Maria Arpa
This week
Enlightened self-interest
Plus…
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
and
The Wednesday Whisper
“We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.” Wendell Berry
I came across this quote by chance and it really spoke to me. I love the way the language opens up the possibility for us to really discover the world as a whole, living organism that is longing to be our friend and provider. It works so much better for me than all the fighting talk of saving the planet where humans are battling it out with each other. It helps me to realise that I made a terrible mistake in allowing myself to be called a consumer and then behaving to the label. A mistake made out of ignorance. It allows me to consider how to correct that mistake and how to ask others to give it some serious thought.
In the world of mediation we call it enlightened self-interest. It’s where we realise and accept that caring for something bigger than the self will actually bring more gifts.
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
When I think about correcting the mistake of consumerism, I feel a mix of overwhelm and excitement. I remember that the first step is to honour our resources and treat them as precious. My Mum didn’t like throwing things away. She came from a time when things were not disposable. I grew up at a time when disposable was considered the modern way to live.
The Wednesday Whisper
Does this quote speak to you, if so, how?
Are you DRM Facilitator material?
- Could you be the ‘go to’ person for healing conflict, restoring relationships and settling disputes in your workplace, business, family or community?
- Would you get fulfilment from helping others to manage tension and conflict in their families, workplaces or communities or businesses?
- Are you willing to invest in your own personal growth and development?
Our one year training is now open for applications.
Take a look at this year’s participants and hear what they have to say here
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