Many of us experience beautiful North Pembrokeshire as an inspirational and spiritually-rich place. There are all sorts of initiatives and events happening in response to this, although we are often not aware of each others’ endeavours. To enable information and communication to be improved, we are developing the ‘Common Ground’ network to help link and informs those in our area who are interested in approaching spiritual concerns in life with a questioning and open mind. Common Ground is about seeking to understand each other’s paths and looking for deeper connections that go beyond the barriers of language and terminology.
At the moment, our main meeting is an Open Forum every 4-6 weeks, led by different people, looking at aspects of the spiritual journey. For the next forum, see Events. For the recent posts and news click here
We are hoping to build this site into something which will help to develop links, create discussion on areas of spirituality, and encourage us all on our journeys through life. But to do that, we need information about other spirituality events that are happening from St Davids to St Dogmaels. Let us know about your event on the ‘Contact us’ page, and we can add it to the list.
A Network of Goodwill
An article adapted from ‘Network News – a guide to inspiring events in North Wales’, August 2010, which fits the ethos of Common Ground.
“In every neighbourhood, there are people who share a vision of a whole and humane world, and who share a commitment to make this vision a reality. In the 1930s, Alice Bailey’s writings predicted the emergence of such a group, as have many others since – one that would transcend all boundaries of nationality, vocation and belief. Its members would not necessarily know each other, or even be aware of their own membership, but would be inwardly united in the cause of planetary healing. So how can we recognise the members of this group?
Most will have a spiritual discipline, demonstrating that harmony and well-being are initially states of mind and heart. They may practice meditation or mindfulness, and use the insights and strength from their inner work to inform their service in the world.
They might be found planting organically – food, herbs, flowers, forests; or simplifying their lives, using less fossil fuels, recycling and repairing, going by bus and by bicycle, pouring less poison down the sink and less waste into the landfill. They might be working to restore the soul in science; creating artifacts that are sustainable and beautiful; sharing their craft in sound, colour or form. Others are reaching out to those that society has abandoned; or reminding big organisations to respect life at human scale; challenging “expert” opinions. They may be choosing a more compassionate diet, moving their money to a more ethical bank, raising their children without fear or shame. They may be pioneering new ways to teach and learn; experimenting with different kinds of household or community; or simply remembering how to play, sing and dance together without dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Some are learning to heal – bringing together wisdom and skills from different ages, cultures and dimensions. Then there are those who are advocates for the voiceless kingdoms – animal, vegetable and mineral – that depend on human beings for their welfare and survival. Others are struggling to uproot violence – in the nation, the community, the home and the heart – learning to speak and think without cruelty.
Most are politically engaged, but each with their own unique mix of causes and ideals. Many prefer to “follow the money” rather than the party line – aware that every donation and purchase they make every day is a powerful vote for good or ill. Most are spiritually active, but usually without a conventional creed. Some are reclaiming the great seasonal rituals, aligning themselves with Stars; or reinventing those essential rites of passage, the initiations of birth, coming of age, marriage, death and spiritual unfoldment.
Many members sense that the world will need a vast outpouring of goodwill if it is to make it through the next few decades intact. Some found their deeper purpose through personal crisis – perhaps global crisis is humanity’s greatest opportunity?
Do you recognise yourself here? Are you also a member of this extraordinary group? Are you one of those resisting the great tide of materialism that would engulf our civilisation? Are you among those building little altars and centres and refuges of hope for a more humane world? Would you like to have more support? Common Ground exists to reach, encourage and support all members of this ‘network of goodwill’. A space where members can meet, share their gifts and celebrate their unity and their diversity. A place to vision, to collaborate, and to affirm that, truly, another world is possible!”