Weekly Virtues Project Reflections

Forbearance is patience, fortitude and acceptance under trying circumstances. We tolerate hardship with good grace. We quietly call on our self-restraint. We are long-suffering in situations that we cannot control. We do not allow the trials of life to steel our joy. We extend forgiveness and understanding to others, knowing that we all have flaws and frailties. We are forbearing with ourselves, humbly mindful of the times we fall short, ready to move forward to try again. Forbearance is the mortar that keeps our relationships resilient and strong

“Forbearance is the greatest virtue. Cover the blemishes, faults and weaknesses of others. Excuse their feelings, bury their weakness in silence… and forgive” ~ Karunamati, 21st Century Guru

The Practice of Forbearance:
* I am accepting in times of trouble.
* I tolerate what I cannot control.
* I use self-restraint to calm my emotions.
* I am patient and forgiving with others.
* I humbly learn from my mistakes.
* I am committed for the long run.

I am thankful for the gift of Forbearance. It gives me a resilient spirit.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Flexibility is the ability to adapt and change amid the fluctuating circumstances of life. We go with the flow, seeing the choices, challenges, and opportunities in all that happens. We do not insist on our own way. We are open to the opinions and feelings of others. When the unexpected comes, we rise to the challenge with resilience and confidence. We are willing to change unproductive habits. We seek imaginative new ways to do things. The winds of change may bend us but they only make us stronger. We are willing to grow. We enjoy spontaneity. We welcome surprises.

“I bend but do not break.” ~ Jean de la Fontaine

The Practice of Flexibility:
* I adapt when change is called for.
* I trust the course of my life.
* I find creative ways to solve problems.
* I accept the things I cannot change.
* I am in a constant state of growth.
* I am open to life’s unexpected wonders.

I am thankful for the gift of Flexibility. It keeps my spirit supple.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Fidelity is abiding by an agreement, treating it as a personal covenant. It is remaining true to a cherished ideal no matter what happens to thwart our purpose. Marriage thrives when we fulfill our promise if absolute faithfulness to each other. In each relationship we form, fidelity keeps us scrupulously loyal. We avoid backbiting and casting blame. We call on our courage to resolve differences face to face. We are devoted to our employment and keep faith with a standard of excellence. We continually aim to be trustworthy. Fidelity keeps us on a path of true integrity.

“Many persons have a worng idea of what consitutes happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” ~ Helen Keller

The Practice of Fidelity:
* I honor my commitments.
* I stay true to my partner.
* I am loyal to those I love.
* I work out problems directly.
* I am meticulous in my work.
* I walk my talk.

I am thankful for the gift of Fidelity. It is my firm foundation.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Faithfulness is being loyal to our beliefs, remaining firm and steadfast regardless of what happens. When our faith is tested, we stay strong, and learn from the experience. We do our work with meticulous care and excellence, faithful to its true intent. With the people we love, we are abiding and trustworthy. They know we will not abandon them or violate the sacred trust between us. Faithfulness through the changes and tests of time is a sign of lasting love. Faithful friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures.

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” ~ Gautama Buddha

The Practice of Faithfulness:
* I am committed to my beliefs.
* I seek the lessons in difficulties.
* I stand by my friends and loved ones.
* I have abiding relationships.
* I cherish my friendships.

I am thankful for the gift of Faithfulness. It makes me a covenant person.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Fairness is treating each other even handedly so that each person receives a share. With fairness, we meet everyone’s needs. We listen to the views of others with openness, and expect to be heard with equal respect. We don’t focus on who is right but on what is right for all concerned. Without bias, favoritism or prejudice, we level the playing field. We are as protective of the rights of others as we are of our own. We seek not to overpower but to empower. We are lovers of justice.

“Hear one side and you will be in the dark; hear both sides and all will be clear.” ~ Thomas Chandler Haliburton

The Practice of Fairness:
* I treat others justly.
* I hear other points of view with openness.
* I expect respect for my perspective.
* I care more about doing right than being right.
* I believe in fair play.
* I have a win/win attitude.

I am thankful for the gift of Fairness. It is our common ground.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Excellence is giving our very best to any task we do and any relationship we have. Within us are many possibilities. Excellence hones our talents and turns them into gifts for the world. Excellence requires us to practice humility by learning from mistakes. Each time we do something, we seek to improve it, to keep raising the bar. Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose. It is ongoing mastery. It flows when we are doing what we love. The perfection of a seed is the fruit that grows from it. Excellence in our lives brings our gifts to fruition.

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” ~ John Ruskin

The Practice of Endurance:
* I give my best to all that I do.
* I give my best to my relationships.
* I am a lifelong learner.
* I fulfill my true possibilities.
* I strive for mastery.
* I work with love.

I am thankful for the gift of Excellence. It is my true prosperity.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Endurance is our ability to withstand adversity and hardship. We practice perseverance and patience when obstacles arise, open to the lessons they bring. We don’t give up or feel hopeless about ourselves. We hold on. Endurance hones our character and seasons our souls. Weathering the inevitable challenges in our relationships deepens trust and loyalty. It makes love abiding and strong. The early navigators who plotted their course with nothing but the stars became strong, confident sailors. When trouble comes, endurance gives us the strength to stay the course.

“Endurance is not just the ability to endure a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.” ~ William Barclay

The Practice of Endurance:
* I find the strength to live through adversity.
* I seek the lessons in hardships.
* I do not let troubles keep me down.
* I accept the challenges love requires.
* I have lasting relationships.
* I gain confidence by not giving up.

I am thankful for the gift of Empathy. It fortifies my will.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in another’s place and to understand their experience. We are deeply present to their thoughts and feelings with such compassionate accuracy that they can hear their own thoughts more clearly. Empathy connect us us with our common humanity. It protects us from prejudice, blame, and judgment – those things that divide us from each other. With empathy, we reflect on how our actions affect others. It moves us to seek justice for every person. Even those with whom we disagree. Empathy inspires us to be giving and selfless. Empathy connects our hearts.

“To ‘listen’ another’s soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service any human being ever performs for another.” ~ Douglas V. Steere

The Practice of Empathy:
* I seek to understand others’ experience.
* I listen with compassion.
* I refrain from judging and blaming.
* I think about how my choices impact others.
* I care about people’s rights.
* I feel my connections to all people.

I am thankful for the gift of Empathy. It sensitizes my heart.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Discernment is accessing the wisdom of our intuition to discover what is essential and true. Detaching from our desire to rush decisions, we seek to distinguish the true from the false, the facts from our assumptions, and then choose the best path. Reflecting in silence creates space for our deepest perceptions. With contemplative vigilance, we open ourselves to clarity. We listen deeply for the true questions, trusting that the answer will unfold and reveal itself when the time is right. We become alert to the messages that come in subtle and surprising ways. We hold decisions lightly until the truth emerges. Discernment empowers us to be guided by grace.

“Reflection and action must never be undertaken independantly.” ~ Paulo Friere

The Practice of Discernment:
* I trust my inner vision.
* I seek full information.
* I release the pressure to decide by determination alone.
* I take time for reflection and prayer.
* I hone my intuition.
* I am alert to signs placed in my path.
* I am open to revelation.

I am thankful for the gift of Discernment. It leads me to the truth.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.

Diligence is doing what needs to be done with care, concentration and single-pointed attention. It springs from our desire to excellence. When we work with diligence, we give our absolute best. We are artisans, crafting whatever we create with love. We work meticulously in alignment with our purpose. Diligence is needed in tending our relationships. We choose them with discernment, then give them our full commitment, joy, love, and excellence to keep them strong and alive. Diligence is deeply satisfying to our souls.

“Genius is 10% inspiration, and 90% perspiration.” ~ Thomas Alva Edison

The Practice of Diligence:
* I give 100% to the work I do.
* I strive for excellence.
* I pay full attention to whatever I am doing.
* I am conscientious and careful.
* I work with love.
* I give my best to my relationships.

I am thankful for the gift of Diligence. It energizes my life.

Order Virtues Reflection Cards.

Get the Virtues Reflection Cards on your iPhone.