Lay Down The Law

The Power Of Ciao - Mission Statement

• The Power Of "Ciao!" group's main goal is to facilitate the exploration of humanism, philosophy, religion, psychology, spirituality, science, Shamanism, healing modalities, mysticism, gnosticism, enlightenment and all other known sources of human knowledge, ancient or modern, in order to understand the cause of suffering and familiarize with the most effective ways to alleviate it.

• The group will remain non-denominational, since favoring one particular school of thought over another would eventually result in attitudes of preferential selectivity and lead to conflict or distrust among group members.

• Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of personal belief, creed, age, gender, religion, race, ethnic background, social status, sexual preferences, education level, state of health and/or any other individual trait or personal choice.

• The Power Of "Ciao!" group is self-supporting. Our meetings are free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted and encouraged, since they help us offset group related expenses.

• The group's facilitator is responsible for making sure everyone gets a reminder before a meeting, securing a meeting space and selecting study/discussion topics in keeping with the group's goal. The facilitator also serves as a moderator, responsible for making sure members share speaking time, stay on topic and refrain from giving advice to other members.

• It is assumed that we are all peers in this quest and that no one knows what is best for someone else. We have no leaders or followers within the group, but everyone is free to lead or follow whomever they choose, outside of the group's parameters.

• In order to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, engender a sense of emotional safety and prevent unnecessary tensions, we ask that members refrain from discussing political views, dwell on disturbing news reports, talk about anyone who is not present and engage in litigious debates while the group is in session and during breaks.

I am not dictating the "do's" and "dont's" in an attempt to control anything. On the contrary, I wish for everyone to feel welcome and safe. Please remember that the above list is a draft, open to revision and modification. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact me through this blog.

Thank you for reading this post.

Welcome to The Power Of "Ciao"

Here we go. This is where you can read about "The Power Of Ciao" group and its evolution.

The goal of the group is really simple: we gather with the intention of putting an end to our suffering. I say OUR SUFFERING not because we don't care about other people, but rather because we know that everything worthwhile must be implemented within, before venturing out anywhere else.

In order to accomplish this simple, yet elusive goal, we are willing to explore any strategy that makes sense, regardless of its origin.

Buddhism, for instance, is one of our playgrounds, although not in a devotional sense. We may also entertain ourselves with presentations by brain scientists, psychologists, investigative reporters, religious leaders, gurus, theologians, physicists, renegades, rehabilitated alcoholics, former rock stars and/or whomever else sounds plausible in relation to our goal.

However, please do not mistake us as yet one more group of delusional, wishful thinkers, easily sold on the newest, decently marketed "schpiel" that promises Eternal Bliss, Nirvana, Sammadhi or the materialization of Buckwheat Pancakes for breakfast!

Blah! If I can say so...which, of course I can, since I'm the author of this Blogspot.

Honestly now, I cannot speak for anyone else, but if another spiritually aware person shows up at one of our meetings and mentions E.....(shut up JoMama, don't alienate people, come on, why send them out the door before they even sit down?). OK. OK. OK, I said.

That's my non-confrontational self stepping in, advising me on propriety, and I am being very cooperative, as you can see, at least for the moment.

Look, I won't make any names. However, as anyone can figure out from my title, I must make fun of this dire situation, or else I'll start enumerating my favorite Italian curses, and then what? I'll be censored and that'll be the end of this great blog idea.