Considering becoming a Quaker. Anyone willing to inform me on any aspect of this?

[tobermory29]

Just as the title says really. I have looked into Quakerism on and off over the years but never done anything more than that as of yet. Would love if there were any Quakers out there who would be willing to talk to me about it and what they gain from it emotionally.

Thanks :-)

I'm not a quaker but they always seem very welcoming and friendly, I think you could just go along to a meeting house and see what you think

I used to go to meetings at a city centre meeting house. I love the ethos, but the meetings were as you would expect very quiet, and whilst peaceful I found I didn’t actually need any more time with my own thoughts. I imagine if you had a very hectic schedule it might be soothing, but if you wanted to feel part of an active community probably not so good. It goes without saying that everyone was very nice though.

Didiusfalco yea, I love the ethos too. I also don't need more time to think I have enough of that. I think what I'm looking for is some type of connection. I have identified as atheist for a long time but it's not sitting right with me. I don't believe in God, but I do believe in something and I guess this is what I'm searching for.

Have you actually been to a meeting? Usually a Sunday morning 'meeting for worship' which sounds more 'hallelujah evangelical' than it is... I'm like you, believe in something and want a connection to a 'greater good' or higher power.... but religious stuff turns me off.

So, I've been to quaker meetings on and off over the years and really enjoy it when I go. Childcare prevents me going really regularly, but they do have a children's meeting by me but my DD is now a bit stroppy about coming with me, she did a couple of times when she was younger and they did sticking and colouring and stuff around a theme.

People gather in silence and when someone feels moved to speak they usually stand up and say something. It can be anything vaguely spiritual, inspirational, political.... it's pretty interesting really, even just from a people watching point of view. Meeting lasts 1 hour.

I enjoy the peace and quiet and reflection and have been inspired or moved by other people's sharing, I think they actually call it 'ministry'. Usually have a cuppa and a biscuit and a bit of networking time afterwards. I'd get more involved if I could. Probably will do as DD gets older.

Tiilymintsmama No I've not been to a meeting yet. One of the reasons for this is I live in a small village and the fact that everyone knows each other is offputting. Think I would prefer it on a larger scale. Was everyone friendly to you when you went? What did they talk about after the silence?

Tiilymintsmama No I've not been to a meeting yet. One of the reasons for this is I live in a small village and the fact that everyone knows each other is offputting. Think I would prefer it on a larger scale. Was everyone friendly to you when you went? What did they talk about after the silence?

hey, just get along to a meeting. Nothing to lose, no register's taken, no cash involved, no signing up to anything.

Yes, everyone very friendly, earnest even. General chit chat, weather, holidays, come here often?.... what did you think of the meeting.... If you wanted a 'deeper' chat, I'm sure that would be available too.

You'll be fine.

Hi, not sure where in the country you are but you could check out the events run by Quaker Quest which are a sort of introduction. Evenings in central London but their website mentions other things too www.quakerquest.org/euston_events/

I'm a bit lapsed now but agree with pp to check out a local meeting. Or ideally a couple if you can get there as some are bigger than others and have different vibes (like church congregations I guess)

Just realised I hadn't answered your question! I really like feeling of a gathered silence- not just meditation but something about people being in silence together. When it works it's more than the sum of its parts. Also feel that quakers often try to be the change they want to see in the world and act on their beliefs (simplicity, equality, truth, peace)

@tobermory - to answer your latest questions - whenever I go to a new Meeting people are very friendly, in my area if you're under fifty and have children you will be treated like gold dust as we're pretty much an ageing crowd! At my local Meeting there is an afterthought session in the main Meeting hall which is usually filled with thoughts on politics, climate change, peace activism etc. Then there's coffee time and people often continue talking about subjects that came up in the main Meeting, plus normal local/family chit chat.

As other people have said if you can manage it try and experience both small and larger Meetings, I find there is an enormous variation in the feel of Meetings, some are much more in touch with their Christian roots, others have lots of non-theists and some have a new agey kind of vibe. I really agree with Notabadger in that the feeling of a gathered silence is special and goes beyond individual silent contemplation, it's probably why I hang in there with Quakerism.

Thanks to everyone for the information