8

Repudiation of all physical, cultural and philosophical & religious justifications for macho-patriarchal beliefs, rules and practices

Promotion and institutionalization of genuine respect between the sexes

Promotion of equality of opportunities for all individuals regardless of sex or gender preference

Attainment of Equality view as institutionalized standard and, upon this premise, focusing on work for Holistic Harmony between the sexes.

  1. Total Human Development and Harmony Through Synergism

  2. Holistic Health Care and Medicine

  3. Deep Ecology and Harmony with Nature 

  4. Sense of History and Sense of Mission

  5. Civics and Democratic Governance

  6. Culture as Community Creativity

  7. Light-Seeking and Light-Sharing Education

  8. Gender Sensitivity, Equality & Harmony

  9. Reconstructive/Restor-ative Justice

10. Associative Economics, Social Capital and Sustainable Development

11. Synergetic Leadership and Organizations

12. Appropriate/Adaptive Technology

13. Mutual Enrichment of Families and Friendships

14. Human Dignity and Human Harmony: Human Rights and Peace

15. Aesthetics Without Boundaries: 'Art from the Heart'   

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Father and Sun: An Editorial

By Earthlite Sparks & Reflections

[This comes from the editorial of the March 2000 issue of EarthLite Sparks and Reflections, the now defunct newsletter of the Earthlite alternative place in Cubao, Quezon City. It was written by Ding Reyes, the paper’s volunteer editor.]

THERE IS a metaphor that has been so used and reused that it borders on being a cliché, literally, a motherhood statement. It is the term "Mother Earth." The metaphor hints at an emotional bond between Humankind and Nature that goes well beyond the utilitarian delimitation of having only "sustainable development" as a framework for environment conservation. But the image of Earth as a mother cannot completely be understood if the entire picture does not include what should naturally go with mothers-- fathers. Without any such image as partner the image of the Earth as mother cannot be complete.

On the occasion of Fathers' Day, every father's child -- especially the members of a community sporting the name Earthlite and conscious of the implications of the Mother Earth symbol -- can be enriched by an awareness of another metaphor to complete the imagery -- Father-Sun.

Why "Father-Sun"? The sun shines its heat and light energy on all the planets, constantly and unconditionally, and thus manifests its "love" from "a distance" (compared to mothers, fathers are distant to their children at least during the entire conception and pregnancy stage, as acknowledged in this issue's special Father's Day article). The Sun shines out his life-giving love on all planets, but only the Earth is mother-like and "gives birth" to millions upon millions of life forms which she nurtures as a close-in parent.

Of course, we agree that past the prenatal period, or simply put, after the child gets born, the human father can do all he can to close the initial distance from his offspring. This we cannot hope the Sun would do to all of us Earthians. Still, we seek to emphasize that a "mother" metaphor like the Earth has been made to be cannot be complete unless there is a "father" entity in the imagery. Single parents will be the first ones to concede or complain, as the case may be, that a child would need both parents.

In normal conditions, single-parenthood is not the preferred choice for anyone. But before we drift out to the theme of the article in the previous issue about choosing well a prospective mate before its "too late," let us just add that in the holistic frame of mind Earthlite Sparks & Reflections is predisposed to have, we value and hold in holistic awe the beauty of the universe.

Our actions are understandably focused on the Earth, whether be it Earth Day orWorld Environment Day or in-between, even if such commemorations come only annually and we have a Sun-day every week.

Still, let us not be too sure that we cannot at all affect the Sun. Our appreciation is a strong energy in itself, and who knows what combined appreciation can do even to something as immense as the Sun? If its alive in its own way, it can receive and appreciate appreciation! It might just be that like many human fathers, the Sun does not manifest its own "feelings" about our appreciation because it has been molded to have its own different ways. This, in contrast to the Earth's nurturing love that now weeps in pain because of our lack of caring and concern! Who knows?

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