What ‘living adventurously’ means for me now…
This is a ‘farewell’ blog post as I hang up my Discovering Quakers hat and take on a huge new adventure!
I joined the Discovering Quakers team just over a year ago. My goal has always been the same: I love the deep, intentional stillness of Quaker Meetings, and I want more people to know that this place of peace and quiet is accessible to them.
In the time I’ve been working with DQ, we’ve reached thousands of people like you, who are curious about what Quaker communities might have to offer today. My wonky fringe will be immortalised on the internet forever and ever, but at least I’ve cleared up that Quakers aren’t just a porridge brand.
Image: Me, immortalised on the internet as Quaker fringe girl
Why I’m moving on from the role…
Quakers often say they are called to live adventurously.
“Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak. ”
We’re also called to live simply, sustainably, and - I would therefore add - imaginatively: creating alternatives that put people and the planet at the forefront.
Over the past 2 years, I’ve been putting a LOT of time and energy into something that ticks all those boxes, and it’s about to take off, big time.
I’ve been working with a group of friends on setting up a fully mutual housing co-operative in central Scotland. Our project focuses on creating affordable, sustainable, tenant-owned housing; collective community care across three generations; sustainable land practices guided by permaculture principles; and providing a place of respite for activists and actionists working hard to make a better world.
At the start of September, I’ll be picking up the keys to our bonny new home and land. Building our new community is going to be a huge task and I’m very excited for this new stage in the project!
Image: Me on our communally-owned land!
That’s why I made the difficult choice to take a step away from my work supporting Discovering Quakers for the time being.
I often notice that Quakers take on more work than they can perhaps handle, because of everything they want to do to make the world a better place. There’s a great quote from Advices and Queries to sit with when we’re facing that re-balancing act:
“Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities. Responding to divine guidance, try to discern the right time to undertake or relinquish responsibilities without undue pride or guilt. Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness.”
It’s not goodbye forever: I really hope I can continue to support DQ’s work every now and then, so you haven’t entirely seen the back of me yet! For example, you’ll see some more content made by yours truly popping up on our Instagram and Facebook for a wee while still.
I’ll be passing the baton to Sam and other members of the Discovering Quakers team, who will continue to be in touch through the DQ newsletter and social media. They’ll be here to answer any questions you might have at info@discoveringquakers.org.uk.
Thanks so much for all your great questions and engagement. For now, it’s ‘tìoraidh’ from me!
Written by Caitlin Curtis (she/they)