"Aisling, do" ((Inuyoko Mass #35))
Hello, everyone. My name is Inuyoko T’Alveni. I am a Priestess of this Shrine, and a member of its clergy since deoch 53. Last double-moon, we had a small discussion about some of my thoughts on the elements, and light in particular. Today, I’d like to go back to basics a bit and discuss something I’ve touched on many times. That is, our affectionate motto of sorts here in the Deochan faith. A supplication from Deoch Himself: Aisling, do.
Typically, when I talk about action, I am speaking in the context of the maintenance of one’s spark, and inspiring others to tend to theirs. But as I often also emphasize, this action – this maintenance – does not need to always take the form of grand gestures and acts of creation. Imagine for a moment a young Aisling who is eager to join a faith and be a part of it. They stop by the shrine regularly, they call out through mass whisper, trying to find someone, anyone, to help them. In time, this unanswered call will cause the eagerness which makes their spark shine brightly to dim. Now imagine further, that they finally arrive at the temple while a clergy member is in attendance. However, they find that this attendant is lost in a daydream and never stirs from it. Or when they do return to their senses, they have nothing to say about the tenets of the faith, no passion for it, only empty ritual. You can imagine how much more deflating this might be. Now, this is not meant to shame anyone for daydreaming – I have certainly done this myself plenty of times in the past. My point is more to consider how even the smallest push in the other direction could make a huge difference. If you hear a young spark shouting in vain for help, reach out to them. Even if you cannot give them what they need, the fact that someone spoke to them and offered help is one notch temporarily plugged in the loosening belt of their eagerness. If you are a clergyperson, and do decide to help, talk to them about the faith. One does not have to have the deepest understanding and commitment to theology and philosophy to do this. Even simply discussing the allied and unallied gods, and what your god represents, is enough. This allows those new to the faith or less involved to feel like they are becoming part of something bigger than themselves. Something they can grow into if they care to. And I do think that word, growth, is important. For perhaps the most amazing thing about the spark is that it is not limited by physical constraints. It is something akin to a magical, or metaphysical essence that can shrink and grow in an almost limitless capacity. These kinds of small acts are the fuel of the spark, and they can easily cascade into something vast.
Of course, engaging with the faiths of the Octave is not the only type of action that matters. When Deoch asks us to “do,” there is no stipulation. No extra instruction. When you see a young spark in need of direction, equipment, or aid, step in to help them if you can. The experience will enrich them and you. Participate in an arena contest with others, and you will find your spark invigorated. Even something as small as having a conversation can be more impactful than you may realize. What is important is your presence, your earnestness, and connection. Volunteer some time helping out with Zerio’s charity in the crypt, or at the DopeMart. When Aislings are present and engaged in activities big and small, it is something you can feel as you navigate this beautiful shared dream of ours.
And that is all I have to say for today. Thank you as always, Aislings, for doing this with me today. If anyone has anything they’d like to add, please feel free.
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