Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center
Strawbale Lodge photovoltaic solar renewable energy collection panels
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Spirituality...Community...Sustainability |
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| SPIRITUALITY is the recognition that there is a "mysterious
other" that exists in the universe that is sacred and at the core of
all being. Spirituality honors, embraces and acknowledges the mystery
with the understanding that we can never fully comprehend or explain its
existence. By its very nature, spirituality promotes a sense of wonder,
awe, and celebration of life. A belief in the ultimate goodness of the
mystery causes us to reach out to others (human and non-human) through
love, compassion and forgiveness.
COMMUNITY is the local ecological context in which spirituality becomes manifest. Community consists of an infinite number of interconnected components, all of which function to support the health and well-being of the entire system as well as the individuals therein. Community is also the recognition that people are one unique element within this system; that our survival depends on maintaining the health of the entire community of life. SUSTAINABILITY is the process of nurturing, upholding and preserving balance among all members of an ecological community. To sustain is to nourish, support and prolong. Sustainability, therefore, is the ability to nurture, uphold and preserve the integrity of individuals and communities of life indefinitely; recognizing that change is inevitable. Furthermore, sustainability embraces the need for compassionate confrontation and healing of those individuals and components of a community that are diseased or in need of sustenance and encouragement. The entire life system is only as strong and durable as are its component members.
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