Are you fully present?

First, an apology. Today's topic derives from an element of personal life, although as a rule I find it annoying when writers are egocentric. Bear with me; what follows is food for thought more universally palatable.

Earlham College was one of 40 "Colleges that Change Lives," a book published a few years ago featuring campuses which do more than educate. They encourage personal actualization, societal transformation. Earlham came to our college-bound daughter's attention quite by accident. Our reaction was puzzled: "A Quaker school?"

Founded as such, yes. But a century later only 9 percent of students are. And neither, nor the school, is the point.

Why they "change lives" (while embracing atheist and all other beliefs) quickly became clear. Their Principles and Practices, which guide everything from curricula to social life and pervades their above-average penchant for volunteering, offer universally pertinent reflection upon their motto, be "fully present."

For each principle, there are associated queries to aid conscious commitment to five principles:

1. Respect for persons. Students and faculty, staff and the mailman, president and janitor (to whom visitors are also introduced) - all are on a first-name basis. Why? To promote a belief that no one person has greater value than another. We may accomplish different things, we lead different lives and have different experiences, but each is important and we all have equal access to "inner light."

Queries: Do I examine myself for evidence of prejudice, and then work to overcome it? Am I careful of the reputation and feelings of others by avoiding gossip and checking the truthfulness of rumors? When I express disagreement, do I do so explicitly and respectfully?

2. Integrity. Integrity means personal completeness or one-ness, and implies a commitment to truthful living (beginning with honesty with oneself). Integrity nourishes trust in one another, allowing us to rely on others and vice versa. It means engaging with each other openly and honestly.

Queries: Do I seek the truth, and speak it even when it's difficult? Am I careful to credit others, rather than taking credit for works and ideas not my own? Do I hold myself and others accountable?

3. Peace and justice. Whether physical, emotional, or verbal, violence is an injustice that harms all parties involved, and is not the path to a just environment and lasting peace.

Queries: When conflicts arise, do I make earnest efforts to resolve them thoughtfully and without delay? Do I think about power: Who has it, and how should it be used? Am I careful to use my own power for just and constructive ends?

4. Simplicity. Recognize what is central in life and achieve clarity by listening to inward leadings and learning from others. A life guided by the inner quiet of simplicity can lead us to recognize what makes us genuinely happy, and to be good stewards of personal and community resources. It replaces distraction, stress, and excess with clarity, focus, and a sustainable life.

Queries: What truly brings me joy and how can I organize my life to be in touch with that joy? Are my commitments in healthy balance, and am I aware of what draws me toward over-commitment? How do I show my commitment to simplicity as an individual and as a part of a community?

5. Community. Because each person brings different knowledge and perspectives, truth-seeking is best fostered in community. The individual has rights and responsibilities, but it is in the act of participation in a community that we come to know our interdependence with one another and to develop such individual virtues as openness and restraint, and such communal virtues as justice and equality. As members of a community, consider the wellbeing of others in all choices. People in consultation with one another have the potential to make better decisions than will individuals alone, or majorities unaided by minority views. Differences can be sources for growth and new insight.

Queries: Do I strive to promote a community life that will foster the intellectual, physical, moral, and emotional wellbeing of all members? Do I remain faithful to my own understanding of the truth, even if it means being the sole person to speak for it? Do I have the wisdom to discern when to stand aside, allowing a consensus to emerge? Do I foster an atmosphere conducive to open dialogue, listening carefully to others and opening myself to opinions different from my own?

Imagine a congress committed to this last principle. Imagine a world committed to them all. One person at a time, beginning with self, it isn't so far-fetched.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network committed to finding reasons for hope. Contact her at sholeh@cdapress.com.