I've been tagged by fellow mediator and blogger Vickie Pynchon (Negotiation Law blog) to post my thoughts on being environmentally conscious - or "green" - as a mediator. This tag started with another fellow mediator Dina Lynch's Mediation Mensch blog.
If you're like many people, you may be wondering what mediation has to do with being green. My answer is that it has everything to do with being green, provided that being "green" means more than just recycling and striving to eat locally and organically produced foods. Although I do those things, they are quite unrelated to my practice and my calling as a mediator.
Instead, I have an idea of what it means to be green in the broader scheme of things and it is succinctly set forth in the Ten Indian Commandments. This framed list sits in my office where I can see it every day and be reminded of my own personal philosophies with respect to the people around me, my communities, myself and the earth. The Commandments are less related to the very small amount of Native ancestry I have and more related to how I live my life and what I have chosen to do as a profession. I hope you find these to be helpful reminders in your own lives:
The Ten Indian Commandments
1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit
3. Show great respect for your fellow beings
4. Work together for the benefit of all mankind
5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed
6. Do what you know to be right
7. Look after the wellbeing of mind and body
8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good
9. Be truthful and honest at all times
10.Take full responsibility for your actions
1 comment:
Thanks, Paula, for bringing a whole new framework to the idea of being green. I particularly like the part about 'respecting all beings'. It seems, at least to me, that most our disagreements and impasses would disappear if we could do that regularly.
Best, Dina
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