Beccles Quaker Meeting

Posted: August 31, 2024   •   Posted in: Action, Equality, Faith, Simplicity

Lessons from ‘Aunt’ Eloise (Part 2)

Quakers have a number of principles or testimonies that help guide us – Peace, Equality, Truth/Integrity, Simplicity and Sustainability. Community might also be included. These principles often overlap or complement each other.

In Part 1, I spoke of Eloise, my much-loved ‘missionary aunt’. I’m not sure when she became a Quaker – before, during or after her service abroad? She died many years ago and before I began attending a Quaker Meeting so I am left with questions and gaps in my understanding. Nevertheless, I do have my memories and a sense of gratitude.

Eloise seemed to ‘live her faith’ and when I think of particular examples of this, I feel inspired and challenged. I have always seen Eloise as living a simple life. I now see other Quaker principles too. Although Eloise didn’t give advice, I think her life offers some tips for living.

Simplicity (and Sustainability)

  1. Know what is really important – choose carefully and keep this focus on what is central to your life. Try to reduce clutter by avoiding distractions to maintain clarity on what’s really important.
  2. Differentiate between wants and needs; especially important in our consumer-driven world. Try not to compare yourself negatively with others.
  3. Keep personal possessions to a minimum, own a few practical comfortable clothes, and travel light. This links to needs and also concerns reducing pressure on the environment.
  4. Try to reduce waste and consumption. Recycle wherever possible – use and re-use. Pass on clothing and other items; act as a go-between to pass things between people.
  5. Share resources and conserve energy and water. Use public baths – save water and electricity, combining bathing with swimming (which she loved).
  6. Send cards blank, with the letter on separate sheets, so the recipient can reuse the card. Eloise would write clearly, and in very tiny writing so as to limit paper used.
  7. Be grateful for what you have, and for the earth, spending time each day being thankful. Doing this may encourage care for the earth and also lead to contentment.

Integrity

  1. Live according to your values, using them to inform your actions. Live with honesty and authenticity.
  2. Speak plainly, with honesty and clarity in communication, but with sensitivity.
  3. Carefully choose cards, readings and sayings for friends, showing respect and consideration.  What might speak to them?

Peace

  1. Meditate regularly. Find a way that works for you, perhaps trying different approaches to foster inner peace. This may make it easier to cultivate external peace and harmony.
  2. Enjoy the moment. Eloise had a great respect for learning from other faiths. She had spent time in a Zen monastery practicing, among other things, mindfulness as a way to promote inner calm and peace.
  3. Celebrate the goodness in life. Include pleasures and fun.
  4. Be kind to yourself, for if you do not look after yourself, you will not be able to help others. Try to be clear about what you will or won’t accept so that you can be clear and maintain peace in yourself and with others.

Equality

  1. Be open to learning from a variety of sources, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals.
  2. Be open-minded, listen to and respect others, whatever their age or situation, even when their way is not yours; if appropriate, disagree or challenge gently.

Community

  1. Belong to a library, and so have a wonderful source of learning and pleasure available at no or very little charge. Visit museums, parks and other places that are free. Enjoy shared learning and experiences.
  2. Share what you have, such as books, and items collected on travels. Eloise’s time and knowledge were also generously shared.
  3. Cherish relationships. Eloise practiced this in many ways; regular notes, remembering birthdays and other events; visits when she could afford the fare.

These were some aspects of Eloise’s life, which I remember. I can embrace some of these lessons, but others I am less sure about, in practice as least. However, as was the case with Eloise, I continue to try to be open to new light.

Carrie (Beccles Quakers)