Mindfulness
A Virtues Moment: MINDFULNESS
"Mindfulness is living reflectively, with conscious awareness of our actions, words and thoughts. Awake to the world around us, we fully experience our senses. We are attentive to others' needs. We refuse to rush. Living mindfully lightens our lives by helping us detach from our emotions. We transform anger to justice. We seek joy instead of mere desire. We cultivate our inner vision, aware of life's lessons as they unfold. Mindfulness brings us serenity."
-excerpted with permission from Virtues Reflection Cards by Linda Kavelin Popov. http://virtuestraining.com/24_products*
Did you know that:
Children aged 8 to 18 spend an average of more than 7 hours per day consuming both old media, such as TV, movies, and magazines, as well as new media including internet, social networking sites, video and computer games and cell phones? (Journal of Pediatrics)
Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. (National Institute on Media and Family)
Kids who view violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior, but also fear that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. (Understanding TV's Effect on the Developing Brain, Jane M. Healy.)
I am often asked in Virtues Project workshops what I think about children and adults who commit violent crimes, or blatant acts of dishonesty; do they have virtues? Children and adults have the capacity for good and evil. We are born with all of the virtues in potential. But what happens when instead on concentrating on and developing virtues such as love, kindness, creativity, compassion, caring and peacefulness, we are bombarded with violent acts, promiscuity, disrespect for family members, others, and self, and 4 to 7 hours of watching/using media are replacing time spent in playing creatively, talking together, and using our minds while nurturing our spirits? How can we be mindful and discerning about what is going into the minds and spirits of our children and ourselves?
Questions for reflection:
How can I be mindful of the messages going into my mind and that of my children?
What will help me to seek joy instead of mere desire?
What is one thing I can do today to increase my mindfulness?
What habit would I like to change by using self-discipline and being mindful?
A NEW TOOL TO INCREASE YOUR MINDFULNESS IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Mastering the Five Strategies of The Virtues Project: A Personal Journal to Enrich Your Life in 40 Days
This journal allows for 10-20 minutes per day to cultivate and deepen in your virtues and Virtues Project strategies. Now available as a Microsoft Word download, with space to write your own reflections.
"Living a life filled with honesty, simplicity, reverence, patience and encouragement takes daily practice. This journal gives a solid foundation to making virtues come off the page and show up consciously in your life." -Asali Powers, Atlanta, GA
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Don't miss the 6th ANNUAL
VIRTUES SUMMER INSTITUTE, JUNE, 2010
See what schools around the world are doing to reduce bullying, mediate conflict, and interact positively, with 5 practical strategies of The Virtues Project.
Join parents to create peaceful, joyful families, and organizations to engender cooperation and integrity in the workplace.
"The Virtues Project has totally transformed my life-as a teacher, mother, and individual!"- Linda Myrick, Bellevue, WA
June 21 & 22: Awakening the Gifts of Character: Introduction to The Virtues Project™
June 23: Setting Your Sail: A one day practicum in Virtues Project Strategies
Jun 24, 25, 26: The Virtues Project™ Facilitator Program
Seattle, WA at Seattle University; lodging available on-site. Clock hours for teachers. STARS credits for early childhood educators. Registration deadline is June 7th.
Facilitators: Betsy Lydle Smith & Natasha Nimmo
Details at http://virtuestraining.com/32_virtues_summer_
REGISTER TODAY at http://shop.virtuestraining.com/calendar_events/26
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