VOLUME 3--GRATITUDE
December 2002
Published monthly by Watters & Associates, British Columbia, Canada
Author/Editor: Nancy A. Watters, MA
The Virtues Gazette is a FREE monthly e-zine that brings you practical ways to boost "moral intelligence" in homes, schools and communities. Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends. Subscribe here
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Does character education work?
- Virtue of the Month-Gratitude
- Virtue Gems-Inspirational stories of virtues in action-Send YOUR Stories
- Virtues Project® TRAINING RETREAT--February 2003
- Upcoming Events
- Archive of previous issues
NEXT MONTH: The virtue of contentment, and "Traits of Effective Character Education Programs"
1. DOES CHARACTER EDUCATION WORK?
Can character education counter negative student behavior, decrease discipline problems, boost academic achievement, improve school climate, prevent teen pregnancies and lower substance abuse? Schools report all these outcomes, yet few controlled, comparative, empirical studies currently exist. Program implementation is outpacing research. Further, what works in one district may not be generalizable to others. Nevertheless, emerging research points to promising trends.
The Search Institute, for example, has identified 40 "assets" that help young people grow up "healthy, caring and responsible". The assets include individual attitudes, values and social competencies, as well as community supports such as a caring school climate, postive adult role models, and constructive outlets for service and leisure. Greater numbers of these assets in a young person's life are correlated to higher academic achievement, tolerance, self-control and good health practices. Additionally, those youth with the highest number of assets are least likely to engage in problem alcohol use, illicit drug use, sexual activity, and violence. For more about this encouraging research visit http://www.search-institute.org.
The Second Step program of the Committee For Children teaches empathy, impulse control, problem solving and anger management. Independent research shows that the program decreases verbal and physical aggression, and increases prosocial behavior and school attendance. This is one of the top-rated programs for violence and substance abuse prevention. Learn more at http://www.cfchildren.org
A final note of caution: Good character is developed over time, building gradually through stages of child development. Dramatic improvements in student behavior as a result of implementing any particular program should not be expected in the short term.
Back to Top
2. VIRTUE OF THE MONTH-GRATITUDE--
By Nancy A. Watters, MA
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for creating joy, healing, contentment, spiritual growth and lasting relationships. Each moment of our lives we can choose our attitude and where to focus our attention. When we consciously choose to be grateful, even in difficult circumstances, our ability to see the good in life is strengthened. Eventually, "seeing your cup half full" becomes a mental habit. On the other hand, a sense of entitlement blocks gratitude. When we choose to think that life owes us more than we have, we create constant dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Everyone's life has a dark and a light side. Gratitude means that we focus on the light. Someone once remarked, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." The practical result of this is that we get more of what we pay attention to. Choose to focus on human nobility, yours and others, and you can achieve serenity that is not affected by outer circumstances. Sound too idealistic? Victor Frankl tells us that,
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms-to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances . . ."
For more than 30 years The Thanks-Giving Foundation at Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas, Texas, has researched the virtue of gratitude. Its mission is to celebrate and promote the spirit of thanksgiving enshrined in all cultures and spiritual traditions. Their web site includes information about educational programs for all ages, and books such as "Gratitude: Activities for Parents and Educators of Young Children", and "Declarations of World Thanksgiving 1982-1996 signed by 12 leaders of world religions. Take a look at this beautiful site! http://www.thanksgiving.org
Another inspiring resource about the gifts and practices of gratitude is the book "Attitudes of Gratitude" and the accompanying journal by M.J. Ryan available from Conari Press, 1-800-685-9595, http://www.Conari.com.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
The Zen master Ling Chi said that the miracle is . . .just to walk on earth. You breath in. You become aware of the fact that you are alive. You are still alive and your are walking on this beautiful planet . . ." Thich Nhat Hahn
As you wander on through life, sister/brother, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the donut, and not upon the hole. Sign in the Mayflower Coffee Shot, Chicago
ACTION IDEA: Start a "chain reaction" of appreciation. See how many times you can say thank you to the people in your life today; or phone someone and tell them the reasons that you love having them in your life; or write letters to loved ones listing 20 things that you value in them. These expressions of appreciation are especially powerful if you acknowledge virtues you notice in them. To acknowledge a virtue say "Thank you for being honest about your feelings," or "I really appreciate that you were so courteous when you answered the phone." As you name the virtue, identify the behavior that demonstrated it. Your children will learn an "attitude of gratitude" by copying you.-- List of 52 virtues
WAYS TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE:
- Slow down and appreciate the present moment
- List your blessings each day--particularly the ordinary things
- Honor the special people in your life
- Savour positive memories
- Send a note of thanks when you receive a gift
- Appreciate the special talents you were created with
- Find the lessons in hard times
- Speak up about the good things in the world
- Give thanks for life
AFFIRMATIONS: Life is awesome! There are many gifts in this present moment and many good people in this world. I choose to be a grateful and joyful being. I dwell on pleasant memories. I am grateful for the lessons that hard times teach.
Back to Top
3. VIRTUE GEMS--INSPIRATIONAL AND HUMOROUS STORIES
On a recent speaking tour my luggage got lost one evening. The airline was apologetic, but explained that the last flights had gone out and my luggage could not be delivered until 8:45 the next morning. All of my presentation materials were in that suitcase, and my workshop was to begin at 9:00 AM! This was a bit nerve-wracking, to say the least. What if it didn't arrive at all? Since worry wouldn't help, I tried to relax and use the virtues of Trust and Flexibility. I gave myself a pep talk: "Even if my luggage doesn't arrive, I will manage. I can do a great workshop without visual aids and my notes." (Who am I kidding?) The next morning, with more than a little trepidation, I went to the meeting room. Much to my relief, my suitcase was delivered as promised, fifteen minutes prior to the start of the workshop. I was truly amazed and grateful for the dozens of people who cooperated so effectively to get it there. In these situations many people feel they are entitled to be angry and grumpy. But we have a choice. One person made an error. Dozens of people cooperated efficiently. Shall we focus on the one? Or the dozens?
DO YOU HAVE A HUMOROUS OR INSPIRING STORY OF virtues in action TO SHARE? Send your stories to
Submission Guidelines
Back to Top
4. THE VIRTUES PROJECT®--TRAINING RETREAT IN FEBRUARY
"Absolutely fabulous, invaluable!" Alycia Marlenee, teacher, Montana
"This was an outstanding workshop. . .bringing out the best in people using simple
methods that everyone can relate to."
Peggy Philips, teacher, Missouri
Take time away from your daily routine to relax and enjoy this two-day professional development program at a serene retreat center. Personally experience transformative activities that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. The Virtues Project is an award-winning, non-sectarian program that teaches the simple elements of character honored by all cultures and spiritual traditions. You will learn five simple strategies used worldwide in classrooms, homes and workplaces to raise morally conscious children, create peaceful schools, enhance workforce integrity, and cultivate personal growth.
WHEN: Friday, January 31st (7:00 PM)through Sunday, February 2, 2003 (3:00 PM)
WHERE: Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
FULL REGISTRATION DETAILS: http://www.virtuesconsulting.com/Registration.pdf
ABOUT THE TRAINER--Nancy Wattershttp://www.virtuesconsulting.com/resume.html
ABOUT THE VIRTUES PROJECT http://www.virtuesconsulting.com/virtuesproject.html
FACILITATOR TRAINING
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Complete Schedule
Workshop Descriptions
Nancy Watters would like to present a WORKSHOP, SPEECH OR RETREAT for your organization in the coming year. Contact her at:
; Toll free phone: 1-866-386-0253 (North America);Phone/fax: 250-746-3626
THE ART OF DEEP LISTENING--How to Listen So Your Customers Will Tell you What You Want to Know-- Based on the Art of Spiritual Companioning(tm), this workshop is for those who would like to communicate effectively and positively in the workplace, create mutual respect, and build long-term relationships with customers and colleagues.
Facilitator: Virtues Project Trainer, Betsy Lydle-Smith
Location: Bellevue, WA, USA
Time 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Thursday, December 12
To register call 425-747-9079
©2003 Watters & Associates
Webmaster
Back to Top
|
