My friend and fellow coach, Tia (@tiasparkles) wrote a post about the action of pursuing happiness being a trap…and her journey to understanding this idea.
In her post, Tia mentions that, “Living a values based life is what will bring you true happiness…”
This reminded me of a book I love…and used a whole lot in the early years of home schooling our children. It’s called, “The Virtues Project Educator’s Guide: Simple Ways To Create A Culture of Character”, written by Linda Kavelin Popov
Cultivate Virtue
I’ve long felt that tuning in to the power of a virtue-based life is key.
When we place our focus on virtues or values that are important to us…and live the magic of them, the vibration of these virtues in our lives draws us ever closer to our most brilliant, aligned, Divine Self. (*because the vibrations of the virtues are a part of our born brilliance)
As with anything that is real and true, it serves us well to begin within. Cultivate virtue within first. And when the nature of the virtue sprouts from within…the possibility for seeding virtue around you is infinite.
Just as Tia mentioned pursuing Happiness can be trap…
So can pursuing virtues. …or pursuing anything really.
The key is in the being-ness. Not so much in the pursuing-ness.
When we recognize that the qualities of every value, every happiness, every JOY in our lives are inherently within…we no longer feel the need to seek…or pursue…and the feeling of Happiness, Peace, JOY, Bliss, Hope, Promise, LOVE, etc…just bubble up. And suddenly we’re the cork, bobbing along on top of the water as Abraham so vividly suggests.
Below, you’ll find a list of virtues.
As you read them, feel into them…
It’s the feeling quality that goes along with each virtue and how that feeling truly resonates with each of us in our own uniqueness that matters.
Are there some that feel like your favorite pair of jeans? Are there some that feel so close to home you can feel their warm invitation? Are there others that feel distant, cold or somewhat like uncharted territory? Are there any that feel so natural to you that you don’t even have to wonder what they are…they’re like breathing, they just happen?
- The ones that feel so very close to you are your natural harmonizer virtues. They are the ones that give you your brilliance, your inner-light, your natural glow. They are always at work in your vibration. Others recognize these in you without you doing a single thing.
- The ones that feel a bit foreign are wonderful…but they’re not yours…not in the natural, harmonizing kind of way. You can visit these virtues; but they’ll never feel like home to you and that’s OK. Someone else ‘lives’ and feels at home with them.
- The ones that feel like home, like your most comfy pair of jeans or your most cozy slippers…those are the ones you feel most comfortable wearing with others. They’re the ones that fit perfectly and you never tire of wearing.
Knowing the virtues that are inherently a part of your character, your Divine Blueprint, your Soul’s innate voice, will bring you ever closer to you knowing your self.
The more deeply we get to know ourselves, the more in harmony we become with our true nature, our core Brilliance.
You’ve heard me talk time and again about the value of Self Love. Coming into relationship with your core virtues is an amazing tool to deepen and strengthen your relationship with Self...giving you more and more reasons to love your Self along the way.
Tune in…
Now, I invite you to look at the list. Feel into each of the virtues and see if you can recognize the ones that feel like:
- Your Natural Harmonizers ~ The virtues that are your true Brilliance. The virtues that just become you…with no thought, no ‘trying’, they are just a part of you…they are your inner-light.
- Your Most Comfy-Cozy-Wear them with anything, any time, any where Virtues. They fit so perfectly, you love to wear them all the time.
- Your ‘I’m only visiting here’ Virtues. The ones that feel a little outside, a little foreign…you like them, but they’re not you entirely.
List of Core Virtues~
This list includes some (not all) virtues & is derived from “Sacred Moments: Daily Meditations on the Virtues” by Linda Kavelin-Popov
- acceptance
- beauty
- commitment
- compassion
- confidence
- contentment
- courage
- courtesy
- creativity
- detachment
- devotion
- diligence
- discernment
- enthusiasm
- excellence
- faith
- flexibility
- forgiveness
- generosity
- gentleness
- grace
- gratitude
- humility
- idealism
- integrity
- joy
- justice
- kindness
- love
- loyalty
- moderation
- order
- patience
- peace
- perseverance
- prayerfulness
- purity
- purposefulness
- respect
- responsibility
- reverence
- righteousness
- sacrifice
- self-discipline
- service
- tolerance
- trust
- trustworthiness
- truthfulness
- unity
- wisdom
- wonder
If it feels good, make a list. Celebrate YOU and the virtues that make you Brilliant. Use the list to connect more deeply with your Self. See the virtues as more reasons to be in Love with your Self. Honor and cherish the way that these virtues guide and support you in being the absolute best you can be. See these virtues alive and active in your daily experience.
And when you’re ready…see how amazing it is to notice virtues present in your loved ones, co-workers, friends and general passers-by. Grow to recognize and appreciate virtues that are alive and well within others.
An exercise in the good stuff
This is a remarkable exercise. It places your focus and attention on the good stuff. We all know where we go and what we get when our energy is moving in the direction of good. We get more and more and more good!
And, I just bet that Happiness will be a key feeling along the way!
Happy travels, my Virtuous Friends! EnJOY the journey, be blessed along the way.
Oh and PLEASE, send me a ‘post card’ in the comment stream. I’d love to hear about your discoveries…especially which virtues are alive and well within each of you!
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Featured, Feel Good Be Well, Harmony, JOB~Joy of Brilliance