One Man's Effort to Rid the World of the Prefix 'pod-' (except podpeople...they're cool)

[seithkarl]

Our class this semester seems like it has a lot of very talented, engaged designers, and it's great to see people actually interested in the process. I shared my podcast info with the class, and I think I've turned a lot of people on to some very valuable (if hidden) references. This week's InDesigner from Michael Murphy was another in his series

Comments

[qorinda]

some of us just want to be the parishioners, participants, even (to stretch the ecclesiastical metaphor) deacons within the org, and leave the clerical stuff to those who are called to do it

Yes, I agree totally that not everyone wants to be clergy. That's why I am all for the little introduction booklets, so people can feel a part without having to do all of the scholarly work. There are several folks in my grove that never intend to do the DP, nor are they on the lists. But they are still loyal parishoners, and should be respected as such.

AND - if ADF wants to succeed and grow, then ADF should have something to offer to them, by way of a spiritual practice, I think.

[seithkarl]

I think the introductory booklet is a great idea. I know people on our regional list thought it'd be an excellent inclusion with the DP material in new member packets. Maybe they could offer them as a PDF so we can download/print/share them with non-members at local gatherings? I can see it being very, very useful.

[ardgruntler]

but I'm thinking we should start a new mantra of "ADF is not the DP". q>

Yep - this is actually what started the whole 'Path' thing. ADF actually IS the DP in some ways. The DP is about practice - studdy, prayer, ritual, trance, etc . . .

BUT - ADF is not the DP Completion certificate. And that's what Ian was trying to talk about when he posted to Leadership in the way that he did a while back.

Believe it or not - we are trying to work ourselves into the direction you are looking for. It's just that it took a long time for us to get the way we are now - we had NO study programs for a long time. Now we've had them for just long enough to be absolutely OBSESSED with them - like we do;) It'll take time to balance back out.

It may also take the patient nudging of leaders who've been fairly quiet over the past few years too. (nudge, nudge, nudge to several illinois-ans I could list:>P)

[seithkarl]

"BUT - ADF is not the DP Completion certificate. And that's what Ian was trying to talk about when he posted to Leadership in the way that he did a while back."

I must've already been off Leadership when he made that post. At Summerlands last year, he didn't seem to like the "DP is optional" line of thinking. Maybe he's changed his mind in the meantime, which is a hopeful sign.
"It may also take the patient nudging of leaders who've been fairly quiet over the past few years too. (nudge, nudge, nudge to several illinois-ans I could list:>P)"

We stay focused on the local things we can effect - I doubt that will ever change, given our collective past experiences with national politics.
I can, however, do this! So, Mother Board member, how about championing some legislation to make the DP optional for Guild SPs, ranks, etc.? (nudge, nudge, nudge).:)

[ardgruntler]

As soon as I agree with that one - I will

[ardgruntler]

I don't see the guild fulfilling any significant purpose so far.

That should be 'guildS'. I don't just mean the Seers guild in this statement:)

And I don't mean to say that the Guild lists don't provide a purpose - they do.

As for the Seers Study Program - which is being hammered out as we speak:) Folks will need to have done the DP because the DP teaches a few things that one has to have in order to be an 'ADF' Seer. Namely - knowledge of ADF ritual and basic meditation or 'trance' skills. (There's probably more.)

I can sort of see the argument of 'no DP' for the craft guilds - like Brewers. But, again, I'd ask 'why not just do the program as it's outlined? What does being a first circle brewer actually get anyone - other than the one thing they should be looking for . . . knowledge.