Community Education

paideia (παιδεία) means "education" or "instruction, it is the the idea of perfection, of excellence. Be it physicality and courage; the excellence of the mind or wit necessary for winning;

The agoge (Άγωγή) meaning guidance or training. The aim of which was to produce physically and morally strong males, for girls traits such as grace and culture were frowned upon, in favor of physical tempering and moral rectitude.

The training involved learning stealth, cultivating loyalty to one's group, military training, hunting, dancing and social preparation.

It was the basis of community.

Ask a dozen people how they define community today and you get a dozen different responses. Often time one can describe community as a “know it when I feel it” answer. That is the way we need to remember the goal of community building – not just a means to an end, but an end to itself.

We mustn’t lose sight of the experiences and lessons of being an afflicted people, but we shouldn’t let it cloud our ability of also being a dreaming people. May we always continue to dream of futures – near, far and ultimate. To keep painting the sky with those dreams even as we guard against the danger that often confronts us. Create avenues that strengthen that belief in youth and adults alike.
Use the flawed language we possess. Yes, language is  deeply political. The labels we give to things, the ideas evoked by a particular word or phrase, are a double-edged sword. They allow the possibility of knowing more, and of being controlled or misled.

 We talk and write in contrasting ways. We talk over one another and beyond one another. Meanings, metaphors, images and stories to which we have access mean different things to different people. We are indeed a people seperated by a common language. The material and social conditions in which we live foster contrasting ideas of what is important and what is not; and what is possible.
To gain control over these conditions under which we struggle  we need to act collectively.  Together.

Unity is everything, community is more.

 I guess I lost sight of me for a while and so a lot of my spiritual struggle is in finding me again, and being happy with who I am, and if others aren't then well that's their problem. My life has had some peculiar twists but thank fully I think I'll land right side up. 

  So here I am taking my time... I kinda see me on the warriors path... yeah OK OK so I'm not quite Boudicca but still.... I love the 9 charges in Asatru  how they complement and expand on the simple ideals of the Virtues. The Chivalry, the fact they cover every situation a warrior might encounter, although they were written for ages long gone, they are universal and still apply even in these days.

Personal honor is a big deal for me, but also common sense. Being a Warrior, learning when you should fight over trivialities, but mostly learning when to turn away from foolish provocations.  self-discipline and self-control something I used to have. learning not to act without wise consideration of the consequences of my actions. harm none, and do as you would have done unto you. Right the wrongs, or rather don't do them in the first place, is even better. And yeah I think I need to stand on my own two feet, besides its not like I can't debate things is it!!!!


Slán go fóill. Nár lagaí Dia do lámh!