WHAT IS QUAKER MEETING?
It is a place/a group of people, where I can go to be quiet and share what is deep and True for me.
And hear what other people find is deep and true for them.
We avoid distractions and confusion so we don’t have set music or preaching.
I can be genuine and not pretend; I can focus on the Spirit. I can say my truth and other people will listen caringly. We can feel at Home, together.
I can re-unite with my Inner spirit. I don’t have to join in external, outside things.
WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE COME TO MEETING ?
Walk in, sit down, relax the body, don’t talk. Slow down.
Feel your inner feelings. Think of what is bothering you or is making you happy.
Get in touch with your Inner Truth.
Wait for something to speak to you. Allow time. Don’t rush. Let inner noise melt away. Feel free. There is time to connect with my inner self and there is space for listening attention. ,.
Welcome additional thoughts and people that come in. Something will flow into the Meeting and out into the world.
The outside world can be hard and aggressive. Meeting is peaceful, friendly peaceful people there help us to cool off, feel positive again. Everyone is equal. Meeting is a Safe place for me.
“Stop thinking”: let your mind rest; stop being interested in my own thoughts. Leave your busy affairs outside. Let them go. Leave your mind behind.
Meeting is a special experience. I heard an affirming helpful reading. We emphasize our own experience – our own story and truth, not what others say we ought to believe or do.
Everyone else has some magic in them that I want to hear and feel and share.
WHAT HELPS ME?
WASH AWAY YOUR THOUGHTS, naturally.
GIVE THANKS: It helps me if I focus on the good things. Close my eyes to problems, noise and differences. I can get rid of my busy thoughts. Stay in the peace.
VISUALISE LIGHT AND LOVE coming in and going out of people.
BREATHE THE SPIRIT IN and BREATHE IT OUT.
Say prayers and follow the traditional prayer sequence. Think of situations and stories, what do they really mean? What was really going on? This shifts my attitudes and behaviour. Makes me more peaceful. The light and truth change me.
PASTORS AND MINISTERS
We don’t depend on pastors and preachers. They may not be what I need. They may distract me from my issues. The spirit moves freely among us and we can each respond to it.
We are all pastors/ministers. We can all hold someone in the Light, and surround them with care and respect, without deciding for them or for God. The spirit leads us into unity and responsibility for each other and the world.