Values for Sustainability

Inherent in working to build a sustainable society are underlying values, those inherent driving forces that guide our beliefs and actions.   While many could be chosen, the ones below seem obvious.

Mindfulness – This is the quality of being aware, a counter to the denial that pervades much of society.   Mindfulness involves clear thinking about our choices following a careful social analysis of all dimensions.

Community – Above all else the earth is a community of beings, each having its own identity in relation to everything else. Finding allies who can walk with us is a key part o f building community.

Diversity - Nature hates  a monoculture and does everything to restore diversity, the basis of survival.

Dialogue – Communication is constant in nature.  We don’t even understand the ways cells are in communication with one another.

Valuing the Earth – The earth is our Mother, the source of all we are and all we will be.

Ubundu, I am because you are – An African word that indicates the bondedness of humanity.   We are intertwined with one another in a way that is impossible to separate out

Balance, yin yang -  Nature provides a balance that mediates extremes.  For forces in one direction, other forces exist to counter.

Respect, recognition of the sacred-Everything has its own inherent value that is more than utilitarian when viewed from the human point of view. Religion is the response to life as sacred.

Spirituality – chi, ruach, ase – Within everything to the tiniest particle is the quality of interiority, an internal drive.  We inhabit a universe of subjects.

Justice, sedaqah-Right action, action that respects subjectivity and right relationship, action that thinks first of the poor

Kinship-Everything in the universe is related. 

Shalom, health, safety, prosperity-The right relationship between everything provides for peace.

Interdependence-Everything is interrelated even if we do not understand the interrelationship.

Truth Telling-Speaking in accord with reality.

Integrity- Consistent action according to principle.

Non-violence, ahimsa-Not harming

Frugality-The recognition that life does not demand the quantity of material goods available to a few.

Humility-The recognition that no one knows all or is more valuable. Everyone and everything has value.

Sabbath-The necessity of a regular cycle of rest.

Kindness-The art of being gentle toward people and the earth.

Celebration-Finding joy in life and being.