Welcome to Fast for the Planet Google Group

[muza...@gmail.com]

Dear all

Welcome to the Fast for the Planet Google Group and thank you for joining!

We will be using this group to update you as the Fast for the Planet idea evolves, particularly in the run up to the Main Event at St Ethelburga’s on Sunday 19 October.

 This week we have two things to share with you…

 1)       A bit about us

Fast for the Planet emerged out of a sense that the challenge presented by the ecological crisis demands the engagement of our entire being - an engagement that is intellectual, but not just intellectual - it is also an engagement of our hearts and our bodies. It is an engagement that must transform our inner-most landscape and deepest conditioning. And this sense emerged out of a knowing that not only is this possible, but that this is a journey towards being more fully human, more ourselves.

As a basic quality of life is interconnectedness, this process within is inseparable from the undoing of the external structures that are also playing their part in holding the status quo; so that as we and they, are transformed, the foundation develops for a future that is not only more wholesome, but is also our birthright.

Any new concept is informed by its own set of circumstances, events and interactions, and hence nobody can claim sole credit. The Fast for the Planet concept emerged near the end of 2007 shortly after the Bali Climate talks. It was initiated by Muzammal Hussain of LINE and co-organised with Helen Gilbert of St Ethelburgas. New projects often have fragile beginnings, and thus we are especially grateful to the following people for their early words of wisdom and encouragement, that helped give the idea the space and nurturing to grow. They are (in alphabetical order): Mohamad Chakaki (Green Muslims, Washington DC), Peter Challen (Christian Council for Monetary Justice), Elizabeth Chawdhary (LINE), Tarek El Diwany (author, 'The Problem with Interest'), Shumaisa Khan (LINE) and Jeffrey Newman.

Of course there are many others who have contributed in subtle ways, and others who are yet to do so as the project evolves, gains strength and co-exists with neighbouring processes and movements of its time. There are many possibilities, and we look forward to your company on this journey.

2)       How to participate in fasting for the planet

A reminder that there are a number of ways you can participate in this initiative. Find out more by visiting our website: http://fastfortheplanet.net/Participate/participate.htm

With best wishes,

Fast for the Planet team