VOLUME 4--CONTENTMENT
January 2003
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:
- Traits of Effective Character Education Programs
- Virtue of the Month--Contentment
- Virtue Gems-Inspirational stories of virtues in action-Send YOUR Stories
- Virtues Project® TRAINING RETREAT--January 31--February 2, 2003
- Events, news and special offers
- Archive of previous issues
NEXT MONTH: The virtue of love, and "Virtues in the Workplace"
1. TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Effective character education and moral leadership programs take a comprehensive approach that leads to an ethos of integrity throughout the organization. All stakeholders participate in creating and implementing the program, and there is support from a key administrator who takes responsibility for ongoing management of the initiative. Character is defined broadly to include understanding, caring about and acting on core ethical values. There is ongoing, active attention given to understanding an agreed-upon set of core virtues and they are woven throughout the activities of the organization. There is the expectation that leaders and teachers are committed to modeling the behaviors they are requiring of students and employees. A climate of encouragement and caring is established, and moral behavior is noticed and appreciated. Successful programs recognize that change occurs over time, and are committed to a continuous process of improvement. The program is evaluated regularly and makes changes as lessons are learned.
Several excellent statements on this topic have been created by the Character Education Partnership--
Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education
Character Education Standards
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2. VIRTUE OF THE MONTH---CONTENTMENT--
By Nancy A. Watters, MA
Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free. Shaker song
Contentment: satisfied state, tranquil happiness (Oxford Pocket Dictionary)
Contentment develops by 1) freeing ourselves from extreme desires and wants-- the "gimmies", 2) giving up unnecessary possessions and clutter 3) spending our time on what really matters, 4) seeing difficulties as opportunities for growth, 5) trusting that there is a loving Great Spirit that will help us if we ask and 6) accepting things we cannot change.
Peace Pilgrim explains how she gradually came to a place of contentment. "In my early life I . . .discovered that making money was easy. And in the second place I discovered that making money and spending it foolishly was completely meaningless. I knew that this was not what I was here for . . .In this materialistic age we have such a false criterion by which to measure success. We measure it in terms of dollars, in terms of material things. But happiness and inner peace do not lie in that direction." She goes on to say, "Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens. Many lives are cluttered not only with unnecessary possessions but also with meaningless activities. Cluttered lives are out of harmony lives and require simplification. Wants and needs can become the same in a human life and, when this is accomplished, there will be a sense of harmony . . ." "Material things must be put in their proper place. They are there for our use. Its alright to use them; that's what they're there for. But when they've outlived their usefulness, be ready to relinquish them and perhaps pass them on to someone who does need them. Anything that you cannot relinquish when it has outlived its usefulness possesses you, and in this materialistic age a great many of us are possessed by our possessions. We are not free." More wisdom from Peace Pilgrim
There is a growing movement called "voluntary simplicity". Large numbers of people are choosing to voluntarily "downsize" their lifestyles in order to achieve a higher quality of life. Voluntary simplicity is not to be confused with asceticism or being severely self-denying. The term "Voluntary Simplicity", popularized by Duane Elgin, refers to adopting a simpler life-style by reducing our consumption in order to help conserve the earth's dwindling resources. Many feel that the simple life is less stressful and more fulfilling -- it's a way to reduce the number of hours spent working for pay and increase the time spent with children, friends, family or contributing to the community. Overview of Voluntary Simplicity
Janet Luhrs wrote in the Simple Living Guide, that "Simplicity means making time for yourself in a hectic world. You clear out what's superfluous and make room for a life of passion, depth and joy. . . it's about streamlining your life so you have time for all the things you love. Think of simplicity as a set of tools that you can use to get your life back. We only get to go around once, so simplicity helps us dig out from under our piles of clutter, meaningless commitments, debt, and over committed time. Best yet, it gives us the space to step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what really matters, so we can live from our core, our essence - rather than slogging through on auto pilot." Practical, step-by-step tips
The road to contentment sometimes begins with adversity. Through adversity we discover what is really important to us. We come to understand that we are spiritual beings and our fulfillment comes from developing the virtues-spiritual powers--latent within us. We can learn to trust a Higher Power and let go of our fears. John R. Miller said, "If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may be."
On the other hand, when life is easy and we are materially satisfied, we sometimes become complacent--but not necessarily happy. If we become lethargic or lazy, then we need to use the virtue of purposefulness. True contentment includes having a sense of meaning and purpose.
WORDS OF WISDOM:
"Contentment is the greatest treasure." The Dhammapeda
"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." Helen Keller--deaf and blind
"Anything in life that we don't accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it." Shakti Gawain
"I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind." Albert Einstein
"Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires." Lao-Tsu
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius-and a lot of courage-to move in the opposite direction." E. F. Schumacher
ACTION IDEA:
Create a "sacred space" in your home for quiet reflection and prayer. Everyone needs times of stillness to nourish their spirits, whether they are religious or not. Use this corner or room only for contemplation. Remove all clutter and decorate it simply with beautiful items that touch your spirit. You might include flowers, soft music, candles, treasures collected on the beach, a beautiful cloth, inspirational books, prayers, poems and your journal. Encourage family members to spend some quiet time there each day.
WAYS TO DEVELOP CONTENTMENT:
- Nourish your spirit with a daily practice of reflection and reverence
- View adversity as an opportunity to learn spiritual truths
- Accept the things you cannot change
- Slow down and appreciate the present moment
- De-clutter your physical environment
- Live within your means
- Think carefully before you say "Yes" to time commitments
- Educate children to be wise consumers
- Turn off commercial advertising
- Decide what really matters and live by your priorities
- Trust a Spiritual Power higher than yourself to assist you
AFFIRMATIONS: "Simple living brings me freedom and contentment. I keep material things in perspective. I give myself the gift of quiet time. My spirit is happy when I let go of extreme desires. Life's difficulties are teaching me wisdom. I trust my Creator."
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3. VIRTUE GEMS--INSPIRATIONAL AND HUMOROUS STORIES
DO YOU HAVE A HUMOROUS OR INSPIRING STORY OF Virtues in Action TO SHARE? Send them to
Submission Guidelines
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4. THE VIRTUES PROJECT®--TRAINING RETREAT OFFERED JANUARY 31--FEBRUARY 2
"This was an outstanding workshop. . .bringing out the best in people using simple
methods that everyone can relate to." Peggy Philips, teacher, Missouri
I learned how to apply virtues not only in my personal life, but also at work and in the community. Virtues ARE the core to lifing!" Denise Daniels, Health Educator, Minnesota
Take time away from your daily routine to relax and enjoy this two-day professional development program at a serene retreat center on Vancouver Island in Canada. Experience personally transformative activities that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. You will begin to learn five skills used worldwide in classrooms, homes and workplacse 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, Canada
RATES: Early Bird (By Jan. 13th) $275 CDN; $199 US. After Jan. 13th, $325 CDN, $299 US.
REGISTRATION DETAILS: Pre-registration and deposit are required to hold your space.
REGISTRATION FORM
ABOUT THE TRAINER--Nancy Watters
ABOUT THE VIRTUES PROJECT
FACILITATOR TRAINING
5. UPCOMING EVENTS, NEWS, SPECIAL OFFERS
Schedule of Events
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 SOUL FULL MARRIAGE: A COUPLES RETREAT"
For any couple interested in enriching their relationship by learning and practicing new ways of communicating, bringing out the best in their partner and themselves, and being renewed emotionally, spiritually, and physically in a beautiful retreat setting.
Facilitators: Betsy & Peter Smith.
Dates: February 15-16, Sat. 10 IS to Sunday 4 PM, (Presidents' Weekend)
Location: Camano Island, WA (north of Seattle)
Space is limited. Contact Betsy Lydle-Smith at 425-747-9079; Email: BLydleS@aol.com
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