We Don't Need No Stinking Committee

If what you're doing doesn't feel uncomfortable, then you're probably not doing anything new." Erik Simanis,Co-Director, Base of the Pyramid Protocol

Can my involvement with Quakerism tell me something significant (NEW) about the way things are? At least at CFM, where Jesus Christ seems very peripheral, and other than an openness for non-theism...there is no stated central theological/non-theological theme it aspires to, the part of Quakerism I like, no creed, and of course a desire for personal transformation...the so called spiritual journey.

But it did feel uncomfortable in silent meeting today at a really deep level. I drifted from irritation to peace and back again more than a few times. Lots of foot traffic and baby chatter. But the time did slip away.

Who owns that bleeping beeping watch?

Today, even though no one stood in silence, one after-thought was particularly resonating. It was stated in the form of a query. Essentially she wanted more spiritual connection. And she answered her own query, by suggested a theme for a friendly eights group. Non violent communication.

I spoke to her afterward to learn more about her idea. It sounded even more interesting. At the end of the conversation I asked her to keep me informed, that I was interested.

From the conversation I learned how unconnected I was to the meeting. It still feels like I'm wandering around in a familiar train station. Lots of people wandering, lots of activity, some acknowledgment that we exist, some eye contact, some social chatter, but no significant connection. I got that she felt the same way.

She suggested that I get involved in a committee. I've heard that before. and I'm not ready for that. Is there no other way to connect at CFM besides a committee?

Yes, friendly eights...will try that. Heck I'm in one already! I'll do another one...one that meets weekly would be great.

I came prepared to cut honeysuckle, but no one seemed motivated, so I left and when I got home, immediately grabbed the wheel barrow and finished cleaning out all but 3 squash plants and a row of tomatoes.