| The Movement… |
|---|
| What is it? |
| Our Aims |
| We’re Not Re-inventing the Wheel! |
| It’s a Peaceful Process! |
| The Way Forward is Together |
| It’s Origin |
What is it?
The movement comprises several aspects, ranging from a simple life-affirming agreement to a path of life-change – both for individuals, organisations and community groups. Importantly, it is a movement that encourages self-authority and life-affirming resilience - we are not here to dictate what community should look like or how humanity should evolve. We exist only to provide life-affirming structures to support individuals and community groups move in whatever way is needed, whilst always ensuring that the continuation of life is safe-guarded.
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A platform to demonstrate commitment to our future generations
At it’s most basic level it’s simply a platform for us, the people, to demonstrate our commitment to our children and to the continuation of life here on Earth – to place ‘Life First’ in every thought word and deed. It’s a commitment to a thriving human race – not just the survival of the human race!
Demonstrate your agreement with this by registering as a Supporter of the movement.
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A vehicle for democratic change – in our communities and beyond…
As mentioned further down, the underlying tools that we share are essentially community building(supporting) tools - a truly healthy, resilient and sustainable community is actually a democratic community. One of the tools, called the Council Wheel, is specifically designed to support democratic wisdom gathering and decision making in community groups.
By democracy we mean a community where ALL the voices are heard and responded to in a manner that supports the continuation of life – not just within the community but also in the wider environment. People are increasingly waking up to the fact that we no longer live in a true democracy – a society where we feel assured that our ‘leaders’ are acting only for the highest good of the people, our children and our children’s children.
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A community of like-minded people
We are developing this website, especially the supporters’ area, to enable individuals to connect with, and offer support to other like-minded folk. Ultimately the intention is that the network building becomes a local, offline (face to face) activity as well as on-line via the web. It is intended that all sorts of community building/benefiting projects will be birthed by the CFM network.
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A resource for development of both self and society
The Children’s Fire is part of an ancient body of indigenous wisdom that has touched many cultures of Central and North America, and more recently world-wide. It is as relevant to us today, wherever we are in the world, as it ever has been and provides practical tools for not only development of the individual, but of our communities, organisations and wider societies. Tools can assist in areas such as: communication, wisdom gathering, decision making, developing our creativity, sense of purpose and so much more.
We will provide information via our supporters area and will also publish a list of experienced guides and organisations who can assist individuals, community groups and organisations.
So, the CF Movement isn’t just a peaceful collective of individuals and groups who care about our children’s future – it’s also a pragmatic, self-sustaining network aligned only with ensuring that life is respected, and that it continues in all it’s myriad forms.
Our Aims
Primarily, but by no means limited to…
- to promote, and support the implementation of ‘Life-First’ principles – to safeguard the continuation of Life and our future generations.
- to enrich local communities through the provision (and sourcing) of tools, structures and training for individuals, community groups, local businesses and organisations, that enable the integration of ‘Life-First’ principles.
We’re Not Re-inventing the Wheel!
Yes, the good news is that there are already a plethora of environmental movements, peace movements, ethical charities, businesses and on-line action-based websites (such as Avaaz.org) that already do some fantastic work towards creating a more compassionate and sustainable future.
And…
As more movements form and grow we are notified of campaign after campaign, after campaign. This is a good thing, AND, from our perspective the CFM get’s to the root cause as opposed to spreading our energy in tackling symptom after symptom, after symptom - which WILL continue unless we fundamentally change the way humanity goes about it’s business.
We see a need to bring these groups, movements and organisations together into deeper relationship and closer communication.
We also see a need to create self-organising groups of individuals – holistic structures (born of true democracy) that listen to, and weave these aspects of society together around simple, yet foundational life-affirming principles. We know the word ‘holistic’ can get a bad rap! By holistic structures we mean structures that allow the full spectrum of perspectives/voices (whether that’s in the mind of an individual, a community group or organisation) to be truly heard, recognised, respected and considered. This safeguards against stifling, and potentially destructive undercurrents, that can ultimately lead to fragmentation.
It’s a Peaceful Process
Despite it’s ancient origins, the integration of the Children’s Fire into our societies is as vital now as it ever has been in Human history. For this reason we are promoting this principle in all areas of society, no matter what the tradition, religion or size of organisation. And, it is very important to understand that this is a peaceful, non-violent movement that in no way condones judgement and/or reprisals.
The Way Forward is Together
Humanity is comprised of an amazingly rich diversity of cultures, disciplines and practices but despite the advent of the internet and other accessible media, there are still damaging rifts in our societies born of ignorance and fear.
This movement is about bridging these divides. Primarily through the focus of our shared responsibility to the planet and our future generations, but also by providing individuals and community groups with the tools needed to look more deeply into the human condition and into how ignorance, fear and isolationism can be so destructive to us as a species – on so many levels.
Local Communities
One of the key areas of activity for the CFM is to provide a catalyst/support structure for local community building.
Read more about the CFM in local communities.
It’s Origin
Below is Antony Cholerton’s (the founder of the Children’s Fire Movement) account of how the CFM came into being…
Although I was taught about the Children’s Fire many years ago, along with other tools, concepts and practices, it wasn’t until early 2011 that the light bulb actually switched on in my mind regarding it becoming an accessible, and possibly significant movement for change. I am learning to appreciate that there is a perfect timing and rhythm in all things.
It was when I came across a YouTube video of Tim ‘Mac’ Macartney delivering an emotive talk on the Children’s Fire at QI Global that the penny actually dropped. It wasn’t just his inspirational delivery of an ancient, and timeless wisdom, but also the manner in which I came across the video. It had been sitting, ‘lost in action’, in one of the many tabs in my web browser for weeks until a potent thunderstorm descended upon our Cornwall home. Though the power had been taken out (thankfully I’d been working on a laptop) and the room plunged into darkness, the powerful tones of Mac’s voice were now emanating from my headphones!
Maybe the questions we should be asking are ‘what are the consequences of us not mustering the courage to speak our truth?’ and ‘what kind of legacy will we, both as individuals and as a human collective, be leaving for our children, and our children’s children if we choose to remain victim to our fears – mute and passive?’.His words resonated, mingling with my deep connection with Earth and my responsibilities as a father of three beautiful children. And even though it’s taken me until now to publicly respond to that catalytic event, it had been pretty clear to me in that moment as to what was needed. I think we all know, deep down, beneath our fears and assumptions about the world. Beneath the ‘what if’s’ and the fantasy of ‘what will happen to me if I dare to speak my truth?’. Maybe the questions we should be asking are ‘what are the consequences of us not mustering the courage to speak our truth?’ and ‘what kind of legacy will we, both as individuals and as a human collective, be leaving for our children, and our children’s children if we choose to remain victim to our fears – mute and passive?’.
