Remember when we were in the middle of the knife fight on the subway and we got the other mom and kid out of the way? Remember when we helped my friend move away from her scary husband? Remember all those times we took pictures of those freaky dudes staring at the little kids at the playground? We’ve been practicing to step in and help someone else. You can do it. I have faith in you.
Love,
Mom
--------------------------------
Magda Pecsenye
http://www.askmoxie.org/2013/03/a-letter-to-my-sons-about-stopping-rape.html
@AskMoxie
reprinted with permission
--------------------------------
Thank you, Magda. - sm
Dear Boys,
Some really horrible things happened to someone who could be one of your friends, and it was done by some people who could be your friends. You're 11 and almost-8 now, so the incident that made me write this letter isn't something you've heard about, but this stuff keeps happening, unfortunately. So I need to talk to you about it.
First of all, I know we talk all the time about how special your bodies are, and how you’re one who gets to decide what to do with your body. I’ve never made you put anything in your mouth that you didn’t want to, or touch anyone you didn’t want to, or talk to anyone you didn’t want to, because I wanted you to understand that you and you alone control your boundaries. We worked on blowing a kiss so you could show that you liked someone without having to touch them, and high fives if you were ok touching them but only with your hand. We talked all the time about not letting people tell you that what you wanted was wrong or that they knew better, and that you should always always tell your dad or grandma or me if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable.
And we talk all the time about making sure that if you’re touching someone else that they want you to be touching them. That if they say “No” you have to stop right away (even if it’s just fake-punching your brother) and that even if they aren’t saying “No” you need to make sure they’re still enjoying it. You know how sometimes you like to be tickled and sometimes you don’t? Well, everyone’s like that, so even if they liked it when you did it yesterday, you should still make sure they really want you to today, whatever kind of touching it is.
Now I’m going to talk about sex. I know you know “how it works” because we’ve been talking about it ever since you two were little, since before you could read, and you know all about sperm and eggs and penises and vaginas and vulvas and orgasms and condoms and all that. And I know I told you it feels good and you had a hard time seeing how that could be true but took my word for it. Well, the thing I didn’t tell you is that it feels unbelievably amazing when you’re doing it with someone who really wants to be doing it with you. Like , better than popcorn followed by ice cream, or a Supah Ninjas marathon, or two snow days in a row. You know how excited I get when I get a new pair of shoes? It’s like 500 times better than that, when the person you’re doing it with is so excited to be doing it with you that they start asking you for it.
This is what I want you to wait for. I want you to wait to have sex until the person you’re with asks you for it. Tells you they need you now, and that they can’t wait, and they want it. Calls you by your name and asks for it.
If you’re ever in a situation in which someone is asking you for it and you don’t want to have sex with that person, don’t do it. And if you’re ever in a situation in which you want to have sex but the other person doesn’t ask you for it, don’t do it. It’s only good if you both want it, and can tell each other you want it, and are sure you both want it. Otherwise someone’s going to get hurt. And romance is weird enough without hurting other people when you can stop yourself (and you can always stop yourself -- that goes along with having opposable thumbs).
This letter is almost over but this next part is super-important: Not everyone you know has been taught all the stuff we’ve talked about. You are going to know people, and maybe even be friends with people, who think it’s ok to hurt other people in a lot of ways. One of those ways is sex. I know you’re going to hear other boys say things about girls, or sometimes about other boys, that means they don’t care about those girls’ feelings or bodies. When you do, I need you to step in. All you have to do is say something like, “Dude, that’s not cool” or something that lets the person saying something nasty know that it’s not ok. Remember that everyone wants to fit in. If you can take control of the mood in the room by letting them know nasty talk isn’t ok, they’ll stop so they don’t look like an idiot.
Remember how we talk all the time about how we’re the people who help, who fix things when there’s a problem or someone’s in trouble? You may get the chance to do that someday. Because those boys who say nasty things about girls may actually do something to those girls. If you are ever anywhere where boys start hurting a girl, or touching her in any way that she doesn’t want, you need to step in. If she’s asleep or drunk or passed out or drugged and can’t say “no,” you need to step in. Remember, it’s not good unless both people can say they want it. If a girl isn’t saying anything, that doesn’t mean she wants it. If she isn’t saying specifically that she wants it, then it’s wrong.
Here’s how you should step in:
- If it’s safe for you to say something, say something. In a loud, commanding voice, tell the guy who’s doing it to stop, and make sure he knows it’s not ok and he can’t be an asshole (sorry to curse, but by the time you’re in this situation you’ll be cursing, too). Then help the girl get to someplace safe, and call her parents. (Even if she thinks she’s going to get in trouble, call her parents. If they’re mad at her, I can talk to them and take care of it.)
- If it’s not safe for you to say something, leave the room quietly and calmly and call me. I do not care if you’re someplace you’re not supposed to be, or not the place you told me you were, or in Canada or someplace that would normally get you in a lot of trouble. You get immunity if you’re calling for help. My phone is always on, and it does not matter what time of day or night it is. If I don’t pick up right away, call your dad, and the same immunity rules apply. Call one of us and give us the address of where you are and we will come help. Then hang up and call 911. Tell them the address and that there’s an assault going on. They might want you to stay on the line with them until the police get there.
- Even if you don't like the girl, step in. Even if she's been mean to you or snobby, or someone told you she did something you think is gross. No matter what she did, no one should hurt her. If you step in, the next day you can go back to hating her. If you don't step in, well, how are you any different from the loser who's hurting her? You know who you are. Step in.
- Do not worry that everyone will hate you if you stop the cool kids from doing something. Stopping someone from hurting another person makes you a hero. This is what you’re here to do. And if there are people who don’t like it, screw them. Your dad and I will do anything it takes to make sure that anyone who doesn’t like your being a hero stays away from you and keeps their mouths shut.
We have been practicing for this for a long time, for being the ones who help.
Remember when we were in the middle of the knife fight on the subway and we got the other mom and kid out of the way? Remember when we helped my friend move away from her scary husband? Remember all those times we took pictures of those freaky dudes staring at the little kids at the playground? We’ve been practicing to step in and help someone else. You can do it. I have faith in you.
Love,
Mom
--------------------------------
Magda Pecsenye
http://www.askmoxie.org/2013/03/a-letter-to-my-sons-about-stopping-rape.html
@AskMoxie
reprinted with permission
--------------------------------
Thank you, Magda. - sm
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
An Epistle from Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns, Midwinter Gathering 2013
An Epistle from Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns, Midwinter Gathering 2013
To All Friends Everywhere,
We send you love and best wishes from Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns Midwinter Gathering, held from February 15-18th, 2013, at the Bryn Mawr Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.
We unpacked the theme – A Place at the Table – in a series of plenary sessions under the skillful facilitation of Niyonu Spann. This theme proved to be a provocative metaphor that led us to examine how our experiences of power, privilege, and inclusion inform our perception of how big the table is, how it is set, who gets to sit at it, and how they are to behave. We were encouraged to notice individual, group, and societal patterns and tensions around race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation – and beyond.
The planning committee was determined that we would do more than discuss power, privilege, and inclusion; awareness of these dynamics would inform the process of creating an expanded and more inclusive Gathering. Our community was blessed by the extensive outreach done by the planning committee, which brought more children, young adults, people of color, allies, teenagers, racial justice workers, and non-Quakers to our Gathering, almost doubling our attendance over last year.
Spirit invites everyone to come to the Table of the Beloved Community. We are asked to participate as our authentic selves, with our wounds, and gifts, and imperfections. We were fed and challenged by the Spirit and each other as we wrestled with the reality that there are those who do not feel invited or feel they cannot bring their whole selves to the table. Many of us have had the experience in our religions of origin that to acknowledge our sexuality or gender identity would sever our relationship with the Spirit. We have found the opposite is true: that accepting and expressing our true selves only serves to strengthen our connection with the Divine.
We are determined to continue the struggle, knowing that we will be challenged by what it will take to be faithful to our vision of radical inclusion. As we continue our commitment to realize what radical love demands of us, we ask that you hold us in the Light.
On behalf of Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns,
Wendy Sanford and Ted Heck, co-clerks
Monday, March 4, 2013
Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases -- Announcement
[UPDATE: Briefs are available to read here.]
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (FLGBTQC) has signed friend of the court briefs filed filed by law firm Kramer Levin on behalf of a range of religious organizations in two cases before the US Supreme Court this term.
From the announcement by Kramer Levin:
The entire announcement is well worth reading.
From the briefs:
Links:
Please see related post "Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases -- Details" at http://aquakerwitch.blogspot.com/2013/03/friends-quakers-for-lesbian-gay.html
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (FLGBTQC) has signed friend of the court briefs filed filed by law firm Kramer Levin on behalf of a range of religious organizations in two cases before the US Supreme Court this term.
From the announcement by Kramer Levin:
Kramer Levin has filed a pair of amicus briefs on behalf of a broad-based coalition of religious organizations in the historic LGBT rights cases now pending in the U.S Supreme Court...
Confronting and rebutting arguments by religious supporters of DOMA and Proposition 8 purporting to state a uniform religious position on marriage, the briefs document the growing range of religious traditions that respect the dignity of lesbian and gay people and their families; solemnize or otherwise honor their relationships; and support civil marriage equality. And stressing the distinction between religious and civil marriage, the briefs make clear that respecting the marriage rights of same-sex couples will not impinge upon religious beliefs, practices, or operations, but rather will prevent one set of religious beliefs from being imposed through civil law.
http://www.kramerlevin.com/Kramer-Levin-Files-Briefs-in-Historic-Supreme-Court-LGBT-Rights-Cases-02-27-2013/
The entire announcement is well worth reading.
From the briefs:
Amicus curiae
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (“FLGBTQC”) is a faith community within the Religious Society of Friends. FLGBTQC deeply honors, affirms, and upholds that of God in all people.
Links:
- Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns: http://flgbtqc.quaker.org/
- FLGBTQC Collection of Marriage Minutes: http://flgbtqc.quaker.org/marriageminutes.html
- Info at the Supreme Court website: http://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/DOMPRP8.aspx
- The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), at question in US v Windsor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act
- California's Proposition 8, at question in Hollingsworth et al v Perry et al: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_8
- Kramer Levin announcement: http://www.kramerlevin.com/Kramer-Levin-Files-Briefs-in-Historic-Supreme-Court-LGBT-Rights-Cases-02-27-2013/
- Kramer Levin brief for Windsor case: http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/Publication/909bbf32-d359-4545-8429-062418acf8ac/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/e9b8e654-0b45-474c-bc64-079710fa0583/Windsor%20Religion%20Brief.pdf
- Kramer Levin brief for Perry case: http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/Publication/909bbf32-d359-4545-8429-062418acf8ac/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/5ba021d4-1733-417e-acc3-077dd49888e3/Perry%20Religion%20Brief.pdf
- Tracking the Windsor case at SCOTUSblog: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/windsor-v-united-states-2/
- Tracking the Perry case at SCOTUSblog: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/hollingsworth-v-perry/
- Tracking the Windsor case at GLAD: http://www.glad.org/doma/documents/
Please see related post "Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases -- Details" at http://aquakerwitch.blogspot.com/2013/03/friends-quakers-for-lesbian-gay.html
Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two US Supreme Court Cases -- Details
[UPDATE: Briefs are available to read here.]
I recently attended the Mid-Winter Gathering of Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (FLGBTQC).
During our first Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, one of our co-clerks brought a two-fold request to us from the law firm Kramer Levin, regarding friend of the court (amicus) briefs they were preparing to file in two civil same-sex marriage cases:
I agreed to serve on the committee looking at both these issues and bringing a recommendation back to Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.
Co-Clerk had, I believe, already explained about Quakers' lack of dioceses, and so we set about finding information on the Yearly Meeting level -- much of which FLGBTQC already has compiled in our Collection of Marriage Minutes. Without disclosing why, I also posted electronic requests for information from other Yearly Meetings, to which a number of Friends who were not at Mid-Winter Gathering responded with resources.
When our committee met, several of us sat down to work our way through the draft brief to make sure we understood it before making a recommendation. Thankfully, it was very readable.
It was also, simply, a pleasure to read. The authors went through through many of the arguments set forth in briefs already filed in the cases in opposition to same-sex civil marriage, and just demolished them, simply and clearly, without ever being insulting; I was impressed.
You can read an outline of these arguments in this announcement, and you can read the originals of the briefs here and here. I highly recommend doing both -- as I said, the briefs are very readable -- but do read at least the announcement.
(It turns out I kept sending many people at the committee table into gales of laughter by blurting out, "Oh my gosh! This is brilliant!" over and over while I was reading.)
The law firm had also clearly done some good background research on Friends; we had a few factual corrections we asked them to make, but by and large they "got it right."
We took a summary and a recommendation for endorsement to Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, where it was approved.
However, no matter how excited or happy I was, or how brilliant the draft brief, I couldn't talk about it, because until the brief was filed, it was client confidential.
Kramer Levin filed the briefs Thursday, 28 February, 2013 (yesterday)!
Here's Kramer Levin's announcement:
I highly recommend reading the announcement itself for a nice summary of the briefs' arguments.
I was also struck very much at the time by the parallels to the arguments of Friends in Britain regarding same-sex marriage, particularly General Meeting for Scotland's response in November of 2011 to the Scottish Government's Consultation on same-sex marriage. General Meeting for Scotland's statement is here; Britain Yearly Meeting's statements on same-sex marriage in general are here.
There are so many reasons I'm excited about these two briefs, but here are a few:
More briefs
If you'd like an amazing experience, grab a hankie and do a news search in your favorite search engine for "marriage briefs" or "DOMA briefs."
You will find reports of briefs supporting same-sex marriage from a huge array of groups and individuals -- religious groups, employers, unions, NFL players, advocacy groups, US states, doctors and psychologists, the Department of Justice, Democrats, Republicans, and more.
That's just not something I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime.
Following the cases
Here are a couple of places to follow the cases:
Related announcement
Please see related post "Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases -- Announcement" at http://aquakerwitch.blogspot.com/2013/03/friends-quakers-for-lesbian-gay_4.html.
I recently attended the Mid-Winter Gathering of Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (FLGBTQC).
During our first Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, one of our co-clerks brought a two-fold request to us from the law firm Kramer Levin, regarding friend of the court (amicus) briefs they were preparing to file in two civil same-sex marriage cases:
- One, could we provide them with information on any policies from the Quaker equivalents of, for example, dioceses, supporting equal marriage for same-sex couples?
- Two, would we endorse the briefs (become a signatory to the friend of the court briefs), with the understanding that they were not sure that, if we said yes, they would be able to use our name, that our name might not appear after all?
I agreed to serve on the committee looking at both these issues and bringing a recommendation back to Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.
Co-Clerk had, I believe, already explained about Quakers' lack of dioceses, and so we set about finding information on the Yearly Meeting level -- much of which FLGBTQC already has compiled in our Collection of Marriage Minutes. Without disclosing why, I also posted electronic requests for information from other Yearly Meetings, to which a number of Friends who were not at Mid-Winter Gathering responded with resources.
When our committee met, several of us sat down to work our way through the draft brief to make sure we understood it before making a recommendation. Thankfully, it was very readable.
It was also, simply, a pleasure to read. The authors went through through many of the arguments set forth in briefs already filed in the cases in opposition to same-sex civil marriage, and just demolished them, simply and clearly, without ever being insulting; I was impressed.
You can read an outline of these arguments in this announcement, and you can read the originals of the briefs here and here. I highly recommend doing both -- as I said, the briefs are very readable -- but do read at least the announcement.
(It turns out I kept sending many people at the committee table into gales of laughter by blurting out, "Oh my gosh! This is brilliant!" over and over while I was reading.)
The law firm had also clearly done some good background research on Friends; we had a few factual corrections we asked them to make, but by and large they "got it right."
We took a summary and a recommendation for endorsement to Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, where it was approved.
However, no matter how excited or happy I was, or how brilliant the draft brief, I couldn't talk about it, because until the brief was filed, it was client confidential.
Kramer Levin filed the briefs Thursday, 28 February, 2013 (yesterday)!
Here's Kramer Levin's announcement:
- Kramer Levin Files Briefs in Historic Supreme Court LGBT Rights Cases
http://www.kramerlevin.com/Kramer-Levin-Files-Briefs-in-Historic-Supreme-Court-LGBT-Rights-Cases-02-27-2013/
I highly recommend reading the announcement itself for a nice summary of the briefs' arguments.
I was also struck very much at the time by the parallels to the arguments of Friends in Britain regarding same-sex marriage, particularly General Meeting for Scotland's response in November of 2011 to the Scottish Government's Consultation on same-sex marriage. General Meeting for Scotland's statement is here; Britain Yearly Meeting's statements on same-sex marriage in general are here.
- The brief for Hollingsworth v Perry (the CA Prop 8 case)
http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/Publication/909bbf32-d359-4545-8429-062418acf8ac/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/5ba021d4-1733-417e-acc3-077dd49888e3/Perry%20Religion%20Brief.pdf
- The brief for US v Windsor (the DOMA case from NY State)
http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/Publication/909bbf32-d359-4545-8429-062418acf8ac/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/e9b8e654-0b45-474c-bc64-079710fa0583/Windsor%20Religion%20Brief.pdf
There are so many reasons I'm excited about these two briefs, but here are a few:
- I had a very small but direct impact on some of the content of the brief. (I mean, holy shit.)
- It's a bunch of religious groups saying not only do DOMA and Prop 8 infringe on our religious freedom, but marriage equality does not infringe on any other religious groups' religious freedom, in spite of all their arguments.
- It demolishes all those arguments just brilliantly.
- A religious group I'm part of is a signatory / amicus curiae.
More briefs
If you'd like an amazing experience, grab a hankie and do a news search in your favorite search engine for "marriage briefs" or "DOMA briefs."
You will find reports of briefs supporting same-sex marriage from a huge array of groups and individuals -- religious groups, employers, unions, NFL players, advocacy groups, US states, doctors and psychologists, the Department of Justice, Democrats, Republicans, and more.
That's just not something I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime.
Following the cases
Here are a couple of places to follow the cases:
- SCOTUSblog on US v Windsor (DOMA): http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/windsor-v-united-states-2/
- SCOTUSblog on Hollingsworth et al v Perry et al: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/hollingsworth-v-perry/
- GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders): http://www.glad.org/doma/documents
Related announcement
Please see related post "Friends (Quakers) for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns Endorses Friend of the Court Briefs in Two Supreme Court Cases -- Announcement" at http://aquakerwitch.blogspot.com/2013/03/friends-quakers-for-lesbian-gay_4.html.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Same-sex Quaker marriage minutes?
I
am looking for same-sex marriage minutes from larger Quaker bodies, preferably US.
I'm afraid I need them in rather a hurry, as I have just taken on this task, and it has a very quick deadline.
Here are the ones I
have so far. If you know of any others, please send them to me as soon
as possible.
Thanks so much!!
I need larger Quaker bodies, mostly US. I have the following US (and other) Yearly Meetings, from the FLGBTQC collection of marriage minutes (http://flgbtqc.quaker.org/marriageminutes.html):
Yearly Meetings:
Yearly Meetings:
- Britain
- Canadian
- Illinois
- North Pacific
- Philadelphia
- South Central
- Sweden
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Queries for Brigid
Happy Brigid!
It's half-way between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, and the days are definitely getting longer.
Have you noticed?
Brigid is the triple Goddess of smithcraft, healing, and poetry.
What creativity are you welcoming into your life?
How is the returning Sun bringing healing into your life?
It's half-way between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, and the days are definitely getting longer.
Have you noticed?
Brigid is the triple Goddess of smithcraft, healing, and poetry.
What creativity are you welcoming into your life?
How is the returning Sun bringing healing into your life?
Thursday, January 31, 2013
bread and roses spiritual nurture
presents
Edinburgh's Third Annual
Winter Solstice Celebration
A Celebration of the Darkness and the Light
with Songs and Stories
Saturday, 21 December, 7:00-8:30 pm
Location to be determined
presents
Edinburgh's Third Annual
Winter Solstice Celebration
A Celebration of the Darkness and the Light
with Songs and Stories
Saturday, 21 December, 7:00-8:30 pm
Location to be determined
- Songs, stories, candle-lighting, silent meditation, singing, and more
- Suitable for children and adults
- Sliding-scale donation requested to cover the costs of hall hire and supplies; all are welcome regardless of ability to make a donation
- For disability accessibility reasons, please do not wear perfume/essential oils or other personal care products with fragrance
Click here for the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/609513809063722/
Contact Stasa for more information
A presentation of A Winter Solstice Singing Ritual by Julie Forest Middleton & Stasa Morgan-Appel.
Book and compact disc available now through the website (click here), or through Stasa, and soon at at bookstores in Edinburgh.
Yes, it's ridiculously early, but I'm getting information about this out now, anyway! - sm
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sexism and size-ism in health care
I follow Ragen Chastain's blog, Dances with Fat (http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/blog/).
Today I was reading an article of hers which jolted me and got me to see a bunch of things differently than I usually do -- in one of those lightning-flash kinds of ways:
http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/if-these-guys-can-get-healthcare/
The message, to me, is really clear:
This leads me to ask:
Today I was reading an article of hers which jolted me and got me to see a bunch of things differently than I usually do -- in one of those lightning-flash kinds of ways:
Many people who contacted me were told that it was simply impossible to properly diagnose someone of their BMI, or that treating them is a “waste of time” since they are likely to re-injure themselves anyway. One woman was told that, at 5’4, 250 pounds, she was simply to big to get an MRI.
I find that interesting because last week the following people received the absolute best medical treatment, including in some cases MRI, with no discussion of weight loss at all:
6’2, 308 pounds – knee injury – “class 3 obesity” (Super Fat!)
6’4, 285 pounds – arm injury – “class 2 obese”
6’4, 263 pounds – ankle injury – “class 1 obese”
6’3, 260 pounds – achiles injury – “class 1 obese”
These are, in fact, just a handful of “obese” people who were afforded evidence-based medical care for injuries without being required to lose weight and despite the fact that they are very, very likely to re-injure themselves.Read on:
http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/if-these-guys-can-get-healthcare/
The message, to me, is really clear:
- If you are male and are "obese" and play (American) football (especially for the NFL), you get one standard of care.
- If you are female and are "obese", it doesn't much matter what activities you're capable of -- international competitive dance being one -- and you get a different standard of care. One where you don't actually get treatment for what's wrong with you.
This leads me to ask:
- What activities do we, as a society, place value on?
- Which people are we willing to treat with evidence-based care, and which people do we demand undergo "treatments" that have no supporting evidence, but lots of supporting cultural narrative?
- Why do our cultural narratives support evidence-based care for one group, but not another?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
"Are you willing to suffer to learn?"
I was reminded of this question recently during a conversation with a friend and another acquaintance.
"Are you willing to suffer to learn?" is a traditional question in Wicca and Witchcraft, particularly during initiation into a tradition, or to a new level within a tradition.
It's very easy to focus on this as physical suffering, or persecution -- the sorts of things which are imposed externally, by other people, by the world, by circumstance, etc. Discrimination, financial hardship, physical pain, what have you.
But I see certain kinds of "suffering" as something much deeper, as a natural consequence of some of the deepest mysteries of Witchcraft, those of spiritual growth, self-knowledge, and self-discipline.
The self-discipline (and self-knowledge and spiritual growth) required in Witchcraft is not easy, and while like any other form of self-discipline it has its rewards, it's not always pleasant.
(Awwww, man, you're saying. And here I thought it was unicorns and rainbows and skittles and purple sparkly hats all the time.)
Learning new skills
Some examples from my own experience spring to mind. Is practicing scales on a musical instrument always pleasant? Is step practice in Scottish country dance always fun? Are vocal warm-ups or other voice exercises exciting and interesting all the time? Are stretches? How about learning to read a new pattern, or learning a new stitch, in handwork? Learning to work with a new yarn? Learning to paddle a canoe or a kayak, or learning to paddle it with a partner (or a new partner!), or learning to paddle it in a different kind of water?
Hah. Struggle all the way.
Is it fun, or pleasant, to continue on when one is struggling to learn something, feeling foolish, not doing it well or correctly or gracefully, the whole nine yards?
Hah.
For me, it's way cool when I've learned it. I might have to get a step or a figure or a dance broken down into all its pieces, take it from the beginning, and do it over and over and over until I get it right, but ohmigoodness, when I do? WOW. Yes, then, I am happy; then, I am having fun; then, when I realise that yes, I'm really learning this, moment by frustrating moment, yes, that's exciting!; when I'm figuring out which things will help me learn this, yes, that's interesting.
None of this prevents me from falling on my face (usually metaphorically) when I am learning something. Or re-learning something I haven't done in a while, or never learned well. (Or practicing something I'm just not good at, plain and simple.)
None of this prevents me from frogging an awful lot of crochet before I understand a new pattern, or a new project, and can actually do it.
How does this relate to Witchcraft and to spiritual growth?
Spiritual skills are like any other. Spiritual growth is like any other kind of growth. One can't be skilled using the tools of Witchcraft without practice. And none of us is graceful or skilled the first time we pick up a hammer, either.
None of us can hammer non-stop all day at first, either.
We need to learn to use new tools, and we need to build up our stamina.
So, yes, we need practice.
Letting ourselves be uncomfortable
But we also have to move out of our comfort zones. We have to be willing to be uncomfortable. We have to put down the book, the computer, the instructions, and do.
We have to be willing to be unskilled at first, in order to develop skill. We have to be willing to be not-very-muscular at first, in order to build up muscles.
This is true for spiritual skills and spiritual muscles in the same ways as physical skills and physical muscles. (In Witchcraft, there's no real separation.)
We have to be willing to be embarrassed. Definitely at first. And, at least in my experience, again and again in the future, as well.
Letting go
In addition to learning new skills, and refining already-existing skills, something else comes to mind -- and that's letting go. Which can also bring loss and grief.
Spiritual growth, self-knowledge, and self-discipline, along with learning new ways of doing things, also mean letting go of old ways of thinking and old ways of doing things. Even when the new things we're bringing into our lives are positive, that can mean loss, and loss can be both positive and hard. Even when the things we're letting go aren't good for us, even when we're eager to let them go, we need to give ourselves permission to mourn their absence -- even as we fill that gap with things that are healthier for us, that nurture us and our spiritual lives better.
Witchcraft calls many of us to think very differently than how we were brought up. Indeed, that's often part of its appeal, part of what speaks to some of us very strongly.
But at the same time, letting go of old patterns can be challenging and painful.
What else?
So, "suffering" -- some of the kinds of suffering I've identified are being bored, being embarrassed, doing repetitive tasks, not doing new things well, being frustrated, grieving and being sad, being spiritually challenged, and sore muscles, both physical and spiritual. There are others; that's just what came to mind over the weekend.
What else?
We also have to be willing to be thrilled down to our toes.
That's the whole point of this, isn't it? To be open to the Mysteries? To be open to the experience of Joy?
Are you willing to suffer in order to learn?
Are you willing to be bored? Are you willing to be embarrassed? Are you willing to be unskilled? Are you willing to be ignorant?
Are you willing to build new skills, new self-knowledge, new knowledge in the world?
Are you willing to be thrilled down to your toes, over and over?
Are you willing to be filled with wonder? Are you willing to be filled with joy?
Are you willing to learn your own power?
"Are you willing to suffer to learn?" is a traditional question in Wicca and Witchcraft, particularly during initiation into a tradition, or to a new level within a tradition.
It's very easy to focus on this as physical suffering, or persecution -- the sorts of things which are imposed externally, by other people, by the world, by circumstance, etc. Discrimination, financial hardship, physical pain, what have you.
But I see certain kinds of "suffering" as something much deeper, as a natural consequence of some of the deepest mysteries of Witchcraft, those of spiritual growth, self-knowledge, and self-discipline.
The self-discipline (and self-knowledge and spiritual growth) required in Witchcraft is not easy, and while like any other form of self-discipline it has its rewards, it's not always pleasant.
(Awwww, man, you're saying. And here I thought it was unicorns and rainbows and skittles and purple sparkly hats all the time.)
Learning new skills
Some examples from my own experience spring to mind. Is practicing scales on a musical instrument always pleasant? Is step practice in Scottish country dance always fun? Are vocal warm-ups or other voice exercises exciting and interesting all the time? Are stretches? How about learning to read a new pattern, or learning a new stitch, in handwork? Learning to work with a new yarn? Learning to paddle a canoe or a kayak, or learning to paddle it with a partner (or a new partner!), or learning to paddle it in a different kind of water?
Hah. Struggle all the way.
Is it fun, or pleasant, to continue on when one is struggling to learn something, feeling foolish, not doing it well or correctly or gracefully, the whole nine yards?
Hah.
For me, it's way cool when I've learned it. I might have to get a step or a figure or a dance broken down into all its pieces, take it from the beginning, and do it over and over and over until I get it right, but ohmigoodness, when I do? WOW. Yes, then, I am happy; then, I am having fun; then, when I realise that yes, I'm really learning this, moment by frustrating moment, yes, that's exciting!; when I'm figuring out which things will help me learn this, yes, that's interesting.
None of this prevents me from falling on my face (usually metaphorically) when I am learning something. Or re-learning something I haven't done in a while, or never learned well. (Or practicing something I'm just not good at, plain and simple.)
None of this prevents me from frogging an awful lot of crochet before I understand a new pattern, or a new project, and can actually do it.
How does this relate to Witchcraft and to spiritual growth?
Spiritual skills are like any other. Spiritual growth is like any other kind of growth. One can't be skilled using the tools of Witchcraft without practice. And none of us is graceful or skilled the first time we pick up a hammer, either.
None of us can hammer non-stop all day at first, either.
We need to learn to use new tools, and we need to build up our stamina.
So, yes, we need practice.
Letting ourselves be uncomfortable
But we also have to move out of our comfort zones. We have to be willing to be uncomfortable. We have to put down the book, the computer, the instructions, and do.
We have to be willing to be unskilled at first, in order to develop skill. We have to be willing to be not-very-muscular at first, in order to build up muscles.
This is true for spiritual skills and spiritual muscles in the same ways as physical skills and physical muscles. (In Witchcraft, there's no real separation.)
We have to be willing to be embarrassed. Definitely at first. And, at least in my experience, again and again in the future, as well.
Letting go
In addition to learning new skills, and refining already-existing skills, something else comes to mind -- and that's letting go. Which can also bring loss and grief.
Spiritual growth, self-knowledge, and self-discipline, along with learning new ways of doing things, also mean letting go of old ways of thinking and old ways of doing things. Even when the new things we're bringing into our lives are positive, that can mean loss, and loss can be both positive and hard. Even when the things we're letting go aren't good for us, even when we're eager to let them go, we need to give ourselves permission to mourn their absence -- even as we fill that gap with things that are healthier for us, that nurture us and our spiritual lives better.
Witchcraft calls many of us to think very differently than how we were brought up. Indeed, that's often part of its appeal, part of what speaks to some of us very strongly.
But at the same time, letting go of old patterns can be challenging and painful.
What else?
So, "suffering" -- some of the kinds of suffering I've identified are being bored, being embarrassed, doing repetitive tasks, not doing new things well, being frustrated, grieving and being sad, being spiritually challenged, and sore muscles, both physical and spiritual. There are others; that's just what came to mind over the weekend.
What else?
We also have to be willing to be thrilled down to our toes.
That's the whole point of this, isn't it? To be open to the Mysteries? To be open to the experience of Joy?
Are you willing to suffer in order to learn?
Are you willing to be bored? Are you willing to be embarrassed? Are you willing to be unskilled? Are you willing to be ignorant?
Are you willing to build new skills, new self-knowledge, new knowledge in the world?
Are you willing to be thrilled down to your toes, over and over?
Are you willing to be filled with wonder? Are you willing to be filled with joy?
Are you willing to learn your own power?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Reclaiming Scotia Elements of Witchcraft Class
The Elements of Witchcraft
An introduction to Reclaiming style and tradition of Magic
8th – 10th March, 2013
at The Golden Leaf, Peebles
facilitated by Elinor Prędota
Cost: £75 (£65 concessions)
All living beings are supported by the sacred elements of air, fire, water, earth and spirit. Join us for this fun weekend, in which you will deepen your connection with these elements, and learn the basic tools, approaches and thealogy of Reclaiming tradition.
We will meet on the evening of Friday, 8th March, to focus our attention and intention together with ritual, then move through the elements together over the weekend. By the end of the weekend, you will have begun or strengthened your relationship with the elements, and have a range of tools to support your magical practice and your spiritual path.
Email reclaimingscotia@yahoo.co.uk or visit our Facebook group “Reclaiming Scotia” to ask any questions and to request a booking form.
You can also get a booking form and this flyer from the “Core Classes” page at our website http://reclaimingscotia.wordpress.com/.
[Please note: To be more accessible, this event will be alcohol- and chem-free, and we will also endeavour to have as fragrance-free an environment as possible (including asking participants to refrain from wearing perfume, essential oils, and personal care products containing fragrance).
For more information on helping to make spaces and events accessible to people with chemical sensitivities, and for tips for participating in such events, please see http://stasa.net/resources/fragrance-free-resources. - sm]
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