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The Virtues Gazette Bringing Virtues To Life |
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The Virtues Gazette Bringing Virtues To Life |
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Welcome to the VIRTUES GAZETTE, a FREE monthly e-zine that brings you practical ways to boost moral intelligence in homes, schools and communities. Since our launch on September 25, 2002, we have had four hundred subscribers from 19 countries! Its inspiring to see so many people putting virtues into action. Thanks for all the encouraging notes. Feel free to pass this newsletter along to a friend. Subscribe here
IN THIS ISSUE: NEXT MONTH: Does character education work? -current research on the elements of effective character education
1. HOW DO CHILDREN DEVELOP A COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL VALUES? The strongest influence on children's behavior are the role models that children have around them and the relationship they have with those people. Children are motivated to copy the behavior of adults they love. Research shows that children develop a commitment to ethical values from:[From Educating Hearts and Minds: A Comprehensive Character Education Framework, Edward F. DeRoche and Mary M. Williams, Corwin Press, 2001] Back to Top
- Identifying with significant others who live by these values
- Internalizing these values from others
- Learning to love the good in oneself
- Experiencing reinforcement of behaviors demonstrating these values
- Experiencing logical consequences from adults for behaviors opposing these values
- Seeing models who exemplify these values
- Developing perspective taking
- Acquiring higher levels of moral reasoning
- Experiencing these values in relationships and interactions
- Practicing behaviors exemplifying these values
2. VIRTUE OF THE MONTH-JOYFULNESS-- By Nancy A. Watters, MA
I was recently asked to speak about "joyfulness" to a local Multiple Sclerosis support group. It was a good opportunity to reflect on what true joy is. Don Blanding said, "Joy is an inside job." Others say its and "attitude of gratitude". We cannot always control the outer circumstances of our lives--heath, livelihood, family, etc.. In fact, life creates and obstacle course of some sort for everyone. What we CAN learn to control is our reaction to the events in our lives. We can choose what we think and what we do about the 'cards' life deals us. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade", right?
It's worth taking 'Joyfulness' seriously (pardon the oxymoron)! There are many benefits:True happiness is founded upon spiritual behavior. When we practice the virtues in our lives, we build enduring character traits that all cultures have honored--qualitites of the human spirit, the Divine within us. Kindness, compassion, truthfulness, courage, dignity, wisdom, patience and love lead to inner joy that nothing can take away. May you experience this lasting joy in your lives! List of 52 virtues
- Changed thinking alters the brain chemestry. Positive thoughts have been proven as effective as medication in treating depression, phobias and anxiety.
- Our intellect is keener when we are happy. Chronic high stress destroys neurons associated with learning and memory.
- Happy classrooms elevate endorphins in students, which reduce pain and increase joy. Positive social contacts and supportive comments aid learning.
- Laughter cures physical illness. Norman Cousins cured himself of a fatal disease through laughter. For his inspirational story, read Anatomy of an Illness. Or read Bernie Siegel, Humor and Healing. For the scientific facts visit the Norman Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology
Want to take a 'laughter cure'? Check out Loretta LaRoche, a hilarious international speaker who uses humor to teach stress management. Her books and videos, including Happy Talk--Fun Ways to Talk to Yourself can be found at http://www.stressed.com
Did you know that teachers burnout three times faster than people with similar levels of training do? The more you care, the more likely you are to burn out. Put the joy back in teaching with a special workshop for educators--"Preventing Educator Burnout: Reclaiming the Joy of Teaching". Ida Courier, who has been teaching third grade for 14 years took the workshop and said, You have awakened joy in my life! Read more about this powerful, practical workshop at http://www.virtuesconsulting.com/burnout.html
WORDS OF WISDOM:
The greatest discovery in our generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James
Joy gives us wings! At times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and find our sphere of influence. 'Abdu'l-Baha
ACTION IDEA: For one month try writing a gratitude journal. At the end of each day list the things you are grateful for, however small. A hot bath? A friendly hello from a neighbor? The opportunity to help someone else? Consider this your own personal experiment in joyfulness. What is the effect on your life? Write in your own blank book or purchase The Joy Journal from Loretta LaRoche at http://www.stressed.com
SIGNS OF SUCCESS: Congratulations! You are practicing Joyfulness when you:[From The Virtues Project Educator's Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov, http://www.virtuesproject.com]
- Look inside for happiness
- Enjoy whatever you are doing
- Appreciate the gifts in your life and in yourself
- Find creative ways to enjoy your time
- Have a good sense of humor
- Feel an inner peace even when things are tough
REFLECTION: What negative thoughts do I need to relinquish? What thoughts help me remain joyful in the face of difficulties?
AFFIRMATIONS: I now choose to experience the sweetness of today. This moment is filled with joy. [From Heal Your Body by Louise Hay.] Back to Top
3. VIRTUE GEMS--INSPIRATIONAL AND HUMOROUS STORIES
Carol Jepson, a teacher in British Columbia, Canada shared this humorous anecdote at a recent Virtues Project workshop. "At our elementary school we give children a small gem whenever we see them demonstrating a virtue. One day, one of the boys came running in from the playground quite distressed. 'Teacher, teacher, I lost my virtue on the playground!', he said. I quickly gave him another gem, lest he report his 'lost virtue' to his parents."
DO YOU HAVE A HUMOROUS OR INSPIRING STORY OF virtues in action TO SHARE? Send your stories toBack to Top
- Submissions must be 300 words or less
- Include your full name and address
- By submitting you accept that your text may be abridged. Your words will not be changed.
- We will credit your name and country to your text, or NWBR (name withheld by request). Please indicate if you wish NWBR.
- If you are quoting from someone else's words, please use quotation marks and properly credit the source.
- Let us know if you would like a link to your web site included.
- Due to space constraints, not all submissions will be published.
4. UPCOMING EVENTS, NEWS, SPECIAL OFFERS
THE VIRTUES PROJECT®TRAINING--
Take time away from your daily routine to relax and enjoy this two-day workshop at a serene retreat center on VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA. Experience empowering activities that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. You will learn five strategies to raise morally conscious children, create peaceful schools, enhance workforce integrity and cultivate personal growth. This workshop is a prerequisite for those wishing to become facilitators of The Virtues Project®. It will be held during a weekend in early 2003. About the Presenter
About The Virtues Project 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 living!"Denise Daniels, Health Educator, Minnesota
TO REGISTER:
Phone/Fax: 250-746-3626
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-386-0253 (North America)
A SOUL FULL MARRIAGE COUPLES RETREAT--
November 16 & 17 at Spirit Ridge Inn, a beautiful retreat center, just north of Seattle. Based on principles and strategies of The Virtues Project®, married couples wishing to enrich their relationships will:Facilitators Peter and Betsy Lydle Smith are experienced Virtues Project facilitators who have been married 32 years. $175 per couple. Food and lodging additional. To register call 425-747-9079 or email Betsy Lydle-Smith
- Learn and Practice how to communicate peacefully and lovingly
- Resolve conflicts peacefully, assertively and without angry words
- Experience quiet time for reflections, a nature walk, journaling and communication.
- Experience a renewal in your marriage and have fun!
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
TO SCHEDULE NANCY WATTERS FOR A WORKSHOP, SPEECH OR RETREAT CONTACT:
Toll free phone: 1-866-386-0253 (North America)
Phone/fax: 250-746-3626
©2003 Watters & Associates Webmaster