A Virtues moment: Gratitude

Gratitude

"Thankfulness is being grateful for what you have. It is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving, and being. It is appreciating the little things which happen around you and within you every day. It is having a sense of wonder about the beauty of this world. It is being aware of the gifts in your life."
-From The Virtues Project Educator's Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov.
On special occasions or before a meal we express our gratitude for the blessings in our lives, for our family and friends, but how do we make gratitude part of our everyday life? Gratitude is a practice, and just like anything worth doing, it takes practice. Gratitude is also an attitude. Studies have shown that people who cultivate gratitude may actually undo the effects of negative emotions such as anger and anxiety.
One of the best ways we can show gratitude is to share our gifts with others. We have seen an outpouring of generosity after the natural disasters around the world this past year. Gratitude was such a part of these efforts-the recipients, of course, were grateful for all of the help they received; the donors were reminded of their blessings and their ability to give and serve others. The rest of us are grateful to see others in action, expressing the love and service that we aren't always able to do directly. We see the effect that ordinary people can have on inspiring whole communities to action.
Questions for reflection:

1. What are the things in my life I am most grateful for?
2. How would I like to practice gratitude on an everyday basis?
3. How have negative emotions like anger and anxiety dissipated when I am practicing gratitude?
4. When have I had a sense of wonder about the beauty of this world?

Enthusiasm

A Virtues Moment: ENTHUSIASM

"Enthusiasm is being filled with spirit. When we live with enthusiasm, we are excited about life and are open to the wonders each day holds. We do things wholeheartedly, with zeal and eagerness, holding nothing back. We allow the excitement of the moment to fill us… We live in the moment and appreciate what we have, finding joy in simple pleasures… Enthusiasm helps us to imagine what is possible. We follow our dreams with true joy."
-excerpted with permission from Virtues Reflection Cards by Linda Kavelin Popov. http://virtuestraining.com/24_products
There are so many things to be enthusiastic about:

• The Virtues Project has a new website and you can do your very own Virtues Pick with a different virtue everyday!http://virtuesproject.com
  Check it out!
• Knowledge of the Virtues is spreading in Kenya as professional people join schools and communities in the practice of the 5 strategies

COMING SOON: NEW VIRTUES TRAINING FACEBOOK PAGE. Become a fan and join the discussion!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. What are you enthusiastic about?
   
2. What will you do wholeheartedly this month?
   
3. How can you live in the moment instead of regretting the past or worrying about the future?
   
4. What dream would you like to follow with true joy?

Detachment

"Detachment is experiencing your feelings without allowing your feelings to control you. It is choosing how you will react in a situation rather than just reacting… Detachment is a way to use thinking and feeling together, so that you don't let your feelings run away with you."
-From the Virtues Project cards, with permission from The Virtues Project™
People often ask about the virtue of Detachment. They see it as a negative quality, as not being engaged with people, or as being uncaring. When the definition of Detachment is read, there is a big sigh, an understanding, an AHA. Then, Detachment is seen as a gift, like, "Oh, I have a choice about how I can act in a situation. I hadn't thought of that before."
Some of the biggest gifts parents had from Detachment were when their children were in their late teens and twenties… when they were unhappy with their choices, or when the mom or dad was unhappy with their choices! With Detachment, they could step back and say, "This is their journey, not mine. If I try to fix the situation or give my (unsolicited) advice, I am robbing them of the opportunity for them to practice their virtues of discernment, courage, or wisdom. And of course, they will learn from their teachable moments, just as we have learned from ours. They have the opportunity to strengthen their spiritual muscles. What a gift Detachment is.
Questions for reflection:

1. When have I experienced my feelings without allowing my feelings to control me?
2. How can I practice detachment with my family members?
3. How can I refrain from giving my unsolicited advice?
4. How does detachment keep me safe?

Recent training

In January and February 2013 we have conducted intensive training in eight schools and three community groups, including Shikusa Borstal Inst and Shibale Friends Church. .
We welcome all the new Virtues practioners.

Making rules at Shibale Friends Church Mumias and at Shikusa Borstal Institute:

 Feeding the local children after the Virtues training:

 

 

.

Assertiveness: Virtues of the week

 We have the courage to speak up for what we believe is right. We tell the truth about what is just. Assertiveness comes from knowing our own worth, and honouring the dignity of who we are. We stand on our own holy ground, and set boundaries without guilt. We never beg or make demands. We ask for what we need by making simple, positive requests. We treat ourselves with respect and expect respect at all times.

'Dost thou reckon thyself a puny form, when within thee the universe is folded?" Imam Ali

The Practice of Assertiveness

I speak my truth with confidence

I value the gifts I have to give

I stand up for what I think is right

I honour my own worth

I set clear boundaries

I know I am worthy of respect

I am thankful for the gift of Assertiveness. It is the guardian of my dignity