On a hike I led Sunday, one participant noted that his wife loved to shop Black Friday Deals and urged him to go with her. He said he responded like this: ‘Let me get this straight, you spent yesterday giving thanks for everything you have in this life, and now you want to go out and get more?”
It’s a succinct reminder of the incongruity of the artificial stimulation of consumerism—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, even Giving Tuesday—around a time of abundance, and what used to be a time dedicated to offering gratitude.1
And while I get that Giving Tuesday is somewhat different—encouraging people to give back to organizations they truly value—perhaps the focus should be giving something more valuable (and often harder to give): time, passion, and love. I’ll speak just for myself on this one, not for organizations that are trying to pay their staff (Gaian Way is currently blessed with being subsidized by an unpaid executive director—not that that can continue indefinitely). But if someone wanted to give to the Gaian Way this year, here are the Top Ten Gifts I’d recommend:
1) Join an online event.
We miss those we don’t see, and love to welcome new folks, so join us!
2) Join the Gaian email group.
You can always request a daily digest if you fear email overwhelm!
3) Write a comment, an email, a note to the listserv (or even send a letter!) saying how the Gaian Way has helped you.
Truthfully, nothing is more valuable than knowing that this philosophy and community is valued.
4) Meditate outside each day for a month.
Keep a journal of the experience and let us know it affects you.
5) Dig into the Gaian Reflection archive.
At this point, there are now over 250 reflections on the Gaianism website. There are over 20 inspiring parables and another 20 meditations, eight Wheel of the Year Guided meditations, and scores of other reflections covering a variety of topics as well. Find one that calls to you.
6) Join our moon fasting text chain.
And fast with us on the Full Moon (and New Moon when you’re ready).
7) Spread the word about the Gaian Way, Earth Eclectic, or Cycles of Gaia to a friend or two.
With no designated staff, we’re kind of like the proverbial tree that no one hears (as it rustles beautifully in the wind, not as it falls). Help us rustle by forwarding a newsletter, sharing on social media, or even printing out a reflection and handing it to a friend!
8) Offer to lead a Gaian Discussion.
It’s great when folks in the community propose and lead an online event—whether a book or film discussion, a meditation, or whatever sparks your interest. It adds to the diversity of experiences and leadership.
9) Offer to write a Gaian Reflection.
These take time to craft (and edit) but with patience I’m happy to work with you to get a good idea out into the world.
10) Join a Gaian Guild near you and if there’s not one, start one!
Starting a Gaian Guild, we recognize, is a major, and ongoing gift. It’ll take work, time, and commitment. But if you have what it takes, we’ll help mentor you!2
Time is more valuable than money
Just yesterday, a comment was posted on last year’s end of the year Reflection:
“I’ve been searching for you all my adult life. I will listen to the links found here.
Thank you.
I wish I could financially support Gaianism now; unfortunately, I’m only managing on Social Security and it barely gets me through the month. Know that I’ll support you in other ways if needed.”
The truth is, as I wrote to this commenter, there are far more valuable gifts to give our fledgling community than little rectangles of green paper. Not that you can’t give dollars if you can’t afford the other types of gifts,3 but most valuable would be to see you in our Gaian conversations, at our Wheel of the Year celebrations, and gain your thoughts on email, in writing, or even monthly moon texts!
Wishing everyone a great Yuletide season and go always with Gaia,
Erik
Endnotes
1) I’m not immune to the klaxon call of ‘Buy More’ either. My son almost convinced me that he should get a new computer on Cyber Monday because of all the savings to be had. If I hadn’t studied the effects of consumerism for 20 years, I probably would have caved, especially as my mother was encouraging it and wanted to help pay for it. But I’m glad I said no in the end, as it forces my son to be happy with what he has and more resilient (updating the old computer he uses and perhaps learning a few new skills in doing so). Also of note, I watched the new Buy Now documentary on Netflix with him, which I think helped him understand why he needed to wait. Definitely worth watching (especially with your less eco-minded family and friends).
2) I almost included this in the list: Write a will and commit to green burial, and gift the savings to the Gaian Way (after all, we won’t always have an unpaid executive director!). But it felt tacky, and kind of off-message, so I relegated it to the Endnotes for the diehard Gaian Reflection readers to discover! And, whether you donate the savings to charity or not, the community of life will appreciate your non-toxic return to Gaia!
3) And to those who have given financially to the Gaian Way, we thank you. Even without a paid staff, there are still real costs of running an organization, especially as we develop projects and look to hire a communications officer. So please don’t think your gifts aren’t greatly appreciated. And if you want to give more, give us your time!
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