North Sydney

March 22nd 2000

"In what ways can we as individuals make a difference in our community?"

Yet again we welcomed a number of new participants to our ranks.  A healthy sign that we'er on a worthwhile journey somehow.  From the introductions it was clear that so many of our group have a refined sense of their own values and were in fact living and making decisions consciously.

The evening was a stimulating look at the ways in which we might make our contribution and to somehow get past the overwhelming sense that the task of making a difference is just too big.

When discussing what we had done or were doing to make a difference in the community ourselves a very distinctive theme came through.  That is simply this. No matter what we DO what really matters is how we live our own lives.  It is by precept and example that we can most powerfully impact on the community.

Must first learn to be true to oneself.  And learn to be OK with all types of people.   That is to be in listening and enquiring mode and withholding automatic judgements.

Agreed that coming back to self and being in tune with our own values etc is all very well but will also be worthwhile to take the time to do something beyond our selves.  That is take part in the community action somehow.
A warning expressed that we cannot necessarily solve ALL the worlds problems but mustn't let that be a reason to do nothing.

What do I need to do to express who I am?  What can I focus on locally.
Don't have to know all the steps.  Just do what is in front of us.  Remember the old adage. "When you can't see where you are going, go as far as you can see.   You will see further from there."

The final word was on "Responsibility"
Does it mean, "Ability to respond?"  or does it mean   "Obligation to respond?"

We chose the second one. 

How about you?

The next meeting at this venue in North Sydney will be on April 26th