This month, the Spiritual Journey Thursday community is exploring the topic of virtue as suggested by our host, Karen Eastlund. When Karen posed this topic she added a long list of virtues, positive behaviors illustrating high moral standards that are important for well-being. Upon reviewing the list of virtues, I paused to reflect on how I could incorporate more virtues, character traits, into my life. I am eager to follow my one word, begin, on a new spiritual pathway.
Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. - Elaine S. Dalton
- Beginning a New Spiritual Journey
- If I accept what is and
- let go of worries and expectations,
- contentment and joy may flow more freely.
- If I add the power of forgiveness,
- deeper compassion for others,
- and a flowing gift of kindness
- will I establish
- a truly humble heart?
- If so, patience will need
- to step forward so
- balance can be achieved.
- Hope could fly across
- the new path to serenity
- where gratitude
- will govern each day.
- Then, I shall be blessed
- with the grace of
- living life to its fullest intent.
- A thankful heart is the greatest virtue. - Cicero
Thank you, Carol. It's a lifelong journey. I'm glad you are in it with me! Blessings...
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that you chose this topic, Karen. Even though I thought for a long time before writing, the thinking time was worthwhile. Walking the journey with those who care is a very soothing thought.
DeleteCarol, lovely question you ask in your new beginnings poem:
ReplyDelete"If I add the power of forgiveness,
deeper compassion for others,
and a flowing gift of kindness
will I establish
a truly humble heart?"
I believe those truly are virtues of a humble heart. Yes, as Karen said, it's nice to walk the journey with you.
We are kindred spirits walking the path onward, Denise and Karen. May our paths cross one day. This topic has brought much reflection and that is very good because the world needs to step back and reflect.
DeleteA beautiful, reflective poem, Carol. I hope you've printed it for prominence in your home.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed by the perfect quotes you find for your posts, Carol - such as this one, on virtue beginning in the heart and mind. Absolutely true. I feel as if I could do a line-by-line response to your beautiful poem, for it really is the knitting of all those virtuous characteristics that bring peace and fullness to life. Cicero was right about a thankful heart. Seeing through the eyes of gratitude transforms everything - not without, but within. "The power of forgiveness" is equally transformative, maybe more so. This is the line that strikes me most of all. Forgiving is like ballast to a hot air balloon - in dropping that weight, we rise. It frees us. I am always grateful for your insights, Carol!
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteCarol, just home from a quick trip to UT and trying to catch up on missed posts. There's so much to love in your poem, but my favorite lines mark the beginning,
ReplyDelete"If I accept what is and
let go of worries and expectations,
contentment and joy may flow more freely."
and the end,
"Then, I shall be blessed
with the grace of
living life to its fullest intent."
I love reading your words and thinking of your thoughtful journey taken through virtue this month. Karen indeed gave us food for though.