Walking Gently on the Earth seeks to more fully nurture, integrate, and expand the connections between Contemplation and Social Justice, faith and action, being and doing. It strives to do so by providing a multi-faceted overview to "walking gently on the earth."

This section encourages diverse ways of being a compassionate, faithful presence -- as was Mary, the Mother of Jesus -- to the marginalized and others in need.

As is the nature of Hill Connections, there are numerous links to the internet. The intent is not to be redundant but rather to:

• Encourage a broader perspective of "walking gently on the earth" than is commonly understood
• Nurture and support the connections among people, resources, and ideas in "walking compassionately" on the earth

Wholistic, inclusive ways to walk gently and compassionately include:

• 4-Step Social Analysis-- using a tool to link faith with action.
• Compassionate Stance-- reflecting on the circle of seeing, naming, and relating with self, others, and all of creation.
• Disarming the Heart-- striving to "be the change we wish to see in the world." (Mahatma Gandhi)
• Faithful, active citizenship-- making decisions for the common good. This draws on what is in the Social Justice section of Hill Connections, as well as Vote 2008.
• Lifestyle-- living simply; supporting sustainable, safe, organic enterprises via purchases of food, household items, gifts, and so on; reusing, reducing, and recycling. (This is in an early development stage.)
• Socially Responsible Investing-- using money as a way to further positive social change.
• Spirituality-- developing and nurturing one’s spiritual life. Many aids for doing so are available in the Contemplation side of Hill Connections: "Aha" Moments, Faith Reflections, Inspirational People, Links to Contemplative and Spirituality Sites, Rituals, and Spirituality and Art.
• Walking on Two Feet -- balancing Direct Service and Social Change as people of faith in today's world.

Thank Yous!

Hill Connections is very grateful to those who have partnered with us in the continual development of "Walking Gently on the Earth!" Prayer partners are numerous and often unknown since there is no paper trail; nevertheless, these heart connections are blessings!

Other special blessings are the monetary partners listed on the Financial Contributors page. We are deeply grateful for the major supporters ($500 or more) of this section: Congregation of St. Basil: Human Development Fund, Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Order of Friar Servants of Mary: Provincial Account, Order of Friar Servants of Mary: U.S.A. Province, and Sisters of Christian Charity: Pauline Ministry Fund.

Peace and all good as, together,
we build a just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

"Mother of Compassion" icon © Copyright- Sister Mary Charles McGough, OSB. Used with permission.

Updated November 1, 2007.