This post on the Friends Life Care eMeetinghouse blog continues my discussion of the Quaker SPICES.  SPICES is the acronym for the Quaker testimonies: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, stewardship.

In this entry, I will focus on Equality.  Although it is out of order with the acronym, it seemed quite appropriate as January is the month with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  And again this year, Friends Life Care is recognizing and commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with an internal event.  As I am Latina and therefore in the Hispanic minority, the…

Currently, an estimated 6.5 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease—including 280,000 in Pennsylvania alone. While it’s common to experience some issues with memory, thinking and behavior as we age, there is a difference between what’s considered “normal aging” and what is cause for concern. Memory changes that interfere with daily life could be a sign of something more serious-–such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s and dementia.

If you or a loved one are experiencing changes with your memory, you’re not alone. …

Self-care is any activity you perform that helps you maintain and improve your own well-being.  When I speak with clients, I often use the analogy of a mug full of tea.  You start off with a full mug and then you may pour some to your grandchildren, to your volunteer activities, to a parishioner at your church.  By the end of the day, your mug is empty, and it needs to be filled back up.  Self-care helps us do that.

One of the best ways to start a self-care plan is to focus in on the dimensions of wellness.  These dimensions are: physical, intellectual, emotional, s…

There are over 300,000 Quakers around the world.  The highest concentration is in Africa.  Although it can be challenging to get an exact count among all the branches, it is estimated that there are around 75,000 Quakers in the United States. This is the Quaker Community and brings to life an important Quaker value – the “C” of the SPICES “Community.”

 
Quakers Around the World
A map developed by the Friends World Committee for Consultation shows concentrations of Quaker Communities across the world. It includes the various branches of Quakerism.  These branche…