Safe Harbour Society

The Seven Stars We Steer By

As we make decisions in around the harbour, we call to mind these principles. They help to remind us of our Vision, our Mission and most importantly, our relationships.

Truthtelling
“I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed but I am bound to live by the light that I have.”
~Abraham Lincoln

Peacemaking
“An inclusive, holistic partnership orientated process. An act of courage, not for the faint of heart. The courage to act in the face of danger, to reach out through the blur of hatred, to witness for peace and justice, and above all to love in the face of fear.”
~Louise Diamond

“If we have no peace it’s because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.”
~Mother Teresa

Relationship
“To honour each other as equals treating all parties respectfully within the bounty of our diversity”
~Jean Vanier

Compassion
“As the human heart opens up and becomes compassionate we discover our fundamental unity, our common humanity. Compassion is the tender openings of our hearts to pain and suffering.”
~Jean Vanier

Listening
“We will listen to the wisdom of those whose life patterns are outside the social norm. Listening moves us closer”
~Jean Vanier

“Lives are changed by a moments’ listening.”
~George Smith

Story Telling
“Stories bring concepts and messages to life. They tell us great truths in simple, personal terms. When we tell stories, we touch hearts.”
~Jean Vanier

Risk Taking
“A healthy group living in a deliberately chosen spirit of risk, adventure, courage and openness. A spirit of insecurity, the embracing of an unknown future in an attitude of honest questioning.”
~Jean Vanier

“Chaos is inherent in all compound things. Strive on with diligence.”
~Buddha

“We learn geology the morning after the earthquake.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson