Values

SIMPLICITY

Joy, happiness, or whatever you want to call it as something that is already in us that we have to realise is there, and certainly is not developed or brought into existence with “things”.

Simplicity simply means that you have little desire for anything beyond that which you need. A person inclined to simplicity feels happy when someone gives them a small gift, because simplicity is in part being happy with what you have. Anything more is a bonus and even small things exceed what you desire. This is why simplicity and providence is such an important value to found this project on.

GENEROSITY

Generosity is a virtue that naturally progresses from simplicity. When you are able to be satisfied, and even feel elated with little need of the material world, it becomes very easy to share what you have with others.

Generosity does not only pertain to possessions or money, in fact the most precious gift you can give is yourself. In today’s world of frenetic activity, people who cannot keep up are left behind and often forgotten. The old, children, people suffering from loneliness, are all opportunities to give of ourself personified.

Take time to visit and listen, play, or just sit with someone who needs you…share your time and discover the wonderful gift that you can make of yourself!

Generosity is a mark of “other-centeredness”, as when you are looking outward seeing what the world needs, you are very often tending to your own cares and troubles at the same time. Many sorrows that we bear have rejection or loneliness at the root, and with a spirit of generosity, we find ourselves interacting in a meaningful way with others, and soothing the sense of aloneness we have by our very nature. 

The Branches aims to be a place of true generosity, holding the words of Jesus as the ideal:

“When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind; and you will be blessed, because they are not able to pay you back. God will repay you on the day the good people rise from death.” Luke 14: 13-14

BEAUTY

The world (despite how we might perceive it sometimes) is a beautiful place! We have both the privilege and the duty to care for the earth and bring forth its beautiful potential. Flowers, animals, landscapes, are all here to be cared for and enjoyed by us.

Humankind has also the amazing capacity to dream and create beautiful things. From the elegant handle of a china cup right through to the Sistine Chapel, from a cheerful whistle to The Beatles to Bach we can appreciate the ability for man to create breathtaking and diverse beauty from the most basic of materials.

Above all of this is the choice to live a beautiful life. By actively seeking to choose kindness, we cultivate a beautiful spirit.