APPROACHABLE
Definitions: (1) The ability of The Creator to be close to His creation; to be intimate with every creature; (2) Potential for both The Creator and the created to move toward each other; (3) Possible for the created to emulate The Creator in character or quality; (4) Having easy and open access; friendly; (5) Able to be appreciated; (6) Able to be contacted; findable; (7) Worthy of being prayed to
Comments:
• Several qualities attributed to God are His only in relation to others. God is accessible to his family of created beings. We exist. He exists. He wants the best for us; therefore, He has designed the universe so we can choose to approach His perfection.
• Considering the infinite distance, we have to go, the best we can do in this lifetime in our attempt to approach God is to face the right direction. He does everything He can to help us find Him. No matter how close to The Absolute we may get, there will always be an absolute distance to go.
- Affinity
Definitions: (1) a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something; familial, friends, or group ties; (2) like-minded in ideas, ideals, political or religious affiliations; (3) sympathetic of empathetic attraction
Quotes:
• Love is the affinity which links and draws together the elements of the world... Love, in fact, is the agent of universal synthesis. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit priest
• The power of affinity lies in its mystery: the way it stands outside everything logical; you step into a crowded room and see a stranger, and somehow you feel you know her better than you know the friends you came with. — Siddharth Pico Raghavan Iyer (1957-) British essayist & novelistComment: Physically elements on the periodic table have affinity or lack of affinity naturally. Certain personality types flock together. All values have positive mutual attraction, even those which seem distant have common ancestry.
- Acuity
Definition: (1) sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing; keen focus; (2) having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; shrewd; (3) a highly developed sense <physical or otherwise>
Derivation: Latin, “sharp, needle-like”
Quotes:
• One of the secrets of life is to keep our intellectual curiosity acute. — William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943) American author, critic, & scholar
• Creativity and insight almost always involve an experience of acute pattern recognition: the eureka moment in which we perceive the interconnection between disparate concepts or ideas to reveal something new. — Jason Luis Silva Mishkin (1982-) Venezuelan-American filmmaker, futurist, & pubic speakerComment: One can be remarkably acute in any physical sense – not only the five common physical ones – but also balance for a gymnast; morality for a politician; perspicacity for a teacher, etc.
- Yearning
Definitions: (1) have an intense feeling of longing for something or someone, <a lost time or a lost loved one>; <an ideal, as a heartfelt goal or a spiritual quest>
Derivation: Germanic, “eager”
Quotes:
• There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning, and yearning. — Christopher Darlington Morley (1890-1957) American writer & poet
• The soul, who is lifted by a very great and yearning desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls, begins by exercising herself, for a certain space of time, in the ordinary virtues, remaining in the cell of self-knowledge, in order to know better the goodness of God towards her. — Saint Catherine of Siena [born Caterina Benincasa] (1347-1380) Italian Catholic theologian
Reflection: Halcyon: yearning a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. - Reasoning
Definitions: (1) the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way; (2) The ability to find an answer to a problem by considering various possible solutions; quick-reasoning <able to produce almost instantaneous answers (as in genius autism); (3) make rational argument <the ability to explain to another how you arrived at your conclusions so that they understand it>
Quotes:
• All variety of created objects which represent order and life in the universe could happen only by the willful reasoning of its original Creator. — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines]
• There are also two kinds of truths: truth of reasoning and truths of fact. Truths of reasoning are necessary and their opposite is impossible; those of fact are contingent and their opposite is possible. — Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) German polymath [eight disciplines]Comment: Even if you cannot explain your reasoning to others, make sure you have internal cohesiveness, both logically and emotionally.
- Relevant
Definition: (1) closely connected to what is being done or considered; (2) germane to the circumstances
Derivations: Medieval Latin, “raising up;” Scottish, “legally pertinent”
Quotes:
• One must be frank to be relevant. — Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino (1933-2009) 11th president of the Philippines
• It's always relevant - moving forward into the future and finding out who you are. — Joshua Anthony Charlton Henry (1984-) Canadian-American actor & singer - Prophetic
Definitions: (1) the ability to accurately describe or predict what will happen in the future; seer; fatidical <declaration of a fate>
Derivation: Greek, “to speak before”
Quotes:
• Love is the crowning grace of humanity, the holiest right of the soul, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principle that chiefly reconciles the heart to life, and is prophetic of eternal good. — Francesco Petrarca [aka: Petrarch] (1304–1374) Italian scholar & poet
• The perfect knowledge of events cannot be acquired without divine inspiration, since all prophetic inspiration receives its prime motivating force from God the creator, then from good fortune and nature. — Michel de Nostredame [aka: Nostradamus] (1503–1566) French physician & seer - Fellowship
Definitions: (1) friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests; (2) a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest
Synonyms: amity, esprit de corps, companionable, confederation, fraternity
Quotes:
• There is a fellowship more quiet even than solitude, and which, rightly understood, is solitude made perfect. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet
• The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. — Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) American farmer, government official, & religious leader - Awesome
Definitions: (1) extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great respect and admiration; (2) extremely good; excellent
Quotes:
• Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that dis-empowers them or one that can literally save their lives. — Anthony “Tony” Jay Robbins (1960-) American author & coach
• It's a mystery. That's the first thing that interests me about the idea of God. It's mysterious and powerful and awesome to even consider the concept, and you have to take it seriously. — Stephen Edwin King (1947-) American writerSuggestions: How to enhance your awesomeness:
• Do a bang-up job.
• Have high aspirations.
• Keep you head above the fray.
• Partner up with your higher self.
• Get better and better all the time. - Discovering
Definition: (1) to find, perceive, or recognize (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search; (2) to become aware of
Derivation: Latin, “to uncover"
Saying: Able to suss out the truth.
Quotes:
• Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. — André Paul Guillaume Gide (1869–1951) French author
• We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us. — Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (1871–1922) French novelist & critic
• The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed. — Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) Indian inspirational speaker - Superior
Definition: (1) a person a measure or degree better than another in rank, status, or quality; (2) of high standard; able to measure up; super-normal <above average>
Idioms:
• A cut above.
• Able to take things to the nines.
• Able to stack up against the competition.
• Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.Quotes:
• True nobility lies in being superior to your former self. — Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) American author
• The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them. — Harold "Hal" Sydney Geneen (1910–1997) American businessman - 2b Nature & Attributes: Quotes, Poem, Your list!-- wp:paragraph --
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
God is love. (1 John 4:8; 4:16) — The Bible, New Testament {70 AD}Truly is God plenteous in goodness. — Islamic {610 AD}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --There is not a single place in all the corners of the universe where God is absent. — Ōmoto-kyō [An offshoot of Shinto who teach the achievement of personal virtue is a step toward universal harmony.]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --God is beautiful and loves beauty. (19a) — Muhammad (c. 570-632 AD) The Hadith
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
He (God) is the merciful and the compassionate. {His} mercy embraces all things. (7.156) He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. (16.3) — The Qur'an, Islamic {7th century AD}He (God) is the Sole Supreme Being; of eternal manifestation; Creator, Immanent Reality; Without Fear, Without Rancor; Timeless Form; Unincarnated; Self-existent; Realized by the grace of the Holy Preceptor. (page 1) — Guru Granth Sahib, The Mul Mantar, Sikhism {16th century AD}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --The heart is a sanctuary at the center of which there is a little space, wherein the Great Spirit dwells, and this is the Eye. This is the Eye of the Great Spirit by which He sees all things, and through which we see Him. If the heart is not pure, the Great Spirit cannot be seen. He hears whatever is in our minds and hearts, and it is not necessary to speak to Him in a loud voice. — Black Elk [born Heȟáka Sápa](1863–1950) Oglala Lakota holy man
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --All things come from, and belong to, the One Supreme God – all-wise, good, righteous, holy, resplendent, and glorious. This, our Lord of Lights, is the source of all luminosity. He is the Creator, the God of all good purposes, and the protector of the justice of the universe. God is our most adorable and righteous friend; He is our wisdom, life, and vigor of soul and body. Through...
- 2 Introduction Nature & Attributes of God!-- wp:paragraph --
NOTE: The words in the Glossary that are in all caps are specifically from The Nature and Attributes of God.
THE GOD CONCEPT
From the vague idea: “there must be something on the other side of the veil,” we began the human quest for God. Our ancestors began with ghost fear, and we have been refining the idea – for the better – ever since. We have gone through many superstitions, cults, and dead ends. But we are finally beginning to see a sublime ideal of a Loving Father (*) who holds all reality in his expansive and inclusive family.
* Even though I will use the pronouns He, His, and Him throughout, simply because they are conventional, I do understand fully that God is not male or female, those are human biological designations.
There has always been an innate knowing that there is (must be) something more than we can perceive with our physical senses. Read history and you will see the fascinating progress of civilizations. It obviously moves from those old and foolish ideas to more advanced (and, as always, in need of update) newer ideas. Nonetheless, there is a steady, and hopefully inevitable, transformation in our consciousness to a more sophisticated and appropriate human/Divine interaction.
Our ideas about God have changed to reflect the progressing times. The God Concept held by differing religious institutions is the central value-proposition forming their group faith. And since organized religion is one of the pillars of civilization, each advancement will upgrade the whole world. But the God Concept is more important for the individual, whether held in consort with a formalized religion or simply held as a private belief. This is the real foundation of each person’s ideas about how they, and other people, should act and interact. This is the real basis of civility. Remember, civilization is built upon civility.
Our first ideas about God come from others: family, clan, school, and church. But as we grow, we begin to... - 1 Introduction Positive Qualities!-- wp:paragraph --
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION & COPYRIGHT of The Book of Positive Qualities - 1996
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
COMPLETE RE-EDIT & UPDATE - 2022-2024GUIDING PRINCIPLES
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Love is all-embracing of truth, beauty, and goodness. (5:4.6) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Patriotism is not enough. But neither is anything else. Science is not enough; religion is not enough; art is not enough; politics and economics are not enough - nor is love, nor is duty, nor is action - however disinterested - nor, however sublime, is contemplation.
Nothing short of everything will really do.
— Aldous Leonard Huxley (1894–1963) English writer & philosopherDEDICATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
My parents: Eileen Sheehan Downs, & John Preston Downs
My siblings: Eileen, Johnny, Joey, Jerry, Mary, Shawn, Peggy, Nancy, Dermod, & Vincent
Special loved ones: Fr. Shawn Sheehan, Jenny Tasker, Anita Flora, Judy Kain
Special thanks: Liz Wood, Marie Fox, Coleen OstlundPREFACE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
What is more valuable: gold or goodness, platinum or prudence, silver or self‑esteem?I have always been interested in ultimates and cosmic meanings: Why do we exist? What are the most important things to do and be in life? What are the true values? This book is my answer to these questions. I decided to gather a complete list of positive qualities. After years of searching I have a list over 3,100. One thousand two hundred are featured here.
These are not just words; they are inspirational ideals with high‑minded meanings and intrinsic value. Word symbols are powerful. They are catalysts for thoughts and feelings. Because of ideas formed with words people make choices and take action. This action either helps or hinders them or others.
I have no doubt the answers in this book will harmonize with some of your own. I also hope some of your beliefs are challenged. There is no... - Gravitas
Definition: dignified, serious, and/or solemn of manner
Quote:
• There are six elements of gravitas critical to leadership: grace under fire, decisiveness, emotional intelligence and the ability to read a room, integrity and authenticity, a vision that inspires others, and a stellar reputation. — Sylvia Ann Hewlett (1946-) English economist
• It would be awesome to be so impressive that we could sway people to our way of thinking just by declaiming our thoughts, but probably most of us lack such gravitas. Luckily, there's something even better: evidence, logic, and argument. — Barry Mark Eisler (1964-) American novelist - Avid
Definitions: (1) showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for; (2) having an eager desire for <often intense>
Derivation: Latin, “to crave”
Too Far: obsessive
Quote: Thomas Young was born in 1731 in upstate New York. The child of impoverished Irish immigrants, he grew up in a log cabin without the benefit of a formal education. But he was an avid reader who began collecting books at a young age and eventually amassed one of the finest personal libraries in New England. — Matthew Stewart (1963-) American philosopher
Comment: If you have an avid interest in something, find other like-minded folks to share it with.
- Epiphanous
Definition: (1) a moment of sudden revelation or insight <often religious in nature>; (2) a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being
Derivation: Greek, “reveal”
Quotes:
• Without the quest, there can be no epiphany. — Constantine E. “Dino” Scaros Ph.D. (1945-) American professor, author, & historian
• An epiphany enables you to sense creation not as something completed, but as constantly becoming, evolving, ascending. This transports you from a place where there is nothing new to a place where there is nothing old, where everything renews itself, where heaven and earth rejoice as at the moment of creation. — Abraham Isaac “Rav” Kook (1865–1935) Latvian Rabbi - Transformative
Definition: (1) a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character; (2) a metamorphosis during the life cycle <animal, human, or project>; (3) any alteration in a thought process; a conversion
See also: ChangeableQuotes:
• Life is a moving, breathing thing. We have to be willing to constantly evolve. Perfection is constant transformation. — Virenia “Nia” Peeples (1961-) American singer & actress
• Changing is not just changing the things outside of us. First of all we need the right view that transcends all notions including of being and non-being, creator and creature, mind and spirit. That kind of insight is crucial for transformation and healing. — Thich Nhat Hanh [born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo] (1926–2022) Vietnamese monk & authorComment:
• There are sudden and subtle transformations.. Leavening takes time to modify the mindset it is added to.
• The oldest, most fundamental, needs have always been around: food, shelter, companionship, love, etc. How we manifest them have been transforming ever since. Add new elements, features, qualities and they have new appeal. - Enthusiasm!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing intense or eager interest; zealous; fervent; (2) having a strong, exciting feeling; ardor
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Greek, entheos: en “in,” theos “God,” i.e.: “possessed by God,” “supernatural inspiration”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Means both ‘God within’ and ‘within God.’
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc-30 AD) The Bible, Luke 17:21
In Him we live and move and have our being. — Paul of Tarsus (c. 5 BC-67 ad) The Bible, Acts 17:28Quote: In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Enthusiasm is a hard quality to keep juiced. You eventually run out of energy. Keeping up your health helps. Connecting yourself with what is motivating, personally and altruistically, helps. You are working on something valuable, and that value infuses you with the interest, if not the enthusiasm, you need to proceed.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: Sometimes you don’t get the joy of enthusiasm from doing a task, all you get is the doing of it and the relief of finishing it.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: When you first start something big or important, you may have just broken through the fears of your own negative “what if’s,” those oppressive possibilities that, until now, have prevented you from positive action. When you overcome this swamp of negative potential pitfalls, you have risen your sight to the clear blue sky, to the bright sunshine of optimistic possibilities. Now you are given the gift of enthusiasm to start you on your way. You have taken the first decisive steps. You have faced what surely seems to be a difficult, yet reasonable reality, and transformed your vision. You have decided to create your own...
- Stewardship
Definitions: (1) supervising or taking care of an organization &/or property; (2) responsible for clientele needs
Quotes:
• Good stewardship of the environment and our natural resources is necessary. — Cindy Hyde-Smith (1959-) American politician
• Well done, good and faithful steward; you have been faithful over a few essentials, and I will now set you over many; enter you into the joy of your lord. — The Bible, Matthew 25:21 - Scientific
Definitions: (1) the study of the physical and natural world based on the methods and principles characterized by systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation; (2) the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses against the evidence obtained
Derivations: Latin, “to know;” Middle English, “knowledge”
Comment: Once the procedures of testing & verifications have been sufficiently processed, common knowledge grants its stamp of approval and the word proof can be applied to it. Nonetheless the scientific process always remains open for further advances. Maybe there will be better telescopes developed; or new variables added needing further testing; or even a new theory proposed.
Observation: Science needs more religion, not less. And religion needs more science. The two need each other. Science is a form of devotion, a kind of religion since it is based on the laws designed by God. — [Attributed to] Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, & engineer
- Concordant
Definitions: (1) in agreement; consistent; (2) in harmony
Derivation: Latin, "of the same mind"
Quote: Beautiful is a person whose outside and inside world are in great concord, camaraderie, and joint concert. — Anuj Lugun (1986-) Indian poet
- Investing
Definitions: (1) devoting (one's time, effort, or energy) to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result; (2) provide or endow someone with (a particular quality or attribute)
Derivation: Latin, “to clothe”
Comment: A monetary investment does have a contractual two-way street. Some times it works out that both sides are rewarded equally.
If you invest in someone emotionally (spouse, children, community) you are interested and supportive of their growth and welfare. But there is still an expectation that your gifts of time and love are reciprocated.
God is invested in our well-being. It makes sense we would be willing to recognize and receive these gracious gifts (mater, mind, life, freewill, spirit, etc.) with some appreciation. God does not need a dividend. What we can contribute to the partnership is that we grow in grace. - Faithfulness
Definitions: (1) constant in the performance of services; conscientious; (2) exhibiting true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiances; principled; (3) firmly adhering to responsibilities; honest; (4) can be counted on to keep promises; credible
Synonyms: consistent, incorruptible; trustworthy, bona fides (Latin: “good faith”)
Motto: Semper Fidelis (Latin): “Always faithful” — U.S. Marine Corps
Quote: Instead of ruling us by miracles, He has infused in us certain qualities that enable us to accomplish the divine purposes by ourselves – faith, loyalty, courage, tolerance. — Thomas Bertram Costain (1885-1965) The Silver Chalice {1952}
Symbol: the dog
Fictional Figure: Abdiel [Servant of God] was faithful during the Lucifer default – “faithfulness found among the faithless.” — John Milton (1608-1674) Paradise Lost {1667}
- Synchronous
Definition: (1) existing at the same time; (2) occurring in real time over a time or space distance; (3) having the same period or phase
See also: High-minded
Note: The simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. — The concept was introduced in 1952 by Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatristDerivation: Greek, “together in time”
Quotes:
• Synchronicity is really divine intelligence acting upon our thoughts. — James Van Praagh (1958-) American author
• The Queen to Alice: “It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards.” Through the Looking-Glass (1871) — Charles Lutwidge Dodgson [aka: Lewis Carroll] (1832–1898) English author, poet, & photographerQuestion: ‘Deep Thought’ in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1979) was asked, “What is the true meaning of life, the universe, and everything?” It answered ’42.’ — Douglas Noël Adams (1952– 2001) English author & humorist
Note: Forty-two is the ASCII code for the asterisk (*). The meaning of the asterisk is “Whatever you want it to be.” - Heavenly
Definitions: (1) of heaven; divine; a blessed place <the place you go to after this earth life>; (2) of the heavens or sky; (3) very pleasing; wonderful
Quotes:
• Let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! — Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman & social reformer
• Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good. — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) American physician, poet, & polymath [six disciplines]
Note: Therefore mix and match heavenly values and earthly positive qualities.
Comment: The firmament (visible sky) just continues to get bigger as telescopes get more sophisticated. There is no reason our mental view cannot also absorb more information. And, of course, our spiritual nature (soul) is growing all the time.Observation: There are may names for the afterlife, they include: Valhalla, The Elysian Fields, The Great Beyond, The Kingdom on High, The Pure Land, Shangri-La, Shambhala, The Place of Peace, The Hidden Land, The Summerland, or The Gardens of Bliss, Nirvana, Zion.
Symbols: 1) the night sky; 2) a pastoral setting
- Destined
Definitions: (1) developing according to a plan <destined to become>; (2) certain to meet <a particular fate>; (3) focused on a goal
Derivation: Latin, “to stand”
Quotes:
• It can only be true love when you enable your other half to be better, to be the person they're destined to be. — Michelle Yeoh Choo Kheng (1962-) Malaysian actress
• Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realize the great life. — Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) Indian aerospace scientist and statesman; 11th President of IndiaReflection: If your goal is pure and heavenly enough it will be preordained.
- Stillness
Definitions: (1) absence of movement or sound; (2) still-mind or soul; reverence, serenity, tranquility, and/or peacefulness; (3) a state of freedom from storm or disturbance <dozing in the warm stillness of a summer afternoon>
Compatible Quality: humility
Quotes:
• The stillness in stillness is not the real stillness; only when there is stillness in movement does the universal rhythm manifest. — Bruce Lee [born Lee Jun-fan] (1940-1973) Hong Kong-American martial artist & actor
• Stillness is our most intense mode of action. It is in our moments of deep quiet that is born every idea, emotion, and drive, which we eventually honor with the name of action. We reach highest in meditation and farthest in prayer. In stillness, every human being is great. — Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) American orchestra conductor, composer, & humanitarian - Communal
Definitions: in common use; shared by all members of a community <work, property, debt, reward, etc.>
Compatible Qualities: individuality, integrity, inter-communal, teamwork
Quotes:
• Jazz is a very democratic musical form. It comes out of a communal experience. We take our respective instruments and collectively create a thing of beauty. — Maxwell Lenuel Roach (1924–2007) American jazz drummer
• Science is imagination in the service of the verifiable truth, and that service is indeed communal. It cannot be rigidly planned. Rather, it requires freedom and courage and the plural contributions of many different kinds of people who must maintain their individuality while giving to the group. — Gerald Maurice Edelman (1929 –2014) American Nobel Prize biologist - Sentient
Definitions: (1) having the power of awareness by the senses; conscious; (2) able to perceive or feel things; (3) the conscious mind
Quotes:
• Mind cannot operate without facts. (111:6.6) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Mind ever intervenes between spirit and matter; therefore is the universe illuminated by three kinds of light: material light, intellectual insight, and spirit luminosity. (0:6.8) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Foundational
Definition: (1) denoting an underlying basis or principle; fundamental; (2) the underpinning for a (or the) reality; (3) load-bearing; baseline
Synonym: a priori: The most fundamental and foundational assumptions (presumed or held strongly) as the basis of all personal subjective reality.
Saying: Be your own foundation.
Quotes:
• The world works by mathematical rules. Consider it ˗˗ numbers are ideas, they are qualities in our minds that we abstract by looking at the world. — Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer
• A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being. — James Esdras Faust (1920–2007) American LDS leader & lawyer
Comment: Energy is the basis of all physical reality, logic is the structure of the mind, moral self-consciousness constitutes the foundation of the soul, perfection-hunger is based on goodness, and all of Reality is constructed on Infinite Love. - Mercy
Human Definitions: (1) disposed to forgive, be kind, or offer help; tender; (2) ready to show clemency; compassionate; (3) eager to relieve suffering; kindhearted; proffer sympathy
Synonyms: Mercy implies compassion that forbears immediate punishment; charity stresses benevolence with tolerant good will and broad understanding of others; clemency implies a mild disposition by one having the power or duty to punish; grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions; lenity implies lack of severity in punishing.
Quote: Mercy is a quality of growth. You should realize that there is a great reward of personal satisfaction in first being just, next fair, then patient, then kind. And then, on that foundation, if you choose and have it in your heart, you can take the next step and really show mercy. (28:6.2,4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Reflection: A person who has done a disservice, dishonor, or wrong will need to make up for this fact. One of the first steps is to apologize. But apology may not be enough. It may be necessary to perform some kind of compensation either to the individual or to the community.
When is the compensation complete? Has the person become one who would not do again what was done? Have they transformed themselves into a trustworthy person?
The person wronged needs to set aside their grievance to judge if the apology is sincere, and if so, accept it; then, in due time, grant forgiveness.Comment: One of our current human definitions of mercy is to let someone off easy, even though they deserve punishment. This is not God’s way. He would not remove our opportunity to learn from our mistakes. One of the most sacred qualities we can acquire is responsibility. He knows we can learn to be accountable for our actions. We reap exactly what we sow – good or ill.
Color: blue
- Inconcussible
Definitions: (1) that which cannot be confused; (2) a bedrock reality
Derivation: Latin, “not violently shaken”
Quote: Truth is inconcussible—forever exempt from all transient vicissitudes, albeit never dead and formal, always vibrant and adaptable—radiantly alive. But when truth becomes linked with fact, then both time and space condition its meanings and correlate its values. (118:3.3) — The Urantia Book {1955}
- Grandeur
Definitions: (1) the quality or state of being grand; awe-inspiring magnificence; (2) pushing the limits of; sumptuous, extravagant
Quotes:
• If you’re ever thinking ‘Oh, but I’m a waste of space, I’m a burden’ remember, that also describes the Grand Canyon. — Maria Bamford (1970) American actress
• Grandeur and sublimity, not softness, are the features of Estes Park. The glades which begin so softly are soon lost in the dark primeval forests, with their peaks of rosy granite and their stretches of granite blocks piled and poised by nature in some mood of fury. — Isabella Lucy Bishop (née Bird) (1831–1904) English explorer - Eloquent
Definitions: (1) persuasive and moving expression; (2) vividly and artfully revealing
Quotes:
• Brevity is a great charm of eloquence. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106– 43 BC) Roman statesman
• Eloquent speech is not from lip to ear, but rather from heart to heart. — William Jennings Bryan (1860–1925) American orator
• Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. — Frederick William Faber (1814–1863) English hymn-writer & theologianMythological Figure: The Roman god Mercury eloquent as a mediator and during commerce.
Symbol: jasmine flowers
- Control!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) able to manage one’s own temperament; self-control; apatheia <mastery of the passions (2) able to curtail one’s own appetites <especially restraint in order to keep within (social or moral) bounds; (3) exercising authority over one’s self or others; in command <able to set things in order
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: self-forgetful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}Quote: Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales. — Byron Joseph Langenfeld (1909-1996) American humorist
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflections:
• You cannot control the facts of the past. But you can control your attitude toward the facts of the past. You can control your attitude and judgment about the present and what you will do in the future. You cannot control what other people do, or how they think, or who they are. You can influence them, but only if they are willing or susceptible to your example or power.
Recognize what you actually have control over and what you do not have control of. It is useless to try to control what is not yours to control.
• There is also negative control: fear, torture, sleep deprivation, threats of harm to loved ones, threats of loss of job, or loss of life. If one is to encompass the positive aspects of control one needs to persuade with logic, emotion, spiritual flavor, experience, love, nurturing, and so on, to help others recognize their own values and move forward at their own pace.
Christ suggested we love our enemies. If we do, we will help them get in touch with their divine selves, just as we would our friends. We find ourselves within an evolutionary process. Progress is truer if it is focused on the positive.... - Complemental
Definitions: (1) to make a situation better or even perfect; (2) having a set of qualities essential for the team to operate more efficiently; (3) the ability to enhance or emphasize the qualities of others
Quotes:
• Constancy is the complement of all other human virtues. — Giuseppe Mazzini (1805–1872) Italian politician & journalist
• After mutual respect and understanding are achieved, it is possible to establish real, sincere relationships, which is the foundation of a solid long-term collaboration. — Ronald John Garan Jr. (1961-) NASA astronaut - Preamble – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Preamble – Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)!-- wp:paragraph --
We, the Member States of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), meeting in New York this 27th day of September 2012,
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Recalling the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirming the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations;
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reaffirming further the 1972 Stockholm Declaration, the 1992 Rio Declaration and the 2012 Rio+20 outcome document, “ The future we want”;
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reaffirming that the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA) and the Mauritius Strategy of Implementation (MSI) remain the essential blueprints for addressing the sustainable development needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In this regard, we remain fully committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the BPOA and the MSI and we urge our development partners to provide, in a timely and predictable manner, financial and technical support to ensure the successful implementation of the BPOA and MSI;
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reaffirming that SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development in view of our unique and particular vulnerabilities, including our small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental challenges and external economic shocks, including to a large range of impacts from climate change and more frequent and intense natural disasters;
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Welcoming the Third Global Conference for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in 2014 to inter alia, seek a renewed political commitment by the international community, be action oriented and mobilize resources. We call on the international community to support this conference;
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Calling on the United Nations General Assembly to designate 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States to raise...
- Preamble – Organization of African Unity
We, the Heads of African States and Governments assembled in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Convinced that it is the inalienable right of all people to control their own destiny,
Conscious of the fact that freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples,
Conscious of our responsibility to harness the natural and human resources of our continent for the total advancement of our peoples in all spheres of human endeavour,
Inspired by a common determination to promote understanding among our peoples and cooperation among our states in response to the aspirations of our peoples for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national differences,
Convinced that, in order to translate this determination into a dynamic force in the cause of human progress, conditions for peace and security must be established and maintained,
Determined to safeguard and consolidate the hard-won independence as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our states, and to fight against neo- colonialism in all its forms,
Dedicated to the general progress of Africa,
Persuaded that the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to the Principles of which we reaffirm our adherence, provide a solid foundation for peaceful and positive cooperation among States,
Desirous that all African States should henceforth unite so that the welfare and well- being of their peoples can be assured,
Resolved to reinforce the links between our states by establishing and strengthening common institutions,Have agreed to the present Charter.
- Preamble – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments.
They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.
They are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and for the preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic Treaty :
- Preamble – League of Arab States
Stemming from the Arab Nation's faith in the dignity of man; from when God favoured it by making the Arab nation the cradle of monotheistic religions and the birthplace of civilisation; which has reaffirmed [man's] right to a life of dignity based on freedom, justice and peace.
Having achieved the everlasting principles established by the Islamic Shari'a and the other divine religions enshrined in brotherhood and equality amongst human beings.
Cherishing the humanitarian values and principles which [the Arab Nation] has established throughout its long history, having had a major role in spreading centres of knowledge between East and West, and made it the destination of people from all over the world and of those seeking knowledge, culture and wisdom.
For the Arab World, from one end to the other, has continued to call for preserving its belief, having faith in its unity, struggling for its freedom, defending the right of nations to self determination and to preserve their wealth, and believing in the Rule of Law, and that mankind's enjoyment of freedom, justice and equal opportunity is the hallmark of the profound essence of any society.
Rejecting racism and Zionism, both of which constitute a violation of human rights and a threat to world peace.
Recognising the close link between human rights and world peace.
Reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the provisions of the two United Nations International Convenants, on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam.
Affirming all the above, [these governments] agree to the following:
- Preamble – Charter of the Organization of American StatesPreamble –
IN THE NAME OF THEIR PEOPLES, THE STATES REPRESENTED AT THE
NINTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN STATES,
Convinced that the historic mission of America is to offer to man a land of liberty and a favorable environment for the development of his personality and the realization of his just aspirations;
Conscious that that mission has already inspired numerous agreements, whose essential value lies in the desire of the American peoples to live together in peace and, through their mutual understanding and respect for the sovereignty of each one, to provide for the betterment of all, in independence, in equality and under law;
Convinced that representative democracy is an indispensable condition for the stability, peace and development of the region;
Confident that the true significance of American solidarity and good neighborliness can only mean the consolidation on this continent, within the framework of democratic institutions, of a system of individual liberty and social justice based on respect for the essential rights of man;
Persuaded that their welfare and their contribution to the progress and the civilization of the world will increasingly require intensive continental cooperation;
Resolved to persevere in the noble undertaking that humanity has conferred upon the United Nations, whose principles and purposes they solemnly reaffirm;
Convinced that juridical organization is a necessary condition for security and peace founded on moral order and on justice; and
In accordance with Resolution IX of the Inter-American Conference on Problems of War and Peace, held in Mexico City,
HAVE AGREED upon the following
- Preamble – European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights!-- wp:paragraph --
The peoples of Europe, in creating an ever closer union among them, are resolved to share a peaceful future based on common values.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Conscious of its spiritual and moral heritage, the Union is founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity; it is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It places the individual at the heart of its activities, by establishing the citizenship of the Union and by creating an area of freedom, security and justice.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --The Union contributes to the preservation and to the development of these common values while respecting the diversity of the cultures and traditions of the peoples of Europe as well as the national identities of the Member States and the organisation of their public authorities at national, regional and local levels; it seeks to promote balanced and sustainable development and ensures free movement of persons, services, goods and capital, and the freedom of establishment.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --To this end, it is necessary to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights in the light of changes in society, social progress and scientific and technological developments by making those rights more visible in a Charter.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --This Charter reaffirms, with due regard for the powers and tasks of the Union and for the principle of subsidiarity, the rights as they result, in particular, from the constitutional traditions and international obligations common to the Member States, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Social Charters adopted by the Union and by the Council of Europe and the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and of the European Court of Human Rights. In this context the Charter will be interpreted by the courts of the...
- Preamble – United Nations Charter
WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED
- to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
- to regain faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and
- to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
- to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
AND FOR THESE ENDS
- to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and
- to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
- to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
- to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,
HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS
Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.
- Preamble – United States Constitution
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." — The Committee on Style led by Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816) American statesman, a Founding Father of the United States, and a signatory to the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution
Note about Morris: While most Americans still thought of themselves as citizens of their respective states, Morris advanced the idea of being a citizen of a single union of states. He was also one of the most outspoken opponents of slavery among those who were present at the Constitutional Congress which took place in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787. He was a signatory to the Articles of Confederation and the United States ConstitutionComment: The Preamble to the Constitution is an introductory, succinct statement of the principles at work in the full text. It is referred to in countless speeches, judicial opinions, and in a song from Schoolhouse Rock. Courts will not interpret the Preamble to confer any rights or powers not granted specifically in the Constitution. — Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School
- Gratitude
Definitions: (1) causing, feeling, or expressing thanks; appreciative; (2) affording pleasure; agreeable; acceptable
Synonym: refreshing
Quote: Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life. — Joel Scott Osteen (1965-) American pastor
Prayer:
Gratitude to Mother Earth – sailing through night and day and to her soul, rich, rare, and sweet.
Gratitude to plants – facing light, changing leaf, and fine root hairs, standing still through wind and rain.
Gratitude to air – bearing the soaring, the swift, and the silent owl at dawn.
Gratitude to wild beings – our brothers, teaching secret ways of freedom; who share with us their milk, their self – complete, brave, and aware.
Gratitude to water, clouds, lakes, and glaciers – holding or releasing, streaming through all our bodies salty seas.
Gratitude to the sun – blinding pulsing light through trunks of trees, through mists, warming caves where bears and snakes sleep.
Gratitude to the great sky – holding billions of stars – and yet goes beyond, beyond all powers and thoughts – and yet is within us. — Mohawk, The People of the Shards of LightComment: Gratitude is a key to abundance, fulfillment, and a happy life. Gratitude is a general antidote to any downward spiral of stress, depression, or conflict. Even when a painful or melancholy attitude is upon you, with gratitude you have a lifeline to the surface. You will still have to deal with the difficulties at hand, but you will be able to do so with a more chipper outlook.
Cultivate the attitude of gratitude.Observation: Normally stress is considered a bother, yet knowing how to deal with difficulty crates a necessary balance. The word eustress means “beneficial stress.”
Symbol: lisianthus flowers
- Benevolence
Definitions: (1) characterized by or expressing kindly feelings; (2) desiring to help others; charitable
Derivation: Latin, “well wishing”
Synonyms: beneficent, benign, bounteous, congratulatory, generous, goodwilled, kindhearted, munificent, philanthropic
Quotes:
• Peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, and justice. — Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677) Portuguese philosopher
• Think of the universe as a benevolent parent. A child may want a tub of ice-cream and marshmallows, but a wise parent will give it fruits and vegetables instead. That is not what the child wants, but it is what the child needs. — Srikumar S. Rao (1951-) Indian excellence authorObservation: Only an advanced civilization recognizes a consistently even-tempered and benevolent God.
- APPROACHABLE
Divine Definitions: (1) The ability of The Creator to be close to His creation; to be intimate with every creature; (2) Potential for both The Creator and the created to move toward each other; (3) Possible for the created to emulate The Creator in character or quality; (4) Having easy and open access; friendly; (5) Able to be appreciated; (6) Able to be contacted; findable; (7) Worthy of being prayed to
Comments:
• Several qualities attributed to God are His only in relation to others. God is accessible to His family of created beings. We exist. He exists. He wants the best for us; therefore, He has designed the universe so we can choose to approach His perfection.
• Considering the infinite distance, we have to go, the best we can do in this lifetime in our attempt to approach God is to face the right direction. He does everything he can to help us find Him. No matter how close to The Absolute we may get, there will always be an absolute distance to go.ACCESSIBLE
Human Definitions: (1) approachable; (2) easy to get along with; (3) openSynonyms: attainable, complaisant, courteous, friendly, sociable
Quotes:
• Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. — Charles William Eliot (1834–1926) American president of Harvard
• Empathy is the most mysterious transaction that the human soul can have, and it's accessible to all of us, but we have to give ourselves the opportunity to identify, to plunge ourselves in a story where we see the world from the bottom up or through another's eyes or heart. — Sue Monk Kidd (1948-) American writer - Angelic
Definitions: (1) like an angel in beauty, goodness, innocence, purity, or kindness (2) having spiritual qualities; heavenly-minded
Derivation: “EL" is a Jewish name for God. ‘EL’ is added to many names. Examples: Angel = messenger of God; Ariel = Lion of God; Daniel = God is my judge; Gabriel = God is my strength; Haniel = God is my grace; Raziel = God is my mystery; Sariel = God is my ruler; Uriel = God is my flame.
Quotes:
• Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.” — The Midrash Rabba, Bereshis 10:6 {1545}
• Make friends with the angels who, though invisible, are always with you. — Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Italian preacher and writerComment: How angels serve humans may not be what you think – but what you need.
Symbol: babies breath flowers
- Transcendence
Definitions: (1) rising above or going beyond limits; extending ordinary experience; surpassing; (2) the potential actualization of physical, mental, and spiritual reality; (3) exceeding in excellence; supreme; superior; (4) not constrained by subjective understanding, conjecture, or experience; objective; (5) said of the Divine Being <i.e., prior to, beyond, and above material existence>; independent of the physical universe
Quotes:
• Spiritual transcendence is never satisfied; its potential is unlimited. — Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) American psychologist
• To abandon the struggle for private happiness, to expel all eagerness of temporary desire, to burn with passion for eternal things--this is emancipation, and this is the free man's worship. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) A Free Man's Worship {1903}Comments:
• One can know truth, not only in an intellectual sense but also in an ontological sense. There are perceptions beyond scientific or philosophical keening.
• It has become common to think transcendence means to leave what is unwanted behind. It would be unwise, and therefore less valuable, to forget our hard-earned lessons – better to bring everything along as your true and full experience. In genetics “junk” DNA is an important part of our basic structure, even though entire species which created these unique traits are long extinct. We learn and grow from our mistakes as well as from our successes. - Moving
Definitions: (1) making intentional progress toward a desired goal; (2) taking step, small of large, in the right direction; (3) creative thinking to make real a dynamic vision; dreaming; (4) that which stirs the soul; impressive; (5) keeping up with a modern milieu; (6) taking the best of the past into the future; (7) arousing tenderness or compassion; (8) physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual growth; (9) zappy <inclined to move quickly>
Quotes:
• Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us without words? — Marcel Marceau (1923-2007) French actor & mime
• If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran theologianAnalogies:
• Driving down the golden road.
• Slipping, sliding, and slithering through the slush.Affirmations:
• I am able to overcome inertia.
• I am able to overcome adversity.
• I am grateful for all the moments that I have, and I'm moving forward one step at a time to the future. — Park Bo-gum (1993-) South Korean actorComment: Some things need to be eased into, and others to be hit head on.
Question: Am I moving heavenward?
- EXPANSIVE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) God fills all and knows all; comprehensive; (2) Extant through finite evolution up to Universe Destiny; (3) The instigator of the growth of personalities and the amplifier of reality; The One who makes the future possible; (4) Possessing the largest measure of benevolence; the most broad-minded; (5) Possessing the maximum of magnificence in generosity, open-heartedness, and sympathy; (6) Abundant; stupendous; (7) Spreading out; unfolding
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God has given people the ability to turn potentials into actuals, i.e., growth. The potentials in an infinite universe are limitless therefore growth is ever-expansive – forever. Our capacity is ever-increasing.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
We will eventually be able to revisit all of the possibilities we missed due to circumstances, negligence, or poor choices. We will be given a chance to accomplish all of the opportunities we left unfulfilled.EXPANDING
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) enlarging in range or scope; unfolding; becoming more comprehensive; opening; developing in detail; (2) spreading positive ideas or ideals; (3) possessing a large measure of benevolence; broad-minded, generous, open-hearted, and sympatheticSynonyms: amplifying, diffusing, dilating, extending, swelling
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) American Poet
• The more you zoom in and focus on the details, the closer to the invisible and immeasurable qualities - like consciousness and energies - you get. And expanding outwards, into the cosmos, you learn more about the invisible or perceptible things. — Adrianne Elizabeth Lenker (1991-) American musicianComment: When you make someone your enemy, you shrink your consciousness;...
- Majesty
Definitions: (1) dignity of personality or character; august; noble; (2) splendid; elevated; stately; (3) admirably magnanimous
Derivation: Old French, “grandeur, greatness”
Synonyms: composed, esteemed, prestigious
Quote: The human face is the organic seat of beauty. It is the register of value in development, a record of Experience, whose legitimate office is to perfect the life, a legible language to those who will study it, of the majestic mistress, the soul. — Eliza Farnham (1815–1864) American novelist
- Fluid
Definitions: (1) the facility to move smoothly from one thing to another; (2) able to think and reason abstractly – and yet logically - to solve problems; fluid-minded; (3) the natural talent to navigate an appropriate path forward or through; coming up with problem-solving strategies
Too Far: Latin: “solid,” “thick”
Idiom: Go with the flow.
Quotes:
• The future is fluid. Each act, each decision, and each development creates new possibilities and eliminates others. The future is ours to direct. — Jacque Fresco (1916–2017) American futurist
• Many of the successful people, historical and contemporary, shared certain common traits. They had a way of thinking that was exceptionally fluid; they could adapt to almost any circumstance; when confronted with problems, they could look at them from novel perspectives and solve them. — Robert Greene (1959-) American author - Like-minded
Definitions: (1) having similar ideas, tastes, thoughts, or opinions; (2) in sync on purpose, ideals, or habit; compatible
Quotes:
• A small group of determined and like-minded people can change the course of history. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer and peacemaker
• People will help each other because there is a sense of camaraderie that springs up, which is a survival tactic. And that is incredibly reassuring. — Amanda Ripley (1975-) American journalist & author.Comment: The primary thought patterns of the human race as a whole are the reality we so often complain about.
- Joie de Vivre
Definition: a delight in being alive; carefree, buoyant enjoyment
Derivation: French, “joy of living”
Quotes:
• Do not lose joy in life as you grow old in years. Let not your joie de vivre be crushed under the weight of years. — Zoroaster (c. 600 bc) Iranian poet-prophet
• Photography can fix eternity in a moment. There is such intensity in an image, such spontaneity, such joie de vivre, such miraculousness, that even today it still bowls me over. — Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) French photographer & artistComment: Living is not often as joyous as the idiom implies. None-the-less it is worth trying to make the best of what comes. Every experience is valuable in some way. It involves one's whole being.
Symbol: a full head of hair
- Down-to-earth
Definition: practical; realistic; straightforward
Quotes:
• The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. — Alfred Austin (1835–1913) English poet
• While we live our bodies are moving particles of the earth, joined inextricably both to the soil and to the bodies of other living creatures. It is hardly surprising, then, that there should be some profound resemblances between our treatment of our bodies and our treatment of the earth. — Wendell Berry (1934-) American, sixth generation Kentucky farmer & poetSymbols: 1) the cube; 2) the square; 3) the number four
- Forgiveness!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who gives up resentment, stops anger, or pardons wrongs (or perceived wrongs); reconciliation; (2) giving up all claim to punish or exact a penalty; overlooking or abandoning vengeful feelings
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: absolving, exculpating, excusing, exonerating, releasing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Communication, Imagination
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: acceptance, tolerance
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Significant Date: International forgiveness week is the first week of February.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Ira furor brevis est (Latin): “Anger is a brief madness.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictum: To err is human; to forgive, divine. — Alexander Pope (1688-1744) English poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Metaphor: Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet that clings fast to the heel that crushed it.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverb: Anger is as a stone cast into a wasp’s nest. — Malabar
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Forgiveness can purify memory. It can travel through time and history breathing life into the killing fields, into the collective soul of nations, into the lives of its brutalized citizens. — Pope John Paul II [born Karol Józef Wojtyła] (1920-2005) the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
• If you’re harboring the slightest bitterness toward anyone, or any unkind thoughts of any sort whatsoever, you must get rid of them quickly. They aren’t hurting anyone but you. It is said that hate injures the hater not the hated. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Nature does abhor a vacuum, and when you begin moving out of your life what you do not want, you automatically are making way for what you do want. By letting go of the lesser, you... - Foresight
Definitions: (1) possessing the power of seeing beforehand; prescience; (2) having thoughtful regard or provision for the future; prudent forethought; (3) exhibiting the ability to project to oneself and others the consequences of actions to be taken (and proceeding if possible and curtailing if unwise)
Quote: Lacking foresight, evolution is simply opportunistic, retaining those features that were available when opportunity knocked. … It even created the capacity for music and poetry and humor – somehow. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Flows Uphill {1986}
Comment: All of the confusion, frustration, and sorrow caused by war, greed, corruption, and ignorance have a hope of being mitigated if large numbers of people, individually, decide to focus on some general good. People may turn to the positive because they are tired of the misery they have wrought upon themselves and others. We can have the foresight to seek the light beyond our own desires.
The most permanent of these disasters is the ongoing destruction of plants, animals, and habitats which may take another hundred generations to rebuild - if they can come back at all.
We need to extend our vision into the future. But more importantly we need to extend our love and concern to those people who will be facing these sad consequences. After all, they are our children. - Forbearance
Definition: self-controlled when subject to annoyance or provocation; patient; long-suffering
Familial Qualities: determined, stick-to-itive
Quotes:
• The two powers which constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing. — Epictetus (50-135) Greek Stoic philosopher
• Forbearance is the root of quietness and assurance forever. — Tokugawa Ieyasu [born Matsudaira Takechiyo] (1543–1616) Founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate of JapanComment: Forbearance is greater than tolerance, greater than patience, greater, even, than long-suffering. It includes a clarity of understanding, and a knowing faith, in the truth that all things work together for the greatest good.
Symbol: the ox
- Excellence
Definition: being of the very best quality; exceptionally good; first-class; tip-top; of great worth; superior; admirable; crackerjack
Derivation: Latin, “out, beyond, lofty”
Synonyms: choice, par excellence, prime, sterling, transcendent
Quotes:
• Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time. — Habeeb Akande (~1990's-) British-Nigerian writer
• When you write down your ideas you automatically focus your full attention on them. Few, if any of us, can write one thought and think another at the same time. Thus a pencil and paper make excellent concentration tools. — Michael LeBoeuf (1942-) American business author - Enchantment
Definition: irresistibly attractive; bewitching; fascinating
Synonyms: captivating, enrapturing, entrancing, ravishing
Compatible Quality: trusting
Poetry:
'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,
and robes the mountain in its azure hue.
— Thomas Campbell (1763–1854) Irish minister, religious reformer on the American frontierQuotes:
• The enchanting charms of this sublime science reveal only to those who have the courage to go deeply into it. — Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) German mathematician & geodesist
• I have always tried to live by the 'awe principle.' That is: Can I find awe, wonder, and enchantment in the most mundane things conceivable? — Craig M. Hatkoff (1954-) American author & entrepreneurSymbol: sweet william flowers
- Elegance
Definitions: (1) grace and dignified in fine design, manner, or style; luxurious in a restrained, tasteful way; first-rate; (2) characterized by a sense of propriety and refinement; fastidious; (3) excellent; savoir-vivre <ability to live elegantly>
Compatible Quality: Arbiter Elegantiarum (Latin): “judge of elegance”
Quotes:
• What is elegance? Soap and water! — Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton (1904–1980) British photographer & designer
• Genius ain't anything more than elegant common sense. — Josh Billings [[born Henry Wheeler Shaw] (1818-1885) American humorist - Discipline
Definitions: (1) preparation of the mental, moral, and physical powers by instruction, self-management, and exercise; (2) the result of training; self-control; orderly conduct
Synonyms: ascetic, self-correcting, self-educated, self-regulating
Compatible Qualities: commitment, striving
Quotes:
• Seek freedom and become captive to your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Chapterhouse Dune {1985}
• Discipline is the bridge between thought and accomplishment ... the bridge between inspiration and value achievement ... the bridge between necessity and productivity. — Emanuel James “Jim” Rohn (1930-2009) American motivational speakerAdvice: What time of day are you the sharpest, most energetic, most clear-headed? Are you a morning person or a late-night person? Don’t fritter away this valuable time with mundane or routine tasks. Do the most difficult and important things at your optimum time.
Questions:
• What must I do?
• What will it take?
• Who must I become?Symbol: the yoke
- Dignity
Definitions: (1) of high repute; worthy of honor; esteemed; noble; (2) loftiness of appearance or manner; stately; (3) calm self-possession and self-respect
Quotes:
• We are nothing if we walk alone; we are everything when we walk together in step with other dignified feet. — Rafael Sebastián Guillén Vicente (1957-) Mexican soldier
• Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations. — Samuel Ullman (1840–1924) American businessman, poet, & humanitarianColor: violet
Symbol: sun-shade (Chinese)
Fictional Figure: Hermione is an example of “dignity without pride, love without passion, and tenderness without weakness.” — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) The Winter’s Tale {1623}
- Flexibility
Definitions: (1) yielding to influence; tractable; (2) capable of responding or conforming to changing or new situations; (3) adaptable physically, emotionally, or mentally
Synonyms: pliable, pliant, supple
Too Far: wishy-washy
Quotes:
• Most moral codes say “either-or” . . . while the universe itself seems to be filled instead with a whole lot of “maybes.” — Glen David Brin (1950-) Earth {1990}
• Humor functions to lessen the shock of the unexpected impact of fact or of truth, rigid unyielding fact and flexible ever-living truth. The mortal personality, never sure as to which will next be encountered, through humor swiftly grasps—sees the point and achieves insight—the unexpected nature of the situation be it fact or be it truth. (48:4.18) — The Urantia Book {1955}Reflection: Flexibility can be experienced on many levels. On the physical, a flexible set of muscles helps in your supple and graceful movement. On the intellectual/emotional, flexibility is essential for dealing with the variability of life’s situations and interactions with other people. And spiritually when one acquires a broad and balanced set of positive qualities, flexibility is an inevitable result.
Comments:
• Prisoners of war who survived first decided to survive and then were flexible enough to do and be whatever it took to survive.
• People have an incredible capacity to juxtapose seemingly impossible concepts in their psyche, such as killing for peace or cheating for success. Be aware of these incongruities and inconsistencies. If you find you are justifying a point of view, you could take that as a clue — you may be forcing a fit. - Honor
Definitions: (1) worthy of great respect; highly regarded; estimable; (2) motivated by principles of decency with a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation
Synonyms: dignity, nobility, renown, upright
Quotes:
• What is honored in a country is cultivated there. — Plato (428-348 bc) Greek philosopher
Note also: What is honored in the self is also cultivated there.
• If children are expected to be honest, parents must be honest. If children are expected to be virtuous, parents must be virtuous. If you expect your children to be honorable, you must be honorable. — James Esdras Faust (1920–2007) American president of the LDS churchSymbol: the turtle
- Imagination
Definitions: (1) using or showing vision, creativity, or productive talent; (2) able to conceptualize or feel a situation other than that within one’s personal experience
Synonyms: ideal, inventive, original, poetical, romantic
Too Far: Imagination taken to an animated level becomes fantasy. Fantasy taken too far makes for an unreal inner world. Balance your fantasy with hands-on experience and follow-through.
Quotes:
• What is now proved was once imagined. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poet
• Imagination is more important than knowledge. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Most people look at what is and never see what can be. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Don’t rely on words or equations until you can picture the idea they represent. — Lewis Carroll Epstein and Paul G. Hewitt (1930-) American physicists
• You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination. You may not see your ears but they are there. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Look about you this moment: Everything you see and touch was once [an] invisible idea until someone chose to bring it into being. Any powerful idea is absolutely fascinating and absolutely useless until we choose to use it. — Richard Bach (1936-) One {1988}Comments:
• Reality responds to imaginings like lightning to a rod. There is a corresponding actual reality in direct proportion to the potential reality of your imagination.
• You can use your imagination against yourself too. We are very creative about how we should feel – good or bad. Most of our negative self-talk is pure imagination.Color: yellow
Symbols: 1) wings; 2) flight; 3) the moon;4) Gemini (zodiac)
- Innocence
Definitions: (1) free from guilt or sin <especially through lack of knowledge of evil>; blameless; faultless; (2) without guile or cunning; lacking sophistication; ingenuous
Synonyms: clean-handed, immaculate, pure, simple, spotless, undefiled, virtuous
Quotes:
• Innocence is one of the most exciting things in the world. — Eartha Mae Kitt [born Eartha Mae Keith] (1927-2008) American singer & actress
• When men are innocent, life shall be longer, and shall pass into the immortal, as gently as we awake from dreams. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopherComment: The quality of innocence is normally attributed to the purity and beauty of a new baby. It is such a compelling quality we are instantly drawn to that bright bundle of pure potential. As time goes on, adding the qualities of sincerity, grace, charm, and wonder to innocence blossoms the personality dynamically into a splendid, mature soul.
Color: white
Symbols:1) sheep; 2) sweet pea & phlox flowers
- Integration
Definition: (1) formed, coordinated, or blended into a functioning or unified whole; united; (2) complete, intact, or pure <the integrity of a pristine soul>; (3) able to see how things or people fit together in the most harmonious way
Quotes:
• When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it is tied to everything else in the universe. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalist
• At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poetSymbols: 1) a necklace; 2) a sheaf; 3) interlocking fingers
- Integrous
Definitions: (1) the quality of being of sound moral principle; uprightness of character; incorruptible; (2) honest and sincere in a professional, intellectual, or artistic endeavor; reputable; (3) integration of self; maintenance of identity; (4) holding steadfastly true to one’s identity-conferring commitments; scrupulously principled; (5) standing up for ones best judgment with proper respect for the judgment of others
Compatible Qualities: complete, firm
Quotes:
• If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. — Alan Kooi Simpson (1931-) American politician [Wyoming Representative]
• Having a superpower has nothing to do with the ability to fly or jump, or superhuman strength. The truest superpowers are the ones we all possess: willpower, integrity, and most importantly, courage. — Jason Reynolds (1983-) American author & poetObservation: A person who has grit, meaning "plucky, spirited, courageous, and resolute" may also be considered to be held in the grip of integrity.
Suggestion: Trust the higher self to do what is right instead of manipulating the ego self to live up to your expectation.
Symbols: 1) a rock or stone; 2) the Lovers (tarot)
- Sensitivity
Definitions: (1) responsive to the views of others; (2) tender or compassionate toward the feelings of others; (3) endowed with sensation; perceptive through the senses
Too Far: critical, temperamental, thin-skinned
Quotes:
• It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author
• Some like to think that a keen appreciation of art can actually make us better people – more just, more moral, more sensitive, more understanding. Perhaps that is true. — Paul Benjamin Auster (1947-) American writer & film director
Note: If the art one is appreciating was created by Ma Nature, it certainly is true. - Sincerity
Definitions: (1) being the same in actual character as in outward appearance; genuine; real; (2) simple and straightforward innocence; (3) truthful and honest; without deceit, pretense, or hypocrisy; (4) faithful
Saying: Ex animo (Latin): “from the heart”
Quotes:
• Sincerity is the single virtue that binds divinity and man in one. — Senge Takatomi (1845-1918) Japanese Shinto philosopher
• Mother Nature is always speaking. She speaks in a language understood within the peaceful mind of the sincere observer. Leopards, cobras, monkeys, rivers, and trees; they all serve as teachers. — Radhanath Swami [born Richard Slavin] (1950-) American Gaudiya Vaishnava guruComment: The primary quality saving a person from being an out and out fool is sincerity.
Consideration: There are some crucial qualities, a class of qualities one really cannot do without. First on the list would be sincerity. If you are sincere in your attempt to do the right thing – however you define it – you are succeeding in a very important aspect.
Advice: If you are motivated by, and have a genuine sincerity in what you do, you should never feel guilty. If you choose correctly, it will reinforce the positive. If you choose incorrectly, you will learn there is a better way. And if it is some of both, you will get to experience them both and learn what was right and what was wrong.
Color: blue
- Social
Definition: inclined to friendly communication; open to conversing; neighborly; agreeable to a free exchange of ideas
Balancing Quality: Attentive.
Note: The best communicator is the person who is the best listener; one who is genuinely interested in the views and lives of others.Compatible Quality: humorous, gracious
Familial Quality: companionable
Too Far: garrulous, nosy
Quote: We take our bearings, daily, from others. To be sane is, to a great extent, to be sociable. — John Hoyer Updike (1932-2009) American novelist
- Timing!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) happening, done, or said at a suitable moment, especially in order to achieve a desired effect; opportune; (2) arriving at the appointed time; well-timed; (3) appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion; (4) a lifesaver
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Adage: Take the time to do it right, or you’ll find the time to do it over. — John Wooden (1910-2010) American basketball coach
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: There is no time like the present.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under heaven. — The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1
• Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. — Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) American artist
• God … does not recognize earth-time. To the universe, four days is no different than four billion light years. — Robert James Waller (1939-2017) The Bridges of Madison County {1992}
• My hour has not yet come. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) Jewish theologian
Note: Do not be forced into something you are not ready for. Be wise in your judgment of the best time to act.Affirmations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I have enough time to enjoy everything I do.
• I have enough time to do everything I need to do.Reflection: Your pace is not the same as that of another. Respect the pace of others. There is an ideal pace at which we each should proceed. You don’t want to be going too fast or too slow. Your pace may be restricted by your lack of courage, emotional blocks, comfort patterns, and belief systems. Even so, you can only proceed from where...
- Vibrancy
Definition: characterized by energetic activity; vital; vigorous
Balancing Qualities: Vibrancy is only as effective as the mastering of restraint. — Sara Genn (1972-) Canadian artist
Quote: We get to choose how we're going to live - what level of energy, what level of vibrancy, what level of excitement. — Brendon Burchard (1977-) Personal development author
- Devotion
Definitions: (1) zealous or ardent in loyalty or affection; faithful; (2) dedicated with great seriousness <as to a cause> (3) very faithful to a religious belief; worshipful; (4) sincere; earnest; fervent; heartfelt
Synonyms: holy; reverent
Too Far: fanatical
Quotes:
• Values can never be static; reality signifies change, growth. The greater the quality of cosmic adaptation, the more of meaning any experience possesses. Values are not conceptual illusions; they are real, but always they depend on the fact of relationships. Values are always both actual and potential—not what was, but what is and is to be. (100:3.5) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• We invest or devote ourselves because the other to which we commit has, for us, an intrinsic excellence or worth and because it promises to confer values on us. We value that which seems of transcendent worth and in relation to which our lives have worth. — James William Fowler (1940-2015) Stages of Faith, The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning {1981}Comment: One is not devoted unless and until all one’s doubts are removed. We use our powers of logic, intuition, organizing, belief, commitment, and finally faith before we allow ourselves to be enveloped in the fires of pure devotion.
Color: blue
Symbol: lily of the valley
- Self-controlled!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: Definitions: (1) able to manage one’s own temperament; self-control; apatheia <mastery of the passions> (2) mental or emotional restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires especially in the face of self-described negative temptations; (3) able to curtail one’s own appetites <especially restraint in order to keep within (social or moral) bounds>; (4) exercising authority over one’s self or others; in command <able to set things in order>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: self-forgetful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales. — Byron Joseph Langenfeld (1909-1996) American humorist
• Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control. — Steven Arthur Pinker (1954-) Canadian-American cognitive psychologist & psycholinguistReflections:
• You cannot control the facts of the past. But you can control your attitude toward the facts of the past. You can control your attitude and judgment about the present and what you will do in the future. You cannot control what other people do, or how they think, or who they are. You can influence them, but only if they are willing or susceptible to your example or power.
Recognize what you actually have control over and what you do not have control of. It is useless to try to control what is not yours to control.
• There is also negative control: fear, torture, sleep deprivation, threats of harm to loved ones, threats of loss of job, or loss of life. If one is to encompass the positive aspects of control one needs to persuade... - Self-control!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: Definitions: (1) able to manage one’s own temperament; self-control; apatheia <mastery of the passions> (2) mental or emotional restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires especially in the face of self-described negative temptations; (3) able to curtail one’s own appetites <especially restraint in order to keep within (social or moral) bounds>; (4) exercising authority over one’s self or others; in command <able to set things in order>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: self-forgetful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales. — Byron Joseph Langenfeld (1909-1996) American humorist
• Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control. — Steven Arthur Pinker (1954-) Canadian-American cognitive psychologist & psycholinguistReflections:
• You cannot control the facts of the past. But you can control your attitude toward the facts of the past. You can control your attitude and judgment about the present and what you will do in the future. You cannot control what other people do, or how they think, or who they are. You can influence them, but only if they are willing or susceptible to your example or power.
Recognize what you actually have control over and what you do not have control of. It is useless to try to control what is not yours to control.
• There is also negative control: fear, torture, sleep deprivation, threats of harm to loved ones, threats of loss of job, or loss of life. If one is to encompass the positive aspects of control one needs to persuade... - Sacredness
Definitions: (1) dedicated to worship; (1) devoted to one’s sacred duty; (3) recognition of that which is highly valuable and important
See also: HolyDerivation: Latin, “holy”
Note: Sacred and sacrifice have the same root.Quotes:
• Joy is finding the holy in the small and the sacred in every day. — Mary Davis Holt, American leadership coach
• There are four questions of value in life, Don Octavio. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for? And what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love. — Lord George Gordon Byron (1788–1824) English romantic poet
Comment: Humans tend to get stuck in the historic understanding of what is sacred. We rightly reject the Golden Calf but hold on to the stories of reality from hundreds, even thousands of years ago. The scholars of those times had good moral, even farseeing ideals. But God is infinite and there will always be new revelations of Divine light unfolding in our minds and souls. Listen to the still small voice. - Sacred
Definitions: (1) dedicated to worship; (1) devoted to one’s sacred duty; (3) recognition of that which is highly valuable and important
Derivation: Latin, “holy”
Note: Sacred and sacrifice have the same root.Quotes:
• Joy is finding the holy in the small and the sacred in every day. — Mary Davis Holt (~1960’s-) American leadership coach
• There are four questions of value in life. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for? And what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love. — Lord George Gordon Byron (1788–1824) English romantic poet
Comment: Humans tend to get stuck in the historic understanding of what is sacred. We rightly reject the Golden Calf but hold on to the stories of reality from hundreds, even thousands of years ago. The scholars of those times had good moral, even farseeing, ideals. But God is infinite and there will always be new revelations of Divine light unfolding in our minds and souls. Listen to the still small voice. - Risk-taker
Definitions: (1) one willing to expose themselves to danger, ranging from minor challenge to major peril; promethean; (2) venturesome
Quote: The challenge is that the day before something is truly a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea. And crazy ideas are very risky to attempt. — Peter H. Diamandis (1961-) American engineer & entrepreneur
Comment: For a little kid wanting to ride a bike is worth the risk of scraped knees. But they don’t anticipate the pain, only the freedom. However, very few go on to conquer the unicycle.
Observation: The first circle is your comfort zone. Risk taking is lived in the second circle. And it is really risky if you get out to the third. Of course, these ‘circles of risk’ are relative to the individual.
See also: Changeable - Progress
Definitions: (1) advancing or moving onward; (2) making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities; forward-looking; (3) marked by growth, reform, or continuing improvement
Quotes:
• I’ve seen this problem before; does that mean I am making progress or going in circles? — Michael Hanna (1950-) 100 Thought Adjusters {2007}
• If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it. — Epictetus (55-135) Greek stoic philosopherObservation: To live in a complex society, progress is necessary.
Tip: If you concentrate on the openings instead of the obstacles, you will make progress.
Comment: The smallest of positive decisions, multiplied by a sincere intention to make it real, plus your other active positive qualities creates a proliferation of positive action. This leads to a more accurate assessment of what is the best action to take under any new circumstance.
Symbol: wings {Spiritual Evolution}
- Poise
Definitions: (1) composed, dignified, and self-assured; (2) well-poised <being in balance or equilibrium>
Derivation: Latin, “equal weight”
Quotes:
• For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. — Audrey Kathleen Hepburn (1929–1993) British actress.
• It is to the mind of perfect poise, housed in a body of clean habits, stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function – when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development – that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted with a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a being. By such a balanced growth does man ascend… (110:6.4) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Playfulness
Definitions: (1) fond of fun; frisky; indulging in sportive fancy; frolicsome; (2) humorous; joking; (3) possessing a positive attitude which spills over into active cheerfulness; merry
Synonyms: gamboling, gay, jocund, lively, romping, sprightly, vivacious
Balancing Quality: Fair
Consequential Qualities: order, sharing
Note: When a child, or anyone, plays they learn it is fun to be friendly with other individuals.Proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Quotes:
• Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul. — Friedrich Frobel (1782–1852) German pedagogue, Founder of the first kindergarten {1837}
• The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist
• In a sense, all science, all human thought, is a form of play. Abstract thought [is the way we are able] to continue to carry out activities which have no immediate goal (just as other animals play while young) in order to prepare... for long-term strategies and plans. — Jacob Bronowski (1908-1974) Polish-British mathematicianSymbols: 1) swings; 2) the seal; 3) viola flowers
- Ministry
Definitions: (1) acting as a helpful instrument or means; (2) giving care or aid; service-oriented; (3) providing information <often of a spiritual nature>; (4) fulfilling a duty prescribed by law, ethics, or morality; (5) an act in obedience to objective reality
Quotes:
• The true character of ministry is a servant’s heart. — Harold Ashton Warner (1917–2012) Australian journalist
• Love never ends or fails. Everything must be based on love - the relation between two friends, ministry, service; every field must be based on love. Why? Because God is Love. — Pope Theodoros II (840–897) 116th Catholic Pope (Served only 20 days before dying) - Commitment
Definition: devoted unreservedly <to an idea or a project>; engaged; pledged; bound
Synonyms: entrusted, confided, consigned
Saying: Have a can‑do attitude.
Quotes:
• Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American cultural anthropologist
• Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamed would have come their way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
— William Hutchison Murray (1913-1996) Scottish mountaineer and writerComment: You cannot make a commitment for someone else even if you know, without a doubt, they are ready to take the first step. You might be able to provide inspiration, encouragement, or information. You can offer some help or preparation, but it is ultimately that person’s choice.
Mythological Figure: Juno, the supreme goddess of Roman mythology, wife of Jupiter, and goddess of marriage
Symbol: ranunculous flowers
- Sanity!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) mentally clear and sound <especially the ability to anticipate and appraise the effect of one’s own actions>; rational; (2) having or showing good reason or judgment; sensible; (3) free from hurt or disease; healthy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: RealisticCompatible Quality: prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• In order to be sane and adjusted as a human being, an individual must realize that he cannot know all there is to know. It is not enough to understand this limitation intellectually; the understanding must be an orderly and conditioned process, “unconscious” as well as “conscious.” Such a conditioning is essential to the balanced pursuit of knowledge of the nature of matter and life. — Alfred Elton van Vogt (1912-2000) The Players of Null A
• In the case of permanent insanity the exits to the theater have been blocked, usually because of the knowledge that the show outside is so much worse. The insane person is running a private unapproved film which he happens to like better than the current cultural one. If you want him to run the film everyone else is seeing, the solution would be to find ways to prove to him that it would be valuable to do so … Otherwise why should he get “better”? He already is better. It’s the patterns that constitute “betterness” that are at issue. From an internal point of view insanity isn’t the problem. Insanity is the solution. — Robert Pirsig (1928-2017) LilaReflection: Accepting reality is fine as long as everyone holds the same criteria for “reality.” The problem comes when you are presented with a false impression of reality. Slavery was explained as necessary and accepted as “good” by a certain segment of the population. War is accepted as the only solution by a large enough group of people that it takes place. A single person who sees a higher reality is in a difficult position. Truth requires...
- Goal-oriented!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) focused on the end or final purpose; (2) characterizes one who intends to accomplish everything he or she sets out to do
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: "Winter Wonderland" {1934}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
— Felix Bernard (1897-1944) American Composer
— Richard Bernhard Smith (1901-1935) American LyricistQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The limitations define how you are to proceed. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• One has half the deed done who has made a beginning. — Horace (65 BC-8 AD) Roman lyric poet
• The last step depends on the first. The first step depends on the last. — Rene Daumal (1908-1944) French poet
• Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright
• After 5,000 “failed” experiments on the light bulb: “I had 5,000 ways of proving that I was getting closer to where I wanted to go.” — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor
• Purpose is a general direction toward which you wish your life to move. Resolutions, on the other hand, are goals that help contribute to your purpose. Once you have stated your purpose, set up a plan to achieve it. Look at the resources that are available, and think about which ones are needed. It’s important to have a taste of success. Also, make sure you reward yourself when you meet your short-term goals. — Dr. George Sheehan (1918-1993) “Peak Performance! Coaching Your Internal Team,” Taking Care Magazine
• Having a goal sometimes limits your flexibility. — Judy Kain (1948-) American empath
Note: Don’t be so narrowly focused on your goal that you forget your higher purpose.Inspiration: You alone do not need to arrive at all of the determination you need to experience your goals. You need...
- Goodwill
Definitions: (1) a friendly disposition; benevolence; (2) cheerful consent; willing
Proverb: Goodwill to all. — A Christmas wish
Quotes:
• Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. — Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) 30th president of the United States• In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th president of the United States
- Commonsense
Definitions: (1) practical understanding or intelligence; (2) sound and prudent judgment
Derivation: Originally, commonsense was the faculty uniting and interpreting the impressions of the other five senses.
Sayings:
• Best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
• You cannot buy time, happiness, or virtues.
• A person can look before committing and therefore learn from looking as well as from leaping. An animal ordinarily learns only by leaping.Dictum: Today’s commonsense is yesterday’s science. — Neils Bohr (1885-1962) Danish physicist
Axiom: Correlation does not imply causation.
Quotes:
• Commonsense is instinct. Enough of it is genius. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright
• A walking encyclopedia will walk over a cliff, for all its knowledge of cliffs and the effects of gravity, unless it is designed in such a fashion that it can find the right bits of knowledge at the right times, so it can plan its engagements with the real world. — Daniel Dennett (1942 -) American philosopher - Volition
Definitions: (1) having the power to choose; willful; (2) forming a purpose or an opinion; decisive; self-determinative
Derivation: Medieval Latin, “I wish” {17th century: a decision or choice made after deliberation}
Quotes:
• The true test of a leader is whether his followers will adhere to his cause from their own volition, enduring the most arduous hardships without being forced to do so, and remaining steadfast in the moments of greatest peril. — Xenophon (c. 430–354 BC) Athenian general, philosopher, & historian
• We see that every external motion, act, gesture, whether voluntary or mechanical, organic or mental, is produced and preceded by internal feeling or emotion, will or volition, and thought or mind. — Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) Russian & American mystic & author - Versatility
Definitions: (1) competent to act in any situation; flexible; pliable; (2) turning with ease from one thing to another; deft; multifaceted; (3) self-adjusting in the face of complexity; resourceful; (4) having or capable of many uses or applications
Quotes:
• In the long run, fancier [in nature] lasts longer since versatility is a virtue. — William H. Calvin (1913 -) The River That Runs Uphill {1986}
• Try as hard as we may for perfection, the net result of our labors is an amazing variety of imperfectness. We are surprised at our own versatility in being able to fail in so many different ways. — Samuel McChord Crothers (1857–1927) American Unitarian minister
Note: Nonetheless, the quest for perfection will always open a new path. - Venerableness
Definitions: (1) worthy of honor or respect because of meritorious distinction; noteworthy; (2) deserving of deference; exalted; (3) worthy of admiration or reverence because of recognized goodness <often mingled with a degree of awe>; (4) worthy of praise; laudable
Quotes:
• Is the babe young? When I behold it, it seems more venerable than the oldest man. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Author
• Religion is among the most beautiful and most natural of all things - that religion which 'sees God in clouds and hears Him in the wind,' which endows every object of sense with a living soul, which finds in the system of nature whatever is holy, mysterious, and venerable, and inspires the bosom with sentiments of awe and veneration. — William Godwin (1756–1836) English philosopher & novelistSymbol: an older person
- VALUE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The essence of worth; intrinsic virtue; THE ideal; (2) The ultimate desire; priceless; (3) Adherence to the highest principles; probity; (4) Worthy of the greatest admiration; estimable; cherishable; (5) The most precious treasure; important; useful; (6) The personification of all quality; attractive; appealing; (7) Possessing the most fascinating abilities
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is Value - Infinite Value. It is impossible for any (actual or potential) value of God to ever be lost. We embody value in our soul.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --VALUABLE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having qualities worthy of esteem; being highly thought of; considered a treasure; (2) having significant monetarily, emotionally, personally, or spiritually; (3) the embodiment of all virtue; attractive; appealingSynonyms: admirable, cherishable, estimable, precious, priceless, probity
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: Cloistered nuns and monks spend their whole lives in silence, praying. They pray for the pope, starving children, and the good of the planet. They believe they are having a positive effect. And yet, by all popular accounts, things are getting worse. So, are they wasting their time? No, because they are being positive. All positive energy has a dual effect. First, on a personal level, it is making them more real because they are becoming closer to the qualities that make up the universe. Those positive choices are of value in and of...
- Unified
Definitions: (1) to act as one; in concert; (2) being in agreement; in harmony; (3) the totality of components; a person who has brought together their complex parts into a systematic whole
Quotes:
• He who experiences the unity of life, sees his own self in all beings, and all beings in his own self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye. — The Bhagavad-Gita, VI,29 (Written~400 BC-400 AD) {Published 1944}
• Even if there is only one possible unified theory, it is just a set of rules and equations. What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe? — Stephen William Hawking (1942–2018) English theoretical physicist - Understand!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) the power to think and learn; the ability to make sense; intelligent judgment; (2) comprehension of knowledge; discernment; (3) fully aware not only of the meaning or nature of something but also of its implications; (4) a friendly or harmonious relationship; an agreement of opinion or feeling; an adjustment of differences; (5) patient and tolerant of growth; sympathetic; (6) an exaltation of intellection
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Knowledge, so full of itself, flies
beyond the cosmos, while Wisdom,
only as ancient as the earth, tries
to follow, but staggers and stumbles,
held back by the short-legged pace
of Understanding, still merely a child.
— Katherine Solomon (1944-) American poetSayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• First understand the basics.
• To understand all is to forgive all.Proverb: Walk a mile in another person’s moccasins. — Native American
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: This saying is encouraging us to see things from someone else’s perspective. Even though you will then be better able to see things how they see them, the common misunderstanding is that you will then agree with their point of view. As always, you will retain your own unique point of view. You cannot “become” the other person no matter how accurately you understand them. Knowing is not agreeing.Note: This saying is encouraging us to see things from someone else’s perspective. Even though you will then be better able to see things how they see them, the common misunderstanding is that you will then agree with their point of view. As always, you will retain your own unique point of view. You cannot “become” the other person no matter how accurately you understand them. Knowing is not agreeing.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictum: They condemn what they do not understand. — Marcus Fabious Quintilian (35–100 AD) Roman educator
!--... - Clarity
Definitions: (1) having the power of perceiving or comprehending quickly; discriminating <a clear intellect>; not confused or dull; (2) easily seen or comprehended <of your statements by others>; easily understandable; perspicuous; distinct; lucid; (3) free from obscurity <of others communications to you>; evident; manifest; indisputable; undeniable; (4) free from emotional perturbations; undisturbed; unruffled; serene; (5) free from guilt or blame; morally unblemished; innocent
Synonyms: acute, apparent, bright, limpid, obvious, orderly, plain, pure, vivid
Quotes:
• Philosophy aims at the logical clarification of thoughts. Philosophy is not a body of doctrine but an activity. A philosophical work consists essentially of elucidations.— Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (1889–1951) Austrian philosopher
• In foggy weather you can see clearly the terrain that is near you and you often think that those who are further away from you are stuck in the fog. Although things might appear clear to you, those at a distance fancy that they are the ones in the clear and that you are stuck in the fog. — Benjamin Franklin (1705-1790) American author & statesmanSymbols: 1) crystal; 2) a calm blue sea; 3) a cloudless blue sky
- Reverence
Definition: feeling profound respect or expressing adoring veneration; worshipful
Quotes:
• Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. — John Milton (1608-1674) English poet civil servant
• Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation. — Robert Schumann (1810–1856) German composer - Thoughtfulness
Definitions: (1) showing respect for others; considerate; courteous; (2) aware of other views and sensibilities; heedful; mindful; attentive; (3) characterized by or manifesting careful deliberation; contemplative; cognitive; (4) actions resulting from thought; decisiveness; creativity; (5) possessing the power of reasoning; reflective imagination; (6) able to fit different concepts together; elastic; supple; (7) competent in turning ideas into ideals and ideals into ideas; (8) occupied with or given to religious reflection; meditative
See also: ThinkingBalancing Qualities: Creative, Curious, Flexible, Open, Persistent
Quotes:
• The soul is dyed with the color of its thoughts. — Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor and Philosopher
• Govern your thoughts as if your future depends on them, because it does. — Debra Saint Claire (1952 -) Master HerbalistReflection: Others deserve your special attention because they are valuable. If you realize their worth, you will wish to be good to them – thoughtful, considerate, and courteous.
Comments:
• Positive thoughts expand. Negative thoughts contract.
• In order to be thoughtful, you have to know (or gamble on knowing) what the other person desires, needs, or wants. There are subtle signs, but one way that is pretty definite: Ask. - Originality
Definitions: (1) first in order; preceding all others; the beginning; (2) arising or arranged independently; inventive; novel; (3) thinking or acting in an individual or creative manner
Quote:
• A mind that’s afraid to toy with the ridiculous will never come up with the brilliantly original. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Brightness Reef {1995}
• The story of man’s ascent from seaweed to the lordship of earthly creation is indeed a romance of biologic struggle and mind survival. Man’s primordial ancestors were literally the slime and ooze of the ocean bed in the sluggish and warm-water bays and lagoons of the vast shore lines of the ancient inland seas. (65:2.1) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Opportunity
Definition: (1) taking advantage of conditions that are favorable to the attainment of a goal; open to success; (2) able to view difficulty as an opportunity
Metaphors:
• Today’s stumbling blocks are tomorrow’s stepping stones.
• Regrets are temptations fulfilled or opportunities unfulfilled. Learn from both.Quote: When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. — Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) Scottish-Canadian Inventor
Observation: Problem solvers and risk takers are opportunistic.
Suggestion: If you are not experiencing any difficulties, then appreciate this peaceful time with thankfulness. If your life becomes too placid, you will be happier if you choose to extend yourself with a challenge. When your life is too hectic, take the opportunity to relax. Difficulties can be seen as blessings and hardships as opportunities; each can be an occasion to acquire some positive personal qualities.
Admonition: You never regret the positive things you try. You only regret the things you wish you had done.
If you regret what you have done, then at least you’ve done it and had not been scared away from a difficult but desirable situation. Then again, the regret may be, as often is the case, not the fact of the action but the immature way or imperfect manner in which you attempted it. Forgiveness and reflective thought are the transforming mechanisms which can change regret into a positive learning process (even if all you’ve learned is that you don’t want to do it again). - Revelation
Definitions: (1) making known the truth; (2) a clear, coherent, often creative, and imaginative presentation through any medium
Quotes:
• No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create, or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit. — Ansel Easton Adams (1902–1984) American nature photographer
• The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs. — Charles Pierre Baudelaire (1821–1867) French poet - STABILITY
Divine Definitions: (1) Impossible to move or to be thrown off balance; fixed; (2) Immutable in character; steadfast; (3) Changeless; (4) Unvarying in purpose; dauntless; (5) Unified in administration; permanent; (6) Full of composure; self-possessed; (7) Holding steady the equilibrium of the universe; firm; solid; (8) Trustworthy; stalwart; (9) Self-sufficient
Comment: Things are constantly changing for finite beings. The one sure thing we can count on is the consistency inherent in, and caused by, the stability of God.
STABLE
Human Definitions: (1) not easily moved or thrown off balance; not likely to break down, fall apart, or give way; steady; fixed; (2) firm in character, purpose, or resolution; steadfast; stalwart; (3) enduring or possibly permanent; long lasting; firm; solid; (4) capable of returning to equilibrium or original position after having been displaced; flexible; (5) full of composure; self-possessed; self-sufficientBalancing Qualities: Adventuresome, Changeable, Lively
Too Far: stagnant
Quote: Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author
Reflection: We hold on to our old selves while allowing our new selves to grow around the old. We are like coral, where the old is the structure upon which the new growth of life is active. The old self is a record of what we have chosen. The only you that is alive and vibrant is the new you. The past is the structure upon which we rely for stability. We know ourselves by who we have been, and yet we are not our past structure any more than we are our body.
Symbols: 1) the cube; 2) the number four
- Respect
Definitions: (1) taking particular notice of the value of someone or something; (2) honoring or holding another in high regard because of their station, character, or behavior; (3) showing consideration or concern for another’s privacy and feelings; (4) ahimsa <respect for all living things>
Derivation: Latin, “to look back and see”
Quotes:
• The higher a creature’s education, the more respect he has for the knowledge, experience, and opinions of others. (25:3.12) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The only hope of preserving what is best lies in the practice of an immense charity, a wide tolerance, a sincere respect for opinions that are not ours. — Philip Gilbert Hamerton (1834–1894) English artist - Receptivity
Definitions: (1) able or quick to receive knowledge, ideas, or persons; (2) willing or inclined to receive suggestions or offers; (3) capable of accepting fortune (good or ill) in stride; (4) disposed to accept praise with humility
Poem:
Sometimes up ... Other times down
Big smiles ... Waterfalls
Make the best of it ... As no one knows
It's up to you how it goes
— Larissa Qat (~1990's-) Italian art & cultural management professionalQuotes:
• Some things that are invisible and untouchable can nevertheless be seen and felt. — Michael Chabon (1963-) Summerland {2002}
• Children are extremely perceptive and absorb what goes on around them long before they can talk or even comprehend language. They are like finely tuned receivers that pick up much more than is merely said. They are receptive and attuned to every mood, feeling, and change that goes on in people around them. — Theodore Isaac Rubin (1923–2019) American psychiatristSymbol: the cauldron
- Share
Definitions: (1) granting or giving a part of yourself; altruistic; selfless; (2) dividing and distributing in fair portions; apportioning; (3) partaking, using, experiencing, occupying, or enjoying with others; (4) owning in common; (5) being a benefactor
Synonyms: big-hearted, contributing, generous, magnanimous, munificent
Quotes:
• The best partnerships aren't dependent on a mere common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion. — Sarah MacLean (1978-) American author
• If you think a complimentary thought about someone, don’t just think it. Dare to compliment people and pass on compliments to them from others. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}Comment: God created the universe because his primary motive is love, and the primary attribute of love is to share.
- Prudence
Definitions: (1) wise or judicious in practical affairs; (2) discreet or circumspect; cautious but sensible; (3) careful in providing for the future; provident
Derivation: Latin, “to separate or set apart,” “to distinguish”
Synonyms: considerate, economical, frugal, sagacious, thoughtful
Too Far: Looking into the future with fearful caution may lead to cowardice and failure.
Dictum: Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent. — Euripides (480–406 bc) Greek playwright
Quote: Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity. — José Julián Martí Pérez (853–1895) Cuban poet, philosopherComment: Prudence has been called the “queen of values.”
Symbols: 1) a dolphin entwined around an anchor [arrested speed]; 2) jade: When asked, “Why was jade valued by the sages?” Confucius replied, “It is because the ancient sages were comparing Jade with the virtues. Jade represents kindness because it is soft and smooth to the touch. It represents prudence because its structure is fine and compact and thus solid. It represents justice because it has edges but does not injure. It represents good faith because its beautiful interior qualities can be seen from the outside. It is the image of sincerity as its luster is not veiled by its defects nor its defects by its luster.”
- SAVIOR!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Showing the way to salvation; heroic; (2) Rescuing from harm; deliverer; (3) The liberator from fear and death; (4) The retriever of souls; resurrector; (5) Restoring to good standing; saving grace; (6) The vindicator of faith; (7) The rehabilitator of wrong thinking; healer; (8) The compensator for imperfection; (9) The destroyer of sin
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: Theanthropic, Greek, “god-man <embodying deity in human form; both divine and human.>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You are all my children, and I am your Father. For age upon age, you have been scorched by multitudinous woes, and I have saved you all. — Buddhism, Lotus Sutra 3 {3rd Century}
• We are each one on a road going toward home, but we're not trying to get there for Christmas. We're trying to get there for eternity. We want to arrive home safely to our loving Father in Heaven. He wants us to make it safely there, so He has sent a guiding light for us to follow: a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect example. — Margaret Dyreng Nadauld (1944-) 11th President LDS Young Women organizationComment: There is no free ride, but we do get some help when we need it and ask for it.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --SAVED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) rescued from danger or from possible harm or loss; (2) kept safe, intact, or unhurt; safeguarded; secured; (3) kept from being lost; (4) in religion, said of a person whose has seen the way to the truth thus being redeemed from spiritual deathSynonyms: preserved, protected, save face, spared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• When you lose even the flesh you wear, you will still have your self. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) DRUIDS {1992}
• It is only because He became like us that we can become like Him. ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran... - Righteousness
Definitions: (1) acting in a just, noble, or honorable manner; upright; virtuous; ethical rectitude; (2) morally right or justifiable, reasonable; scrupulous; (3) satisfying the precepts of a code of behavior; fair; good; excellent; (4) pleasant; (5) authentic
Derivation: Anglo-Saxon, “wise, right”
Proverbs:
• Walk the path of righteousness.
• Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world. — Chinese
Note: This is one of several translations. The original author may have been Confucius.
See Also: InvestigativeSymbol: the tiger
Theological Figure: Varuna, the Hindu god of the cosmos is the guardian of righteousness and goodness. The Vedic god of natural and moral law.
- Service Minded
Definition: demonstrating helpful, beneficial, or friendly conduct; giving assistance or advantage to an individual or the community; thoughtful
Balancing Qualities: To balance confidence and humility practice giving service.
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Martin Luther King (1929-1968) American preacher & peacemaker
Saying:
When I do not know who I am I serve you.
When I know who I am I am you. — HinduismAphorism: Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words. — Unknown
Quotes:
• Do what needs to be done for yourself as if you were doing it for a dear friend. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found out how to serve. — Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Franco-German theologianInspiration: They who know the laws of God are liberal minded. If you know the Eternal, even though your body perish, your soul shall survive in spirit service. — Taoism
Comment:
Near versus Far
Many think service must be direct and person-to-person. Even though this individual support provides an emotional connection to the person served, it is no less valid to serve a wide variety of people, near and far. Entertainers for example distribute their talent for everyone’s enjoyment. Writers serve their readers. If someone makes a tool it is up to the one who uses it to do something with it.Symbol: the buffalo
- Openness
Definitions: (1) receptive; not closed to new ideas; a clean slate <an absence of preconceived ideas or goals> undisguised; (2) generous; liberal; unstinted; (3) frank; candid; direct; honest; unprejudiced; (4) ready to do, hear, see, or accept; fully prepared; attentive; (5) allowing approach, view, passage, or access; available; unquestionable; (6) not secret or hidden; forthcoming; unreserved; (7) expanded; unfolded
Compatible Quality: discerning
Too Far: gullible
Quote: Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm, and genuine people. — Tena Desae (1987-) Indian actress & model
Reflection: There are those who say you are already all you need to be or will ever be; that all you need to do is allow it; just be open and don’t get in your own way. It may be, especially in hindsight, that the best way was open to you all along.Comment: People are fond of saying, “I went into this philosophy or idea with a healthy skepticism – I even wanted to prove it wrong – but, in the end, I was convinced it was correct.” An honest skepticism prevents you from being naive, but a healthy openness helps you grow.
Sincere openness may have you taken in by a plausible idea. Until you learn, you may even be too trusting. You may look the fool because you were willing to be open, but you also are respected for your honor and your willingness to gain from experience; unlike the hardened skeptic who, because of fear, kept closed.Advice: Give other people’s belief systems a healthy respect. Be open to their sense of reality and order. Their experience and sincerity are putting together a personal subjective puzzle. Realize you and they are evolving and expanding. Tomorrow you may stand with them on more compatible ground because of the compassion you showed toward them today.
- Objectiveness!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) free from prejudicial personal feelings or opinions; eminently fair; unbiased; right-minded; (2) external to the mind and distinct from inner or imaginary feelings and thoughts; actual phenomena; real; (3) The actual, correct, and exact truth; (4) a purposeful goal one’s efforts are intended to attain or accomplish; target
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: RealisticQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Objectivity does not mean detachment, it means respect; that is, the ability not to distort and to falsify things, persons, and oneself. — Erich Seligmann Fromm (1900-1980) German-American Jewish social psychologist
• The scientist’s job is to explore everything, no matter the difficulties! We need to stay open, to accept ambiguity, attempt to fuse with the object of knowledge, admit that there are values shot through the whole enterprise – to love it and to work toward discovering the values by which we live, work to enact those values in the world, explore – and more than that – to create! — Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-) Green Mars {1993}Reflection: It is a most difficult thing to be truly objective. We look at the world through our own subjective experiential view. To those who do not experience the wisdom of a larger view, statements like “Love your enemy” are truly baffling. The only reason to even consider that statement as reasonable is if you believe Christ was genuinely objective.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observations:
• An astute observer must have a keen sense of insight into motivation if he or she is to explain their actions of others.
• Curiosity and wonder are two of the positive qualities we use when we take the time and effort to seek the objective truth.
• Objectivity works best on the factual level. The physical sciences thrive on objective experimentation. Observation can be reproduced. If another person performs the same experiment with the same results, we... - Objectivity!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) free from prejudicial personal feelings or opinions; eminently fair; unbiased; right-minded; (2) external to the mind and distinct from inner or imaginary feelings and thoughts; actual phenomena; real; (3) The actual, correct, and exact truth; (4) a purposeful goal one’s efforts are intended to attain or accomplish; target
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: RealisticQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Objectivity does not mean detachment, it means respect; that is, the ability not to distort and to falsify things, persons, and oneself. — Erich Seligmann Fromm (1900-1980) German-American Jewish social psychologist
• The scientist’s job is to explore everything, no matter the difficulties! We need to stay open, to accept ambiguity, attempt to fuse with the object of knowledge, admit that there are values shot through the whole enterprise – to love it and to work toward discovering the values by which we live, work to enact those values in the world, explore – and more than that – to create! — Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-) Green MarsReflection: It is a most difficult thing to be truly objective. We look at the world through our own subjective experiential view. To those who do not experience the wisdom of a larger view, statements like “Love your enemy” are truly baffling. The only reason to even consider that statement as reasonable is if you believe Christ was genuinely objective.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observations:
• An astute observer must have a keen sense of insight into motivation if he or she is to explain their actions of others.
• Curiosity and wonder are two of the positive qualities we use when we take the time and effort to seek the objective truth.
• Objectivity works best on the factual level. The physical sciences thrive on objective experimentation. Observation can be reproduced. If another person performs the same experiment with the same results, we call it... - Responsiveness
Definitions: (1) reacting readily and sympathetically; receptive; (2) sensitive and compassionate; serving with graciousness; (3) attentive and open-minded; a listener; (4) a satisfaction of curiosity; sensitive to answers and insights
Synonym: amenable
Quotes:
• The brain has evolved over millions of years to be responsive to different kinds of content in the world. Language content, musical content, spatial content, numerical content, etc. — Howard Earl Gardner (1943-) American developmental psychologist
• Great design is so many things all at the same time. It is emotional, functional, and responsive. It creates an unwritten dialogue, a connection, between itself and those who experience it. It is open to interpretation yet created for a specific purpose. It creates meaning and value. — Marcel Wanders (1963-) Dutch designerComment: We human beings appreciate, and respond to, the encouragement of other people.
- Purity
Definitions: (1) utter; sheer; <pure joy>; (2) free from defects; perfect; faultless; unblemished; (3) untainted with evil or guilt; innocent; blameless; spotless; (4) physically chaste; virginal; (5) ceremonially or ritually clean; undefiled; (6) genuine; objectively real
Synonyms: clean, clear, guileless, impeccable, pristine, pure-hearted, ultrapure, uncorrupted, unsullied
Quotes:
• Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and of a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform. — Chanakya (375–283 BC) Indian polymath [seven disciplines]
• Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war. It demands greater fidelity to the truth and a much more perfect purity of conscience. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monkColor: white
Symbols: 1) fire; 2) rain; 3) the lily; 4) sea foam; 5) the desert; 6) Temperance (tarot) {Purification}; 7) angelica flowers [pure intentions]; 8) the three stars in the belt of Orion {Purity, Righteousness, and Choice}
- Positivity!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) indicating acceptance, approval, or affirmation <She received a positive response.>; (2) the best of a kind; good; ideal; favorable <He was a positive role model to the class.>; (3) marked by optimism <We enjoyed their refreshing positive point of view.>; (4) existing in fact or by the presence of something and not by its absence; real; (5) beyond all doubt or qualification; undeniable; sure; uncontestable <He offered positive proof.>; (6) confident; fully assured; firmly convinced; decided; <The witness gave a positive identification.>; (7) resolute; in agreement; affirmative; certain <Her answer was a positive “yes.”>; (8) building progressive growth <We made positive, practical improvement.>; (9) making a definite contribution; constructive <He took the positive approach and the results were evident.>; (10) explicitly laid down; direct; precise; specific <The engineer knew he had to take a positive line.>; (11) independent of changes, circumstances, opinion, or taste; inherent <as is objective reality>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “Master Blaster” {1980}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
When you’re moving in the positive
your destination is the brightest star.
— Stevland Hardaway Morris [aka Stevie Wonder] (1950-)Quotes:
• Positive thoughts can be a powerful influence for good. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• One positive statement of good is more powerful than 1,000 negative thoughts; and two positive statements of good are more powerful than 10,000 negative thoughts — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
• Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. — Valen E. Keefer [nee Cover] (1983-) Polycystic kidney disease... - Perspective
Definitions: (1) the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance; (2) the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed; (3) a broader overview or larger prospect <to gain a broader perspective on>
Quotes:
When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system. — Kalpana Chawla (1962–2003) Indian-born American astronaut
• Therapy is not really concerned with truth, which is almost always merely a matter of perspective. Therapists are concerned with adjustment – adjustment to an unchanging situation or a changing truth. — Karen Joy Fowler (~1965-) The Lake was Full of Artificial Things {1988}
Note: One’s idea of Objective Truth is always going through a subjective metamorphosis.Comment: An unprejudiced study and correlation of origin, history, and destiny can begin to give one a true perspective of any reality problem.
- Persistence
Definitions: (1) resolute endurance <especially with what is known to be correct>; (2) abiding; persevering; (3) continuing to exist; lasting; (4) daughty <brave and persistent>
Balancing Qualities: Daring, Diversity, Fearless
Quotes:
• Keep on pluggin'. — John Preston Downs (1913-2005) American businessman & father
• It just goes to show, if you are persistent, something gets done. — Any parent to a child who has just accomplished a project
• Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with great talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. — Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) 30th President of the United StatesAffirmation: I refuse to give up. I shall continue, firmly, steadily, and insistently until the good appears. — Catherine Ponder (1927–) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Comment: The person who asks for something 30 or 40 or even 150 times, and finally gets it, has figured out how to ask for something.
- Patience!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) the will or ability to wait calmly; (2) to endure pain or trouble without complaint, losing control, or making a disturbance; (3) quietly tolerating delay, confusion, or inefficiency; (4) refusing to be provoked or angered by insult; forbearing; (5) ministering to the development of the uneducated or inexperienced; accommodating the needs of growing children; (6) steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in performing a task; diligent; (7) resolute and consistent action; abiding; (8) able to relieve grief or anguish
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note on Definition #3: One of the definitions of tolerance is “to put up with.”
Note on Definition #6: Having the focus to pay attention to something, and being persistent enough to continue to pay attention to it, will develop patience while you are getting it done.Derivation: Latin, “to suffer”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: composed, constant, even-tempered, equanimity, fortitude, imperturbable, long-suffering, poise, self-controlled, stoic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Patience refers to the quietness or self-possession of one’s own spirit; resignation refers to the submission of one’s own will to the will of another, uncomplaining; tolerance indicates to put up with pain or hardship.Balancing Qualities: Adaptable, Foresight, Humor, Initiative, Prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: assertive, open, perspicacious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Qualities: faith, hope
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: kindness, serenity
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Qualities: confidence, creativity, decisive, freedom, insight, peace, progress, self-discipline, self-esteem, stress hardy, wisdom
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• The greatest gift of stone is patience. — Barry Hughart (1934 -) The Story of the Stone... - ORGANIZER
Divine Definitions: (1) The Originator and Executor of the overall plan of creation <with the ability to effectively and efficiently move reality forward according to this plan>; (2) The preparer of structure <physical and administrative>; (3) The Designer of an interdependent system of organic cosmic order <integrating nature, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.>; (4) The Architect of the orderly and methodical mind; (5) Presiding over organization; coordinator; director; (6) The expert correlator of all things, meanings, values, and beings
Comment: God’s plan is accommodating enough to encompass every possible set of decisions a person could ever make. Every potential interaction is accounted for. His organization is so flexible as to offer just the right kind of help to each individual toward a more perfect state of mind (and soul) no matter where they are scattered along the road.
ORGANIZED
Human Definitions: (1) an orderly and methodical mind; (2) bringing a new whole into being by rearranging essential elements and interdependent parts; multi-leveled; (3) brought together for a common objective; cooperative; establish or institute <an organization> for a common purpose; amalgamated; (4) a system of organic cosmic order <nature, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics>Quotes:
• For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• Sometimes we let life guide us, and other times we take life by the horns. But one thing is for sure: no matter how organized we are, or how well we plan, we can always expect the unexpected. — Brandon Jenner (1981-) American actorTip: The key to order is putting like objects together.
Suggestion: A simple and effective way of getting organized is by beginning your day making a list, then prioritizing the items, and ending the day making notes. You may even dream of the answers to your knotty issues.
- Organization
Definitions: (1) an orderly and methodical mind; (2) bringing a new whole into being by rearranging essential elements and interdependent parts; (3) brought together for a common objective; cooperative; establish or institute <an organization> for a common purpose; amalgamated; (4) a system of organic cosmic order <nature, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics>
Quotes:
• For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American Statesman
• Sometimes we let life guide us, and other times we take life by the horns. But one thing is for sure: no matter how organized we are, or how well we plan, we can always expect the unexpected. — Brandon Jenner (1981-) American actorTip: The key to order is putting like objects together.
Suggestion: A simple and effective way of getting organized is by beginning your day making a list and ending it making notes. And then prioritize the listed items.
- Decency
Definitions: (1) exhibiting proper conduct, speech, or dress; respectable; (2) modest deportment; chaste; (3) generous; kind; fair
Synonyms: becoming, befitting, decorous, seemly, suitable
Quotes:
• Not everyone is able to show courage, but human decency must be demanded of every person. — Andrzej Sebastian Duda (1972-) President of Poland
• We may not all be equally guilty. But we are all equally responsible for building a decent and just society. — Ruby Nell Bridges Hall (1954-) American civil rights activist - Adaptability!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) able to adjust to a new situation or environment <by changing one’s behavior or attitudes>; (2) made to fit <a new use>; (3) suitable for a specific situation; (4) to bring one thing into correspondence with another
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Adaptable implies a personal modification according to changing circumstances; accommodate suggests yielding to effect a correspondence of view; adjust suggests bringing parts or ideas into close harmonious accord; conform applies to bringing patterns, examples, or principles into agreement with some standard; reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible; versatile is the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities.Familial Qualities: flexible, obedient
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Life is adaptable, ubiquitous, and tenacious. Evolution passes on the traits that are valuable, useful, and increasingly serviceable. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: As we experience our lives, actively and passively, we also become more adaptable. Expansion comes when we look beyond the confines of the circumscribed environment: from the self, to the family, to the community, to the state, to the nation, to the planet, to the universe.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: In evolution, when change occurs in the environment, the species that adapt to the change have become more flexible and more complex; they have expanded their survival boundaries to more than a single environment.
The more successful mechanisms (or qualities) are those built on a sturdy foundation. They eventually become stable enough to live on their own.
Just as physical evolution follows how well a species functions in increasingly complex environments, so too do we evolve on levels... - Artistry
Definitions: (1) done skillfully; aesthetically satisfying; (2) appreciative of art and beauty; sensitive to the arts
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French artist
Proverb: Ars longa, vita brevis (Latin): “Art is long, life is short.”
Quotes:
• Art is the demonstration that the ordinary is extraordinary. — Amedee Ozenfant (1866-1966) French Cubist painter
• Art reveals the artist’s inner self. Art reveals a man’s ideals, what he values. — Terry Goodkind (1948 -) American author
• Be responsive to your audience. Art is making an interpretation of an experience. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist. — Arthur Eric Gill (1882-1940) British sculptor
• The high mission of any art is, by its illusions, to foreshadow a higher universe reality, to crystallize the emotions of time into the thought of eternity. — The Urantia Book (48:7.23) - Blessings!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) held in reverence; (2) bringing comfort, joy, pleasure, or contentment; (3) enjoying great happiness; blissful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: cheerful, endowed, enriched, felicitated, gladdened, thankful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Humble, Responsible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: If you are blessed with the opportunity to serve because of your talents or the situation, seize the moment and choose to take up the responsibility. As you look back on it, or forward to it, you may be humbled by the fact you were chosen to do what was (or is) needed to be done.Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You are blessed as long as you view what happens as a blessing. —Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You are blessed as long as you view what happens as a blessing. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949 -) and Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographers
•Beatitude dips from on high down on us and we see. It is not in us so much as we are in it. If the air comes into our lungs, we breathe and live; if not, we die. If the light comes into our eyes, we see; else not. And if truth come to our mind we suddenly expand to its dimensions. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher(1949 -) and Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographers
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
•Beatitude dips from on high down on us and we see. It is not in us so much as we are in it. If the air comes into our lungs, we breathe and live; if not, we die. If the light comes into our eyes, we see; else not. And if truth come to our mind we suddenly expand to its dimensions. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopherAffirmation: I am blessed on every level with happiness, success, and true achievement. I will accept what abundance comes my way with gracious thankfulness.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Mythological...
- Cheerfulness
Definitions: (1) full of good spirits; animated; full of life; joyful; (2) having a bright attitude; lightness of mind; (3) creating contagious merriment; (4) willing; hearty; (5) likely to dispel gloom or worry; (6) something that gladdens <words of cheer>
Synonyms: bonny, buoyant, glad, happy, lively, pleasant, sprightly, sunny, riant <laughing, smiling, mirthful>
Music: “Whistle While You Work” {1937}
Whistle while you work
Put on that grin and start right in,
To whistle loud and long
Just hum a merry tune
Just do your best,
Then take a rest and sing yourself a song
— Frank Churchill (1901-1942) American composer
— Leigh Harline (1907-1969) American composerProverb: A cheerful heart causes good healing. — The Bible, Proverbs 17:22
Quotes:
• The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) Mark Twain’s Notebook {1935}
• Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. — James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) American romantic poetComment: When you are doing what you “know” you are supposed to be doing, you can be in a sublime state of cheerfulness, even if the outside circumstances point to some other emotion. I believe Christ on the cross was in a state of divine cheerfulness, even in the face of apparent failure and excruciating pain, because he was intensely aware he was doing the Father’s will.
Color: yellow
- Interested
Definitions: (1) exciting, and then holding, attention or curiosity; attractive; mesmerizing; (2) able to stimulate great desire to learn; thrilling; captivating; (3) able to arouse insight into new aspects; multifaceted; (4) showing acute enthusiasm; avid; (5) very eager or curious; agog
Quotes:
• Happiness goes like the wind, but what is interesting stays. — Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) American Artist
• The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) British polymath [four disciplines]Suggestion: Being genuinely interested in what is wonderful in others will excite them to exhibit the best of themselves; thus, inspiring you to find novel ways to help them feel free to grow and show their endearing qualities.
- Coherence
Definitions: (1) clearly articulated and intelligible; (2) logically connected; (3) in natural agreement; harmonious
Synonyms: consistent, related, united
Quotes:
• Meditation makes the entire nervous system go into a field of coherence. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American author
• When you build a thing, you cannot merely build that thing in isolation, but must repair the world around it, and within it, so that the larger world at that one place becomes more coherent, and more whole; and the thing which you make takes its place in the web of nature, as you make it. — Christopher Wolfgang John Alexander (1936–2022) Austrian-born British-American architect - HELPER!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Available for service; (2) Rendering assistance; mediating; (3) Making the way clearer; guiding; (4) Aiding in the growth of an individual; fostering; (5) Supportive toward the Divinely Objective; sustaining; cooperative; (6) Improving all conditions; ministering; (7) Provident; (8) Elevating the mind to beneficial ideas and ideals
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: We can moderate our attitudes and behavior by asking for help, as in prayer. God will help in every way possible but He will not interfere in our personal choice process. The type of help received may be surprising, but in retrospect it will always be completely confirmed as wise and lovingly helpful. Prayer opens up the mind to sublime thinking often resulting in practical insight.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Question: Why is nature so ingeniously, one might even say suspiciously, friendly to life? What do the laws of physics care about life and consciousness that they should conspire to make a hospitable universe? It's almost as if a Grand Designer had it all figured out. — Paul Charles William Davies (1946-) English physicist
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --HELPFUL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) willing to, or actually rendering aid or assistance; giving useful service; ministering (2) aiding in the growth of each individual; fostering; (3) supportive toward an objective; sustaining; cooperative; (4) elevating the mind toward beneficial ideas and idealsCompatible Quality: friendly
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: If someone comes to you asking for help, do not say in refusal, “Trust in God. God will help you.” Rather, act as if there is no God, and no one to help except you. — Hasidic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• One has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help. — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
• Like the... - TRUTHFUL!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) God is the source of authenticity; genuine; (2) In accord with reality; (3) The ideal of fundamental veracity; (4) Imparting true meaning; forthright; (5) Reliably certain; accurate; (6) Dependably exact; precise; (7) Sincere; upright; (8) Reflecting the essential character of the teacher; (9) Definitively logical; honest
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: The truth shall set you free.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Facts are uniform and static. Truth is flexible and living. Seek the truth and you will be rewarded with continual progress.TRUTH
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) the quality of being in accordance with or conforming to actual experience, facts, and reality; (2) the ideal of fundamental objective reality apart from and transcending perceived experience; (3) subjective existence portrayed to oneself or to others with honesty, integrity, and veracity; (4) expressing sincerity in action, character, and utterance; forthright; (5) in agreement with a common standard or a collective idea; (6) reliably certain; accurate; (7) dependably exact; precise
Note: Higher nature in Sanskrit is called satchitananda: sat = truth, chit = conscious, and ananda = bliss.Synonyms: genuine, logical, upright
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: tact
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Truth is mighty and will prevail.
• Truth conquers all things.Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
He who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in Eternity’s sun rise. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poetQuotes:
• In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. — George Orwell [born Eric Arthur Blair] (1903-1950) English author
• Nonviolence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another. There is no... - SPIRIT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine definitions: (1) The breath of life; alive; (2) Super-consciousness; high-minded; (3) The animating principle; inspiration; (4) The source of ideals and values; qualitative reality; (5) The invisible higher vibrational reality; supernatural; (6) The supreme moral and ethical standard; (7) The spiritualizing influence; (8) The Father of the soul <The Mother of the soul is the mind.>; (9) The Holy Spirit; the Universe Mother Spirit; (10) The third Person of The Trinity; the Infinite Spirit
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Nothing material can transcend itself. We are physical and our bodies live and die. Our personal will is capable of choosing superfinite values and incorporating them into our being. Our soul lives on because it is made of the forever-living spiritual substance of the universe: spirit.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --SPIRITED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, animation, or energy; (2) the spiritualizing influence; the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person; (3) the supreme moral and ethical standard; the motivating, activating, or essential principle influencing a person’s actions <the spirit of helpfulness>; (4) a positive inclination, impulse, or tendency (5) the source of ideals and values; the extraordinary feelings and qualities characterizing one’s inner attitude; qualitative reality; (6) the disposition of firmness or assertiveness
See also: High-Spirited, Public-Spirited, SpiritualToo Far: tempestuous
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: A spirited mind never stops within itself; it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength. — Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (1533–1592) French philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --SPIRITUAL
Human Definitions: (1) pertaining to the spirit or soul as distinguished from the body; (2) from or concerned with the higher part of the mind;... - Real!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) tending to face facts; concerned with or based on what is actual or practical rather than visionary; (2) existential
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idioms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The real deal.
• The real McCoy.Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Just because something is a metaphor doesn’t mean it can’t be real. — Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) Reaper Man {1991}
• Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away. — Philip Kindred Dick (1928–1982) I Hope I Shall Arrive Soon {1980}Reflection: There is an objective reality. The more we identify with objective reality, the more real we are. Objective reality is described in terms of positive qualities. If we include all of the positive qualities, then we are describing the current human understanding of objective reality: that which is! The more “is” you are, the more whole and real you are.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: The theory of relativity says physical things are all moving in relation to each other. If any one thing is to be measured, a fixed point is needed. Once that one point is fixed, all other points can be measured in relation to it.
This is also true of things mental and spiritual. When someone’s theories can be measured and calculated (and at least temporarily) proven, then that person’s ideas become a relative beacon. The fixed point, then, is the established theory. As other observers study the ideas of this fixed point, its accuracy and objectivity are brought into relative focus. This is done by speculation, experimentation, interpretation, experience, and logical agreement, or (logical or otherwise) belief.
We feel a satisfaction in establishing our “fixed” position. There is even greater satisfaction in confirming the accuracy of our position. If our experience verifies our belief, then we stay with the belief, which in turn dictates our experience. If the... - REALITY!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) In existence; (2) Existential; (3) The objective fact; (4) Indisputably actual
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Are there any confirming means of identifying the evidence of God’s reality? All such proofs are from personal experience. The first is the experience of the intellectual capacity for knowing God. The discovery, and self-verification of this intellectual idea, can be further substantiated by the personal and spiritual experience of loving and being loved in return by & with other humans, humanity as a whole, and even nature. The observation that love, truth, beauty, goodness (and all other qualities of value) are knowable in personal experience confirms one’s confidence in reality beyond the physical. This insight is indicative of spiritual facts.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Once the possibility of knowing God is verified, the second stage of proof becomes evident. This is the personal urge to find God. To the exact extent a person seeks God, the Father pours in as much revelation of Himself as can be received. And thus, capacity is enlarged for even more grace.
By this point, initial skeptical curiosity has been transformed through intellectual discovery and personal verification into reasonable faith. One is then tempted to experiment with the third stage of confirmation – the desire to be like God. Finding this possible is truly convincing.REALISTIC
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) tending to face facts; concerned with or based on what is actual or practical rather than visionary; (2) existentialIdioms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The real deal.
• The real McCoy.Quotes:
• Just because something is a metaphor doesn’t mean it can’t be real. — Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) Reaper Man {1991}
• Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away. — Philip Kindred Dick (1928–1982) I Hope I Shall Arrive Soon... - PROVIDENCE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Divine solicitude and direction; (2) The guiding force; fostering; (3) Having and showing foresight; understanding; (4) The preparer of nurturance; (5) The provider of fundamental needs <a planet to stand on, a body to inhabit, a spirit to guide us, a mind to understand with, choices to learn from, and a personality to unite it all>; (6) Conscientious and prudent management; (7) Considerate regard of the individual within the total circumstances; (8) The one who gets things moving; expediter; (9) The devoted guardian; the diligent caretaker; the assiduous defender; (10) The protector, preserver, and promoter of value; (11) Willing to walk hand in hand; participative; (12) The bridge maker
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Intervention is a character sometimes attributed to Divine Providence. From our point of view, it may seem like the hand of God is changing the natural course of events but when seen from a larger perspective it is the efficient motion of the Total Plan unfolding as it should. God will not interfere with our free will, yet we are held in His tender watch-care.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PROVIDENT
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) anticipating wants or needs and making provision to supply them; having and showing foresight; understanding; (2) economical; frugal; thrifty; prudent; (3) conscientious management; nurturing; participative; (4) protector, preserver, and promoter; (5) a manifestation of divine care and directionDerivation: Latin, “to foresee”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: expediting, fostering, guiding, tutelary <serving as a protector, guardian, or patron
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• I believe in the birds, and their implicit trust in the loving Providence that feeds them. … And whatever else I believe is enshrined in those abiding feelings that lie too deep for words. — Waldemar Argow,... - Perfective!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) complete in all respects; without defect or omission; faultless; (2) thorough excellence in skill or quality; expert; proficient; (3) completely correct or accurate; exact; precise; (4) without reserve or qualification; pure; impeccable; (5) totally effective; meticulous; (6) a fine physical specimen; sound; flawless; (7) appreciative of the character or nature of someone or some ‘thing’; the most admirable quality
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: The word “perfect” as the Bible uses it of men, does not refer to sinless perfection. Old Testament characters described as “blameless” or “wholly devoted” were obviously not sinless. Although a number of Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “perfect,” the thought is usually either “completeness in all details” (Hebrew: tamam; and Greek: katartizo) or “to reach a goal or achieve a purpose” (Greek: teleioo). Scripture recognizes that Christians do not attain sinless perfection in this life.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Common sense, Down-to-earth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: compromising, realistic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. — The Bible, Matthew 5:48
• The most important question to ask at any one moment is, “How is this perfect?” — Joe Burull (1947-2021) American Photographer
• When we realize a total of something as we are experiencing it, we are for that moment, perfect. — Jacquelyn Small, Transformers, the Therapists of the Future {1982}
• From the Universal Father who inhabits eternity there has gone forth the supreme mandate, “Be you perfect, even as I am perfect.” — The Urantia Book (1:0.3) {1955}Three Stages of Perfection
1. Positional perfection, already possessed by every believer of Christ (Hebrews: 10:14)
2. Relative perfection, i.e., spiritual maturity,... - Perception
Definitions: (1) showing keenness of insight, sympathetic understanding or intuition; discerning; (2) a quick capacity for comprehending; observant
Too Far: nosy
Quotes:
• To be is either to be perceived or to perceive. — Bishop George Berkeley (1685-1753) Anglo-Irish philosopher
• If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is: infinite. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poet
• Eskimos see sixteen different forms of ice which are as different to them as trees and shrubs are different to us. Hindus, on the other hand, use the same term for both ice and snow. Creek and Natchez Indians do not distinguish yellow from green. Similarly, Choctaw, Tunica, the Keresian Pueblo Indians and many other people make no terminological distinction between blue and green. The Hopis have no word for time. — Robert Pirsig (1928-2017) Lila {1991}Observation: In our attempt to simplify complex activities or processes, we tend to isolate individual aspects of the system. This is like turning off a movie projector and studying the film one frame at a time. One will get a detailed look at the individual frames, but will never be able to perceive the dynamic spirit or emotional content of the process. Perceiving the micro and the macro separately and then putting them together gives one a larger perspective.
- Nurture
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who promotes development by providing nourishment, support, and encouragement during the stages of growth; (2) raising; training; educating; (3) furthering the development of a person, project, idea, or ideal; fostering
Quotes:
• Our souls cannot be forced to grow, but like flowers, our spiritual selves can be nurtured until they blossom and flourish. — James Van Praagh (1956-) American author & spiritual medium
• When you help someone else, not only do they benefit, but you reaffirm to yourself that you have something of value to give them, and you help to strengthen and nurture a bond with an individual that you're helping. — Vivek Hallegere Murthy (1977-) American physicianColor: green
Symbols: 1) Mommy; 2) Mother Earth
- Moderation
Definitions: (1) keeping within reasonable bounds; temperate; sober; steady; avoiding excesses and extremes; (2) mild; calm; gentle; nonviolent; (3) to lessen the intensity or severity
Too Far: Being austere for too long.
Sayings:
• Meden agan (Greek); Ne quid nimis (Latin): “Nothing in excess”
• Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity. — Periander (~635-585 BC) Ruler of CorinthQuote:
• Be moderate in everything, including moderation. — Horace Porter (1837–1921) American soldier and diplomat
• A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation. — Jean-Baptiste Poquelin [aka Moliere] (1622-1673) French playwright - LOVING!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The personification of all true, beautiful, and good qualities; God; (2) The greatest of all excellent qualities; the source of all positive qualities; (3) Charitable; (4) Endowed with admirably balanced qualities; (5) God’s benevolent concern for His creation; (5) The absolute capacity to give and draw intense interest or affection
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• God is Love. Love is God’s way. Love is the desire to do good for others. Love is genuine and unselfish. Love is best when shared. Love is the greatest thing in the universe and it can be attached to any person. Love is dynamic. Love is alive. Love is best understood in relationships.
• From our point of view, there are many qualities. To God there is only one: Absolute Love. If we parse absolute love, we will discover all of the positive qualities we recognize, and project the probability of many more. Yet in Him they fit together perfectly. He self-limits and balances every quality with every other quality. He is the ideal harmony of love.LOVE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) a deep affection for another person, idea, or ideal; to hold dear; cherish; (2) to feel a lover’s passion, devotion, or tenderness; (3) one who is well-beloved; (4) the heart of all true, beautiful, and good qualities; (5) ability to give and draw intense interest or affection; charitable; (6) the ability to elicit great pleasureCompatible Qualities: caring, friendship, honesty, respect, trust
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: self-forgetfulness
Love is blind. When you are doing something you love, or are with someone you love, you are in a state of bliss that is oblivious to all ills. When you are in love, you think not of yourself; your joy lies in thinking of ways to delight, comfort, and interest your loved one.
At play one is enveloped in the excitement,... - Lightness
Definitions: (1) mental illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; (2) free from care; cheerful; happy; (3) extremely beautiful; ravishing; animate; bright; (4) nimble, buoyant, lively; (5) having a shining nature, character, or personality; (6) willing to show the way; (7) Emitting health; glowing; (8) Diffusion of mental knowledge; elucidating; (9) Emanating spiritual knowledge; enlightening
Synonyms: delicate, easy, gentle, light-footed, radiant, shimmery, unencumbered
Saying: A candle’s light is best seen in the dark.
Quotes:
• Some people change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat. — Caroline Schoeder, American aphorist
• We are all facets of the diamond which is God ... Each of us reflecting light in our own way. — Linda Ohlson Graham (1947-) American poet
• Only those who live up to the highest light they have find their lives in harmony. Those who act on their highest motivations become a power for good. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}Symbols: 1) dew; 2) gold; 3) the lamp; 4) the diamond
Mythological Figure: Balder, the beautiful and wise Scandinavian deity of light and peace
- Kindness
Definitions: (1) disposed to be helpful and solicitous; gentle and considerate; good and tenderhearted; friendly; generous; (2) affectionate; loving; agreeable; (3) inclined to offer sympathetic relief; willing to give pleasure; (4) able to put up with abuse; clement; (5) not quick to lash out; forbearing
Synonyms: affable, avuncular, courteous, fair, nice, polite
Aphorism: Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see. — Unknown
Quotes:
• Perfect kindness acts without thinking of kindness. — Lao-tse (c. 6th Century BC) Chinese philosopher
• It is kindness that makes one strong and brave. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Patchwork Girl of Oz {1913}Symbols: 1) the dolphin; 2) the elephant {Kind, Compassionate, and Loving} (Hindu)
- Justice!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having principles of rectitude, honesty, and righteousness; upright; proper; (2) equitable; impartial; fair; (3) the duty of a judge; discriminating, reliable, and reasonable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Justice is fairness through time.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Motto: Justitia omnibus (Latin): “Justice for all.” — District of Columbia
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Maxim: Let justice be done though the heavens fall.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• It is wise to disregard laws when they conflict with justice. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) Tik-Tok of Oz {1914}
• The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. — Amenemope (c. 1100 BC) The Wisdom of Amenemope, 3:7 {Found 1888; Published 1922}
• Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. — John Rawls (1921-2002) American philosopher
• Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) Letter from Birmingham City Jail {1963}
• Appropriate anger can be a force for good. Anger has provoked good and courageous people to come forward and defend the rights of those who are powerless to defend themselves. — Abigail Van Buren [born Pauline Phillips] (1918-2013) The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal with It {1998}Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Justice has a lot to do with seeing reality from the other person’s point of view.
• Vengeance has nothing to do with justice.Observation: The problem with a jury of one’s peers is the redneck jury who sentenced a fourteen-year-old black boy to death because he allegedly spoke flippantly to an older white woman. Then when the jury who tried him were put on trial,...
- Intimacy
Definitions: (1) closeness with warm friendship developed through long association; very familiar; linked (2) indicative of one’s deepest nature; intrinsic; essential; self-experiential; (3) worthy of entrusting with the closest confidence; communicative; sharing; (4) the essential part of; quintessential
Quotes:
• On a level of simple personal survival, understanding and forgiveness are crucial... whether in an intimate personal relationship or on a global level. — Edward Laurence Albert (1951–2006) American actor
• People didn’t understand that true intimacy did not consist of sexual intercourse, which could be done with strangers and in a state of total alienation; intimacy consisted of talking for hours about what was most important in one’s life. — Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-) Red Mars (1992)Color: orange-brown
- INFALLIBLE
Divine Definitions: (1) The ultimate authority; unchallengeable; (2) Worthy of being believed; reliable; (3) Adept; unable to make a mistake; unfailing; (4) Always accurate; never in error; (5) Dependable; incapable of deception
Idiom: (Latin) Ne plus ultra: ultimate perfection
Comment: God’s infallibility is a direct result of a perfect combination of omniscience and absolute wisdom. All of His decisions are determined with a resolute certainty. Everything has been taken into account.
SELFLESS
Human Definitions: (1) a proper concern for one’s own desires with those of others; (2) a healthy regard for one’s own interests yet unselfishly generousBalancing Quality: Service-minded
Compatible Qualities: With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve. — Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) Founder of Pakistan
Comment: True heroes are also self-forgetful and self-effacing. While doing some service, with love, for someone else, your mind and heart are focused on the good you hope the other to receive. The very thought of getting something in return lessens the value.
Quotes:
• You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. — John Wooden (1910-2010) American basketball coach
• Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to salvation. — Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963) Indian Hindu spiritual guru - Inspiration
Definitions: (1) filled with the spirit; (2) to stimulate to service; (3) having an animating effect upon; impelling; (4) inducing or influencing another to some creative or effective effort; (5) persuading by positive means to be good, recognize beauty, and know truth; (4) afflatus <a creative impulse>
Derivation: Latin, “to breathe in”
Quotes:
• The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) British polymath [four disciplines]
• Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness – I wouldn’t know. But I am sure that it is the antithesis of self-consciousness. — Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Classical composerComment: If you focus on the positive, even in your criticisms of a person or a situation (with tact), you are helping to transform both the situation and the person.
There are many ways to be treated poorly. And it is easy to feel badly when it happens to you. But if you lash out in anger and frustration, you will only be successful in creating more anger and resistance. In hoping to control an ugly situation, you may be able to box it up. But the person or people who have created the negative have not been changed.
Containment may be necessary as a first resort. Society and the individual do have the right to protect themselves. But force is not the final solution. The final solution is for people to possess the qualities within themselves that will make it impossible to do the negative things they have done before. When inspired with the positive, people tend to act in accordance with their higher qualities.Color: blue
Symbol: the torch
- Self-image
Definitions: (1) a positive concept of oneself; (2) a realistic understanding of one’s capacity
Observation: It is ironic how often those with a poor self-image usually have a sensitive perception of the values of others: “I’m no good but look at how wonderful so-and-so is.”
Subjective reality is folded in such a way that the person with a poor self-image cannot see or accept his or her own positive qualities. Consider Marilyn Monroe; her beauty was certainly obvious to an adoring public, and she surely must have been aware of it, but it was not enough. Those who study theatrical art say she was a talented actor, but her lack of self-esteem helped to destroy her.Structure: The following are from “Anxiety—Recognition and Intervention” The American Journal of Nursing, Barbara C. Schutt R.N., Editor.
Components of a Good Self-Image
• An ability to understand and be understood
• Satisfaction of personal expectations
• Reasonable control of environment
• Satisfaction of personal wants
• Satisfaction of personal goals
• Reasonable control of self
• A sense of productivity
• A sense of usefulness
• A sense of belongingThreats to a Good Self-Image
• A sense of isolation, alienation, or loneliness
• A sense of insecurity (a threat to identity)
• A sense of helplessness
• Fear - GOOD!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Unconditional kindness; unselfishly generous; charitable beyond bounty; beneficent; (2) Gracious and attractive; virtuous; (3) Blameless; unimpeachable; (4) Praiseworthy; desirable; (5) Deserving of respect; honorable; (6) A euphemism for God
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Do good without thought of benefit to the self. Goodness begets goodness, but to the one who is truly good, evil also begets goodness. True goodness is like water. It blesses everything and harms nothing. And like water, the true goodness of the Supreme seeks the lowest places, even those levels which others avoid. — Lao-Tse (c. 604-531 BC), Taoism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Good is not good only in contrast to evil. Evil (even if encompassing stupidity, sin, and iniquity) only makes up a very small portion of the universe - a few dark spots on a pure, clean background. Evil is measurably separate from true Goodness, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. We are certainly selfish, misguided, and immature beings with only a finite amount of information, but that goes along with the fact we have been given the right to choose. And that freewill was given by The One Person who wishes nothing more than to share His infinite goodness.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --GOODNESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) excellence of character, morale, or virtue; (2) showing kindly feelings; benevolence; (3) unselfish; generous; beneficent; (4) deserving of respect; honorable (5) blameless; unimpeachableDerivation: Sanskrit, “what one clings to;” Old English, “God”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonym: praiseworthy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Axiom: If darkness is, then darkness is good. — Mbuti
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Goodness begets goodness; but to the one who is truly good, evil also begets goodness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC)... - Authenticity
Definitions: (1) worthy of acceptance or belief <an authentic idea>; genuine; real; (2) approved by authority; trustworthy; reliable; (3) true to one's own personality, spirit, or character; unique
Synonyms: credible, faithful, official, original
Quotes:
• The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering. — Ben Okri (1959-) Nigerian-British poet
• That inner voice has both gentleness and clarity. So to get to authenticity, you really keep going down to the bone, to the honesty, and the inevitability of something. — Meredith Jane Monk (1942-) American vocal innovator - Graciousness
Definitions: (1) having or showing kindness, courtesy, charm, good taste, or generosity of spirit; (2) tactful and delicate; urbane; refined; (3) merciful; compassionate; (4) possessing divine grace; virtuous; good
Synonyms: affable, benignant, cordial, genial, mild, sociable, tender
Quotes:
• I might have some difficult questions, but I know God is good, merciful, and gracious. — Jeremy Thomas Camp (1978-) American Christian singer
• When you’ve experienced grace and you feel like you’ve been forgiven, you’re a lot more forgiving of other people. You’re a lot more gracious to others. — Richard Duane Warren (1954-) American pastorComment: It is because of God’s graciousness that we were given the gifts of grace. And one of those is the gift of free choice. He gave us choice so we would be able to grow and discover our own holiness.
- Genuineness
Definitions: (1) sincere and frank; honest and forthright; (2) real; true; authentic; not artificial; not counterfeit <a genuine manuscript>
Synonyms: (fair) dinkum, natural, unadulterated, unaffected, veritable
Quotes:
• The essence of Hinduism is the same essence of all true religions: Bhakti or pure love for God and genuine compassion for all beings. — Radhanath Swami [born Richard Slavin (1950-) American Gaudiya Vaishnava guru
• The belief that all genuine education comes about through experience does not mean that all experiences are genuinely or equally educative. — John Dewey (1859–1952) American philosopher & psychologistComment: When, on the one hand, one seems genuine and honest, but on the other hand, has selfish motives, their true purpose cannot really be known until time clarifies it. However, you may be able to see through their facade from the outset. If not, wait patiently, eventually the individual will show themself. Remember the old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”
Sometimes people say they are motivated by a set of positive qualities and yet are taking steps and actions going against the very qualities they profess to hold in such high regard. - Courage!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) facing and dealing with anything recognized as difficult or painful instead of withdrawing from it; (2) that firmness of spirit that meets danger or hardship without fear; strength of character; unflinching; (3) the quality of being mentally or morally fearless or brave; valorous; intrepid; unruffled
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: bold, daring, dauntless, enterprising, gallant, hardy, heroic, pluck
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty; mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience; resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one’s ends; spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one’s own or keep one’s morale when opposed or threatened; tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence.Balancing Qualities: Compassionate, Confident, Curious, Farsighted, Kind, Open-minded
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: appreciation, attentiveness, experience, flexibility, gratitude, humor, knowledge, preparedness, relaxation, strength, understanding
NOTES:
• These compatible qualities may also be considered antidotes to fear either singly or in combination. Yet courage and boldness are not really antidotes to fear, they are more positive reaction mechanisms.
• If your focus is good enough, your attentiveness is good enough. You perceive the rattlesnake before it has a chance to bother you. Then you just take a wide path so you don’t even experience the fear because your attentiveness gives you an alternate path.
• You are not as afraid of the things you have already experienced.
• One of the greatest antidotes to fear is humor. When you experience fear, or if your intention is to be courageous, make sure there is a serious quantity of levity involved.
• To be prepared gives you a look into possible... - Cooperation
Definition: a willingness and ability to work with others; collaborative; greater efficiency through teamwork
Proverb: When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. — Ethiopian
Quote: Whatever God’s dream that man may be, it is certain it cannot come true unless man cooperates. — Stella Terrill Mann (1898-1990) Author of Change Your Life Through Love {1949}
Reflection: Ultimately the final outcome of racial tension will be one of three separate possibilities: isolation, annihilation, or assimilation.
Assimilation is accomplished by communication and interaction. Society is strengthened by cross-cultural relationships, cross-societal associations, personal friendships, and the melding of linguistic and musical ideas and attitudes. When assimilation is rendered with a cooperative spirit, the new combination is a strong and unique new people.Comment: A stable civilization is built on a cooperative society.
Observation: A discussion may begin as a negotiation and, if productive, lead to cooperation; and then, if fruitful, become a collaboration.
Symbol: fish {Teamwork}; geranium flowers
- Consideration
Definitions: (1) showing kindly regard for the feelings or circumstances of others; thoughtful; (2) showing care; deliberate
Derivation: Latin, “examine,” )perhaps based on sidus: “star”)
Quotes:
• Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree. — Marian Wright Edelman (1939-) American civil rights activist
• Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. — Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) The 34th President of the United States - Civility
Definitions: (1) respectful of the basic human rights of others; (2) courteous and polite; mannerly; (3) proper behavior
Synonyms: affable, complaisant, obliging
Quotes:
• Manners are the basic building blocks of civil society. — Alexander “Sandy” McCall Smith (1948-) British legal scholar & author
• All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers. — François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (1651–1715) French theologian
• Law in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied. — Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689–1755) French judge & historianComments:
• When you choose to be civil you are creating civilization.
• Although being civil oftentimes implies an attitude little more than a lack of rudeness, it also implies a willingness to be tolerant. This is the beginning of an acceptance of our unavoidable differences, and a practical step away from the negative toward the positive. - Greatness
Definitions: (1) having distinctive importance; momentous; renowned; (2) marked by nobility of thought or action; distinguished; dignified (3) unusual in ability of achievement; highly gifted; illustrious; superior; eminent; (4) impressive; remarkable; grand (5) proficient; skillful; (6) excellent; splendid; fine; (7) enthusiastic
Synonyms: celebrated, extraordinary, great-minded, majestic, powerful
Quotes:
• To be great is to be Godlike. And since the quality of greatness is wholly determined by the content of goodness, it follows that, even in your present human estate, if you can through grace become good, you are thereby becoming great. (28:6.22) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Greatness is a transitory experience. It is never consistent. It depends in part upon the myth-making imagination of humankind. The person who experiences greatness must have a feeling for the myth he is in. He must reflect what is projected upon him. And he must have a strong sense of the sardonic. This is what uncouples him from belief in his own pretensions. The sardonic is all that permits him to move within himself. Without this quality, even occasional greatness will destroy a man. — Frank Herbert (1920-1986) Dune {1965}
Note: The word ‘sardonic’ is said to derive from the sardonion plant that grows in Sardinia, which when eaten produces convulsive laughter that can end in death. - GOD!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The personal aspect of deity; (2) The One Uncaused Reality; (3) The first, best, and highest being in existence; (4) The embodiment of sanctity
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Divinity is the unifying and coordinating quality of deity. Divinity is qualitatively comprehended as love, truth, beauty, and goodness. Divinity is correlated in personality as love, mercy, and ministry. Divinity is manifest impersonally as justice, power, and sovereignty.
• God started it all going. He lets it run its course with the aid of of more sophisticated beings who He also created that have specific responsibilities in the scheme of things. God is supernatural, above nature, as well as in nature, but nature is not God.Quote: God is the shortest distance between Zero and Infinity – in either direction. But God, being without dimension, is not a line but a point. Therefore, God is the tangential point between Zero and Infinity. — Alfred Jarry (1873-1907) Elements of Pataphysics [The Science of Imaginary Solutions] {1911}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --GODLY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) filled with love for God; pious; devout; religious; (2) aspiring to conform to God’s design or will; (3) metta <loving-kindness; (4) theophile <one who loves God and is love by God; theosophy <the knowledge that God may be achieved through spiritual ecstasy, direct intuition, or special individual relationsQuotes:
• Why indeed must “God” be a noun? Why not a verb . . . The most active and dynamic of all? — Mary Daly (1928-2010) American theologian
• God is Love, and whenever you reach out in loving kindness, you are expressing God. God is Truth, and whenever you seek truth, you are seeking God. God is Beauty, and whenever you touch the beauty of a flower or sunset, you are touching God. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps... - Gentleness
Definitions: (1) refined or polite; noble; (2) heeding the need of others with delicacy and sensitivity; generous; kind; (3) able to handle a situation smoothly; self-composed, serene; patient; (4) mild; moderate
Synonyms: meek, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, softhearted, tender
Balancing Qualities: Determined, Strong
Maxim: Gently in manner, strongly in deed.
Quote: The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. — Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) American naturalist
Comment: We associate gentleness with the sense of touch; but even though we cannot physically touch most people, we can touch their hearts with the kindness of a smile, touch their minds with an encouraging word, or touch their funny bones with a sense of humor.
Symbol: the unicorn {Gentleness and Longevity} (Chinese)
- FRIENDLY!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Showing loving interest and amiable goodwill; congenial; (2) Always ready to comfort, help, and be supportive; loyal; (3) The Person who knows you completely and is intensely fond of you; amicable; (4) The Person who is considerate of your every want and need; (5) Willing and able to take you into His heart; endearing; inviting; hospitable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• God is the friend of each and every individual. Friends do not like to see friends hurting themselves or other friends, therefore God is the ultimate promoter of peace. If there is a conflict, He will let each individual know what is the best right action.
• God is not only a judge. He is also a companion. If you do not recognize Him, look at your human and animal friends. All good-natured compatibility is shared and enjoyed by the creator of relationships.
• We normally take God very seriously. That does not change the fact that He has the best sense of humor in the universe. He knows all the incongruous situations we put ourselves into. His empathy for our difficulties is not diminished. We will be able to best surpass ourselves when we get to the point where we do not take ourselves so seriously.
The cynic says the universe is just a big joke. But God does not laugh at us; He laughs with us. He is the embodiment of compassion. It is we who make mistakes and treat each other foolishly. Humor is the general anesthesia for being born human. Humor clarifies the facts and purifies the truth.FRIENDSHIP
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) showing kindly interest and good will; amicable; (2) comforting or supportive of others needs and wants; helpful; (3) attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion; (4) disposed to peace; ; amity; (5) cheerful; (6) entente <friendly understanding between factions>Synonyms: a buddy, conciliatory, hospitable,...
- FORCE
Divine Definitions: (1) The non-personal side of Deity; (2) The unlimited, primal, original, and precursor aspects of Divinity from which power, energy, and matter emerge; (3) Holding and controlling all power, energy, and strength in check.
Quotes:
• May The Force be with you. — George Lucas (1944-) Star Wars {1977}
• The absolute truth abides forever, whether enlightenment appears in the world or not. — Buddhism, Lankavatara Sutra 61 {3rd Century}Observation: All the stars and the tiniest atom all obey the Force.
Comment: God’s force and power are always in control, always acting with the best interest of all involved. They are governed by goodness and distributed with fairness. He has no reason or will to force or coerce anyone to do anything.
FORCEFUL
Human Definitions: (1) acting with power or full of energy; vigorous; (2) effective; cogent; tellingBalancing Qualities: This quality is best in combination. It needs always to be balanced with a range of other qualities depending on the circumstances. As a parental disciplinarian you need to be forceful yet tender. A person in a potentially threatening situation needs to be forceful and prudent. In a rough and tumble game the combination would be forceful and playful.
Too Far: bully, insensitive
Quote: Persuasiveness is really just about getting your ideas across without being forceful. It's a skill that can be learned and is useful for anyone who works in a team environment. — Amanda de Cadenet (1972-) British photographer & author
- FATHER!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The head of the universe; paternal; (2) Devoted to the care and rearing of the cosmic family; (3) The first Person of The Trinity; (4) The originator and initiator of all things and beings; The Father-Absolute
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Here Father denotes the loving nature of The Original Person.
See Also: MotherQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. — The Bible, Matthew 5:48
• In gaining an entrance into the kingdom of heaven, it is the motive that counts. My Father looks into the hearts of men and judges by their inner longings and sincere intentions. (140:3.19) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}PARENTAL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definition: (1) fatherly or motherly integral characteristics; tender; affectionate; (2) the source from which something is derivedQuote: Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. — James Arthur Baldwin (1924-1987) American writer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: Number five of the ten commandments, "Honor your father and mother."
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: One can be the parent of an idea and nurture an ideal.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Tips:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• It is important to know how to let your child learn. Give them the tools, instruction, encouragement, and then the freedom. We all learn differently.
• Notice what talents your child has naturally. Expose them to lots of options. Give your child the benefit of your observations about their talents and interests.Advice: Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. ― Benjamin McLane Spock (1903-1998) American pediatrician
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PATERNAL
Human Definition: fatherly; characteristic of a father or... - FAMILY
Divine Definition: The Father, The Mother, Sons and Daughters; the unit of mutual and intimate support; storge <natural (or acquired) familial love>
Comment: God was replete before creating anything or anyone. It was His loving nature motivating Him to begin the universal family. It is love that brings His family together. The best parental qualities are His.
FAMILIAL
Human Definition: pertaining to or characteristic of family bonds; a unit of mutual and intimate supportQuotes:
• So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty. — Haniel Long (1888-1956) American poet
• The family is the test of freedom; because the family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself. — Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936) English writer & philosopherConsideration: The family is the basic unit of society, then comes the clan, race, state, nation, world, and universe. Once we all recognize that we are all kin, we will have a chance for world peace.
Suggestion: Leave a place in the family for God.
Symbols: 1) the chain; 2) the ruby slippers (silver in the original written version) [Dorothy of Kansas wore them in The Wizard of Oz {1939} when she declared, “There’s no place like home.”]
- Fairness
Definitions: (1) all sides treating each other truthfully and impartially; just; equitable; objective; evenhanded; (2) pleasant and courteous; civil; (3) free from anything which might impair the appearance, quality, or character; clean; pure; (4) agreeable to the eye or mind <especially because of fresh, charming, or flawless traits>; lovely; beautiful; attractive; (5) open; honest; (6) the perfect melding of justice and mercy
Synonyms: candid, clear, equanimous, frank, honest, open, reasonable, sympathetic, unprejudiced
Idiom: Let’s be fair and square.
Quotes:
• We must always remember that it is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy. — Susan Margaret Collins (1952-) American Senator
• I don't think fairness means that you give equal time to every point of view no matter how marginal. You weigh the sides, you do some truth-testing, you apply judgment to them. — Bill Keller (1949-) American journalist
Comment: Every circumstance cannot be fair, but if all parties enter a situation with an attitude of fairness, they will have a better chance of ending up with a satisfactory outcome for all. Take into consideration not only a concern for your interests, but also a healthy concern for the other person’s interests.Observation: Many of the higher, or more complex, qualities need a solid foundation. The groundwork for fairness begins with a raw reading of the law (natural or legal), then a balanced reading of justice, then comes the question of fairness, after that patience, and then kindness. Only then can one take the next step and show loving mercy.
- Expansiveness
Definitions: (1) enlarging in range or scope; unfolding; becoming more comprehensive; opening; developing in detail; (2) spreading positive ideas or ideals; (3) possessing a large measure of benevolence; broad-minded, generous, open-hearted, and sympathetic
Synonyms: amplifying, extending, swelling
Quote: The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) American poet
Comment: When you make someone your enemy, you shrink your consciousness; you shrink your options; you limit your possible points of view. The narrower your world view(s), the smaller your world.
Visualization: There was a TV show called “Bonanza.” It opened with a map being consumed by fire expanding from the center outward. Think of it as a positive metaphor: an increase of consciousness, an unfolding of personality, a growing of the soul?
Life gets consumed as experience is expanded, only to nurture new growth. - ENGAGED
Divine Definitions: (1) Setting the cosmos in motion; actualizing reality; activating the plan of creation; (2) Fully committed to the dynamic service of the universe; (3) Affectionately connecting with each person; (4) Exerting executive control of the energetic forces proposed by Original Thought; (5) Operating within everything and everyone; absolute immanence
Comments:
• Only after God had thought about what would be the options (having taken a look at all possible beginnings, all branching possibilities, and every possible outcome), using His infinite omniscience and perfect wisdom, did God finalize a plan of action. Then did the decree go forth as to what should take place and who should be involved.
• The divine plan asks those who have made some progress toward The Center to be willing to help those who are still struggling to become more complete. We are asked to be engaged as He is engaged.ENGAGING
Human Definitions: (1) drawing positive attention or affection by being attractive, winning, or pleasant; (2) fully committed and affectionately connecting to the service of othersCompatible Quality: charming
Quotes:
• Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom. — Bodhidharma (5th or 6th century AD) Chinese Buddhist monk
• We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in the work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile. — Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) American motivational speaker - DESTINY!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) God is the ultimate and inevitable goal of all creation; the final accomplishment; (2) The promise of prevailing in one’s search for God; the definitive attainment; (3) The end result of giving in to God’s irresistible influence; triumphant and victorious; (4) Our refuge and our strength
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: If we had no free will, our future would be predetermined. But since He, in His infinite wisdom, did give us the gift of free will, we can choose our destination and how to get there. If we choose to align our will with the will of The Father, He has assured us we will fulfill our heart’s desire. God gives us whatever help we need but we choose our own fate.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --DESTINED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) developing according to a plan <destined to become; (2) certain to meet <a particular fate; (3) focused on a goalDerivation: Latin, “to stand”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• It can only be true love when you enable your other half to be better, to be the person they’re destined to be. — Michelle Yeoh Choo Kheng (1962-) Malaysian actress
• Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realize the great life. — Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) Indian aerospace scientist and statesman; 11th President of IndiaReflection: If your goal is pure and heavenly enough it will be preordained.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PURPOSEFUL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having a meaningful goal or an important aim; (2) determined; resoluteQuotes:
• Life itself must be founded upon the infinite possibility for choice and accident; and if we cannot prove that it is, we must believe that it... - Decisiveness!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) arriving at a solution after purposeful consideration thus ending uncertainty or dispute; (2) making a choice or finalizing a judgment; (3) showing determination for a dedicated purpose; firmness; resolute
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: conclusive, incontestable, positive, unmistakable, unquestionable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Open-minded, Vision
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Qualities: faith, wisdom
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Qualities: calm, peaceful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: demanding, narrow-minded
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity. — Rollo May (1090-1994) Man’s Search for Himself {1953}
Note: You must be in charge of your decisions. There are elements of weakness and cowardice in conformity. Those who possess power tend to praise qualities which trigger an obedient response.Reflection: One of the most difficult times we have is just before a decision is made. This is particularly true on important decisions: a career choice, a relationship choice, a life choice. The mind brings up lots of possibilities and what-ifs. Some of these options have fear-triggering repercussions. But once the decision is made, and you proceed with a course of action, most of that fear dissipates. There are new decisions to make. Doubts will always come up, but if your self-reliance and self-esteem are strong, then some doubt is healthy.
Decisiveness is connected with faith. Decision creates motion. You are acting, which will lead to your goal, and to becoming someone different. Have the faith to go ahead and take that first step based on your powers of judgment and experience. As you begin it, and move through it, you’ll find out what the next steps need to be to adjust to the... - CREATOR!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The Person who brings everything into being; the originator (and maintainer); the ordainer of what is caused to exist; (2) Characterized by originality and execution of first thoughts; (3) Productive; inventive; omniferous; (4) The generator of reality: physical, mental, spiritual, and personal; (5) Establishing and mandating the primal patterns, forms, and designs; the lawmaker; (6) Self-moved by the motivation of love
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: In loving his own productive, generative, generous love, God loves all those ways in which that love can be realized in creation. — Rowan Douglas Williams (1950-) 104th Archbishop of Canterbury
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• To appreciate and stand in awe of the creation is to give credit to The Creator for manifesting such prolific and imaginative innovations.
• God has also blessed us with a bit of the creative impulse. When we are being creative, we are sharing with Him a fundamental quality of His nature. This gift is one reason why He does not give us all of the answers. It is part of The Plan that we discover, and even create, reality for ourselves.CREATIVE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) to bring into being; to originate; to cause to exist; (2) characterized by originality and execution of thought; (3) forming something new; inventiveSynonyms: constitutive, generative, productive, resourceful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Ability, Harmony, Practicality, Responsibility, Talented
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: adaptability, devoted, dreaming, flexible, humorous, playful, whimsical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial and Consequential Qualities: Three qualities work well with creativity: curiosity, courage, and confidence.
In order to be courageous, in the inventive sense,... - COMFORTER
Divine Definitions: (1) Imparting reassurance, encouragement, and strength; (2) Bringing solace and consolation in times of distress; (3) Providing grace, hope, and cheer; (4) Showing compassion and soul soothing kindness; (5) Bestowing satisfaction and contentment; (6) The Teacher of all things
Comments:
• Definition number six, “the Teacher of all things,” helps us understand how comfort is beyond a simple hug with a sympathetic, “It will be all right. I’ll help you through this.” Comfort also includes information, security, and understanding. The more we know the more comfortable we feel.
• Some of God’s qualities (omnipotence, omniscience) are impossible to share. Some, like comfort, are where we have our opportunity to be like Him. We can give comfort, in all of its forms (teacher, listener, inventor, nurse) to our brothers and sisters; all the while getting better as we practice.COMFORTING
Human Definitions: (1) imparting encouragement and strength; heartening; (2) bringing solace or cheer to someone; consoling; reassuring; (3) providing grace, hope, and cheer; showing compassion and soul soothing kindness; (4) bestowing satisfaction and contentment; (5) commodiousSynonyms: relieving, supportive
Quotes:
• Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself, the most comforting words of all; this, too, shall pass. — Esther Pauline "Eppie" Lederer [pen name: Ann Landers] (1918-2002) Advice columnist
• We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. — Viktor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, & Holocaust survivor - BEAUTIFUL!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The most exquisite Person in the universe. The Divine gift to every person that enhances pleasure to the senses, exalts the mind, and elevates spiritual reality; (2) The aesthetic effect produced by harmony; (3) The essence of any excellent quality; (4) Grace with charm; delightful; (5) Intensely pleasing; extremely fine; (6) Artistic; attractive; lovely
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Beauty springs from God and it is like a circle, the center of which is Goodness. — Baldassare Castiglione (1478–1529) Italian diplomat & author
• Beauty is always triumphant over ugliness in the hearts of all who are illuminated by the love of truth. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD), The Urantia Book, 156:5.5 {1955}Reflection: Our idea of beauty is so paltry compared with the grandeur of Divine Beauty that it seems hopelessly meager. And yet these are the words we have available to use. One possibility is to extend the concept from an idea to an ideal and then it can be felt as well as known.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --BEAUTY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) the quality or combination of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses, exalts the mind, and/or elevates the spirit by their harmony, pattern, excellence, or truth; loveliness; (2) any particularly attractive, graceful, ornamental, or excellent characteristic; (3) a special grace or charm; delightful; (4) generally pleasing; very fineSynonyms: adornment, embellishment, exquisite, fair, picturesque, seemly
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Beaux yeux (French): “beautiful eyes” [beauty of face]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is... - BESTOWER!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The Giver of gifts; the Person with the most lavish generosity; (2) The Benefactor of examples and life lessons; (3) The application of devotion to the universe <He bestows his love upon all his children.>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: Many great people have lived remarkable lives: Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tse, Saints (known and unknown). These lives, lived in the service of The Truth, are a gift, an example of how to live. All personalities can choose to amplify themselves to the exalted character they are meant to be. And when they do, they become a bestower of the gift of themselves upon humanity.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Among the gifts which have been bestowed upon us are: life, personality, body, mind, spirit, grace, freewill, and revelation (external and internal).
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --GENEROUS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) liberal in sharing; unselfish; a warmhearted readiness to give; bountiful; (2) free from meanness or pettiness; open-handed; (3) magnanimous; noble-minded; graciousBalancing Quality: Practical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: poverty
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• If you haven't got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. — Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope(1903-2003) American comedian
• If you get great pleasure and joy out of giving of yourself, then your “selfishness” manifests itself as generosity. — Judy Kain (1948-) American EmpathParable: The Bible story of the employer who paid those who worked all day the same as those who worked just at the end of the day shows generosity to be a greater quality than consistency.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Generosity does not mean only the giving of money. It also includes the sharing of ideas, establishing positive systems and...
- CENTRAL
Divine Definitions: (1) The Person from which everything emanates; (2) The foundational focal point; the nucleus; (3) The place of tranquil quiescence; stationary and still (4) The fundamental source of power and authority; (5) The convergence of every part of reality <physical force, personality and mind circuits, spiritual and physical gravity, and all life>; (6) The destiny of everything; the nexus (7) Holding everything together; cosmic cohesiveness
Inspiration: God encompasses all reality, is its source and center, is extant throughout it, and is its ultimate destination.
CENTERED
Human Definitions: (1) composed and poised; in control of the mind and emotions; (2) placed or fixed at or around an axis; focused; (3) gathering together; concentrating; (4) holding a moderate or central position; (5) in a place of tranquil quiescence; stationary and stillQuotes:
• A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe. — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940–2015) American self-help author
• The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflective – people who know to see a problem as an opportunity. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American authorSymbols: 1) the number one; 2) the tree as the world axis
- Welcoming
Definitions: (1) having easy and open access to; approachable; friendly; intimate; (2) receiving with gladness or delight <you are always welcome>; courteous, cordial; (3) able to be contacted, appreciated, or discovered
Quote: Nature promotes mutualism. The flower nourishes the bee. The river waters quench the thirst of all living beings. And trees provide a welcoming home to so many birds and animals. There is a rhythm to this togetherness. — Ram Nath Kovind (1945-) Indian politician, 14th president of India
Observation: A welcoming person projects an air of friendliness by putting others at ease.
(INVITING)
Definitions: (1) offering the promise of an attractive or enjoyable experience; (2) polite urging; a welcome requestQuote: Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.— Martha Graham (1894–1991) American dancer and choreographer
- Zestful
Definitions: (1) stimulating or exciting; having gusto; zippy; (2) adding a pleasant tang or zing to; piquant; (3) sedulous
Quote: Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest. — Christian Emest Dior (1905–1957)) French fashion designer
- Zealous
Definitions: (1) ardent in the pursuit of an object; enthusiastic; (2) full of, characterized by, showing, or sowing fervor or passion; (3) giving wholehearted commitment
Compatible Qualities: Intelligent enthusiasm, High ideals, Deep understanding
Too Far: fanatic
Saying: Practices zealously pursued pass into habits.
Quote: Don't let our outside labels or how fervent we look or zealous we are or how righteous we seem; that's not how you measure yourself against other people. Everyone is a child of God; if we really believed that, we'd treat each other better. — Mitchell “Mitch” David Albom (1958-) American author & musician
Comment: It is hard to be zealous in tedium. In order to proceed with a tedious task, one must transcend the boredom with a higher purpose; i.e., zealous concentration on the accomplishment of the chore by focusing on the idea you are doing some good for someone else, the community, or society as a whole.
Color: red
- Zany
Definition: whimsically comical; clownishly crazy; wildly absurd
Derivation: Italian, "a clownish performance"
Quotes:
• Progress is man's ability to complicate simplicity. — Thor Heyerdahl (1914 – 18 April 2002) was a Norwegian adventurer & ethnographer
• Master the zany habit of thinking backwards. It will help you become a really great thinker! — Lucas Remmerswaal, New Zealand journalist - Yummy
Definitions: (1) very pleasing to the senses <especially if tasty or tasteful>; delicious; delectable; succulent; (2) a general quality of approval or appreciation
Saying: One should always keep their words soft and tender for tomorrow they may have to eat them.
Quote: Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. — Winston Francis Groom Jr. (1943–2020) Forest Gump {1986}
Symbols: 1) the tummy; 2) the tongue
Foods: 1) Love; 2) Creativity; 3) Music; 4) Nature; 5) Humor; 6) Gratitude; 7) Communion with the Divine
- Wry
Definition: amusing in a clever way; exhibiting ironic humor
Quotes:
• In the beginning was the thing … and one thing led to another. — Thomas “Tom” Eugene Robbins (1936-) American novelist, Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas {1994}
• A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life. — William Arthur Ward (1921–1994) American motivational writer
• Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. — Clive James [born Vivian Leopold James] (1939–2019) Australian journalist - Worthy
Definition: demonstrating commendable excellence or great merit; possessing noble value or distinguished character; deserving praise; estimable; virtuous
Quotes:
• True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)
• It's not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even - or rather, especially - when we'd prefer not to be. — Joshua “Josh” Thomas Radnor (1974-) American actor, author, & musicianConsideration: In general, if the parents have a strong sense of self-worth, the child can then also feel safe in having that same healthy sense of intrinsic value. If life is not safe, then something else will take its place so that the child will still have an ego identity. If the ego is built on a negative pseudo-structure, these deficiencies will eventually have to be replaced with more constructive and natural qualities.
The fact is you cannot disconnect from your self. It takes courage and faith to let go of something and go toward another, but if you have a bridge to your new self, you will more easily let yourself do so. The bridge is made of positive qualities. Accept these building materials to shore up your deficiencies. Tell yourself they are necessary, that you are worthy of them, then you will start to crave them. If you seek, the way will be made clear. - Worshipful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) expressing adoration, veneration, or homage to a divine person; showing sincere devotion; (2) giving respect or honor due to a lofty character; (3) feeling intense love and admiration for a loved one
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: liturgical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Worship leads to service. Service leads to worship.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Worship, taught Jesus, makes one increasingly like the Being who is worshiped. (146:2.17) — The Urantia Book {1955}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: Remember having been, almost literally, grabbed by something of extreme interest? Remember being struck with the beauty of a flower, a butterfly, a bird? Nature can hold our fascination for moments or for a lifetime. Remember those long philosophical discussions that were so exciting you stayed up all night? Remember that hug from a child so innocent and giving you were surrounded with love? This state of appreciation and self-forgetfulness can be triggered by exquisite beauty, sublime truth, or heartwarming goodness.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
During these times, you are totally absorbed. You give yourself over to your appreciation. It may be an involuntary act, but you like it so much you would not describe it as a loss of will.Observation: During worship the ego disappears; there is a sublime self-forgetfulness. There are a certain set of qualities putting you in this remarkable state. They are reverence, playfulness, humor, service, thoughtfulness. But love is primary. Love evaporates negativity and sustained love obliterates it. In this state a few things are notably absent. You no longer are experiencing fear, doubt, or worry, and your prideful ego is left behind – you are not even aware they have gone.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
• Worship illuminates destiny. Yet that is not its primary goal; it... - Wonderful
Definitions: (1) excellent; grand; marvelous; (2) unusually good; extraordinary; amazing; swell; supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Proverb: When one stops wondering at the wonderful it stops being full of wonder. — Chinese
Quotes:
• If you want to find something wonderful, you have to be prepared to wonder. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks of ennui. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)Tip: Don’t be so interested in the ultimate spectacle that you walk unknowingly right by the simply wonderful.
- Wonder
Definitions: (1) a cause of astonishment; a marvel; (2) the quality of exciting and amazed admiration; (3) rapt attention at something awesomely mysterious or new and beautiful
Synonyms: appreciation, awestruck, curious, reverence, thunderstruck, wonderstruck
Saying: Sometimes a wonder is obscured by a miracle.
Quotes:
• To be surprised, wonder, is to begin to understand. — Jose Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955) Spanish philosopher
• Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don’t let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity. — Robert I. Fitzhenry (1918-2008) Canadian publisherTip: Deal with what happens as an answer and not as a question.
Symbol: a wide-eyed child
- Wizardly
Definitions: (1) possessing amazing skill or accomplishment; very clever; (2) enchanting; charming; magical; (3) sagacious; wise; (4) praiseworthy
Quotes:
• Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese Mystic philosopher
• Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old) - Witty
Definitions: (1) engagingly or ingeniously clever in conception and execution; (2) good-humored kidding; smartly facetious; (3) quick to see and illuminate amusing relationships or insights
Saying: Sal atticum (Latin): “attic salt” [wit]
Quotes:
• Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food. — William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English writer
• The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. — Eden Phillpotts (1862-1960) English author, poet, & dramatist
• To be witty is not enough. One must possess sufficient wit to avoid having too much of it. — Andre Maurois [born Émile Salomon Wilhelm Herzog] (1885–1967) French author
• You can pretend to be serious; but you can't pretend to be witty. — Alexandre-Pierre Georges "Sacha" Guitry (1885–1957) French actor, director, screenwriter, & playwright(QUICK-WITTED)
Definitions: (1) having a nimble, alert mind; quick in perception and understanding; keen; clever; sharp-witted; (2) being able to readily access memory and put ideas together in new waysQuote: Those who have a natural talent for calculation are generally quick-witted at every other kind of knowledge; and even the dull, if they have had an arithmetical training, although they may derive no other advantage from it, always become much quicker than they would have been. — Plato (428-328 BC) Greek philosopher
- Wise!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having or showing good judgment; discerning; (2) accurately discriminating between what is true and what is false; (3) able to decide between what is proper and what is improper; prudent; discreet; (4) able to conceive of a pragmatic solution; common sense; sagacious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivations: Sanskrit, “knowledge;” Latin, “to see”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: calculating, crafty, cunning, enlightened, erudite, incorruptible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Appreciation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: common sense
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: farsighted, foresighted, prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: A word to the wise is sufficient.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictums:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The heart is wiser than the intellect. — Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819-1881) American novelist
• Be you always as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc-30 ad)
• God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. — Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) American theologianQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms. — Socrates (c. 4th Century bc) Greek philosopher
• Wisdom is better than strength, and a wise man is better than a strong man. — Amenemope (c. 1100 BC) The Wisdom of Amenemope 26:15-16 {Found 1888; Published 1922}
• [Merlin:] The essence of wisdom is to know when to be doing and when it is useless even to try. — Mary Stewart [born Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow] (1916-2014) The Last Enchantment {1979}Comments:
•Wisdom is the result of balancing positive qualities. It is the ability to contrast opposites and choose the highest possible good. It is also seeing the positive in... - WISDOM!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Encompassing the entirety of discernment; Perfect judgment; capable; (2) The embodiment of truth; aware of all of the real facts and true circumstances; (3) The embodiment of beauty; the integration of reality; (4) The embodiment of goodness; knowing what is proper; prudent; discriminative; (5) Enlightened; incorruptible; (6) Having the wisest possible perspective; being able to see all reality at once; profound; (7) Proposing the practical application of His pragmatic plan; sagacious; (8) The most sensible adaptation of omniscience; possessing supreme common sense
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: As mind pursues reality to its ultimate analysis … Thinking surrenders to wisdom, and wisdom is lost in enlightened and reflective worship. (112:2.11) — The Urantia Book {1995}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Inspiration: God is our sure leader and unfailing guide. He is the great parent of heaven and earth, possessed of unlimited energy and infinite wisdom. — Hinduism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: All that we perceive as separate is being coordinated in perfect symmetry because God’s wisdom is absolute and motivated solely by supreme love. All choices taken by The All-wise Creator will be the best course of action for all persons for all time. Nothing is out of place. He experiences no regrets. He makes no mistakes.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --WISE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having or showing good judgment; discerning; (2) accurately discriminating between what is true and what is false; (3) able to decide between what is proper and what is improper; prudent; discreet; (4) able to conceive of a pragmatic solution; common sense; sagaciousDerivations: Sanskrit, “knowledge;” Latin, “to see”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: calculating, crafty, cunning, enlightened, erudite, incorruptible
!-- /wp:paragraph... - Winsome
Definitions: (1) innocently charming; engagingly sweet; attractive; (2) cheerful; merry
Derivations: Old English, “joy;” Anglo Saxon, “delightful”
Quotes:
• Let your life yield a sweet, winsome melody that this old world needs so desperately. Yes, you can if you will. — Charles Rozell Swindoll (1934-) American pastor & educator
• There is to the poetical sense a ravishing prophecy and winsome intimation in flowers that now and then, from the influence of mood of circumstance, reasserts itself like the reminiscence of childhood, or the spell of love. — Henry Theodore Tuckerman (1813–1871) American writer - Willing
Definitions: (1) inclined or favorably disposed to act; ready; prompt to respond; (2) done, given, borne, or used with cheerful readiness <a willing volunteer>
Adage: Energy flows where intention goes.
Poetry:
Lead me Zeus, and you too Destiny
To wherever your decrees have assigned me
I follow readily, but if I choose not,
Wretched though I am, I must follow still.
Fate guides the willing, but drags the unwilling.
— Cleanthes (c. 330–230 BC) Greek philosopherAffirmations:
• I will continue to make headway.
• I will bear up under the strain.
• I will clean up my own messes.
• I will double down on what I know is right.
• I will lay up my treasure in heaven.Inspiration:
I will allow my will to be God’s Will.
I will align my will with God’s will.
I will that my will be God's will.
God is willing His Will to be my will.
God is willing. I am willing.Advice:
• Be willing to hear what another is saying. Are you secure enough to be open to change your behavior to conform to another’s insights?
• Be willing to consciously surrender yourself to the guidance of your guardian angel and your inner Spirit. Give them permission to adjust your mind and soul to the pre-approved settings you are hoping to attain. You are still in control. - Willful
Definition: the intentional exercise of freewill; one’s deliberate choice resulting in voluntary action; volitional
Derivation: Middle English, "full of <free> will"
Balancing Qualities: Open-minded, Respect for others
Parental Quality: conscious
Too Far: obstinate, stubborn
Quotes:
• All variety of created objects which represent order and life in the universe could happen only by the willful reasoning of its original Creator. — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines]
• I don't have any control over what actually happens except for that I have full control over my will for myself, my intention, and why I'm there. That's all that matters. — Solána Imani Rowe [aka SZA] (1989-) American singer-songwriterSymbols: 1) music; 2) the sun
- Wholesome
Definitions: (1) promoting or conducive to good health, mental vitality, or well-being; vigorous; sound; (2) tending to improve the mind or morals
Compatible Quality: homey
Quotes:
• Liberty exists in proportion to wholesome restraint. — Daniel Webster (1782-1852) American lawyer and statesman
• The first condition of education is being able to put someone to wholesome and meaningful work. — John Ruskin (1819–1900) English polymath [eight disciplines]Symbol: bread
- Wholehearted
Definition: (1) showing devoted commitment, earnest enthusiasm, directed determination, or sincere and energetic focus; (2) dedicated to an ideal over a long time; loyal; whole-souled
Quotes:
• A man who always speaks the truth wholeheartedly is greater than those who do penance and deeds of charity. — Thiruvalluvar [aka: Valluvar] (31 BC) Indian poet & philosopher
• Moral acts are those human performances which are characterized by the highest intelligence, directed by selective discrimination in the choice of superior ends as well as in the selection of moral means to attain these ends. Such conduct is virtuous. Supreme virtue, then, is wholeheartedly to choose to do the will of the Father in heaven. (16:7.10) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Whole
Definitions: (1) in sound health; not diseased or injured; unimpaired; (2) intact; not broken, damaged, or defective; (3) containing all elements or parts; entire; complete
Quote: An act is not, as young men think, like a rock that one picks up and throws, and it hits or misses, and that’s the end of it. When that rock is lifted, the earth is lighter; the hand that bears it heavier. When it is thrown, the circuits of the stars respond, and where it strikes or falls the universe is changed. On every act the balance of the whole depends. … Having intelligence, we must not act in ignorance. Having choice, we must not act without responsibility. — Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) The Farthest Shore {1972}
Reflection: As the individual grows in grace and wisdom, they help the Whole to become more complete. As the Whole is evolving to its ideal, it helps the individual to become more perfect. It all works together. Thus, things eventually become more ordered and less chaotic.
Observation: A net is a group of (w)holes tied together with string.
Suggestion:
Actively function in all aspects of life.
• Appreciation
• Art, Creation
• Education, Teaching, Learning
• Emotional
• Job, Career
• Mental
• Nature
• Physical
• Playfulness, Relaxation
• Relationships
• SpiritualSymbols: 1) the ring; 2) the globe; 3) the wheel; 4) the peacock; 5) the bracelet; 6) the pomegranate {Unity with Diversity} [many seeds contained in one sphere]
Mythological Figure:
Woman, in the picture language of mythology, represents the totality of what can be known. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) The Hero with a Thousand Faces {1949}Mythological Object: Yggdrasil, in Scandinavian mythology, is a huge ash tree whose roots and branches hold together the universe.
- Whimsical
Definition: (1) acting with playful humor; (2) demonstrating eccentric creativity; (3) spontaneous, fanciful, and imaginative inventiveness
Compatible Qualities: changeable, rascally
Quotes:
• If you're alive, kick into drive. Chase whimsies. See if you can turn dreams into a way to make a living, if not an entire way of life. — Kevin Patrick Smith (1970-) American filmmaker
• We find in the history of ideas mutations which do not seem to correspond to any obvious need, and at first sight appear as mere playful whimsies such as Apollonius' work on conic sections, or the non-Euclidean geometries, whose practical value became apparent only later. — Arthur Koestler (1905–1983) Hungarian-born author & journalist - Well-spoken
Definitions: (1) able to communicate with grace, kindness, or propriety; articulate; (2) civil; courteous; (3) having the ability to converse with ease; quick-minded
Proverb: The great man is not he who takes a city or overthrows a nation, but rather he who subdues his own tongue.
Quotes:
• Good English, well spoken and well written, will open more doors than a college degree... Bad English will slam doors you don't even know exist. — William Raspberry (1935-2012) American syndicated columnist
• The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and goodness. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicistComment: It can often be a greater kindness not to speak.
- Well-read
Definition: one who loves literature; well-educated; well-informed
Derivation: The word encyclopedia comes from the Greek meaning “well-rounded.”
Quotes:
• I was reading the dictionary. I thought it was a poem about everything. — Steven Alexander Wright (1955-) American stand-up comedian & actor
• Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesmanSymbols: 1) any book; 2) a library
Mythological Figure: Nebo, the god of science and literature in Babylonian mythology; also the god of prophecy
- Well-meaning
Definitions: (1) having a purpose in mind; (2) willing to convey, with clear focus and good intent, one’s sincere truth; (3) what is clearly in mind, both included and excluded; (4) logical and straightforward; (4) well-wisher <a person who desires or expressed happiness or success for another>
See also: PurposefulQuotes:
• I want to go places where there are really well-meaning people doing work that is interesting and seems to really matter and where everybody, at least once a day, have a really good laugh. — Christine “Tina” Elizabeth Smith (1958-) American politician & businesswoman
• Smart, well-meaning people get it wrong when they start believing that the world owes them something and that the rules are different for them. — Guy Takeo Kawasaki (1954-) American marketing specialist
Note: Every positive quality can benefit from a little help from other positive qualities. - Well-disposed
Definitions: (1) feeling favorable, kind, or sympathetic; (2) having a pleasant character; friendly
Quote: In Utopia, where every man has a right to everything, they all know that if care is taken to keep the public stores full no private man can want anything; for among them there is no unequal distribution, so that no man is poor, none in necessity, and though no man has anything, yet they are all rich; for what can make a man so rich as to lead a serene and cheerful life? — Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) English philosopher & statesman
- Well
Definitions: (1) sound in body and mind; healthy; (2) having reasonable propriety; just; right; (3) expertly accomplished; skillful; complete; done with close attention <well done>; thorough; (4) abundant; prosperous; fortunate; comfortable <His investments did well.>; (5) with a high degree of pleasure or approval; (6) the proper or satisfactory treatment of a person, thing, or situation; in a kindly or friendly manner; (7) to accept in good grace; (8) behaving in a moral manner; commendable; with merit; (9) a reservoir of feelings and emotions; (10) elegantly <She carries herself well.>
Music: “When Peace Like a River” {1873}
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
— Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888) American lawyer & church elderQuotes:
• People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. — Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar (1926-2021) American motivational speaker
• Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. — Lou Leo Holtz (1937-) American football coach & analystSymbol: sunflowers
- Watchful
Definitions: (1) carefully observant; vigilant; attentive <especially with parental care>; cautious; diligent; awake; aware; (2) guarding against danger; (3) alert to opportunity; (4) mentally informed; (5) acting with discretion; self-observant; self-restrained
Quotes:
• More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes, when it obeys the watchful eye of caution. — James Thomson (1834-1882) Scottish poet & playwright
• Be ever watchful for the opportunity to shelter little children with the umbrella of your charity; be generous to their schools, their hospitals, and their places of worship. For, as they must bear the burdens of our mistakes, so are they in their innocence the repositories of our hopes for the upward progress of humanity. — Conrad Nicholson Hilton (1187-1979) American businessmanSymbol: eyes
Mythological Figure: Argus, a Greek mythological giant had a hundred eyes and was ever watchful. After he was killed by Hermes, the god Hera set his eyes into the tail of the peacock.
- Warmhearted
Definitions: (1) ready with affection, cordiality, kindness, generosity, or sympathy; (2) loving; ardent
Familial Quality: familial
Quote: When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. — Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (1932–1996) Dutch priest & theologian
Color: red-orange
- Warm
Definitions: (1) infused with feeling of loving kindness; affectionate; (2) strongly attached; intimate; (3) cordial or hearty <a warm welcome>; (4) animated; vigorous; (5) the ability to inspire with kindly feeling <warm to the idea>; affect with lively pleasure; (6) excited enthusiasm, contagious cheerfulness, attractive vitality; (7) to successfully approach a goal or find a solution <You’re getting warmer.>
Quotes:
• A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. — William Arthur Ward (1921–1994) American motivational writer
• Why there is one body in our System qualified to give light and heat to all the rest, I know no reason but because the Author of the System thought it convenient; and why there is but one body of this kind, I know no reason, but because one was sufficient to warm and enlighten all the rest. — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines]
Colors: orange-brown, redSymbol: the hearth
- Voluptuous
Definitions: (1) gratification of aesthetic appetites <especially artistically>; (2) the hope for beauty fulfilled; (3) occupied with delight or pleasure <especially sensually>; (4) given to or spent in luxurious enjoyment
Derivation: Latin, “pleasure”
Quote: With everything that I design, from a church to a plate to skyscraper to a spoon. I am always thinking about voluptuous volumes and spaces. — Greg Lynn (1964-) American architect
- VOLITIONAL
Divine Definitions: (1) The personal exercise of the Divine free will; self-willed; (2) The all-wise choosing made manifest; self-disclosing; (3) The clearly correct interpretation of the original thought; self-determinative
Comment: The Creator respects His own decisions. God is the one Person with freewill who completely understands the value of unrestricted will. Since He knows its value, He decided to gift us with freewill as well. He will not stray from His own perfect decisions. He will never violate our free will. He will respect our freewill even if we choose foolishly. Neither will He coerce or compel us to submit to His bidding. Instead, He has given us the opportunity to affectionately dedicate our will as a precious gift to Him. We can decide to be in harmony with His all-wise volition.
VOLITION
Human Definitions: (1) having the power to choose; willful; (2) forming a purpose or an opinion; decisive; self-determinativeDerivation: Medieval Latin, “I wish” (17th century: a decision or choice made after deliberation)
Quotes:
• The true test of a leader is whether his followers will adhere to his cause from their own volition, enduring the most arduous hardships without being forced to do so, and remaining steadfast in the moments of greatest peril. — Xenophon (c. 430–354 BC) Athenian general, philosopher, & historian
• We see that every external motion, act, gesture, whether voluntary or mechanical, organic or mental, is produced and preceded by internal feeling or emotion, will or volition, and thought or mind. — Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) Russian & American mystic & author - Vivacious
Definition: alluringly lively, playfully active, spirited in temper or conduct; sprightly; pizzazzful
Derivation: Latin, “long-lived”
Synonym: Italian, brio: “vivacity of style”
Quotes:
• Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy. — Leatrice Eiseman (~1960's-) American color specialist
• In many ways, the physical dimension of life becomes less important as the soul enlarges. In my late twenties, I was astonished by the elders with whom I began to spend most of my professional time - how vivacious so many of them were, once I looked beyond my negative bias. — Wendy Lustbader M.S.W., Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older {2011} - Vital
Definitions: (1) necessary to existence, continuance, or well-being; indispensable; essential; critically important; (2) energetic, lively, or forceful
Quotes:
• One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child. — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist
• When we know that we actually do live in uncertainty, then we ought to admit it; it is of great value to realize that we do not know the answers to different questions. This attitude of mind - this attitude of uncertainty - is vital to the scientist, and it is this attitude of mind which the student must first acquire. — Richard Phillips Feynman (1918–1988) American theoretical physicistColors: orange, red
Symbol: blood
- VisionDefinitions: (1) the ability to anticipate and make provision for future events; foresight; (2) the power of seeing into a situation or the inner nature of things; insight; (3) a vivid imaginative conception or anticipation; envision; (4) able to create an artistic presentation of extraordinary beauty; (5) sure-sighted Quotes: • Visions born of fear give birth to failing. Visions born of hope give birth to success. — Terry Brooks (1944-) Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold {1986} • I understand how scarlet can differ from crimson because I know that the smell of an orange is not the smell of a grapefruit. I can also conceive that colors have shades and guess what shades are. In smell and taste there are varieties not broad enough to be fundamental; so I call them shades. … The force of association drives me to say that white is exalted and pure, green is exuberant, red suggests love or shame or strength. Without the color or its equivalent, life to me would be dark, barren, a vast blackness. Thus, through an inner law of completeness my thoughts are not permitted to remain colorless. It strains my mind to separate color and sound from objects. Since my education began, I have always had things described to me with their colors and sounds, by one with keen senses and a fine feeling for the significant. Therefore, I habitually think of things as colored and resonant. Habit accounts for part. The soul sense accounts for another part. The brain with its five-sensed construction asserts its right and accounts for the rest. Inclusive of all, the unity of the world demands that color be kept in it whether I have cognizance of it or not. Rather than be shut out, I take part in it by discussing it, happy in the happiness of those near to me who gaze at the lovely hues of the sunset or the rainbow. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old) Affirmation: After you have decided to accomplish something, visualize it as completed with...
- Virtuous
Definitions: (1) possessing moral and ethical excellence; upright; righteous; (2) having good and great qualities; (3) chaste; pure; virginal; (4) aretaics <the science of virtue>
Synonym: South African, Ubuntu: a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity; “I am because we are.”
Saying: Evil must be left behind in this world, but virtue follows the soul to heaven. — Hindu
Quotes:
• Virtue is like a stone, best plain set. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesman
• His father had … insisted that they [the virtues] were the most important things he could have, and implying with a sharp dismissive gesture of hand and arm that wealth, fame, and worldly possessions were worthless and demeaning. “Little men,” he once said, “spend their days in pursuit of such things. I know from experience that at the moment of their deaths they see their lives shattered before them like glass. I’ve seen them die. They fall away as if they have been pushed, and the expressions on their faces are those of the most unbelieving surprise. Not so, the man who knows the virtues and lives by them. The world goes this way and that. Ideas are fashion or not, and those who should prevail are often defeated. But it doesn’t matter. The virtues remain uncorrupted and incorruptible. They are rewards in themselves, the bulwarks with which we can protect our vision of beauty, and the strengths by which we may stand, unperturbed, in the storm that comes when seeking God.” — Mark Helprin (1947-) Winter’s TaleSymbols: 1) the Christian Theological Virtues {Faith, Hope, and Charity}; 2) the Greek Cardinal Virtues {Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance}
- Virtue
Definitions: (1) possessing moral and ethical excellence; upright; righteous; (2) having good and great qualities; (3) chaste; pure; virginal; (4) aretaics <the science of virtue>
Synonym: South African, Ubuntu: a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity; “I am because we are.”
Saying: Evil must be left behind in this world, but virtue follows the soul to heaven. — Hindu
Quotes:
• Virtue is like a stone, best plain set. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesman
• His father had … insisted that they [the virtues] were the most important things he could have, and implying with a sharp dismissive gesture of hand and arm that wealth, fame, and worldly possessions were worthless and demeaning. “Little men,” he once said, “spend their days in pursuit of such things. I know from experience that at the moment of their deaths they see their lives shattered before them like glass. I’ve seen them die. They fall away as if they have been pushed, and the expressions on their faces are those of the most unbelieving surprise. Not so, the man who knows the virtues and lives by them. The world goes this way and that. Ideas are fashion or not, and those who should prevail are often defeated. But it doesn’t matter. The virtues remain uncorrupted and incorruptible. They are rewards in themselves, the bulwarks with which we can protect our vision of beauty, and the strengths by which we may stand, unperturbed, in the storm that comes when seeking God.” — Mark Helprin (1947-) Winter’s Tale {1983}Symbols: 1) the Christian Theological Virtues {Faith, Hope, and Charity}; 2) the Greek Cardinal Virtues {Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance}
- VirileDefinitions: (1) having or exhibiting masculine strength; manly; (2) characterized by a vigorous spirit; forceful Note: One word I wish I could have used in these listings is Virago. Originally referring to a woman of great stature, strength, and courage, but it has degenerated into a description of a woman who is loud and overbearing. Of the six dictionaries I used four gave only the negative meaning. Quote: Peasants are a rude lot, life has hardened their hearts, but they are thick and awkward only in appearance; you have to know them. No one is more sensitive to what gives man the right to call himself a man: good-heartedness, bravery, and virile brotherhood. — Jacques Roumain (1907–1944) Haitian writer & politician Color: red Symbol: the lion
- VirginalDefinitions: (1) pure; chaste; clean; modest; innocent; (2) pristine; fresh; new Quote: So much suffering is caused because of the misunderstandings of God's true nature. God's heart is more gentle than the Virgin's first kiss upon the Christ. And God's forgiveness to all, to any thought or act, is more certain than our own being. — Saint Catherine of Siena [born Caterina Benincasa] (1347-1380) Italian Catholic theologian Symbols: 1) the belt; 2) a private room; 3) the number six Fictional Figure: Brandamante, the “Virgin Knight” wore white armor and carried an irresistible spear. — Ludovico Ariosto (1473-1533) Orlando Furioso {1516}
- Vim
Definition: robust energy; enthusiasm; lively spirit; vital
Quotes:
• When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection, love is born. — Thich Nhat Hanh [born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo] (1926–2022) Vietnamese monk & author
• Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy, and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. — Yehuda Berg (1972-) Jewish-American author & teacher - Vigorous
Definitions: (1) living or growing with full vital strength; heartsome; robust; (2) acting with abundant energy and force; powerful
Quotes:
• Knowledge is not a passion from without the mind, but an active exertion of the inward strength, vigor and power of the mind, displaying itself from within. — Ralph Cudworth (1617–1688) English philosopher & theologian
• 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 seem to be. — John Heywood (c. 1497–1580) English writer, poet, & playwrightColor: red
Symbol: the hippopotamus (Egyptian)
- Victorious
Definitions: (1) exalted in having gained the advantage or superiority over negative passions, appetites, or temptations; (2) successful in the accomplishment of a positive goal; fulfilled
Synonyms: triumphant, successful
Quote:
• There is no one magic move or secret that creates victory, but lots of little items that, when added together, can make you victorious. — William [Bill] Anthony Toomey (1939-) American Olympic decathlon champion {1968}
• Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth. — Menachem Begin (1913–1992) Israeli politician, 6th Prime Minister of IsraelSymbol: the palm tree
Historic Figure: Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar [El Cid] (1040-1099) was victorious in every battle.
- Vigilant
Definitions: (1) ever awake and alert; (2) keenly watchful to detect danger or trouble; wary; (3) on the lookout for opportunities to do good
Quotes:
• He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination. — José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda [aka: Jose Rizal] (1861–1896) Filipino eye doctor, political activist, & writer
• An owl is traditionally a symbol of wisdom, so we are neither doves nor hawks but owls, and we are vigilant when others are resting. — Urjit Patel (1963-) Indian economist
Observation: Birds are always vigilant even while busily feeding or drinking.Symbols: 1) the cock; 2) the rooster atop of a weather vane
- Vibrant
Definition: characterized by energetic activity; vital; vigorous
Balancing Qualities: Vibrancy is only as effective as the mastering of restraint. — Sara Genn (1972-) Canadian artist
Quote: We get to choose how we're going to live - what level of energy, what level of vibrancy, what level of excitement. — Brendon Burchard (1977-) Personal development author
- Verve
Definition: vigor, energy, or enthusiasm in the expression of ideas either verbal or physical <as in dance>; vivacious; spirited
Quotes:
• You can con God and get away with it, Granny said, if you do so with charm and wit. If you live your life with imagination and verve, God will play along just to see what outrageously entertaining thing you'll do next. — Dean Ray Koontz (1945-) American author
• Our life force is a form of flowing energy, a blast of verve renewed through our ongoing daily interactions and the inevitable collisions between the id and the ego. — Kilroy J. Oldster, Dead Toad Scrolls {2016} - Versed
Definition: familiar because of attentive study or close association; skilled; experienced
Quotes:
• Be versed in ancient lore, and familiarize yourself with the modern; then may you become teachers. — Confucius [born Kǒng Qiū] (c.551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher
• What is the Tao Te Ching? Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tse in ancient China dictated 81 verses which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of existence. — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940-2015) American self-help author - Veracious
Definitions: (1) able to perceive the truth; (2) inclined to speak the truth; honest; accurate; precise
Derivations: Latin, “truthful;” Old English, “true;” Old High German, “trust”
Note: Not to be confused with voracity, which refers to greed or an excessive appetite - to devour.Synonym: veridical <coinciding with reality>
Poetry:
'Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.' – that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
— John Keats (1795–1821) English poetQuote: Veracity does not consist in saying, but in the intention of communicating the truth. — Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) English poet & philosopher
(VERISIMILITUDE)
Definitions: (1) the appearance of being true or real; (2) in philosophy, “truthlikeness” is the question of how close a proposition is to truth or to another proposition; (3) coinciding with reality; veridicalDerivation: Latin, “seems probable”
Observations:
• The ‘uncanny effect:’ When seeing something fake, the feeling or judgement of how close it is to being real. Or hearing some theory, or bit of news, how true it seems to be to the truth.
• The Spirit of Truth, the “new teacher,” is the soul’s barometer of living the fruits of the spirit. - VERSATILE
Divine Definitions: (1) Competent to act in any situation; flexible; pliable; (2) Self-adjusting within the ever-growing complexity of the universe; self-correcting; (3) Competent to spiritize human notions; adjuster; (4) Available to satisfy any need; many-sided; resourceful; (5) Able to make old things new; renewing; (6) Ever-leading all beings toward the light; (7) Skillful at turning and tuning a situation; deft
Quote: The Universal Father sees the end from the beginning, and his divine plan and eternal purpose actually embrace and comprehend all the experiments and all the adventures of all his subordinates in every world, system, and constellation in every universe of his vast domains. — The Urantia Book (2:1.4) {1995}
Comment: God does not do it all alone. As a matter of course (because of His absolute generosity) He bestows every ability and gives away every task that can be done by any of his Sons or Daughters. As we become more like Him, we will be able to serve to a greater degree.
VERSATILITY
Human Definitions: (1) competent to act in any situation; flexible; pliable; (2) turning with ease from one thing to another; deft; multifaceted; (3) self-adjusting in the face of complexity; resourceful; (4) having or capable of many uses or applicationsQuotes:
• In the long run, fancier [in nature] lasts longer since versatility is a virtue. — William H. Calvin (1913-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Runs Uphill {1986}
• Try as hard as we may for perfection, the net result of our labors is an amazing variety of imperfectness. We are surprised at our own versatility in being able to fail in so many different ways. — Samuel McChord Crothers (1857–1927) American Unitarian minister
Note: Nonetheless, the quest for perfection will always open a new path. - Ventilious(A coined word) Definitions: (1) having the ability to bring a fresh point of view into a situation, the talent to breathe new life into <as a ballplayer who makes a great play and inspires his or her teammates to excel>; (2) marks the act of bringing something out into the open <as a grievance or a problem>; (3) describes the person who, when angry, frustrated, or immature, has the capacity to vent his or her negative energy in a positive direction <usually in the form of some physical or social activity; or by vocalizing with a friend or professional counselor> Derivation: Latin, “the wind” Note: from ventilate: a circulating and refreshing air in a space <thus driving out staleness> Familial Quality: stress hardy, spacious <room to move> Quotes: • I always leave a window open. — Pope John XXIII [born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli] (1818-1963) [When asked how the “ventilious” ideas which he initiated in the Church came to him.] • Where there is no ventilation, fresh air is declared unwholesome. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish Playwright Inspiration: The following is written in the style (personifying qualities) of Janet Ruth Gendler in The Book of Qualities {1984}. Ventilious entertains at children’s parties with ventriloquism, juggling, and clowning around. She creates wind sculptures and kites. She works as a volunteer for the Better Air Campaign. Ventilious is a much sought-after arbitrator. Her fresh point of view and sense of humor make her perfect for the job. If you feel cluttered and confused, she will be glad to introduce you to Clarity. She’s hoping to, someday, combine the just-right essences in a bouquet, the fragrance of which will clean the head and open the mind. Observation: An artist will often describe their inspiration as arriving as if from a muse. When action is taken one is turning oneself into a window through which the inspiration can manifest. Comments: • Venting, if directed toward the positive, helps to...
- Venturesome
Definition: prone to taking risks in spite of possible danger or loss; eager for adventure; daring
Synonyms: bold, brave, courageous, intrepid
Compatible Quality: lucky
Quotes:
• The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs. — Vance Havner (1901-1986) American preacher
• Religion leads to serving men, thus creating ethics and altruism. Wisdom leads to the higher and better fellowship of both ideas and one's fellows. Revelation liberates men and starts them out on the eternal adventure. (102:3.6) — The Urantia Book {1955} - VENERABLE
Divine Definitions: (1) Worthy of profound respect; noteworthy; (2) Worthy of worship or adoration; (3) Worthy of praise; laudable; (4) Worthy of appreciation; thankworthy; (5) Worthy of being enshrined; sacred; (6) Worthy of devotion; hallowed; (7) Worthy of reverence; blessed; (8) Deserving of deference; exalted; (9) Of the most holy stature; sacrosanct
Comment: Genuine supreme spiritual experience is beyond emotion, tradition, or philosophy. Once we know God, even to the small extent possible for humans, we realize He is worthy of worship by all intelligent beings.
VENERABLENESS
Human Definitions: (1) worthy of honor or respect because of meritorious distinction; noteworthy; (2) deserving of deference; exalted; (3) worthy of admiration or reverence because of recognized goodness <often mingled with a degree of awe>; (4) worthy of praise; laudableQuotes:
• Is the babe young? When I behold it, it seems more venerable than the oldest man. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Author
• Religion is among the most beautiful and most natural of all things - that religion which 'sees God in clouds and hears Him in the wind,' which endows every object of sense with a living soul, which finds in the system of nature whatever is holy, mysterious, and venerable, and inspires the bosom with sentiments of awe and veneration. — William Godwin (1756–1836) English philosopher & novelistSymbol: an older person
- Valuable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having qualities worthy of esteem; being highly thought of; considered a treasure; (2) having significant worth monetarily, emotionally, personally, or spiritually; (3) the embodiment of all virtue; attractive; appealing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: admirable, cherishable, estimable, irreplaceable, precious, priceless, probity
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: Cloistered nuns and monks spend their whole lives in silence, praying. They pray for the pope, starving children, and the good of the planet. They believe they are having a positive effect. And yet, by all popular accounts, things are getting worse. So, are they wasting their time? No, because they are being positive. All positive energy has a dual effect. First, on a personal level, it is making them more real because they are becoming closer to the qualities that make up the universe. Those positive choices are of value in and of themselves. And second, the prayer energy is being used for something. It is positive energy; therefore, it must have a positive effect.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observations:
• You are valuable. Recognition of your value may be external; you believe the evaluation of another because they love you. Or you can take an honest, private assessment of your own inner value.
• Einstein said you can only chase down the facts by what is observable. Science depends on it. On the level of being, the level of experience, you can actually get inside what you are observing via feelings and recognition of... - Valorous
Definition: possessing a strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter difficulty with courage; bold or determined in facing danger
Derivation: Old French, “to be of worth”
Synonyms: brave, fearless, heroic, intrepid, knightly, stout
Quotes:
• Valor grows by daring, fear by holding back. — Publilius Syrus (85–43 bc) Latin writer
• Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes. And those having it in one test never know for sure if they will have it when the next test comes. — Carl August Sandburg (1878 –1967) American poet & journalistSymbols: 1) the lion; 2) the wolf
Mythological Figure: Hector was the most valiant of the Trojans and their noblest hero. — Homer (c. 751-651 BC) The Iliad {762 BC}
- Utilitarian
Definition: (1) possessing the quality or property of being useful; (2) utilitarianism: an ethical doctrine that seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people
Quotes:
• Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. — William Morris (1834–1896) British textile designer, poet, artist, & fantasy writer
• To be a utilitarian means that you judge actions as right or wrong in accordance with whether they have good consequences. So you try to do what will have the best consequences for all of those affected. — Peter Albert David Singer (1946-) Australian moral philosopher - Useful
Definition: having the power to produce good or profit; beneficial; helpful; service giving
Quotes:
• What greater bliss than to look back on days spent in usefulness, in doing good to those around us. — Dorothea Lynde Dix (1802–1887) American advocate for the mentally ill
• Joy, feeling one's own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul. — Maria Montessori (1870-1952) Italian physician and educatorConsideration: There are many ways to enliven and direct the innate urges of curiosity, adventure, and discovery into useful and progressive paths of growth. It begins by looking around and seeing what interests you.
- Urbane
Definition: having polite manners; courteous; civil; suave; elegant or refined; sophisticated; polished and poised; pleasantly tactful
Quotes:
• If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) British philosopher and statesman
• Every peasant has a lawyer inside of him, just as every lawyer, no matter how urbane he may be, carries a peasant within himself. — Miguel De Unamuno y Jugo (1865-1936) Spanish writer & poetComment: We can fool ourselves into thinking that when we are doing well, cultured, sleekly urbane, etc. that we do not have to bother with growing our soul. Life soon plays its little tricks to get us to grow again.
- Upstanding
Definition: having integrity; upright; honorable; straightforward
Quotes:
• Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up. Don't give up the fight. — Robert "Bob" Marley (1945–1981) Jamaican songwriter
• Always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone. — Claudette Colvin (1939-) American Civil rights pioneerSymbol: a tall tree
- Uplifting
Definitions: (1) an emotional or spiritual exaltation; (2) a bettering of conditions; (3) bringing to a higher moral, cultural, intellectual, or spiritual level
Quotes:
• If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. — Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856 –1915) American author & orator
• Your destiny is to fulfill those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting, and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something. — Ralph Fulsom "Red" Marston (1904-1967) American inspirational writer
• Remembering what you've been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in. Even if you're feeling low and beat down by life right now, I guarantee you can think of a time or two when you overcame odds and tasted success. — David Goggins (1975-) American SEAL & ultra-marathoner - Upright
Definitions: (1) carrying oneself with pride; (2) adhering to suitable rectitude
Synonyms: pure, upstanding
Upright implies a strict adherence to decent principles; conscientious implies an active moral sense governing all one’s actions with a painstaking efforts to follow one’s conscience; honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, and fairness; honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of decency and duty; just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable; scrupulous implies showing close attention to detail and applies to what is proper or fitting or ethical.Quotes:
• The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over. — Aesop (c 620–564 BC) Greek fabulist
• It is only through seriousness of purpose and persistence that we ultimately carry the day. We might liken it to riding a bicycle. You stay upright and move forward so long as you keep up the momentum. — Ban Ki-moon (1944-) South Korean [eighth secretary-general of the United Nations]Symbol: the qilin [similar to the unicorn, with two horns] (Chinese)
- Upbeat
Definitions: (1) happy; optimistic; cheerful; (2) marked by an increase in activity; prosperous
Quotes:
• Being upbeat is the key to life. — David Paradine Frost (1939-2013) British television host
• In any walk of life, a positive, upbeat outlook trumps any adversarial act. Revenge is counterproductive. Unproductive emotions limit one’s ability to move forward, to focus, to think positively, to act creatively. — Jon Meade Huntsman, Jr. (1960-) 16th Governor of Utah - Up-to-date
Definition: knowing what is in vogue in attitude or style; modern; able to see and set new trends
Quotes:
• Values are not trendy items that are casually traded in. — Ellen Goodman (1941-) American journalist
• The more up-to-date the information, the more valuable it is. — Katie Jacobs Stanton (1970-) American businesswoman - Up-and-coming
Definitions: (1) alert to opportunity; enterprising; (2) industriously successful; promising
Quotes:
• Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be. — Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American artist and poet
• Put yourself in the position of an up-and-coming artist living in early-sixteenth-century Italy. Now imagine trying to distinguish yourself from the other artists living in your town: Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, or Titian. — Jerry Saltz (1951-) American art critic
Note: First of all: good luck; but also what astonishing inspiration! - Unstoppable
Definition: determined; resolute; indefatigable, implacable
Quotes:
• Dare, dream, dance, smile, and sing loudly! And have faith that love is an unstoppable force! — Suzanne Brockmann (1960-) American writer
• God steps into the suffering with us, and He takes it on himself, and He walks through it with us, and He uses it to create something in you that is unstoppable. — Kirk Cameron (1970-) American actor - Unique
Definitions: (1) existing as the only one or as the sole example; solitary in type or characteristics; (2) having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable; (3) singular; unusual; extraordinary; (3) singular; unusual; extraordinary; (4) inimitable <so good or unusual as to be impossible to imitate>; unorthodox
Quotes:
• When strangers meet, great allowance should be made for differences of custom and training. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1984}
• If we live truly, we shall see truly – insist on yourself; never imitate – nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind, nothing can bring you peace but yourself, nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poetPoetry:
I am now who never was.
I am becoming who never was.
I am always unique.Comment: Everybody is different; everyone needs something different.
Visualization: Each one of us is a seed beginning to grow into a unique plant in an infinite forest.
Observation: Parents soon see each of their children’s personalities as unique and wonderfully lovable.
- UNDERSTANDING!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Knowledgeable; discerning; (2) The source of the power and ability to think and to know; intelligent judgment; (3) Friendly or harmonious relationship; an agreement in feeling; (4) Helpful in the adjusting of differences; (5) Fully aware of meanings and implications; (6) Patient and tolerant of growth; sympathetic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• To understand is literally to stand under. In this way God is the one who supports all reality with His empathetic knowledge: omniscience.
• God is inscrutable, impossible to understand completely, but we can continuously discover more and more as we grow in grace.UNDERSTAND
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) the power to think and learn; the ability to make sense; intelligent judgment; (2) comprehension of knowledge; discernment; (3) fully aware not only of the meaning or nature of something but also of its implications; (4) a friendly or harmonious relationship; an agreement of opinion or feeling; an adjustment of differences; (5) patient and tolerant of growth; sympathetic; (6) an exaltation of intellectionPoetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Knowledge, so full of itself, flies
beyond the cosmos, while Wisdom,
only as ancient as the earth, tries
to follow, but staggers and stumbles,
held back by the short-legged pace
of Understanding, still merely a child.
— Katherine Solomon (1944-) American poetSayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• First understand the basics.
• To understand all is to forgive all.Proverb: Walk a mile in another person’s moccasins. — Native American
Note: This saying is encouraging us to see things from someone else’s perspective. Even though you will then be better able to see things how they see them, the common misunderstanding is that you will then agree with their point of view. As always, you will retain your own unique point of view.... - Truth!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) the quality of being in accordance with or conforming to actual experience, facts, and reality; (2) the ideal of fundamental objective reality apart from and transcending perceived experience; (3) subjective existence portrayed to oneself or to others with honesty, integrity, and veracity; (4) expressing sincerity in action, character, and utterance; forthright; (5) in agreement with a common standard or a collective idea; (6) reliably certain; accurate; (7) dependably exact; precise
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: 1) Higher nature in Sanskrit is called satchitananda: sat = truth, chit = conscious, and ananda = bliss. 2) A philalethist is a lover of truthSynonyms: genuine, logical, upright
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: tact
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Maxim: Truth is mighty and will prevail. — Attributed to multiple authors
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Adage: The truth will set you free. — The Bible, John 8:32
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
He who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in Eternity’s sun rise. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poetQuotes:
• In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. — George Orwell [born Eric Arthur Blair] (1903-1950) English author
• Nonviolence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another. There is no God higher than truth. — Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer & peacemaker
• Unless there is truth, and unless people tell the truth, there is always danger in everything outside of the individual. — Terence Hanbury White (1906-1964) The Once and Future King {1958}
• The truth cannot contradict The Truth. — Pope Leo XIII [born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci] (1810-1903) the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Note: In 1996 Pope John Paul... - TRUSTWORTHY!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The dependable custodian of reality; (2) The assurance of tranquility; reliable; (3) The one who puts minds at ease; certainty; (4) The one who makes failure impossible; (5) The one who shelters souls; security; (6) The one who frees us from anxiety and doubt; safety; (7) Worthy to give our confidence to; (8) Forthright in dealing with His children; matter-of-fact; straightforward; (9) Receptive to prayers
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: It is so uncomplicated. Infinity has produced me. I am literally a child of the universe. Crafted by an unseen, loving hand. Today I walk the earth in this body; think with this mind. Tomorrow I shall slip from these vestments in cosmic nakedness, wrapped only in the character I have built. And I will speed, like a dawning thought, through the starry expanse of his creation to the galaxy, world, body, mind, and life that the Father-Infinite has ordained for me. Knowing his love for me, I shall go gladly, giving all of myself sincerely and trustingly. — Troy R. Bishop (~1943-2023)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: A relationship based upon personal devotion (having the best interest of the other in mind) with a human partner or The Divine Parent, can only be had if it is founded on faith and trust. His trustworthiness is undeniable.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --TRUST
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) placing confidence in; believing in the honesty, integrity, or justice of; reliability; (2) without fear of consequences; allowing exposure; open-hearted; confiding; (3) supposing and supporting something as accurate; (4) certain; sure; expectant; hopefulCompatible Quality: responsible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: gullible
Note: Be wise to the signs. Are you being played for a sap? If the person you trust is a real good liar, don’t beat yourself up for being taken in. Be true to your... - Trusting!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) placing confidence in; believing in the honesty, integrity, or justice of; relying on; (2) without fear of consequences; allowing exposure; open-hearted; confiding; (3) supposing and supporting something as accurate; (4) certain; sure; expectant; hopeful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: responsible, trustworthy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: gullible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Be wise to the signs. Are you being played for a sap? If the person you trust is a real good liar, don’t beat yourself up for being taken in. Be true to your ideals. Give yourself credit, and learn from the experience.Saying: In God we trust.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: A blind person takes for granted the fact he or she occasionally needs to trust someone else; they need to put their faith in someone as a guide from time to time. Visualize a bicycle built for two; the person in front is sighted, the person in back is blind. They enjoy being together and they each play their part.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Each person is sometimes a leader and sometimes a follower. We are all somewhat blind and somewhat sighted.Observation: If you trust someone, you will find (or have found) in their actions reasons to trust them. At first, you may give them the benefit of the doubt.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
If you do not trust someone (including oneself) or if you have a suspicious nature, then even the most innocent actions will be clothed in negative scrutiny.Comment: Trust is linked with expectations. If someone says, “I’ll pick you up at three,” and doesn’t show up until four, that person has set up and broken an expectation. The next time he...
- Trust!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) placing confidence in; believing in the honesty, integrity, or justice of; reliability; (2) without fear of consequences; allowing exposure; open-hearted; confiding; (3) supposing and supporting something as accurate; (4) certain; sure; expectant; hopeful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: responsible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: gullible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Be wise to the signs. Are you being played for a sap? If the person you trust is a real good liar, don’t beat yourself up for being taken in. Be true to your ideals. Give yourself credit, and learn from the experience.Motto: In God we trust. — United states of America
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
• It’s alright if you fail. Just try, and then be what you are. Know what you know. — Daniel James Abraham (1969-) Age of Ash {2022}Consideration: A blind person takes for granted the fact he or she occasionally needs to trust someone else; they need to put their faith in someone as a guide from time to time. Visualize a bicycle built for two; the person in front is sighted, the person in back is blind. They enjoy being together and they each play their part.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Each person is sometimes a leader and sometimes a follower. We are all somewhat blind and somewhat sighted.Observation: If you trust someone, you will find (or have found) in their actions reasons to trust them. At first, you may give them the benefit of the doubt.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
If you do not trust someone (including oneself) or if you have a suspicious nature, then even the most innocent actions will be clothed in negative scrutiny.Comment: Trust is linked with...
- True-blue
Definition: a person of inflexible honesty and fidelity; loyal; faithful
Derivation: Derived from the blue cloth made at Coventry, England {1670}. The town's dyers had a reputation for producing material that didn't fade with washing.
Music:
• “Dear Prudence” {1968}
The sun is up; the sky is blue
It’s beautiful, and so are you.
Dear Prudence open up your eyes
Dear Prudence see the sunny skies
— John Winston Lennon (1940-1980) Revolutionary artist; The Beatles (1960-1970)• “Blue Skies” {1926}
Blue skies, smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies do I see
— Irving Berlin [born Israel Beilin] (1888–1989) American composer & lyricistPrayer: I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poet
- TrueDefinitions: (1) conforming to fact; real; (2) genuine; pure; legitimate; (3) loyal to a friend, idea, or ideal; faithful; steadfast; (4) honest; sincere; upright; true-hearted; (5) reliable; certain; (6) conforming to an established standard <true north>; exact; precise; accurate; (7) reflecting the essential character <true meaning>; (8) in proper order; in alignment to an important point or ideal; (9) logically necessary Poetry: This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) King Henry IV {1598} Quotes: • To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge. — Confucius [born Kǒng Qiū] (c.551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher • People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. — Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1926–2004) Swiss-American psychiatrist
- Triumphant
Definitions: (1) notably successful; victorious; (2) rejoicing over winning; exultant; elated
Sayings:
• Set the stage for success.
• Celebrate your small victories.Quotes:
• The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. — Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) French historian [Father of the Modern Olympic Games]
• Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) American preacher & peacemakerComment: Triumphant is a quality of the past and the future. It is important to appreciate what has been accomplished. Contemplate the fact of having been triumphant in order to project it onto your next goal. Visualize it clearly and experience the victory even before it happens.
Color: red
Symbols: 1) a laurel wreath; 2) the Chariot (Tarot)
- Trim
Definitions: (1) being in good order; neat; tidy; (2) a modification of viewpoint or opinion to satisfy another; compromise; (3) in balance; (4) being in good physical shape; firm; (5) well-proportioned; smartly designed; snug
Quote: Wake the power within thee slumbering, trim the plot that's in thy keeping, thou wilt bless the task when reaping sweet labor’s prize. — John Stuart Blackie (1809–1895) Scottish scholar
Comment: You can trim your mustache, trim your trees, and trim your calories, but by all means keep your attitude trim.
- Treasured
Definition: greatly valued or highly prized; cherished; appreciated
Compatible Quality: abundant
Idiom: One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Quote: Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. — Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin de Francueil [aka George Sand] (1804–1876) French novelist
Admonition: What to treasure: gems of mentation, events that have touched your heart and soul, hard times overcome, spiritual treasures stored in heaven, home.Symbol: the golden fleece {Supreme Spirituality [through purity of the soul]}
- TRANSCENDENT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Beyond the bounds of the finite; supermortal; (2) Superior to the material universe; multidimensional; (3) Existing objectively to any human conception; eventuated reality; (4) Potential actualized physical, mental, and spiritual reality; (5) Excellence surpassing practical understanding; supereminent; (6) Beyond the human realm; ethereal
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God can help us in transcending our current finite state, but we have to choose to be more than we are. This is done by embracing those positive values inherent in, but not limited to, the finite. And by doing so we are also choosing to expand our ability to decide appropriately.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --TRANSCENDENCE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) rising above or going beyond limits; extending ordinary experience; surpassing; (2) the potential actualization of physical, mental, and spiritual reality; (3) exceeding in excellence; supreme; superior; (4) not constrained by subjective understanding, conjecture, or experience; objective; (5) said of the Divine Being <i.e., prior to, beyond, and above material existence; independent of the physical universeQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Spiritual transcendence is never satisfied; its potential is unlimited. — Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) American psychologist
• To abandon the struggle for private happiness, to expel all eagerness of temporary desire, to burn with passion for eternal things--this is emancipation, and this is the free man's worship. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) A Free Man's Worship {1903}Comments:
• One can know truth, not only in an intellectual sense but also in an ontological sense. There are perceptions beyond scientific or philosophical keening.
• It has become common to think transcendence means to leave what is unwanted behind. It would be unwise, and therefore less valuable, to forget... - Trailblazing
Definition: pioneering in any field; making or finding a new way; track breaking
Quotes:
• There are two kinds of stones, as everyone knows, one of which rolls. — Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-1939?) American aviator
• The progressing personality leaves a trail of actualized reality as it passes through the ascending levels of the universes. (117:5.6) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Tranquil
Definitions: (1) free from emotional disturbance or agitation; calm; serene; placid; (2) quiet; even; steady
Too Far: lax
Quotes:
• Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran theologian
• It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, which gives happiness. — Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) 3rd President of the United States
• The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. — James Allen (1864–1912) British philosophical writer & poetColor: green
Symbol: statice flowers
- Traditional
Definition: valuing the oral, written, or recorded history <especially the truth> handed down from age to age or ancestor to posterity
Balancing Quality: Curiosity
Familial Quality: conservative
Saying: Live your traditional values (not forgetting they are ever expanding).
Quotes:
• Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition, and myth frame our response. — Arthur Meier Schlesinger (1917–2007) American historian & critic
• When a tradition gathers enough strength to go on for centuries, you don't just turn it off one day. — Chinua Achebe (1930–2013) Nigerian novelist & poetObservations:
• There is a traditional conflict between those who hold to the established ways of the past and those who seek a more modern approach. This conflict need not be as divisive if those involved focus on the truth and value of each strategy. All things known lead to the next things knowable.
• “Traditional Values” vary from place to place and culture to culture, but they all include the basic human virtues: love, honesty, humor, fairness, justice, wisdom, honor, goodness, freedom, mercy, loyalty, etc. - TractableDefinitions: (1) easily taught; malleable; (2) allowing oneself to be managed; compliant; docile; (3) autodidactic <self taught> Quote: To ask what qualities distinguish good from routine scientific research is to address a question that should be of central concern to every scientist. We can make the question more tractable by rephrasing it, “What attributes are shared by the scientific works which have contributed importantly to our understanding of the physical world—in this case the world of living things?” [There are] different frames of reference. — George Adelbert "Bart" Bartholomew (1919–2006) American biologist Comments: • It is a pleasure for a teacher to see a student striving to learn. Those students (gifted or not) who apply themselves are the most satisfying. • It is a great joy for managers to have on their team people who are professional – people who are willing to cooperate within the team as well as take initiative on their own. • In our culture we have a funny mix. We value both independence as well as strict adherence to social convention. Sometimes it is wise to keep your mouth shut, other times to ask questions, and occasionally express that new idea.
- Tough
Definitions: (1) strong but pliant; yielding to force without tearing or breaking; flexible; resilient; (2) capable of enduring hardship; sturdy; resistant; (3) robust; hardy; durable; vigorous; (4) resolute; firm; tenacious; tough-minded
Balancing Qualities: Gentle, Reasonable
Quote:
• Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream. — Peter Alexander McWilliams (1949–2000) American self-help author
• Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd President of the United StatesSymbol: the sword
- Touching
Definitions: (1) arousing sympathetic emotions of tenderness or compassion; moved to tears; pathos; (2) marked by sensitivity or tact
Quotes:
• The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment. — Warren Gamaliel Bennis (1925–2014) American scholar & leadership consultant
• Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul. — Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky (1866–1944) Russian painter & art theorist - Touch
Definitions: (1) an ability, skill, or knack <especially with a musical instrument or with a mechanical tool requiring dexterity>; (2) a distinguishing trait or quality <a woman’s touch>; (3) the execution of an artistic talent in a special manner, <van Gogh’s touch with the brush >; (4) an appreciative and/or gentle contact; (5) to lay hands upon with the intention of healing; (6) in communication <let’s keep in touch>
Quotes:
• Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. — Felice Leonardo Buscaglia [aka Dr. Love] (1924–1998) American motivational speaker
• Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. — Ernst Friedrich Schumacher (1911–1977) German-British statistician & economist - Tireless
Definition: energetic and dynamic; indefatigable
Quotes:
• I seem to have tireless energy when I get involved in things, which is a good way to do things because if you're gonna do something, you'd better make sure you do it well. — James (Jimmy) Patrick Page (1944-) English musician
• Labor is work that leaves no trace behind it when it is finished, or if it does, as in the case of the tilled field, this product of human activity requires still more labor, incessant, tireless labor, to maintain its identity as a ‘work’ of man. — Mary Therese McCarthy (1912–1989) American novelist - Tolerant
Definitions: (1) enduring pain or hardship with fortitude; stamina; (2) having sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own; to put up with; (3) allowing for the possibility something unknown to you is worthy; having forbearance; (4) capacity to continue to grow, or even thrive, when subjected to stressful factors
Synonyms: latitudinarian <tolerant of variations in religious opinion or doctrine>, sufferance <endurance with patience>
Compatible Qualities: open-minded, perspicacious
Consequential Quality: friendship
Saying: Intolerance is not tolerated
Quote: While the law cannot force a person to be moral or tolerant, through the law we can demand respect and expect equality. — Donna Lease Brazile (1959-) American political strategist
Reflection: One of the ways we make people less than lovable is to create or believe dehumanizing propaganda about them, i.e., labeling them with vicious names, supporting a prejudice and allowing us to dismiss or to hate.
Drop the stereotypes. Allow yourself to accept other individuals. Each person is striving just as you are. If they prove themselves to embrace evil, then be cautious when you have to deal with them. It is poison to you if you hate them. Hate the sin but tolerate the sinner.Admonition: Remember to be tolerant of your own flaws and immaturities. You are always in the process of growth too.
- Timely!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) happening, done, or said at a suitable moment, especially in order to achieve a desired effect; opportune; (2) arriving at the appointed time; well-timed; (3) appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion; (4) a lifesaver
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Adage: Take the time to do it right, or you’ll find the time to do it over. — John Wooden (1910-2010) American basketball coach
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: There is no time like the present.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under heaven. — The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1
• Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. — Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) American artist
• God … does not recognize earth-time. To the universe, four days is no different than four billion light years. — Robert James Waller (1939-2017) The Bridges of Madison County {1992}
• My hour has not yet come. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) Jewish theologian
Note: Do not be forced into something you are not ready for. Be wise in your judgment of the best time to act.Affirmations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I have enough time to enjoy everything I do.
• I have enough time to do everything I need to do.Reflection: Your pace is not the same as that of another. Respect the pace of others. There is an ideal pace at which we each should proceed. You don’t want to be going too fast or too slow. Your pace may be restricted by your lack of courage, emotional blocks, comfort patterns, and belief systems. Even so, you can only proceed from where...
- Tidy
Definitions: (1) in good order; neat; (2) organized; systematic; methodical; (3) precise and appropriate <especially in manner and dress for a particular occasion>; (4) an acceptable and fair solution to a problem
Quotes:
• Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Coming home to a tidy, pulled-together space will help everything in your life feel the same way. — Bobby Berk (1981-) American interior designer - Thriving
Definitions: (1) experiencing increase or success <especially because of good management>; prosperous; (2) flourishing; growing
Quotes:
• My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. — Maya Angelou [born Marguerite Annie Johnson] (1928-2014) American poet laureate, memoirist, & civil rights activist
• In order that people may be happy in their work, three things are needed: they must be for it, they must not do too much of it, and they must have a sense of success in it. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English polymath [eight disciplines]Symbol: marigolds
- Thrilling
Definition: a feeling of sudden emotional excitement or an unexpected wave of emotion
Quotes:
•The thrill isn't in the winning, it's in the doing. — Charles Henry Noll (1932–2014) American professional football player & head coach
• Exploring is an innate part of being human. We're all explorers when we're born. It's there, I think, in all of us. And for me that moment of discovery is just so thrilling, on any level, that I think anybody that's experienced it is pretty quickly addicted to it. — Edith Anne "Edie" Widder Smith (1951-) American oceanographerComment: It may be interesting to look at what gives you a thrill. Is it fear in a small dose? Is it the exhilaration accompanying an important discovery or a personal accomplishment. Or maybe it is the beauty of nature or art?
- Thrifty
Definitions: (1) practicing prudent economy; sparing; using good management of money and other resources; frugal; (2) thriving; successful; prosperous; fortunate
Synonym: careful
Too Far: miserly
Saying: A penny save is a penny earned.
Quote: You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing what they could and should do for themselves. — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
Question: Is it possible to introduce the idea of thrift into government spending?
- THOUGHTFUL!-- wp:paragraph --
(DIVINE WILL)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) The original absolute thought of the Universal Father; (2) The personal thoughts of God; (3) The final willComment: All Divine thoughts, being perfect, are instantly (in infinity) or eventually (during the finite) manifest. He is the originator of purpose and His actions are full of reason.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(DIVINE MIND)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) Full of thought; mindful; (2) Actions resulting from thought, i.e., decisiveness and creativity; (3) The opener of eyes; intelligible; (4) Able to keep track of all thought; reflective; (5) Characterized by careful thought; deliberative then deliberate; (6) The conceiver of new ideas; imaginative; (7) The ability to turn ideals into ideas and ideas into ideals; (8) Able to fit different thoughts together; elastic; suppleComment: Our mind is hard wired with the ability to know right from wrong and fact from fiction. But we can also evaluate the future based on the experiences of the past. We can look before we leap. We can determine the value of something and then decide if and when to pursue it. We can evaluate good, better, and best.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(DIVINE COURTESY)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) The inventor of respect; considerate; (2) Heedful; careful; (3) Concerned for the well-being of His sons and daughters; attentive; (4) Willing to do everything to fulfill the needs of His familyComment: The thoughts of God are so magnificent and so immense as to be beyond our ability to grasp completely. But He kindly makes it possible for us to comprehend His will in finite pieces.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(DIVINE WORTH)
Definitions: (1) Worthy of being thought about with intense interest; engrossing; (2) Worthy of active study; theology; (3) Worthy of being meditated upon; worthy of devoted reflection; (4)... - ThinkingDefinitions: (1) the power of reasoning and conceiving ideas; imaginative; (2) the ability of a person to form mental images; envision, (3) given to pondering a suggestion; cogitation; (4) focusing on something in order to arrive at a conclusion using logic, judgment, and inference See also: Conscious, Thoughtful Synonyms: deliberating, fancying, realizing, reflecting, speculating Quotes: • I am, therefore I think. — Dr. Chris Halvorson (1960 -) American theoretical physicist • At first life was a struggle for existence; now, for a standard of living; next it will be for quality of thinking. (81:6.28) — The Urantia Book {1955} • Then only are we thinking when the subject on which we are thinking cannot be thought out. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines] Comments: • Thinking people apply their knowledge to new situations unrelated to the original situation. •To move from a single good idea to its completion surround it with compatible ideas, and umbrella it with good ideals. • Complexity results from keeping ideas in your head. Create systems to help you express your thoughts. Holding ideas takes energy – write them down. Observation: Types of Thinking ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Strategic Personality Disciplinary Overall Miscellaneous Related Quality ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Additive Aggressive Anthropological Brilliant Aesthetic Analytic Extroverted Financial Clear Constructive Applied Introverted Historical Deep Creative Backward Kinky Humanistic Keen Efficient Broad ...
- Therapeutic
Definitions: (1) concerned with healing the body, mind, or spirit; (2) calming; relaxing
Derivation: Greek, “to treat,” “to attend to”
Music: There are so many moods to melodies that they have instructions on how to play them: There are about 80 different expressions, for example: Amore (tenderly), Calore (calmly), Espansivo (effusively), Sospirando (sighingly), etc. Music is truly therapeutic.
Quotes:
• Physician, heal thyself. — The Bible, Luke 4:23
• Since narcissism is fueled by a greater need to be admired than to be liked, psychologists might use that fact as a therapeutic lever - stressing to patients that being known as a narcissist will actually cause them to lose the respect and social status they crave. — Jeffrey Kluger (1954-) American writer, The Narcissist Next Door {2014} - Thorough
Definitions: (1) very exact, accurate, attentive, or painstaking <especially in regard to details>; complete; (2) having full command of an art or talent; (3) executed without negligence or omissions <a thorough search>
Synonyms: absolute, perfect
Compatible Qualities: focused, practical, zealous
Quotes:
• If you cut corners, you just keep going in circles — Grant Stoelwinder (1971-2023) Australian swimming coach
• Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine. — William A. Feather (1889–1981) American publisher & writerPrayer: God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all the nations of the earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say: 'This is my country.' — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American author & statesman
Comment: Thoroughness can only go so far. How many decimals do you really need to take it?
- ThankfulDefinition: ready to acknowledge a kindness received; grateful; appreciative Quotes: • Thank you for finding room for me in your dreams. You’re always welcome in mine, too. — Orson Scott Card (1951-) The Ships of Earth {1994} • Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. — Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman & social reformer Exercise: Write out a list of what you are thankful for. • I am thankful for the following [things]. ◦ ◦ For the plenty of Mother Earth, I am grateful. • I am thankful for the following [beings]. ◦ ◦ The love I feel for these friends is healing. I thank them for their support and companionship. • I am thankful for the following [experiences]. ◦ ◦ I know it is through experiences that I grow. I am thankful for the happy and peaceful times in my life. ◦ ◦ I am also grateful for my difficulties and disappointments because I know some of my greatest blessings have come from encompassing them. • I am thankful for my [positive qualities]. ◦ ◦ I realize I have some of them as gifts. I have others because of my choices. I will continue to strive to enhance my values. • I am thankful for my self, my ideas, my heart, and my life. I will cheerfully and faithfully continue to grow.
- Terrific
Definition: awesome; excellent; extraordinary; great; magnificent; unusually good; wonderful
Quotes:
• It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a terrific cost. — Stephen Edwin King (1947-) American writer
• It is a terrific thing to get a building built that has the qualities of greatness in it. — Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) American architect - Tenderhearted
Definition: softhearted, sympathetic affection; easily moved to love or pity; compassionate; tender-minded; tender-souled
Saying: Tenderness can melt a heart.
Quotes:
• There never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate. — Robert Lee Frost (1874-1963) American poet
• The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who have reverence for Him and his righteousness even to our children's children. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his creation; he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — The Bible, Psalm 103.17 - Tender
Definitions: (1) youthful and delicate; fragile; (2) expressive of affection, consideration, or friendship; gentle; (3) keenly aware of impressions, emotions, or moral influences; (4) sensitive to others’ feelings; sympathetic; compassionate
Synonyms: careful, meek, merciful, mild, soft, yielding, intenerate <to make tender, soften>
Quote: Christlike communications are expressions of affection and not anger, truth and not fabrication, compassion and not contention, respect and not ridicule, counsel and not criticism, correction and not condemnation. They are spoken with clarity and not with confusion. They may be tender or they may be tough, but they must always be tempered. — L. Lionel Kendrick (1932-2022) LDS Elder
Colors: green, indigo
Symbol: honeysuckle flowers
- Tenacious
Definitions: (1) holding fast to ideals, ideas, habits, or possessions; (2) having a highly retentive memory
Synonyms: courageous, determined, persevering, persistent, tough
Quotes:
• Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. — Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) French chemist & microbiologist
• Tenacity is not about avoiding being overwhelmed but being indomitable in the face of the overwhelming odds of your venture's failure. — Andy Dunn (1979-) American entrepreneurSymbol: bamboo {Tenacity, Endurance, and Longevity}
- Temperate
Definitions: (1) moderate indulgence in or use of substance, speech, or action; self-controlled; (2) even management of passion and feelings; patient; calm; cool; (3) in proper proportion; balanced
Compatible Quality: Self-control (No flying off the handle.)
Familial Qualities: symmetrical, synergistic
Quote: Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence, and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know. — Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) Church of England professor, social reformer, & historian
Comments:
• Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all extolled a common set of cardinal virtues. Shared by all of them were: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
• There is a time component to temperance. All of the good things of life need not be crammed into the shortest time (or even one life). There is value in savoring the moment.Symbols: 1) a beach; 2) the number fourteen
Fictional Figure: Sir Guyon, a knight, is the personification of temperance and self-restraint. — Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) Faërie Queene {1590}
- Technical
Definitions: (1) having to do with the practical, industrial, or mechanical arts; (2) showing technique <a technical skill>; (3) concerned with the applied and computer sciences
Balancing Quality: Intuitive
Observation: The following table is from: “Man versus Machine” — Wesley E. Woodson (1918-2003) and Donald W. Conover (1923-2006) Human Engineering Guide for Equipment Designers {1964}
MAN EXCELS IN:
• Detection of certain forms of very low energy levels
• Sensitivity to an extremely wide variety of stimuli
• Perceiving patterns and making generalizations about them
• Detecting signals in high noise levels
• Storing large amounts of information for long periods
• Recalling relevant facts at appropriate moments
• Ability to exercise judgment where events cannot be completely defined
• Improvising and adopting flexible procedures and alternate solutions
• Ability to react to unexpected low-probability events
• Inductive reasoning
• Ability to profit from experience and alter a course of action
• Ability to perform fine manipulation, especially where misalignment appears unexpectedly
• Ability to continue to perform even when overloaded
• Original problem solvingMACHINES EXCEL IN:
• Monitoring people and machines
• Performing routine, repetitive, or very precise operations
• Responding very quickly to control signals
• Exerting great force, smoothly and precisely
• Storing and recalling large amounts of information in short time periods
• Perform complex and rapid computation with high accuracy
• Sensitive to infrared, radio waves, et cetera, beyond the human range
• Able to do many different things at one time
• Deductive processes
• Insensitivity to extraneous factors
• Rapid, continuous, and/or precise repetition of operations the same way over a long period
• Operating in environments which are hostile or beyond human tolerance - Tasteful
Definitions: (1) possessing the faculty of discerning <beauty, order, style, nature, or character> with appreciation; (2) able to act in a fitting or politic manner; using proper or decorous behavior; tactful; (3) elegant; refined
Synonyms: appetizing, flavorful, piquant, sapid, toothsome
Music: A Miles Dewey Davis III (1926-1991) trumpet ballad.
Quote: Power might feel tasty and good in the moment, but it will never be satisfying, never fill you up. Yep, no matter how much power you get, you will always feel empty. You just keep wanting more and more power. — Karen Salmansohn, American behavioral change expert
Visualization: Tastefully is often used to describe art, architecture, and gardens.
- Tame
Definitions: (1) mild; gentle; harmless; inoffensive; (2) civilized; obedient; behaved; tractable; (3) humble
Balancing Qualities: Courageous, Spontaneous
Quotes:
• Stress is an important dragon to slay - or at least tame - in your life. — Marilu Henner (1952-) American actress
• Birds are the most popular group in the animal kingdom. We feed them and tame them and think we know them. And yet they inhabit a world which is really rather mysterious. — Sir David Frederick Attenborough (1926-) British biologist, historian, & authorSymbol: 1) a cat; 2) a dog
- Talented
Definitions: (1) possessing a specific faculty, natural gift, or extraordinary endowment; (2) skilled in some field; showing great capacity; (3) exhibiting eminent abilities in art; (4) having superior genius in science; (5) brilliant in more than one field; multi-talented
Derivation: Greek, referring to a balance or scale, also a weighed amount of precious metal
Compatible Quality: creative
Parable: There was a certain great man who called all his trusted servants before him and delivered into their hands all his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, according to their several abilities … — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) Jewish theologian
Quotes: If you’ve got a talent, sometimes you’ve got to take that talent to where it is appreciated. — John Emmet Raitt (1917-2005) American singer, to his daughter, Bonnie, when she asked why he wasn’t home so much.
Comment: A talent may be innate, inherited, or acquired but it can always be enhanced.
Consideration: The one talent we all have been entrusted with is time. Its base use is taking care of physical needs. Beyond a above that, it should be devoted to the development and ennoblement of mind and spirit.
Symbol: narcissus flowers
- Tactful
Definitions: (1) possessing a keen sense of what to say or do <especially to avoid giving offense>; fitting; having skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations; diplomatic; (2) considerate of and concerned for the sensibilities of others <particularly those who are troublesome or stubborn>; persuasive; (3) possessing a shrewd sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; discriminating
Compatible Qualities: patient, sagacious
Familial Qualities: finesse, graceful
Quotes:
• Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes. — Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) 33rd President of the United States
• Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]Comment: To be tactful is not to be compromising. One must perceive the consciousness of one’s audience to understand what and how to say precisely what is needed.
- Systematic
Definitions: (1) precisely organized; having a logical plan; methodical; (2) having the need to order things, ideas, or structures into an integrated whole; thorough
Balancing Qualities: It is easy for a systematic person to get caught in the rut of efficiency by pursuing a task in a linear manner. If you add the qualities of flexibility and objectivity, you will be able to focus on the detail as well as manage to see the overview.
Quotes:
• Science is the systematic classification of experience. — George Henry Lewes (1817–1878) English philosopher and critic
• Through systematic exercising of our thinking faculties, we can train ourselves for exact clairvoyance. Imaginative Knowledge is the first step in supersensible perception. — Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner (1861-1925) Austrian esotericist - Synergistic
Definitions: (1) working together in harmony; cooperative; (2) characterizes separate agents, persons, or qualities that [when acting in unison] have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual values; superadditive; (3) describes a balanced or symmetrical collaboration; teamwork
Synonyms: A synectic exercise is the bringing together of a select group of diverse personalities and areas of expertise for creative thinking about a specific problem with the free use of metaphor and analogy; brainstorming is the spontaneous contribution of ideas, no matter how obscure, in the hope of solving a specific problem or to generate a general stimulation of creative thinking.
Quote: Synergy is what happens when one plus one equals ten or a hundred or even a thousand! It's the profound result when two or more respectful human beings determine to go beyond their preconceived ideas to meet a great challenge. — Steven Covey (1932-2012) American inspirational speaker
Observation: Any chemist can tell you about the synergistic/superadditive (definition #2 above) results which occur all around us. The most abundant example is water. From hydrogen, which burns freely, and oxygen, which supports fire, we get a substance essential to extinguish many combustible substances – not to mention its life-giving characteristics.
Another example is salt. From sodium, an extremely reactive metal, and chlorine, a poisonous gas, comes one of the most necessary substances for human health.Symbols: 1) Sagittarius (Zodiac); 2) the hurricane {Cosmic Synergy} (American Indian)
- Sympathetic
Definitions: (1) having insight into another person’s mental or emotional state <even though never having been in that state oneself>; (2) demonstrating affinity between persons or from one person for another; (3) an action or response arising from compassion; (4) showing pity and understanding for another’s trouble or suffering; condolatory; (5) in mental agreement; in cosmic harmony; in financial accord, etc.
See also: Nonjudgmental, EmpatheticQuotes:
• Developing our sympathetic compassion is not only possible but the only reason for us to be here on earth. — George Saunders (1958-) American writer
• Broad paths are open to every endeavor, and a sympathetic recognition is assured to every one who consecrates his art to the divine services of a conviction of a consciousness. — Franz Liszt (1811–1886) Hungarian composer, pianist, & conductor
Comment: Although you can sympathize with and for another, it is not a good idea to try to sympathize for yourself. It is too easily turned into self-pity. When you are in need of sympathy, is just the time when you must focus on the talents you have, the things you like, the people you admire, the accomplishments you have made, and the good you can do.Colors: green, red
- Symmetrical
Definitions: (1) possessing beauty of form <arising from balanced proportions>; (2) showing similarity of arrangement on either side of a dividing line or plane; having correspondence of opposite parts in size, shape, and position; (3) able to comprehend the nature of reality <symmetrical thinking (often beyond logic and reasoning)>
Quotes:
• There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion. — Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesman
• When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalistObservation: The perfect proportion is known as the Golden Section: the square root of 5 plus 1 divided by 2. This ratio is 1 to 1.618. A is to B as B is to A & B. This is the ratio of most of nature’s most beautiful things: the human body, DNA, the spiral nautilus, et cetera.
Comment: Symmetry is beautiful in physical manifestation. Symmetry of the soul is not only seen; it is also felt.
Symbol: Gemini (Zodiac)
- Swift
Definitions: (1) ready to move; celeritous; prompt; speedy; (2) able to shift from idea to idea rapidly; quick-witted; (3) able to do what must be done without delay; efficient
Compatible Qualities: farsighted, focused, steady
Consideration: I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy. — Marie Salomea Skłodowska–Curie (1867-1934) Polish-French physicist
Quotes:
• Let everyone be swift to hear; slow to speak; slow to wrath. — The Bible, James 1:19
• I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. — The Bible, Ecclesiastes 9:11Symbols: 1) the horse; 2) lightning (American Indian)
Fictional Figure: Camilla was the queen of the Volscians. She could run over standing grain without causing it to bend. — Publius Vergilius Maro [Virgil] (70-19 BC) The Aeneid {19 BC}
- Sweetheart
Definitions: (1) a loved one; a darling; a dear heart; (2) a generous, friendly person; anyone arousing loyal affection
Quotes:
• Find the sweetness in your own heart, then you may find the sweetness in every heart. — Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rumi (1207–1273) Persian Sufi poet
• In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. — Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American writer & poet - Sweet
Definitions: (1) something or someone pleasing or gratifying to the mind <sweet words of affection>; (2) mild, gentle, meek, or kind; soft or delicate; pure and clean; (3) obliging civility; courteous; amiable manners or behavior; gracious; an affable disposition; good-humored; reasonable; (4) pleasant to the sense of taste; harmonious to the ear; attractive to the eye; aromatic to the sense of smell; comfortable, soft, or cozy to the tactile sense; (5) indicative of a beloved friend, child, or lover
See also: SuaveIdiom: Sweetness and Light [The harmonious association of Beauty and Intelligence]
Quote: If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless. — James Esdras Faust (1920–2007) American religious leader (LDS) & lawyer
Symbols: 1) honey; 2) sugar; 3) nectar; 4) daphne flowers - Svelte
Definitions: (1) graceful with good proportions; lithe; possessing clean lines; sleek; (2) showing a high degree of refinement and assurance <coming from wide social experience>
Derivation: Italian, “quick”
Quote: The freedom of thought is a sacred right of every individual, and diversity will continue to increase with the progress, refinement, and differentiation of the human intellect. — Felix Adler (1851–1933) German-American ethics professor
Comment: This word usually refers to the female figure, therefore if she is also refined, assured, and experienced in social situations (definition #2) she should be appreciated and admired for her inner and outer qualities.
- Sustaining
Definitions: (1) upholding, supportive, maintaining, or enduring; (2) providing for; encouraging; confirming; (3) keeping up one’s spirits <especially in the face of difficulty or hard times>
Quotes:
• I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out. — Anne Frank (1929-1945) The Diary of Anne Frank {1947}
• There are two 'faiths' which can uphold humans: faith in God and faith in oneself. And these two faiths should exist side by side: the first belongs to one's inner life, the second to one's life in society. — Maria Montessori (1870-1952) Italian physician & educator
• When men carry the same ideals in their hearts, nothing can isolate them - neither prison walls nor the sod of cemeteries. For a single memory, a single spirit, a single idea, a single conscience, a single dignity will sustain them all. — Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926–2016) Cuban revolutionary politicianSymbol: Strength (Tarot)
- Surviving!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) remaining alive or in existence; (2) continuing to function or manage in spite of some adverse circumstance or hardship; holding up; enduring
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Existence on a mountain is simple. Seldom in life does it come any simpler: survival, plus the striving toward a summit. The goal is solidly, three-dimensionally there – you can see it, touch it, stand on it – the way to reach it is well defined, the energy of all is directed towards its achievement. It is this simplicity that strips the veneer off civilization and makes that which is meaningful easier to come by – the pleasure of deep companionship, moments of uninhibited humor, the tasting of hardship, sorrow, beauty, joy. — Thomas F. Hornbein (1930-2023) Everest, The West Ridge {1966}
• In so far as [the] soul becomes permeated by truth, beauty, and goodness as the value-realization of God-consciousness, such a resultant being becomes indestructible. If there is no survival of eternal values in the evolving soul of man, then mortal existence is without meaning, and life itself is a tragic illusion. But it is forever true: What you begin in time you will assuredly finish in eternity – if it is worth finishing. (111:3.7) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries, without them humanity cannot survive. — Tenzin Gyatso [aka: Gyalwa Rinpoche] {14th Dalai Lama} (1935-) Buddhist teacherConsideration: Become positive qualities and you will survive death. First give your chosen qualities meaning: definition, scope, and range. Do this with intention, study, use, and sharing them with others.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: The first impulse of a being is to survive; usually thought of as physical survival. This is important, of course, for a while. Except we have an abundance of evidence that physical survival does end. This is why we turn to the...
- Sure
Definitions: (1) always effective <a sure method>; (2) reliable or dependable; trustworthy; (3) without doubt, question, or dispute; absolutely true; (4) showing no hesitancy; positive; confident; certain; (5) never missing; unerringly steady
Quote: You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive. ― Maya Angelou [born Marguerite Annie Johnson] (1928-2014) American poet
(SURE-HANDED)
Definitions: (1) displaying dexterity with confidence and proficiency; (2) good with money or with any important matter <A mother has to be sure-handed in many areas.>People Who Exemplify This Quality: 1) jugglers; 2) magicians
Quotes:
• Build a bridge by extending your hand. — Ken Poirot (~1970’s) American author, entrepreneur, & public speaker
• As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. — Audrey Kathleen Hepburn (1929-1993) British actress(SURE-FOOTED)
Definition: proceeding carefully; not likely to fail or fallExperience: On a lone hike along the Colorado river, I was taking dangerous chances here and there. Telling the story at camp to my companions about a particularly risky move, I quipped, “and my foot landed good.”
People Who Exemplify This Quality: The Flying Wallendas (1905-) Tightrope and daredevil stunt performers who execute high-wire acts without a safety net.
Quote: Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident. It can handle anything that comes along. — Ruth Crowley [aka: Ann Landers] (1918-2002) American advice columnist
Question: When was it you first set foot on the road to Paradise?
Symbol: the ram
- Supportive
Definitions: (1) upholding another by aid or countenance <especially if in need>; (2) encouraging the spirits of another person; (3) helpful emotionally, financially, or morally; (2) characterizes one who keeps another from fainting, falling, failing, or declining
Synonyms: assisting, bolstering, corroborative, forwarding, furthering, seconding, substantiative
Quotes:
• The problem with certainty is that sometimes it can sound cold and heartless, although it is the most compassionate and supportive answer. ― Yehuda Berg (1972-) Jewish-American author & teacher
• Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self. — Karen Salmansohn, American behavioral change expertAdvice: Instead of getting mad at yourself or someone else for mistakes, you can get over the disappointment quickly by putting as much support into the situation as you can.
Symbols: 1) the staff; 2) the crutch; 3) the throne; 4) a pillar
- Supple
Definitions: (1) an ability of the mind to be resilient and adaptable <especially to something new>; (2) soft and pliant; flexible; compliant; (3) limber; lithe
Quotes:
• The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• Like the very air and water that flows through our physical body to sustain it, love must flow through our heart to keep it supple, and to keep us truly alive. ― Jeffrey Ryan Anderson (1960-) American author - Superb
Definitions: (1) of the highest quality; splendid; extremely fine; excellent; very competent; (2) grand; magnificent; stately; noble; august; (3) rich; elegant; luxurious
Quote:
• No matter where your lot may be cast, no power on earth can keep you from making a man of yourself, a superb character, a masterpiece. ― Orison Swett Marden (1848–1924) American inspirational author
• Learning to accept failure on multiple levels is the key to become a world-class therapist. But that means humility, and setting your ego aside, while you develop superb new technical skills. — David D. Burns (1942-) American psychiatrist & professor - Sunny
Definition: possessing a warm and cheerful disposition; optimistic; brightsome
Music: “On the Sunny Side of the Street” {1930}
If I never had a cent I'll be as loaded as old Rockefeller
With that gold dust 'round my feet
On the sunny side of the street
— Jimmy Francis McHugh (1894-1969) American composer
— Dorothy Fields (1905-1974) American librettist & lyricistSaying: The Father causes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust; the sun likewise shines on the righteous and the unrighteous. Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc-30 ad) The Bible, Matthew 5:45
Quotes:
• A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition. — William Arthur Ward (1921–1994) American motivational writer
• Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up. — Allen Klein (1931–2009) American businessman
Symbol: sunshine - Suitable
Definition: appropriate; acceptable; fitting; proper; becoming
Quotes:
• Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort. — Epictetus (55-135) Greek Stoic philosopher
• Because of the diverse conditions of humans, it happens that some acts are virtuous to some people, as appropriate and suitable to them, while the same acts are immoral for others, as inappropriate to them. — Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Italian theologianObservation: If the demands of perfection, for any reason, dictate a reaction better than any other, then wisdom would function in that better and more suitable way. The expression of a higher law is not the reversal of a lower law.
- Succinct
Definition: particular and concise <especially in speech>
Derivation: Middle English, “to encircle”
Quotes:
• One needs to continually make sense of a bafflingly complex, constantly changing environment. Brief, succinct quotes can quickly produce clarity amid moral murkiness. — Valhalla Vale (1944-) Japanese American writer, interviewer, & musician
• By loving people without cause, one discovers indubitable causes for loving them. It would be hard to find a more succinct description of the chief work of the Holy Spirit in the human heart. — Lionel Mordecai Trilling (1905–1975) American critic, writer, & teacher - Successful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) turning out to be as hoped for; (2) achieving a desired objective or a favorable result; (3) having gained wealth, fame, or quality
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --People Who Exemplify This Quality: A successful person teaches another person how to succeed in the same way they had succeeded. The student, in turn, promises to keep the cycle alive by teaching someone else. The commitment is not fulfilled until the new student has reached the predetermined goals and knows how to do it again. The student repays the debt by becoming the teacher.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men, and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory is a benediction.
— Bessie Anderson Stanley (1849-1952) American poetQuote: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. — Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) American motivational speaker
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Affirmation: I am succeeding; and am helping others to succeed also.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: There are a lot of successful people who say anybody can succeed. They have some natural qualities and talents they developed. But even the most naturally gifted person has to reach beyond themselves. There is no success without effort.
Nonetheless, it is important to know your limitations. If you get frozen when the limitations are more powerful than the vision of our desired objectives, change the goal or... - Subtle
Definitions: (1) possessing a refined sense of observation; capable of discerning the finer points of things; (2) delicately skillful or clever; artful craftsmanship; cunning; (3) having a keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly; astute; discriminating
Quotes:
• Train yourself to be in awe of the subtle, and you will live in a world of beauty and ease. — Rodney Yee (1957-) American yoga instructor
• Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities. — Kristin Armstrong Savola (1973-) American bicycle racerQuestions:
• What do I have to offer?
• How can I love this other person?
• What form of love does this person need?
• How subtle should I be with my generosity?
Note: Be willing to see the person’s value and respect their individual need. - Sublime
Definitions: (1) lofty or exalted in excellence, nature, thought, or style; (2) inspiring awe due to outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth; (3) imbued with high honor or dignity; noble; (4) to purify or convert something inferior into something of higher value
Quote:
• Sublime upon sublime scarcely presents a contrast, and we need a little rest from everything, even the beautiful. — Victor-Marie Hugo (1802–1885) French writer
• This sublime search for the God of universes is the supreme adventure of the inhabitants of all the worlds of time and space. (1:0.6) — The Urantia Book {1955}Comment: Acquiring qualities transforms you from an interesting collection of physical molecules into the sublime state of a spiritual being.
- Suave
Definition: smoothly gracious or polite; sophisticated polish; well-mannered
Derivation: Latin, “sweet” <referring to sweetness of the mind versus sweetness to the tongue.>
Synonyms: Suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction; diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully; politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave in the handling of people; urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.
Quotes:
• There is no point in trying to be brutal if it's not in your nature; there is no point in trying to be suave and sophisticated if it doesn't come naturally. — Alan Michael Sugar (1947-) British businessman & author
• If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticize you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character. — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (1925–2021) Indian scholar & peace activist - Stylish
Definitions: (1) characterized by or conforming to the current fashion; (2) elegantly smart or chic; (3) a unique combination of charming elements; individualistic
Quotes:
• Style is the dress of thought. Style is the outward manifestation of our inner spirituality. — Reverend Leo Booth (1946-) British-American author, Say Yes to Your Spirit {2008}
• Style is something very individual, very personal, and in their own unique way, I believe everyone is stylish. — Salman Salim Abdul Rashid Khan (1965-) Indian actor & producer - Sturdy
Definitions: (1) strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, or solidity of constitution <a person of sturdy stock>; robust; hardy; (2) courageous; indomitable; resolute
Quotes:
• Your desires are being held in the hand of the cosmos with incredibly sturdy care. Life is not testing you. She is rooting for you. — Danielle LaPorte (1969-) Canadian author & inspirational speaker
• The key to every man is his thought. Sturdy and defying though he look, he has a helm which he obeys, which is the idea after which all his facts are classified. He can only be reformed by showing him a new idea which commands his own. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poetObservation: Even if a person is as sturdy as an oak, you can tell by their smile if they have a gentle spirit.
- Stunning
Definition: possessing striking beauty or excellence
Derivation: French, “astonishing”
Quotes:
• To experience sublime natural beauty is to confront the total inadequacy of language to describe what you see. Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt. — Eleanor Catton (1985-) New Zealand novelist & screenwriter.
• The human soul itself is quite ordinary, existing by the billions, and on a crowded street you pass souls a thousand times a minute. And yet within the soul is a graceful shining song more wonderful than the stunning cathedrals that stand over the countryside unique and alone. The simple songs are the best; they last into time as inviolably as the light. — Mark Helprin (1947-) Memoir From Antproof Case {1995} - Strong
Definitions: (1) physically fit; substantial; solid; having great muscular brawn; robust; stout; in healthy and sound condition; hale; hearty; (2) morally powerful; having command of character or will; forceful; persuasive; cogent; (3) intellectually authoritative; able to think clearly and to express thoughts dynamically; forthright; passionate; (4) emotionally intense <in degree or quality>; ardent; warm; deeply felt; (5) being a distinctive or distinguished character; (6) possessing a singular competency or ability in a specified subject or field; (7) able to endure beyond normal limits; ; (8) having many resources <i.e., controlling wealth, numbers (of people), or supplies>; (9) exhibiting a potent effect; conspicuously productive
Synonyms: strong-hearted, iron-hearted; Anglo Saxon, brawny “fiery sword”
Balancing Qualities: Compassionate, Friendly, Gentle, Helpful
Note: In the physical realm you can’t just keep your body hard, you have to keep it supple as well. Same on the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. You can’t just exemplify those qualities that give you strength. You also need to allow yourself the flexibility necessary to encompass the “softer” side of reality.Dictum: What does not destroy me, makes me strong. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German philosopher
Axiom: When we were young, we were stronger than death. — Inuit Explorer
Color: red
Symbols: 1) horns; 2) the tiger; 3) a coiled snake; 4) thighs (Egyptian); 5) dahlias [inner strength]
Fictional Figures: 1) Kwasind is strongest man who ever lived. — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) American poet & educator, Hiawatha {1855}; 2) Superman (1932-); 3) Superwoman (1942-)
Mythological Figures: 1) Sampson; 2) Hercules; 3) Atlas, who holds up the world
- Studious
Definitions: (1) devoted to the acquisition of knowledge; (2) characterized by careful attention to facts or truth; diligent; earnest; (3) marked by or suggesting purposefulness; (4) deliberately or consciously planned; (5) fond of or engaged in instruction
Derivation: Latin, “eager, zealous”
Quotes:
• A pupil from whom nothing is ever demanded which he cannot do, never does all he can. — John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) British philosopher & economist
• Some are so very studious of learning what was done by the ancients that they know not how to live with the moderns. — William Penn (1644–1718) English writer & peacemaker - Striking
Definition: remarkable due to conspicuous qualities; noticeably attractive; obviously impressive
Idiom: Strike while the iron is hot.
Quotes:
• Every strike is one step closer to a home run. — George Herman "Babe" Ruth (1895–1948) American professional baseball player
• That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful. — Anne "Ninon" de L'Enclos (1620–1705) French author
• One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist - Striving
Definitions: (1) making great efforts to do one’s best; trying very hard; (2) taking productive steps toward a valuable goal; (3) struggling vigorously <as in opposition or resistance> <striving for justice>>; (4) motivated to reach the highest point: acme, apotheosis, zenith
Quote: Living [is] struggling to do something impossible – to succeed, or die, knowing you had tried! — Anne McCaffrey (1926-) Dragonflight {1968}
Comment: When we suffer and strive, we tend to focus on a narrow, subjective sense of reality. But if we view our situation as part of something larger, we can anticipate the values we have the opportunity of manifesting. Consider the tree growing on the edge of existence at tree line. The fact it is surviving in a harsh environment creates its magnificence. Our life is just like that tree, we are living through difficulty and continuing to grow.
Advice: When people use the words I, me, or mine, we are usually speaking from our lower selves. But at those times when a person is aligned with his or her higher self, they speak with the voice and identity of the higher self. During that time, we can dictate to the lower self what is of greater value.
Practice this alignment through meditation. Talk to your higher self, give your will over to your higher self. “It is my will that Your will be done.” Heed the positive feelings, insights, and understandings that are always trying to break though from the higher mind. We will filter and change what we receive to align with our current sense of reality, but as we pay attention to those fragments of pure, clear, accurate thought, our current reality will be transformed for the better. - Stretching
Definitions: (1) expanding; reaching <stretching the limits of imagination>; (2) opening the mind beyond its previous boundaries <resulting in new extents>; (3) elongating something that has the ability to return to its original shape; (4) going beyond an original ability <usually with effort>; (5) extending over a distance <stretching your thoughts even to the heavens>
Quotes:
• Man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimension. — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894) American polymath [six disciplines]
• I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls, the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming; working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love. — William Edward Burghardt [W. E. B.] Du Bois (1868–1963) American sociologist - Stress-hardy!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: able to maintain stability when faced with the state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors tending to alter an existent equilibrium; emotional flexibility
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Clarity, Relaxation, Understanding
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
The mind can go either direction under stress – toward positive or toward negative: on or off. Think of it as a spectrum whose extremes are unconsciousness at the negative end and hyperconsciousness at the positive end. The way the mind will lean under stress is strongly influenced by training. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Dune {1965}1. Know your life goals. Concentrate on what is worth being, rather than what is worth having.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
2. Stop measuring your life in quantities and begin to think in terms of qualities.
3. Cut back on the “I’ve got to do everything” idea – delegate.
4. Spend some quiet time to read; stare into space.
5. Cultivate a deep friendship.
— Jane Brody (1941-) Type “A” Behavior: Don’t Rush Your Life Away {1980}
Note: Ms. Brody also advises that we cure “hurry sickness” and conquer hostility.Comments:
• Exercise helps create stress hardiness – all kinds of exercise: physical, emotional (friendship), psychological (reflecting), and spiritual (meditation).
• All qualities are progressive. Compare a current concern to a previous one. Earlier you would have folded, but now it is less of a big deal. It used to be heavy, but now you take it in stride.
• If you are escaping your stress with drugs or alcohol, you are doing so to relax and forget. But you should know your shortcut does not work in the long run. The next time you reach for the temporary solution, do something to move onto a healthier path.
• There is hard stress and soft stress. What is soft stress to one could be hard stress to another. But you know what you... - Straightforward
Definition: possessing undeviating rectitude; upright; honest; open; frank; candid; uncomplicated
Idiom: Call a fig a fig and a trough a trough — Plutarch (46–119) Greek philosopher
Note: The origin of “Call a spade a spade.”Quotes:
• You can run faster if you don’t run into walls. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• Speech devoted to truth should be straightforward and plain — Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC–65 AD) Roman Stoic philosopher
• Divine principles and values are straightforward and clear; they are beautiful, profound, and powerful; and they can definitely help us to avoid future regrets. — Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf (1940-) German aviator & religious leaderSymbol: a straight line
- Stirring
Definition: (1) evoke strong feelings; (2) rousing; thrilling; stimulating; exciting
Compatible Quality: inspiring
Quotes:
• It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace. — Andre Paul Guillaume Gide (1869–1951) French author
• It is the mind which creates the world around us, and even though we stand side by side in the same meadow, my eyes will never see what is beheld by yours, my heart will never stir to the emotions with which yours is touched. — George Robert Gissing (1857–1903) English novelist
Note: The stirring of the heart may be quite similar though. We confirm this when, years later, you and a friend relive the moments you spent together in a magical place. - Stout
Definitions: (1) strong; sturdy; robust; able-bodied; (2) bold; intrepid; valiant; brave; courageous; (3) resolute; fortitude; dauntless; (4) powerful; forceful
Synonyms: brawny, enduring, solid, staunch, stouthearted, substantial, vigorous
Balancing Qualities: Generous, Gentle
Too Far: hard hearted
Quotes:
• A stout heart breaks bad luck. — Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha {1605}
• Endurance comprises a strong activity of the soul, namely, a vigorous grasping of and clinging to the good; and only from this stout-hearted activity can the strength to support the physical and spiritual suffering of injury and death be nourished. — Josef Pieper (1904–1997) German philosopherPrayer: Give me a stout heart to bear my own burdens. Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. Give me a believing heart to cast all burdens upon Thee, O Lord. — John Baillie (1886–1960) Scottish theologian
- Stimulating
Definition: characterizes one who encourages others to growth; rousing to greater activity; (2) exciting the senses or emotions; stirring
Compatible Quality: inspiration
Note: You are inspired to begin or continue with enthusiasm if you are stimulated by some force, outside or inside, that is powerfully valuable to you.Quotes:
• A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation, and encourages perseverance. — Gary P. Hamel (1954-) American management consultant
• Every society needs people who can encourage and stimulate and cheer. They are the ones who make the world run. — Richard Marvin DeVos (1926-2018) American businessmanColors: magenta, yellow
- Stick-to-itive
Definitions: (1) constant, firm, persevering, or determined; tenacious; (2) resolutely supportive; faithful, loyal
Quotes:
• He always stands by his decisions: what is right is right, even if it hurts or later turns out to be wrong. — Nina George (1973-) The Little Paris Bookshop {2013}
• The rewards of tomorrow are safely hidden in the belief of never quitting and not giving up on yourself today. ― Johnnie Dent Jr. (~1960's-) American authorObservation: Antidotes to Disappointment
• A sense of humor
• Faith in what you are doing
• Learning from information given
• Adjusting your plan to circumstancesInspiration: Terry Fox (1958-1981) ran 3,339 miles across Canada in 1980 raising $25 million for cancer research, even though he had one artificial leg lost to cancer. — Ann Donegan Johnson, The Value of Facing a Challenge: The Story of Terry Fox {1983}
- Sterling
Definition: conforming to excellent quality, value, or standard < a sterling reputation>; genuine purity
Quote: Propriety is a rigid master, but one that must be obeyed if one wants to keep a sterling reputation. — Lawana Blackwell (1952-) American author
- Steady
Definition: firm, constant, or resolute in mind, purpose, pursuit, or principle; controlled and stable
Compatible Quality: dependable
Adage: Slow and steady wins the race. — Aesop (c 620–564 BC) Greek fabulist
Note: To win the race one also needs to be clear-eyed, prepared, and systematic. - Stellar
Definitions: (1) like a star; brilliant; (2) outstanding; a superstar
Motto: Through difficulties to the stars. — British Royal Air Force
Quote: When one has been touched by the stellar power and ethereal playing of a sublime musician, one is lifted, if only briefly, to a place beyond the realm of the temporal. — Paul John Keating (1944-) Australian politician, 24th Prime Minister
- Steadfast
Definitions: (1) well established; (2) firmly fixed in faith; dedicated; (3) devotion to duty; resolute; (4) not fickle or wavering; loyal
Derivation: Old English, “to stand fast (stable)”
Too Far: stubborn
Quote: There is only one reason that you ever fail at anything, and that is because you eventually change your mind. — Victor Lemonte Wooten (1964-) American Bassist & Author
- Staunch
Definition: holding tightly to a principle; steady and steadfast; constant and consistent
Compatible Qualities: good listener, open-minded
Familial Qualities: faithful, loyal
Quote: My mum raised me in a home without mirrors. She's a staunch feminist and wanted us to know that what we look like is the least interesting thing about us. — Claudia Anna Irena Winkleman (1972-) English writer & journalist
Comment: Staunch has been attached to all manner of persuasions. Unfortunately, it also carries the stigma of ‘My way or the highway.’ Keep it civil and polite so as to change the narrative. All attitudes do contain positive traits. - Statuesque
Definitions: (1) well-proportioned beauty; stately; (2) showing poise and dignity; graceful
Quote: Life comes before literature, as the material always comes before the work. The hills are full of marble before the world blooms with statues. — Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) American clergyman & author
Note: There are three statues of Rev. Brooks in Boston – one of them is marble.Comment: The minimum requirements of a statuesque person are tall, healthy, proportionate, and presenting an attitude of surety. If you fall short on any of these, smile and be kind.
- Stately
Definitions: (1) majestic in mien or manner; lofty, (2) dignified elegance
Synonyms: elevated, grand, imposing, lordly, magnificent, proud
Quote: Redwood time moves at a more stately pace than human time. To us, when we look at a redwood tree, it seems to be motionless and still, and yet redwoods are constantly in motion, moving upward into space, articulating themselves and filling redwood space over redwood time, over thousands of years. — Richard Preston (1954-) American writer
Comment: When you attend a formal occasion (whether funeral of state dinner) present yourself with appropriate stately decorum.
(STATESMANSHIP)
Definitions: (1) one versed in the principles or art of government; (2) one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies; (3) a wise, skillful, and respected leader serving in the public interest.Quote: The art of statesmanship is to foresee the inevitable and to expedite its occurrence. — Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand (1754–1838) French statesman
- Stamina
Definitions: (1) resistance to fatigue, illness, stress, or difficulty; (2) possessing staying power or endurance
Derivation: Latin, referring to the life-threads spun by the Fates
Quotes:
• Grit, in a word, is stamina. But it's not just stamina in your effort. It's also stamina in your direction, stamina in your interests. — Angela Lee Duckworth (1970-) American psychologist
• There is no problem that doesn't have some underlying need for more optimism, stamina, resilience, and collaboration. — Jane McGonigal (1977-) American author - Stalwart
Definitions: (1) valiant in character or deed; brave; bold; daring; (2) robust in body, mind, or spirit; strong; sturdy; (3) resolute; firm; (4) one who is staunchly supportive; steadfast; unwavering; unshakable dependability
Compatible Qualities: self-control, fair, gentle
Quote: The past doesn’t exist except as a memory, a mental story, and though past events aren’t changeable, your stories about them are. You can act now to transform the way you tell the story of your past, ultimately making it a stalwart protector of your future. — Martha Nibley Beck (1962-) American author
Fictional Figure: Philip Faulconbridge, a daring soldier, true as steel to his friends. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) King John {1623}
- Stable
Definitions: (1) not easily moved or thrown off balance; not likely to break down, fall apart, or give way; steady; fixed; (2) firm in character, purpose, or resolution; steadfast; stalwart; (3) enduring or possibly permanent; long lasting; firm; solid; (4) capable of returning to equilibrium or original position after having been displaced; flexible; (5) full of composure; self-possessed; self-sufficient; staid <soberly respectable but primly unadventurous>
Balancing Qualities: Adventuresome, Changeable, Lively
Too Far: stagnant
Quote: Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author
Reflection: We hold on to our old selves while allowing our new selves to grow around the old. We are like coral, where the old is the structure upon which the new growth of life is active. The old self is a record of what we have chosen. The only you that is alive and vibrant is the new you. The past is the structure upon which we rely for stability. We know ourselves by who we have been, and yet we are not our past structure any more than we are our body.
Symbols: 1) the cube; 2) the number four
- Spunky
Definition: courageous; lively; mettlesome; plucky; spirited
Quote: The voting booth joint is a great leveler; the whole neighborhood - rich, poor, old, young, decrepit, and spunky - they all turn out in one day. — David Byrne (1952-) Scottish-American singer/songwriter
- Spry
Definition: full of life; nimble; agile; energetic; active <especially of the aged>
Quote: When you're an athlete and you play every day and are conditioning yourself every year, the aging is gradual. — Calvin “Cal” Edwin Ripken, Jr. (1960-) American baseball player, 2,632 consecutive games played
Question: If you came in last in the 100-meter dash in the Olympics, would they deign to call you spry?
- Springy
Definitions: (1) showing a lively and happy gait <with a spring in her step>; (2) having an elastic quality; resilient; flexible; (3) Being filled with the joy and newness of the spring season
Quote: To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. — John Burroughs (1837–1921) American naturalist
- Sprightly
Definitions: (1) possessing an airy spirit providing cheerfulness or courage; (2) lively or spryly animated; brisk; vivacious; light but spirited vigor of manner; buoyant; spirituelle <a refined and witty nature>
Poetry:
True Wit is Nature to advantage dressed
What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed;
Something whose truth convinced at sight we find,
That gives us back the image of our mind.
As shades more sweetly recommend the light,
So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.
— Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English poet - Sporting
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who indulges in a happy diversion <usually with others>; playful; merry; one who enjoys recreation; gamesome; (2) playing fairly and according to the rules; courteous; accepts failure gracefully and victory graciously; (3) possessing the ability to accept jestful teasing with a good sense of humor; (4) fair and generous in one's behavior or treatment of others, especially in a game or contest
Quote: The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose. — Ernest “Ernie” Banks (1931–2015) American baseball player
- Splendid
Definitions: (1) inspiringly valiant; illustrious of heroic imagination; famous; celebrated; distinguished; (2) exceptionally good; very fine; excellent; (3) sumptuously grand < a splendid idea>; imposing
Synonyms: brilliant, glorious, magnificent, beau geste <a splendid gesture>
Quotes:
• The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval. — Denis Waitley (1933-) American motivational speaker
• We had seen God in His splendors, heard the text that Nature renders. We had reached the naked soul of man. — Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874–1922) Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer; Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, Alfred Mark Lansing {1959}
Inspiration: Says the Lord: ‘I dwell within their own souls as a lamp of wisdom. I am the splendor of the splendid and the virtue of the virtuous.” — Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita [The Song of the Spirit]: 10:36Color: violet
- Spontaneous
Definitions: (1) acting playfully or creatively upon a sudden impulse; (2) not premeditated; not contrived or manipulated; natural; (3) done or resulting from one’s own desire
Too Far: capricious
Saying: Carpe diem (Latin): “Seize the day.”
Quote: Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poet
Comment: Each quality has a default level. But you can change that level by being open to it when it comes up in your life. Consciously supporting it enhances it.
Observation: Automatic versus Spontaneous
Your automatic reactions are put into play immediately without thought. They could be very complex responses or as simple as flight, fight, or freeze. Your habitual reactions have been created genetically over many generations. You can and have modified them somewhat by your conscious actions.
A spontaneous response could, at the least, be the same as an automatic response. But it also could be much more flexible. As you add a wider range of possible options, you extend your responsiveness. - Spiritual
Definitions: (1) pertaining to the spirit or soul as distinguished from the body; (2) from or concerned with the higher part of the mind; (3) consisting of pure essence; incorporeal; (4) showing much refinement of thought and feeling; (5) having to do with religion or the church; sacred, devotional, or ecclesiastical; not lay or temporal; the moral aspect; (6) supernatural; supra-personal; supersensible <above & beyond the senses>
Quotes:
• To grow in unconditional love and in beauty, is spirituality. — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (1956-) Indian guru
• We are not human beings on a spiritual journey; we are spiritual beings on a human journey. [He goes on to quote: “Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides, and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit priest] — Steven Covey (1932-2012) inspirational speakerReflection: On the highest spiritual level all potentials are actuals.
Colors: blue, indigo
Symbols: 1) fire; 2) birds; 3) wings; 4) the lamp; 5) the eagle; 6) the lotus flower {spiritual fragrance}
- Spirited
Definitions: (1) having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, animation, or energy; (2) the spiritualizing influence; the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person; (3) the supreme moral and ethical standard; the motivating, activating, or essential principle influencing a person’s actions <the spirit of helpfulness>; (4) a positive inclination, impulse, or tendency (5) the source of ideals and values; the extraordinary feelings and qualities characterizing one’s inner attitude; qualitative reality; (6) the disposition of firmness or assertiveness
See also: High-Spirited, Public-Spirited, SpiritualToo Far: tempestuous
Quote: A spirited mind never stops within itself; it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength. — Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, Seigneur de Montaigne [aka: Michel de Montaigne] (1533–1592) French Renaissance philosopher
- Spellbinding
Definitions: (1) grippingly charming; fascinating; enchanting; (2) characterizes a speaker of compelling eloquence; captivating; (3) marks an act of surprising interest; riveting
Music: “That Old Black Magic” {1942}
That old black magic has me in its spell,
That old black magic that you weave so well;
Icy fingers up and down my spine,
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine.
— Harold Arlen (born Hyman Arluck] (1905–1986) American music composer
— John “Johnny” Mercer (1919-1976) American lyricist
Comment: At some point in your childhood you will have found yourself spellbound by some image or sound or story. The essence of that feeling could, and maybe even should, be a (if not the) primary focus of your life.Symbol: 1) oleander; 2) moon flower
- Spicy
Definitions: (1) interesting or exciting <applies to individuality, manners, or mind>; (2) something or someone who enriches in a positive way; characterizes that which gives zest or interest to; (3) lively, spirited, piquant
Dictum: Variety is the spice of life. — William Cowper (1731-1800) English poet
Quote: To see two people that are battling to make it work just shows that love is in a marriage, but there are also trials and things that you have to make it through; showing women and men how to keep it spicy. — Kyla Alissa Pratt (1986-) American actress
Comment: Just as spice is an accent in food, it can enliven more primary qualities in a personality as well.
Symbol: peppers
- Special
Definitions: (1) possessing extraordinary or uncommon characteristics; exceptional; unique; (2) particularly valued <a special friend>; a gem; (3) appropriate; proper
See also: ImportantSynonyms: distinctive, distinguished, individualistic
Quotes:
• Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God. — Mary Manin Morrissey (1949-) Co-founder Living Enrichment Center {1970-2004}
• Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future. — Mattie Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (1990-2004) American peace poet - Sound
Definitions: (1) founded on truth; strong; valid; reliable; sensible <sound advice>; (2) morally solid; honest; honorable; upright; virtuous; trustworthy <The Church prides itself on sound principles.>; (3) firm; safe; stable; secure <especially financially>; (4) thorough; complete; (5) whole; unimpaired; unhurt; unmutilated; not weak, diseased, or damaged; healthy
Saying: A sound mind in a sound body
Quote: The sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer. — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) American polymath [six disciplines]
- Soulful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing positive qualities; ; great-souled; the embodiment of a quality <Brevity is the soul of wit.>; (2) full of or expressive of emotion or deep feeling <All were moved by the artist’s soulful rendition.>; (3) having spiritual or emotional warmth, power, or understanding
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Latin, “mind, soul”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• If the head and the body are to be well, you must begin by curing the soul. — Plato (c. 4th Century BC) Greek philosopher
• What shall it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul? — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 16:26
• If the soul could have known God without the world, the world would never have been created. — Meister Eckhart [born Eckhart von Hochheim] (c.1260-1328) German theologian
• The soul is the self-reflective, truth-discerning, and spirit-perceiving part of man which forever elevates the human being above the level of the animal world. (133:6.5) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}
• If you would have the message of the gods to direct your life, look for that which repeats. ... It comes again and again until you have made it part of your soul and your enduring spirit. — Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999) The Mists of Avalon {1982}Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Remember your belongings are just stuff; material possessions belong to Mother Earth. You are really made of your spiritual qualities, your soul.
• The tools used to build your soul are:
1. Events – may be external or internal
2. Evaluations/reactions – based on your mind frame and soul characteristics to date
3. Choices
4. Actions
5. Experiences
6. Assimilations
7. GrowthObservation: Human beings, in a structural sense, are made up of five components: body, mind, spirit, personality, and soul. Enlightenment is a balanced...
- Sophisticated
Definitions: (1) knowledgeable and perceptive of modern matters; urbane; worldly-wise; cultured; (2) clever with complex ideas
Derivation: The Sophists were a class of ancient Greeks who taught values: rhetoric, philosophy, politics, mathematics, etc. Unfortunately, the use of vain subtleties and false axioms by some, gave the word sophistry its current meaning of general distrust and contempt.
Balancing Qualities: Honest, Natural, Simple
Quote: We are not angels; we are merely sophisticated apes. Yet we feel like angels trapped inside the bodies of beasts, craving transcendence and all the time trying to spread our wings and fly off. It is really a very odd predicament to be in. — Vilayanur Subramanian Ramachandran (1951-) Indian-American neuroscientist
- Soothing
Definitions: (1) restored to a quiet, calm, or normal state; (2) mitigate, soften, or relieve <as pain or grief>; (3) gratifying; pleasing <soothing clarinet>
Synonyms: allaying, appeasing, assuaging, composed, pacifying
Quote:
• The spoken word is man's physician in grief. For this alone has soothing charms for the soul. — Menander (c. 342–290 BC) Greek dramatist
• Music is a very strong force when it comes to making a difference, as well as entertaining, soothing, and encouraging. — Philip James Bailey (1961-) American singerColors: blue, violet
- Solid
Definitions: (1) firm; sound; real; genuine; (2) showing complete unity <a solid contract>; in accord; (3) possessing moral strength and just principles; (4) displaying valid or true reasoning; (5) dependable <a solid relationship>; (6) exhibiting substantial quality <solid values>; (7) demonstrating ample comfort <solid furniture>
Synonyms: complete, prudent, stable, stout, thoroughgoing
Balancing Qualities: Flexible, Flowing
Compatible Quality: reliable
Quote: A house must be built on solid foundations if it is to last. The same principle applies to man, otherwise he too will sink back into the soft ground and becomes swallowed up by the world of illusion. — Sathya Sai Baba (1926-2011) Indian spiritual guru
Symbols: 1) granite 2) diamonds
- Solemn
Definitions: (1) serious <especially with religious reverence>; sacred; devout; pious; marked by veneration to God; (2) willing to be deeply earnest, very sincere <a solemn oath>
Synonyms: awe-inspiring, profound
Compatible Qualities: liturgical, prayerful, worshipful
Familial Qualities: humor, selflessness
Too Far: dour
Quote: Our errors are surely not such awfully solemn things. In a world where we are so certain to incur them in spite of all our caution, a certain lightness of heart seems healthier than this excessive nervousness on their behalf. ― William James (1842-1910) American psychologist & philosopher
- Softhearted
Definition: showing kindly affection; feeling tender and compassionate; meek; sympathetic or responsive to others; having a generous and giving spirit
Quotes:
• If there is one word in the universe capable of softening hearts, it is this: Mommy. ― Richelle E. Goodrich (1969-) American novelist & poet
• The funny thing about the heart is a soft heart is a strong heart, and a hard heart is a weak heart. ― Christopher James Gilbert [aka Criss Jami] (1987-) American author & philosopher - Soft
Definitions: (1) gentle to the touch; smooth; pleasant to the feelings; comfortable; (2) easy to work with; malleable; pliable; flexible; (3) not hard, rough, rigid, rude, or harsh; (4) emollient (making soft)
Synonyms: civil, courteous, delicate, engaging, kind, lenient, mellow, mollify, mild, quiet, sentimental, sympathetic, tender
Balancing Quality: Hardy
Too Far: timid
Quotes: Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft. — Pericles (495–429 BC) Greek politician & general
Symbols: 1) fur; 2) a baby’s cheek
- Sociable
Definition: inclined to friendly communication; open to conversing; neighborly; agreeable to a free exchange of ideas
Balancing Quality: Attentive.
Note: The best communicator is the person who is the best listener; one who is genuinely interested in the views and lives of others.Compatible Quality: humorous, gracious
Familial Quality: companionable
Too Far: garrulous, nosy
Quote: We take our bearings, daily, from others. To be sane is, to a great extent, to be sociable. — John Hoyer Updike (1932-2009) American novelist
- Sober
Definitions: (1) showing self-control; not extreme in any way; practicing a reasonable and moderate use of substance or emotion; temperate; (2) regularly displaying calm reason; cool; (3) having a serious, earnest, or thoughtful nature; solemn; (4) quiet; not flashy; (5) honest; not exaggerated <the sober truth>; (6) sane; rational
Balancing Qualities: Enthusiastic, Spontaneous
Too Far: somber <oppressively solemn>
Quotes:
• True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. — Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. (1943-1993) American tennis player
• Elegance is achieved when all that is superfluous has been discarded and the human being discovers simplicity and concentration: the simpler and more sober the posture, the more beautiful it will be. — Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947-) Brazilian lyricist & novelist - Soaring
Definitions: (1) experiencing lofty thought, superior imagination, or sublime contemplation; (2) aspiring to great heights; (3) a feeling of unfettered freedom
Quotes:
• The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space on the infinite highway of the air. — Wilbur Wright (1867–1912) American aviation pioneer
• Education has the ability to change lives and send children soaring to heights that extend beyond what their zip code has predetermined for them. — Glenn Youngkin (1966-) American, 74th governor of VirginiaComment: One can use the ascending spiritual currents of the universe to soar beyond this life to the next.
Symbols: 1) a sailplane; 2) an albatross
- Snugly
Definition: (1) comfortably close <especially of a loved one>; characterizes one who cuddles with affection; cozy; (2) safe and secure
Poetry:
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
— Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863) The Night Before Christmas {1823} - Snazzy
Definition: attractive in a flashy way; fancy
Quote: We think if we win something big or buy something snazzy it'll make us more than we are. Our hearts know that's not true, but the eyes are powerful. It's easier to fix on what we can see than listen to the still, small voice of a whispering heart. A heart will say amazing things if it's given half a chance. — Joan Baehler Bauer (1951-) American writer
- Smooth
Definitions: (1) calm; serene; tranquil <a smooth disposition>; (2) equable; amiable; professional; (3) gentle; tender <especially to touch>; (4) making the way easy; comforting emotional upset; (5) a sweet and soothing sound in music or voice; (6) pleasant; enjoyable; (7) at ease in the social graces; charming; (8) even; slick <done in an impressively efficient and effortless way>
Quotes:
• God is in control. He's working for my good. Doesn't mean everything's going to be smooth, but that's all I needed to know. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. — Shawn Michaels [born Michael Shawn Hickenbottom] (1965-) American professional wrestler
• An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather. — Washington Irving (1783–1859) American essayist, historian, & diplomat - Smart
Definitions: (1) possessing quick intelligence; mentally alert; shrewd; brilliant; (2) capable and practiced know-how; astute; clever; (3) brisk, lively, or witty <as an insightful remark>; (4) neat and clean with a fresh flair; in contemporary style; (5) sophisticated; elegant; fashionable
Quotes:
• A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether. — Roy Holster Williams (1958-) American author & marketing consultant
• The kind of people that all teams need are people who are humble, hungry, and smart. Humble being little ego; focusing more on their teammates than on themselves. Hungry meaning they have a strong work ethic; determined to get things done and contribute any way they can. Smart meaning inner personally smart. — Patrick Lencioni (1965-) American management author - Sleek
Definitions: (1) polished or smooth in manners, speech, or appearance; suave; (2) a well-groomed or healthy look; dapper; elegant; (3) slender, graceful lines; stylish
Quote: Elegance is reduction, simplification, condensation. It is spare, stark, sleek. Elegance is cultivated abstraction. The source of Greek and Roman classicism - clarity, order, proportion, balance - as in Egypt. — Camille Anna Paglia (1947-) American academic
Observation: A full head of hair just out of the shower needs a comb to make it smooth. We have a full set of positive qualities. They also need to be organized and groomed to present a sleek countenance.
- Skillful
Definitions: (1) revealing knowing intelligence; expert; ingenuity; (2) individual deftness in execution or performance; virtuosity; mastery of technique; nifty; (3) able to perform dexterously a manual operation in the arts or professions; adroit; (4) having a competent aptitude in management; (5) trickeration (jazz swing, a snazzy sports play)
Quotes:
• No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination. — Edward Hopper (1882–1967) American realist painter
• When God calls a man to be upright, pure, and generous, he also calls him to be intelligent, skillful, strong, and brave. — Orison Swett Marden (1848–1924) American inspirational authorMythological Figures: 1) Harpocrates, the god of science, secrets, and confidentiality among the Greeks and Romans; 2) Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, manual skill, eloquence, cleverness, and travel; 3) Hermes, the Greek god of science, eloquence, and cunning; also the inventor of the lyre, the protector of boundaries, and the god of commerce – serving as messenger to the other gods
- Sisterly
Definition: affectionate <as the intimate kindness of a sister>; characterizing congenial or loyal relationship with or among siblings or other women; sororal
Familial Quality: brotherly
Quote: A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves – a special kind of double — Chloe Anthony [Toni] Wofford Morrison (1931–2019) American novelist
- Sincere
Definitions: (1) being the same in actual character as in outward appearance; genuine; real; (2) simple and straightforward innocence; (3) truthful and honest; without deceit, pretense, or hypocrisy; (4) faithful
Saying: Ex animo (Latin): “from the heart”
Quotes:
• Sincerity is the single virtue that binds divinity and man in one. — Senge Takatomi (1845-1918) Japanese Shinto philosopher
• Mother Nature is always speaking. She speaks in a language understood within the peaceful mind of the sincere observer. Leopards, cobras, monkeys, rivers, and trees; they all serve as teachers. — Radhanath Swami [born Richard Slavin] (1950-) American Gaudiya Vaishnava guruComment: The primary quality saving a person from being an out and out fool is sincerity.
Consideration: There are some crucial qualities, a class of qualities one really cannot do without. First on the list would be sincerity. If you are sincere in your attempt to do the right thing – however you define it – you are succeeding in a very important aspect.
Advice: If you are motivated by, and have a genuine sincerity in what you do, you should never feel guilty. If you choose correctly, it will reinforce the positive. If you choose incorrectly, you will learn there is a better way. And if it is some of both, you will get to experience them both and learn what was right and what was wrong.
Color: blue
- Simple
Definitions: (1) easy to understand or deal with; (2) sincere; free of deceit or guile; innocent; (3) elegant and plain; not ornate or luxurious; unadorned; not elaborate or complicated; unembellished; (4) modest; unaffected; unassuming; unpretentious
Compatible Qualities: It takes time, teamwork, and tenacity to arrive at simplicity.
Music: “Simple Gifts” {1848}
‘Tis the gift to be simple
‘Tis the gift to be free …
— Elder Joseph Brackett (1797-1882) American Quaker songwriterQuotes:
• When you bless it, you can own it. Our eye is how God sees the world. Our hand is how God holds the world. Our job is simply to be. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) and Joe Burull (1947-2019) American photographers
• Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler. If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
Note: The most complex thing can be boiled down to a simple formula or precept, for instance: E=mc2 or “All You Need Is Love.” As you are creating or investigating a system, its complexity can be overwhelming. But as you begin to grasp it, it begins to collapse back into its simple, unified reality.Comment: Friar William Ackham, (c.1287-1347) English philosopher & theologian, never said, “The simplest explanation is usually the correct (best) one.” But he did write, “Plurality must never be posited without necessity.”
Question: Although it may not seem obvious for some to ask, “Is there a reality beyond this one?” There are very few who do not succumb to this wonder when Death is breathing down their necks.
Symbol: The number one
- Silly
Definition: harmless folly; simple whimsicalness; happy innocence
Familial Quality: giggly, giddy (literally possessed by a god)
Quotes:
• If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done. — Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (1889–1951) Austrian philosopher
• Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment. — Horace [born Quintus Horatius Flaccus] (65-8 BC) Roman lyric poet - Significant
Definitions: (1) a person of value; (2) the self-realization of one’s own worth; self-esteem; (3) important
Quotes:
• Rational discussion is useful only when there is a significant base of shared assumptions. — Noam Chomsky (1928-) American linguist
• Every person has a longing to be significant; to make a contribution; to be a part of something noble and purposeful. — John Calvin Maxwell (1947-) American author & pastor - Shrewd
Definitions: (1) cunningly artful; (2) keen-witted in practical concerns; possessing useful smarts, insightful; (3) acute perception and sound judgment; savvy, sharp, argute
Synonyms: Shrewd stresses pragmatic cleverness; astute combines shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill; perspicacious implies unusual power to see through, and understand, what is puzzling or hidden; sagacious suggests wisdom, penetrating thought, and farsightedness.
Balancing Qualities: Honest, Tactful
Quotes:
• Every spirit makes its house, and we can give a shrewd guess from the house to the inhabitant. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poet
• Why do you need street smarts? Shrewdness? Toughness? It's to protect something soft that is going to be in danger if it's exposed at the wrong time and place. It's to protect a soul. But to protect your soul, you have to have one to start with. — Peter Charles Schjeldahl (1942-2022) American art critic, poet, & educator - Shipshape
Definition: in good order; tidy; trim
Derivation: “Shipshape and Bristol fashion” {1827} At low tide in Bristol harbor ships would fall to one side on their keel resulting in cargo chaos if everything was not tidily tied down.
Too Far: compulsive
- Shining
Definitions: (1) possessing a distinguished remarkable quality; illustrious; brilliant; eminent; (2) bright and often splendid in appearance <It was as if a shining angel appeared when she walked into the room.>; resplendent; (3) radiant; gleaming; sparkling, glistening, lucid, lucent; refulgent <to shine>; sidereal
Quotes:
• The path of the just is as a shining light which shines more and more until the perfect day. They who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. — Judaism
• Forgiveness is like this: a room can be dank because you have closed the windows, you've closed the curtains. But the sun is shining outside, and the air is fresh outside. In order to get that fresh air, you have to get up and open the window and draw the curtains apart. ― Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) South African Anglican bishop & theologian - Sheltering
Definitions: (1) protecting or defending <especially a loved one> from danger, violence, injury, annoyance, or attack; (2) securing or rendering safe; harboring
Derivation: Middle English, “bodyguard”
Quote: If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. — Saint Francis of Assisi [born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone] (1181-1226) Italian mystic & lover of animals
Symbols: 1) a roof; 2) a house
- Sharp
Definitions: (1) quick, acute, or penetrating in intellectual perception; clever; shrewd; sharp-minded; (2) showing a keen awareness; attentive; vigilant; alert; (3) extremely sensitive to the needs or wants of others; (4) full of activity or energy; brisk; active; vigorous; (5) attractively dressed or groomed; good-looking; handsome; beautiful; (6) clearly defined; distinct, unobstructed
Quotes:
• Tolerance, compromise, understanding, acceptance, patience - I want those all to be very sharp tools in my shed. — Thomas DeCarlo Callaway Burton [aka CeeLo Green] (1975-) American songwriter & singer
• God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers, and thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face - a gauntlet with a gift in it. — Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861) English poet - SHARING
Divine Definitions: (1) Giving freely of Himself; selfless; (2) Desiring the beings of His creation to participate in the joys of the creation to an ever-increasing degree; magnanimous; (3) The great teacher; generous; (4) Contributing everything possible; munificent; (5) Liberal with rewards; altruistic; big-hearted; (6) Serving His children; the ultimate benefactor
Comment: Before God started time, before He created space, He was complete. Nonetheless, He could not deny His fundamental nature. He decided to fashion finite reality because He is a giving Person. When we decide to share the meanings and values of our inner life with Him, we are partaking of that same divine nature.
SHARE
Human Definitions: (1) granting or giving a part of yourself; altruistic; selfless; (2) dividing and distributing in fair portions; apportioning; (3) partaking, using, experiencing, occupying, or enjoying with others; (4) owning in common; (5) being a benefactorSynonyms: big-hearted, contributing, generous, magnanimous, munificent
Quotes:
• The best partnerships aren't dependent on a mere common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion. — Sarah MacLean (1978-) American author
• If you think a complimentary thought about someone, don’t just think it. Dare to compliment people and pass on compliments to them from others. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}Comment: God created the universe because his primary motive is love, and the primary attribute of love is to share.
- Sexy
Definitions: (1) possessing a pleasing appearance; excitingly appealing; glamorous; (2) interesting or thrilling; (3) stimulating; passionate; studly; sultry; sensual <usually physically>; flirtatious
Balancing Qualities: Generosity, Joy, Respect
Familial Qualities: desire, intimacy, sensuality
Too Far: licentious, lustful, promiscuous
Comment: Physical attraction my spark a relationship but a tender soul is what will sustain it.
Observations:
• There are some big differences between having sex versus making love. Sex is a physical pleasure which can be hedonistic, self-absorbing, and egocentric. Making love is thoughtful, caring, and giving. When you consider your partner’s needs, you experience a greater satisfaction of togetherness.
• Sex will occasionally result in procreation.Color: red
- Service-minded
Definition: demonstrating helpful, beneficial, or friendly conduct; giving assistance or advantage to an individual or the community; thoughtful
Balancing Qualities: To balance confidence and humility practice giving service.
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Martin Luther King (1929-1968) American preacher & peacemaker
Proverb:
When I do not know who I am I serve you.
When I know who I am I am you. — HinduismAphorism: Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words. — Unknown
Quotes:
• Do what needs to be done for yourself as if you were doing it for a dear friend. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found out how to serve. — Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Franco-German theologianInspiration: They who know the laws of God are liberal minded. If you know the Eternal, even though your body perish, your soul shall survive in spirit service. — Taoism
Comment:
Near versus Far
Many think service must be direct and person-to-person. Even though this individual support provides an emotional connection to the person served, it is no less valid to serve a wide variety of people, near and far. Entertainers for example distribute their talent for everyone’s enjoyment. Writers serve their readers. If someone makes a tool it is up to the one who uses it to do something with it.Symbol: the buffalo
- Serene
Definition: (1) marked by peaceful repose or quietude; (2) possessing a tranquil, placid mind; undisturbed in one’s soul; ataraxia <the lucid state of robust equanimity>
Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. — Karl Paul Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) American theologian
Quote: Mirth is like a flash of lightning, that breaks through a gloom of clouds, and glitters for a moment; cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity. — Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist & poet
Comment: If you are caught up in the hustle and hassle of an active life, you will long for serenity and relaxation. The next vacation or retirement seems so far away. But you can always take an inner trip to your center where all peace exists.
Symbol: a calm sea
- Serious
Definitions: (1) showing, having, or caused by earnestness or deep thought; sober or solemn; (2) meaning what one says or does; not joking or trifling; sincere; (3) concerned or dealing with important matters; grave; problem solving with a focused intensity; weighty; (4) requiring careful consideration in matters involving difficulty, effort, or costly action
Balancing Qualities: Flexible, Lighthearted, Playful
Quote: Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. — Fred McFeely Rogers (1928-2003) American Educator & Minister
- Serendipitous
Definitions: (1) possessing an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident; (2) the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for; (3) having good fortune; lucky
Derivation: Also known as “accidental sagacity,” a faculty possessed by the heroes in the Persian classic The Three Princes of Serendip {1557}. The word serendipity was coined in 1754 in the English-speaking world by Horace Walpole (1717-1797) English writer, art historian, & politician
Note: Since we can cultivate any quality, then the “accidental” part of this definition can be expected and anticipated with intuition or insight.Quote: Success is three parts hard work and one part serendipity; this serendipity is a direct result of the other three parts of hard work. — Ken Poirot (?1965-) American financial advisor
- Sensuous
Definitions: (1) derived from, based on, or perceived by the senses; (2) easily affected by or appealing to the senses; (3) keenly appreciative of beauty, refinement, or luxury; (4) enjoying the pleasures of sensation
Too Far: licentious (lacking moral restraints)
Quote: My mind withdrew its thoughts from experience, extracting itself from the contradictory throng of sensuous images, that it might find out what that light was wherein it was bathed ... And thus, with the flash of one hurried glance, it attained to the vision of That Which Is. — Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354–430) Roman Empire theologian & philosopher
Colors: pink, violet
- Sentimental
Definitions: (1) showing tender emotion; having delicate feelings toward music, poetry, or drama; sensitive to the feelings <especially pain> of others; (2) moved by sensible emotional idealism; acting from feelings balanced by practical and utilitarian motives
Balancing Qualities: Reasonable, Rugged
Too Far: maudlin
Music: “Sentimental Journey” {1944}
Gonna take a sentimental journey
Gonna set my heart at ease …
Sentimental journey home
— Music: Lester Raymond “Les” Brown (1912–2001) American jazz musician
— Benjamin Hozer [aka Ben Homer] (1917-1975) American songwriter
— Moses David “Bud” Green (1897–1981) American lyricistQuote: Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation. — Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) Bengali polymath [eight disciplines]
Symbols: 1) teardrops; 2) zinnia flowers
- Sensitive
Definitions: (1) responsive to the views of others; (2) tender or compassionate toward the feelings of others; (3) endowed with sensation; perceptive through the senses
Too Far: critical, temperamental, thin-skinned
Quotes:
• It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author
• Some like to think that a keen appreciation of art can actually make us better people - more just, more moral, more sensitive, more understanding. Perhaps that is true. — Paul Benjamin Auster (1947-) American writer & film director
Note: If the art one is appreciating was created by Ma Nature, it certainly is true. - Sensible!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing good judgment or common sense; containing reasonable intelligence; wise; (2) capable of being perceived by the senses; capable of exciting physical sensation; (3) having appreciation or understanding; cognizant; emotionally or intellectually conscious; aware (4) no-nonsense <practical and serious, interested in doing what is necessary
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: A match may start a fire, but once the fire is burning, putting out the match won’t stop it. The problem is no longer the match. It’s the fire. — Michael Crichton (1942-2008) The Terminal Man {1972}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
In order for us to allow a new thought to penetrate our minds it must make sense. In other words, it has to pass through our filter systems.
See also: Believable, Conscious, ObjectivityEveryone has six basic filters.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
1. Learning – solidified by study and reaffirmation
a) Childhood instruction
b) Tradition, Custom
c) Group affiliation, e.g., school, church, patriotism, team, hero worship
2. Logic – may be personal or social
3. Experience – different for everyone
4. Belief – primarily structured religious belief, but also takes other forms
5. Faith – knows the truth when it is encountered. There are often contradictions with the other filters but the truth still registers.
6. Habit – A combination of all filters solidified by action.There is a second set of filters. They are physical, mental, or emotional inhibitors.
1. Intelligence – a lack of the ability to understand.
2. Ignorance – a lack of information.
3. Maturity – a lack of experience
4. Chemical Balance – diet, drugs, pollution
5. Language – The information may be available but in a language you do not understand.
6. Distance – The information may be available but too far away from you to be obtained.
7. Health – a permanent or temporary condition... - Selfless
Definitions: (1) a proper concern for one’s own desires with those of others; (2) disregard for one’s own interests; unselfishly generous
Balancing Quality: Service-minded
Compatible Qualities: With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve. — Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) Founder of Pakistan
Comment: True heroes are also self-forgetful and self-effacing. While doing some service, with love, for someone else, your mind and heart are focused on the good you hope the other to receive. The very thought of getting something in return lessens the value.
Quotes:
• You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. — John Wooden (1910-2010) American basketball coach
• Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to salvation. — Swami Sivananda Saraswati (1887-1963) Indian Hindu spiritual guru - Self-sufficient
Definitions: (1) able to maintain oneself without outside aid; capable of providing for one’s own needs; self-realizing; (2) having confidence in one’s own resources or powers
Balancing Qualities: Open-hearted, Open-minded
Too Far: The snow itself is lonely or, if you prefer, self-sufficient. There is no other time when the whole world seems composed of one thing and one thing only. — Joseph Wood Krutch (1893–1970) American author & naturalist
Comment: One of God’s sweetest (and hardest) gifts is the freewill to believe we are self-sufficient, individually and collectively. Yet that freedom may prevent the selfish person from realizing there is a conduit to the Infinite designed only to enhance our appreciation, creativity, and freedom.
How to Live This Quality Today: Wash the dishes. Sweep the floor. Vacuum the rug.
- Self-respect
Definition: a proper respect for oneself or for one’s own character and reputation; self-knowing; self-understanding; appreciating one’s own self-worth
Balancing Qualities: Humility, Willfulness
Note: Lack of, or loss of, self-respect results in inaction due to the diminution of will - or selfish action due to lack of respect for others.Too Far: There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance. — John Calvin Maxwell (1947-) American author & pastor
Quote: Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners. — Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) Irish-born English author
Reflection: Would that there were an award for people who come to understand the concept of enough. Good enough. Successful enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Socially responsible enough. When you have self-respect, you have enough. — Gail Sheehy (1936–2020) American author & lecturer
Advice: Idleness diminishes self-respect. Therefore, stay busy with something constructive you love to do, or have a duty to do. Then turn that duty into an act of love. Self-respect begins with knowing what is worthy of respect; and is gained by loving and serving that value in others.
- Self-possessed
Definition: in control of one’s emotions or reactions <especially when under pressure and stress>; having presence of mind; composed in manner; calm; poised
Too Far: Isolated
Quote: Human security recognizes the importance of individuals and that the key to ensuring growth in developing countries is to foster individual talent and abilities, build self-reliance, and put people in a position to make a broader contribution to society. Growth must be inclusive, and no one must be left behind. — Shinzo Abe (1954–2022) Japanese Prime Minister
Symbol: the cloak
- Self-made
Definitions: (1) succeeding in life essentially unaided; (2) made by one’s own efforts
Quotes:
• Manufactured objects testify to who made them; they describe values. — Sir Jonathan “Jony” Paul Ive (1967-) British & American designer
• Being self-made means never making an excuse as to why you can't take steps toward whatever your goal is. — Ermias Joseph Asghedom [aka: Nipsey Hussle] (1985–2019) American rapper - Self-governing
Definitions: (1) having control or rule over oneself; autonomous; self-reliant; (2) characterizes a state, community, or region that is governed by its own people; democratic
Quotes:
• Art is a path on which we honor our world. As bearers of this honor, we artists do not need to simply render our world as we see it but as we might ourselves redesign it. As artists, one of our privileges is to invent. — Robert Glenn (1936-2014) Canadian painter
• That State is best which governs least. — Thomas Jefferson (1742-1826) American Statesman, 3rd President of the Unites States
Note: This is only true if the majority of individuals are morally self-governing. - Self-esteem!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself; self-acceptance; self-respect
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Humility
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: arrogant, egotistical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
~ Self-esteem is crucial for healthy families.
~ When you’re playing with your kids, love just happens.
~ Self-esteem is the most important building block for emotional health and happiness.
~ People who feel good about themselves tend to take good care of themselves and treat others with respect. — Dr. Louise Hart (1921-2020) The Winning Family: Increasing Self-esteem in Your Children and Yourself {1993}Reflection: Notice the questions you ask yourself. Notice the motives which move you. Will I be accepted? How do I make people like me? There is a range of what you can do in answer to these questions. Should I be nice to others because they will like me? Should I be kind to others because it is the right thing to do no matter what they think about me?
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Are you giving to get because you feel inadequate? Or have you transcended that need and are giving for the joy of giving? If you have a healthy sense of self-esteem, you will be more likely to act without ulterior motives. You will be motivated by love rather than fear.
We compensate for what we think is our lack, trying to fill the hole in our soul. Since we are potential infinite beings, there will always be a yearning for perfection. This can be experienced as a lack or accepted as a fact. Once you get to acceptance, then you can use the fact as you would any other fact – as a building block.
Reduce the number and kind of internal mechanisms allowing you to believe you are unworthy and undeserving. We are all just growing. Mistakes are part of the process.Comment: A characteristics of self-esteem is the ability to be...
- Self-contained
Definitions: (1) having within oneself all necessary qualities; self-possessed; self-collected; (2) functioning independently; self-sufficient; (3) formal and reserved in manner
Quotes:
• The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present. — Eckhart Tolle [born Ulrich Leonard Tölle] (1948-) German-English writer
• The best artist has that thought alone which is contained within the marble shell. The sculptor's hand can only break the spell To free the figures slumbering in the stone. — Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564) Italian sculptor, painter, & architect - Self-accepting
Definition: regarding oneself as valid; self-affirming; understanding or believing in oneself
Compatible Qualities: self-forgetful, self-forgiving
Too Far: self-absorbed
Quote: Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance. — Casandra Brené Brown (1965-) American author & professor
Reflection:
We define ourselves by five criteria:
• What we can do (especially the things we do well).
• What we aspire to do.
• What we will try.
• What we cannot do.
• What we will not do.Advice: Love yourself as you are. Faults and problems need not be dwelt upon. Instead give yourself credit for your list of positive qualities and accomplishments. Move forward with positive intention. Moving away from the negative is not as productive as moving toward the positive.
- Seemly
Definitions: (1) suitable, fitting, or becoming <especially with reference to conventional standards of conduct or good taste>; decent; decorous; (2) having a pleasing or proper appearance; fair; handsome
Synonyms: appropriate, congruous
Quote: The Pharisees made their way up alongside Jesus and said: "Teacher, you should rebuke your disciples and exhort them to behave more seemly." Jesus answered: "It is only fitting that these children should welcome the Son of Peace, whom the chief priests have rejected. It would be useless to stop them lest in their stead these stones by the roadside cry out." (172:3.13) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}
- Seeking
Definitions: (1) searching for; trying to find; exploring; (2) asking or inquire for <the truth>; desiring to learn or discover knowledge; (3) undertake to get or acquire; (4) aim at an admirable goal; pursuing
Quotes:
• Seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened to you. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 7:7–8
• Seek the greater thing, and the lesser will be found therein; ask for the heavenly, and the earthly shall be included. The shadow is certain to follow the substance. (165:5.3) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}Advice: Most everyone has emotional buttons that, if pushed, make them crazy. Until you find out what the underlying cause really is, those who are willing to manipulate you will have the means to do so. The immediate solution is to remove yourself, graciously, from their presence so they cannot continue to annoy you. The long-range solution is to remove the buttons.
Color: indigo
Symbol: the journey
- Sedulous
Definition: persistent in application or pursuit; constant and persevering; steadily industrious; assiduous; a hard and diligent worker; indefatigable
Derivation: Latin, “sincerely”
Compatible Qualities: attention to detail, organized, prepared
Observation: A carpenter needs to be outfitted with a lot of tools, equipment, and supplies to do the job. But the plans, on paper and especially in his or her mind, for the order in which to proceed is an example of the quality of sedulous in practice.
Symbols: 1) ants; 2) bees
- Sedate
Definitions: (1) keeping a quiet and steady attitude or pace; calm; undisturbed; tranquil; (2) possessing a composed and decorous seriousness; sober; dignified; (3) serene; contemplative
Too Far: laziness, procrastination
Poetry:
If you would grow great and stately
You must try to walk sedately.
— Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poetQuote: The mind is so rarely disturbed, but that the company of friend will restore it to some degree of tranquility and sedateness. — Adam Smith (1723–1790) Scottish economist & philosopher
- Secure!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) free from fear, care, doubt, or anxiety; not worried, troubled, or apprehensive; having ease of mind; (2) sure; assured; certain; (3) trustworthy; dependable; able to be relied upon; (4) mutual understanding; coexistence; symbiotic <a mutually beneficial relationship>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: confident, guarded, impregnable, protected, safe, undisturbed, spirit-led <having a secure relationship with the Spirit
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: abundance
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: Preemptive war demands heavy sacrifices in the name of security.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Considerations:
• A person in solitary confinement is extremely secure, but he has very little freedom.
• Nobody is going to give up their current sense of security without some belief they will establish a new level of security by doing so. Physical security will be sacrificed when spiritual qualities, like courage, loyalty, and love, are recognized as more important. The soldier will risk his security to save a friend. The parent will endure hardship and stress to support his or her child. The artist is compelled to create because of the love of beauty, and the need to communicate. In these is the secure knowledge of a greater good.
• All securities come down to one thing: survival.
◦ In order to survive physically, you will need to maintain the things of the body: health, environment, sustenance.
◦ To survive emotionally you will need to nurture and be nurtured. You will also need to forgive and forget allowing yourself to proceed with life without the bonds of hate and revenge. In addition, you will want to be stress hardy to handle or deflect anxiety.
◦ The mind requires exercise, creativity, and problem solving. Include in your complex mental matrix the openness to accept and adapt to other points of view.
◦ Spiritual survival is assured only by... - Seasoned
Definitions: (1) made competent by experience; matured; (2) improved quality; fit; (3) accustomed; acclimatized; (4) imparting with relish, zest, or interest; (5) made less harsh or severe; tempered; softened <He seasoned his remarks with discretion.>
Quote: Any person seasoned with a just sense of the imperfections of natural reason, will fly to revealed truth with the greatest avidity. ― David Hume (1711-1776) Scottish philosopher
Advice: The story may seem more interesting if the truth is seasoned with a bit of folly, or even lies; but if it is veracity you seek, keep it pure.
- Searching
Definitions: (1) investigating with thoroughness; exploring or examining with interest; inquiring; seeking; (2) piercing; penetrating
Synonyms: examine, hunt, keen, probe, pursue, sharp
Parental Quality: curiosity
Quotes:
• Searching goes on forever. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
• Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins. — Emanuel James “Jim” Rohn (1930-2009) American motivational speakerSymbols: 1) searchlight; 2) a lighthouse
- Scrupulous
Definitions: (1) acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper; having moral integrity; conscientiously honest; (2) punctiliously exact; careful with details; precise, accurate, and correct
See also: UprightQuote: Success takes scrupulous diligence; to repeat takes strenuous perseverance. — Salam Al Shereida, Canadian Engineering research director
- Scrumptious
Definition: delightful; excellent; first-rate; splendid; extremely pleasing <especially to the taste>; delectable; yummy
Quote: Temporal blessings, as wonderful as they may be, are only a taste of the real thing. They cannot sustain inner happiness any more than eating a scrumptious meal keeps tomorrow's hunger at bay. — Leslie Vernick (~1970's-) Licensed clinical social worker
- Savory
Definitions: (1) morally pleasing; respectable; (2) spiritually alluring; agreeable; (3) pleasing to the taste or smell; appetizing
Synonyms: flavorous, palatable, piquant, pungent, rich, spicy, umami
Quote: A little nonsense now and then is savored by the wisest men. ― Roald Dahl (1916–1990) British author [Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory] {1964}
- Scholarly
Definitions: (1) displaying knowledge, accuracy, and analytical ability; (2) orderly and thorough in methods of study; reflective; devoted to learning; (3) a well-read person; erudite; academic
Derivation: Latin, “school”
Quote:
• Don't appear so scholarly, pray. Humanize your talk, and speak to be understood. — Jean-Baptiste Poquelin [aka Moliere] (1622-1673) French playwright
• Every child needs to become literate in one or more languages, and every child should become comfortable in the major scholarly disciplines - historical, scientific, mathematical, and artistic-humanistic thinking. Beyond that, I am not in favor of a uniform system. I think there should be some choices. — Howard Earl Gardner (1943-) American developmental psychologist - Savvy
Definitions: (1) practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense; (2) experienced and well informed
Derivations: Latin, “to be wise;” Spanish, “to know”
Quote: Anybody who says they are a good liar obviously is not, because any legitimately savvy liar would always insist they're honest about everything. ― Charles “Chuck” John Klosterman (1972-) American author
- Savoir-faire
Definition: knowledge of or instinct for appropriate action <especially in social situations>; a polished behavioral sureness; tact
Derivation: French, “knowing how to do”
Quote: Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you. — Horace Jackson Brown Jr. (1940–2021) American author, Life's Little Instruction Book {1991}
- Saved
Definitions: (1) rescued from danger or from possible harm or loss; (2) kept safe, intact, or unhurt; safeguarded; secured; (3) kept from being lost; (4) in religion, said of a person whose has seen the way to the truth thus being redeemed from spiritual death
Synonyms: preserved, protected, save face, spared
Quote:
• When you lose even the flesh you wear, you will still have your self. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) DRUIDS {1992}
• It is only because He became like us that we can become like Him. ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran theologianReflection: You cannot buy salvation; you cannot earn righteousness. Salvation is the gift of God, and righteousness is the natural fruit of the spirit-born life of sonship in the kingdom. You are not to be saved because you live a righteous life; rather is it that you live a righteous life because you have already been saved, have recognized sonship as the gift of God. (150:5.5) ― Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}
Symbol: the dolphin {Salvation}
- Satisfied
Definitions: (1) fully gratified wants, needs, or desires; satiated; supplied to the full extent with what is wished for; content; (2) free from doubt, suspense, or uncertainty; fully assured; a mind set at ease; convinced; (3) doubts or objections adequately or convincingly answered
Familial Quality: grateful
Too Far: smug
Quotes:
• To be able to look back upon one’s life in satisfaction, is to live twice. — Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American writer & poet
• Success is not defined by money or status, necessarily, but by how many people you've impacted and how fulfilled you feel with your decisions. You must feel happy and satisfied with what you personally have put out into the world. ― Kirstin Taylor Maldonado (1992-) American singer - Sassy
Definitions: (1) distinctively smart and boldly stylish; jaunty; (2) saucy; fresh; funky; (3) vigorous; lively
Balancing Qualities: Clever, Playful, Precocious
Saying: If you can’t be kind, be quiet
Quote: Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done. — Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-1939?) American aviator
Reflection: One may not set out to be sassy, it may be a reaction to the family dynamic.
- Sapient
Definition: possessing a capacity for great wisdom or sound judgment; discerning; knowing; sagacious
Quotes:
• Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage. — Publilius Syrus (85–43 BC) Latin writer
• I absolutely believe in a greater spiritual power, far greater than I am, from which I have derived strength in moments of sadness or fear. That's what I believe, and it was very, very strong in the forest. — Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall (1934-) English primatologist - Sapid
Definitions: (1) agreeable to the mind; interesting; engaging; (2) savory; having a pleasing taste
Derivation: Latin, "to know, taste, or perceive”
Quotes:
• When you have had a taste of excellence, you cannot go back to mediocrity. — Maximillian Degenerez, Portuguese artist
• Life has a certain flavor for those who have fought and risked all that the sheltered and protected can never experience. — John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) British philosopher & economistMythological Place: Cawther, the lake of paradise, has sweet and cool waters (in the Koran). Anyone who drinks from it will never thirst again.
- Sanitary
Definition: in healthy condition <especially clean and taking precaution against disease>; free from dirt, bacteria, or pollution
Symbol: soap
Quotes:
• Good hand-washing is the single most effective action against the spread of disease. — Anita Downs Flora (1950 -) American registered nurse
• Our English language says if you're not a theist, the only alternative is to be an atheist. I'm trying to develop a language that will enable us to talk about God beyond the sterile categories of theism and atheism. — John “Jack” Shelby Spong (1931–2021) American Episcopal bishop - Sanguine
Definitions: (1) cheerful; optimistic; hopeful; confident; (2) indicative of sturdiness or health; ruddy; (3) ardent; warm
Derivation: Latin, “blood”
Note: In medieval physiology being sanguine meant having a passionate & positive temperament – one in whom the blood is the predominant “humor.”Synonyms: animated, lively
Quotes:
•The essentials for happiness are the right company, moderate if sanguine expectations, and a reasonable standard of physical sustenance and comfort; the whole being bedeviled by the belief that there is always something better to be had if only one presses on. — Phyllis Dorothy James (1920–2014) English novelist
• The engaged mind, illuminated by truth, awakens awareness; the engaged heart, affected by love, awakens passion. This essential energy of the soul is not an ecstatic trance, high emotion, or a sanguine stance toward life: It is a fierce longing for God, an unyielding resolve to live in His belovedness. — Richard Francis Xavier Manning [aka Brennan Manning] (1934–2013) American author - Salutary
Definitions: (1) producing a remedial effect; wholesome; healthful; (2) encouraging or contributing to some beneficial purpose; (3) something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant
Derivation: Latin, "safety"
Synonyms: advantageous, profitable, useful
Quotes:
• Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions. — Gerald Jampolsky (1925-2020) American psychiatrist
• The experience of seeing how our thought and our words and our ideas have been confined by the limitation of our experience is one which is salutary and is in a certain sense good for a man's morals as well as good for his pleasure. It seems to us [scientists] that this is an opening up of the human spirit, avoiding its provincialism and narrowness. — Julius Robert Oppenheimer (1904–1967) American theoretical physicist - Sane!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) mentally clear and sound <especially the ability to anticipate and appraise the effect of one’s own actions; rational; (2) having or showing good reason or judgment; sensible; compos mentis <of sound mind; (3) free from hurt or disease; healthy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: RealisticCompatible Quality: prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• In order to be sane and adjusted as a human being, an individual must realize that he cannot know all there is to know. It is not enough to understand this limitation intellectually; the understanding must be an orderly and conditioned process, “unconscious” as well as “conscious.” Such a conditioning is essential to the balanced pursuit of knowledge of the nature of matter and life. — Alfred Elton van Vogt (1912-2000) The Players of Null A {1982}
• In the case of permanent insanity the exits to the theater have been blocked, usually because of the knowledge that the show outside is so much worse. The insane person is running a private unapproved film which he happens to like better than the current cultural one. If you want him to run the film everyone else is seeing, the solution would be to find ways to prove to him that it would be valuable to do so … Otherwise why should he get “better”? He already is better. It’s the patterns that constitute “betterness” that are at issue. From an internal point of view insanity isn’t the problem. Insanity is the solution. — Robert Pirsig (1928-2017) Lila {1991}Reflection: Accepting reality is fine as long as everyone holds the same criteria for “reality.” The problem comes when you are presented with a false impression of reality. Slavery was explained as necessary and accepted as “good” by a certain segment of the population. War is accepted as the only solution by a large enough group of people that it takes place. A single person who sees a higher reality is...
- Salubrious
Definition: (1) favorable to the health of mind or body; (2) promoting balance or well-being <especially the effects of climate or nature>
Quote: Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness. — Louise Hart (1921-2020) American author
Observation: It is universally recognized that vegetables are salubrious foods.
- Saintly
Definition: a person of great virtue, benevolence, piety, charity, patience, or any combination of the best qualities; holy
Quotes:
• Every saint has a past and every sinner a future. — Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Irish poet
• Each and every one of us knows that we have only one work to do in this world and that work is to become a saint. And the way to be a saint we know also; it is to know God and love and serve God. — Father Thomas Augustine Judge (1863-1933) Founder of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity - Sagacious
Definition: keenly perceptive or discerning; shrewd; farsighted in judgment; prudent
Derivation: Latin, “wise”
Synonyms: acuity, intelligent, judicious
Quotes:
• Simply stated, it is sagacious to eschew obfuscation. — Norman Ralph Augustine (1935-) American aerospace businessman
• Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopherComment: We should honor and listen to the sages of old. But one of the first things they would say is, “I don’t know everything,” Or as they might say with more eloquence, “Open your mind, expose your heart to new truth, tender mercy, and breathtaking loveliness.”
- Safe
Definitions: (1) free or escaped from damage, danger, or injury; secure; unharmed; (2) giving protection; (3) trustworthy; reliable; sure; (4) taking no risks; prudent; cautious
Balancing Qualities: Adventurous, Courageous, Inventive
Too Far: timid
Saying:
• Better safe than sorry.
• You will go most safely by the middle course.Quotes:
• I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor. — Horatio Nelson (1758–1805) British naval officer
• After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life. — Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone [aka: Sophia Loren] (1934-) Italian actressSymbol: a fireplace
- Rugged
Definitions: (1) capable of enduring hardship; robust; (2) having a sturdy constitution; strongly built
Quotes:
• No member of a crew is praised for the rugged individuality of his rowing. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poet
• Mankind progresses not smoothly, as by a sliding carpet ascent, but by rugged steps broken by gaps. He halts long on one stage before taking the next. Often he remains stationary, unable to form resolution to step forward - sometimes even has turned round and retrograded. — Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924) English hagiographer & novelist - Royal
Definitions: (1) superior in quality; magnificent; splendid; (2) giving every courtesy; extremely thoughtful; hospitable; (3) suitable for or characteristic of a king or queen; august; stately; noble
Synonyms: imperial, magnanimous, majestic, princely, regal, superb
Quotes:
• There's nothing so kingly as kindness, and nothing so royal as truth. — Alice Cary (1820–1871) American poet
• In the past, people were born royal. Nowadays, royalty comes from what you do. —Giovanni Maria “Gianni” Versace (1946-1997) Italian fashion designer & businessmanHow to Live This Quality Today: Give your guests the royal treatment.
Colors: blue, purple
Symbols: 1) the lily; 2) fleur-de-lis
- Rousing
Definition: (1) cause to become active; (2) very vigorous; brisk; lively; exciting; stirring;
Derivation: Middle English, (originally as a hawking and hunting term) “to shake the feathers”
Quotes:
• Men will never worship God with a sincere heart, or be roused to fear and obey Him with sufficient zeal, until they properly understand how much they are indebted to His mercy. — Jean [John] Calvin (1509–1564) French theologian & reformer
• A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are roused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield. — David Oman McKay (1873-1970) American religious leader
• The movers and shakers on our planet, aren't the billionaires and generals, they are the incredible numbers of people around the world filled with love for neighbor and for the earth who are resisting, remaking, restoring, renewing, and revitalizing. — William “Bill” Earnest McKibben (1960-) American environmentalist, author, & journalist - Roseate
Definitions: (1) cheerful and optimistic; bright and promising; (2) tinged with a rosy color
Adage: What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Romeo and Juliet {1595}
Poem:
All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' 'bout the things
They woulda coulda shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little Did.
— Sheldon Allan Silverstein (1930–1999) American writer, poet, cartoonistQuote: When she smiles the skies are blue. The world takes on a roseate hue; birds in the garden trill and sing, and Joy is king of everything, when she smiles. — Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (1881–1975) English writer & humorist
Symbols: 1) the rose; 2) rose-colored glasses
- Romantic
Definitions: (1) responsive to an imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, mysterious, or idealized; (2) loving and affectionate; (3) conducive to or suitable for a loving relationship
Derivation: Originally, a “romance” was a long narrative in verse or prose, written in one of the Romance dialects about the adventures of knights and other chivalric heroes.
Quotes:
• Love is a portion of the soul itself, and it is of the same nature as the celestial breathing of the atmosphere of paradise. — Victor-Marie Hugo (1802–1885) French writer
• Vulnerability is the essence of romance. It's the art of being uncalculated, the willingness to look foolish, the courage to say, 'This is me, and I'm interested in you enough to show you my flaws with the hope that you may embrace me for all that I am but, more important, all that I am not.' — Christopher Ashton Kutcher (1978-) American actor & producerSymbol: lilacs
- Rollicking
Definition: carefree and frolicsome; boisterous; gay and lively
Quote: Work freely and rollickingly as though you were talking to a friend who loves you. — Brenda Ueland (1891-1985) American writer
Comment: You can roll along at a leisurely pace or rollick along with the abandon of gravity. Either way look ahead to avoid little kids and sudden stops.
- Robust
Definition: having or exhibiting sound health or great strength; vigorous; hearty; solidly built; sturdy; muscular
Derivation: Latin, “oak strength”
Synonyms: hale, lusty
Balancing Qualities: Farsighted, Quick-witted
Quote: Whatever obstacle comes your way, you gotta be prepared to jump over it! And I think that's what separates the legends from the regular artists. It's all in how you manage that success, and how you deal with the controversy when it actually comes. — Akon [Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam] (1973-) Senegalese-American singer & record producer
- Risk Taker
Definitions: (1) one willing to expose themselves to danger, ranging from minor challenge to major peril; promethean; (2) venturesome
Quote: The challenge is that the day before something is truly a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea. And crazy ideas are very risky to attempt. — Peter H. Diamandis (1961-) American engineer & entrepreneur
Comment: For a little kid wanting to ride a bike is worth the risk of scraped knees. But they don’t anticipate the pain, only the freedom. However, very few go on to conquer the unicycle.
Observation: The first circle is your comfort zone. Risk taking is lived in the second circle. And it is really risky if you get out to the third. Of course, these ‘circles of risk’ are relative to the individual.
See also: Changeable - Risible
Definitions: (1) able or inclined to laugh; (2) causing laughter; sunny; amusing; (3) rident <smiling, cheerful
Saying: Laughter is the music of grace.
Quotes:
• At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. — Jean Houston (1937 -) American spiritual teacher
• If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now. — Marie Osmond (1959 -) American singer
• A smile costs nothing but its value is priceless. It enriches the one who gives it, yet does not impoverish them. It happens in a flash but the memories may last for days. No one is so rich that they can get along without it. A smile generates happiness in the home and goodwill in the business. ... If you meet an acquaintance or a friend who is too busy to give you a smile leave one of yours. No one needs a smile so much as the person who has none to give. — Raoul Follereau (1903-1977) French writerSymbol: blue bells
- RIGHTEOUS
Divine Definitions: (1) The Divine source of the correctness of truth; (2) The appropriate use of power; (3) Establishment and governance of moral principles; ethical rectitude; (4) The wise use of judgment; reasonable and fair; (5) Honorably noble
Comment: A person with a righteous character co-ordinates facts, ideas, and ideals; then decides on what to think and how to act thus creating an ever-expanding soul.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Human Definitions: (1) acting in a just, noble, or honorable manner; upright; virtuous; ; ethical rectitude; (2) morally right or justifiable, reasonable; scrupulous; (3) satisfying the precepts of a code of behavior; fair; good; excellent; (4) pleasant; (5) authenticDerivation: Anglo-Saxon, “wise, right”
Proverbs:
• Walk the path of righteousness.
• Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world. — Chinese
Note: This is one of several translations. The original author may have been Confucius.
See Also: InvestigativeSymbol: the tiger
Theological Figure: Varuna, the Hindu god of the cosmos is the guardian of righteousness and goodness. The Vedic god of natural and moral law.
- Right!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) in accordance with justice, law, or morality; upright; virtuous; righteous; (2) in agreement with fact, reason, or a set standard; conforming to truth; (3) correct in thought, statement, or action; (4) fitting or appropriate; suitable; most convenient or favorable; preferable; (5) normal <said of the mind>; sane <said of a person>; (6) having sound health or good spirits; (7) in satisfactory condition; in good order; (8) real; genuine; (9) rectify <to put right>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Sanskrit, “that which is properly joined,” “a fixed or settled order”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: In Brahmanism rta is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it – the maintenance of cosmic order.Synonym: Swedish, lagom: “just the right amount;” “in balance”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. — Mark Twain (1835-1910) [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] Address to the Young People’s Society {1901}
• This elaborate cartoon on plate tectonics was assembled, and it was beautiful, except for one detail: the earth was rotating the wrong way. When I pointed that out, nobody ... could really see it being that important. What was the big deal? I came to realize that “right” means something different to an artist than to a physicist. To a physicist a fact is either right or wrong. To an artist “right” is more of an aesthetic question. — Science Advisor to a TV program {1980}Principles:
The Bill of Rights of the United States of America {1789}
I. Right to establishment, and the free exercise of, religion
◦ Right to freedom of Speech
◦ Right to freedom of the press
◦ Right of peaceable assembly
◦ Right to petition for redress of grievances
II. Right to the security of... - Rich
Definitions: (1) possessing abundant possessions <as material wealth, mental knowing, and/or spiritual worth>; (2) having high value or quality; (3) plentiful; ample; (4) elaborate; luxurious
See also: ProsperousSynonyms: affluent, copious, fruitful, luscious, precious, sumptuous
Balancing Quality: Gratitude
Quotes:
• Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts. — Paramahansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, & guru
• If you are in debt, it is because someone believed in you and had enough faith in you to trust you financially. If others are in debt to you, it is because you extended your trust to them. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}Symbol: all forms of treasure [including riches of the mind and of the spirit]
- Rhythmic
Definitions: (1) the repetition of beat, sound, accent, or motion <usually occurring in a regular or harmonious pattern>; (2) having a sense of the pattern and flow
Quotes:
• Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous. — Yehudi Menuhin (1916–1999) American-born British violinist and conductor
• Interesting phenomena occur when two or more rhythmic patterns are combined, and these phenomena illustrate very aptly the enrichment of information that occurs when one description is combined with another. — Gregory Bateson (1904–1980) English anthropologist, semiotician, & cyberneticistComment: We are surrounded by rhythm – the rhythms of our breathing, our heart, the seasons, the tides, the day, the sun, the rain, walking, language, a bird tapping on bark – the rhythms of life.
Symbols: 1) ants; 2) the drum; 3) the centipede
Mythological Figure: Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of dancing and choral song
- Reverent
Definition: feeling profound respect or expressing adoring veneration; worshipful
Quotes:
• Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. — John Milton (1608-1674) English poet civil servant
• Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation. — Robert Schumann (1810–1856) German composer - Revered
Definition: regarded with deep respect, love, awe, or affection; to venerate, honor; or hold in esteem; admired
Derivation: Latin, “to fear”
Quotes:
• The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, 'We did it ourselves.' — Lao-tse (6th Century bc) Chinese mystic philosopher
• Whatever it is that can help to bring God close is something to be revered. — Susan Joyce Vreeland (1946-2017) American author - Restorative
Definitions: (1) having the power to return to strength and vigor; (2) capable of restoring health, consciousness, or life
See also: ResilientDerivation: Latin, “to renew or rebuild”
Quotes:
• We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly - spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order. — Susan L. Taylor (1946-) American editor, writer, & journalist
• Letting go helps us to to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not belong to us. This frees us from unnecessary stress. — Melody Beattie (1948-) American self-help authorHow to Live this Quality Today: Meditate. Play. Sleep. Create.
Symbol: the rainbow
- Restful
Definitions: (1) giving or conducive to relaxation; (2) taking it easy; tranquil; peaceful; quiet
See also: RelaxedCompatible Quality: worshipful
Quotes:
• Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. — Ralph Fulsom "Red" Marston (1904-1967) American inspirational writer
• Make yourselves nests of pleasant feelings. None of us knows what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought - proof against all adversity. Bright fancies, satisfied memories, noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb, nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take away from us. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English polymath [eight disciplines]Symbols: 1) a bed; 2) poppies
Color: Absolute green is the most restful color, lacking any undertone of joy, grief, or passion. On exhausted men this restfulness has a beneficial effect. — Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky (1866–1944) Russian painter & art theorist
Mythological Figures: 1) Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep; 2) Somnus, the Roman god of sleep, the brother of death, and the son of night
- RESPONSIVE
Divine Definitions: (1) The Giver of answers; (2) The listener and granter of prayers; (3) The benefactor of insights; (4) The satisfier of curiosity; (5) The fulfiller of all needs; (6) Attentive and open-minded; (7) Sensitive and compassionate; serving with graciousness
Comments:
• Just as all matter is responsive to material gravity, so too are all values subject to the absolute pull of spiritual gravity. Luckily for us, souls are made of values.
• God is always giving. We are the ones who cannot recognize His gracious gifts. We limit our receiving by our circumscribed attitude, short-sighted enlightenment, lack of maturity, negative filters, close-mindedness, limited perspective, and restricted willingness. Nonetheless our responsiveness and openness are keys to a greater facility to receive.RESPONSIVENESS
Human Definitions: (1) reacting readily and sympathetically; receptive; (2) sensitive and compassionate; serving with graciousness; (3) attentive and open-minded; a listener; (4) a satisfaction of curiosity; sensitive to answers and insightsSynonym: amenable
Quotes:
• The brain has evolved over millions of years to be responsive to different kinds of content in the world: language content, musical content, spatial content, numerical content, etc. — Howard Earl Gardner (1943-) American developmental psychologist
• Great design is so many things all at the same time. It is emotional, functional, and responsive. It creates an unwritten dialogue, a connection, between itself and those who experience it. It is open to interpretation yet created for a specific purpose. It creates meaning and value. — Marcel Wanders (1963-) Dutch designerComment: We human beings appreciate, and respond to, the encouragement of other people.
- Responsible
Definitions: (1) able to distinguish between right and wrong and to think and act rationally, and hence liable for one’s behavior; (2) trustworthy; dependable; reliable; (3) expected or obligated to account for something to someone <In the end we will all be responsible for our deeds.>; (4) answerable to the cause, agent, or source of something <I want to thank whoever is responsible for saving my son.>; (5) accountable for actions, obligations, or duties <a responsible position>; (6) able to pay debts and meet business or personal obligations
Balancing Qualities: Humble, Grateful, Sunny
Quotes:
• Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. — Jean-Paul Charles Aymard Sartre (1905-1980) French philosopher
• No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec [born Baron Stanisław Jerzy de Tusch-Letz] (1909–1966) Polish aphorist & poet
• We are 100 percent responsible for the pursuit of holiness, but at the same time we are 100 percent dependent upon the Holy Spirit to enable us in that pursuit. — Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) American author - Respectable
Definitions: (1) showing an appropriate amount of self-esteem; (2) acting in a decent or correct manner; presentable; honest
Idiom: Keep all of your dealings on the up-and-up.
Quotes:
• We can only respect ourselves to the degree we respect other people. — Larry Mullins (1935-) The MetaValues Breakthrough {2009}
• As all human beings are creatures of God's design, we must respect all other human beings. That does not mean we have to agree with their choices or agree with their opinions, but indeed I respect them as human beings. — Stockwell Burt Day (1950-) Canadian businessman
Comment: In order to be judged by others as being respectable, one must have an appropriate respect for oneself. Respect can be focused either outwardly toward others or inwardly to oneself. - Resourceful
Definition: (1) able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations or old difficulties; (2) clever in finding assets; ingenious at discovering new uses for the materials at hand; inventive
Derivation: Old French, “to rise again”
Quotes:
• The courage to imagine the otherwise is our greatest resource, adding color and suspense to all our life. — Daniel Joseph Boorstin (1914–2004) American historian
• Being truly thankful makes you infinitely more resourceful. By sincerely appreciating what you have, you find new and valuable ways to make use of it. — Ralph Fulsom "Red" Marston (1904-1967) American inspirational writer - Resolute!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: having a fixed, firm purpose; showing tenacity, determined; steady; persevering; steadfast
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: bold, constant, decided, manful, unflinching, unshaken, unwavering
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Ne cede malis (Latin): “Yield not to misfortunes.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• If the going is tough and the pressure is on; if reserves of strength have been drained and the summit is still not in sight; then the quality to seek in a person is neither great strength nor quickness of hand, but rather a resolute mind firmly set on its purpose that refuses to let its body slacken or rest. — Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008) New Zealand Mountaineer
• Revolutions begin, not with foreknowledge of victory, but with such deep and powerful desire that the question of success is not a part of the equation. The attempt will be made, no matter the odds, no matter the utter lack of rational hope. — Orson Scott Card (1951-) Lovelock {1994}
• Charter of the United Nations {1945}
We, the peoples of the United Nations
Determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women, and of nations large and small, and
To establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
To promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and for these ends
To practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and
To unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
To ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
To employ... - Resilient
Definition: easily recuperating from or adjusting to misfortune or change; quickly recovering strength, spirits, or good humor; buoyant
See also: RechargedQuotes:
• I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. — Thomas Paine (1737-1809) British-American Journalist
• The all-seeing eye of God beheld our deplorable state; infinite pity touched the heart of the Father of mercies; and infinite wisdom laid the plan of our recovery. — David Brainerd (1718–1747) American missionary ministerComment: A technique to recover after a tragedy is to imagine yourself in the future, happy and whole. You must still go through the pain or heartache, but you will emerge on the other side with a new attitude – a new you – able to handle this past difficulty. Bless your previous (and future) selves who have given (will give) you the resilience to carry on.
- Reputable
Definition: being favorably known or spoken of; held in high esteem; well thought of; respectable; honorable; creditable
Derivation: Latin, “reflect upon”
Quote: You can never take your reputation back. There really is nothing as powerful as a good reputation. — Giuliana Rancic (1974-) Italian-American reporter
Inspiration: God provides each individual soul a lavish mercy credit of sufficient grace to insure survival if they are sincere of purpose and honest of heart.Color: green
- Renowned
Definition: celebrated for (a) great or heroic achievement(s); revered or admired for distinguished qualities; eminent; remarkable
Derivation: Latin, “to make famous”
Quotes:
• Success is fine, but success is fleeting. Significance is lasting. — Beth Brooke-Marciniak (1959-) American Government & business advisor
• The renown which riches or beauty confer is fleeting and frail. Mental excellence is a splendid and lasting possession. — Gaius Sallustius Crispus [Sallust] (c. 86–35 BC) Roman historian - Remarkable
Definitions: (1) worthy of particular notice; (2) arousing admiration or wonder <often because of an extraordinary or unusual feat>
Synonyms: phenomenal, rare, striking
Note: Words change. The word egregious <Latin: literally ‘standing out from the flock’> originally meant "remarkably good;" now it means "outstandingly bad."Quotes:
• The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. — Charles Rozell Swindoll (1934-) American pastor & educator
• Every man is more than just himself; he also represents the unique, the very special and always significant and remarkable point at which the world's phenomena intersect, only once in this way, and never again. — Hermann Karl Hesse (1877–1962) German-Swiss poet, novelist, & painter
• To my knowledge, there are, pretty much, two ways to be interesting: One is to actually do interesting things, achieve the remarkable. The other way to be interesting is to be interested, curious about the world and about other people - not relentlessly revelatory about yourself. — Faith Coley Salie (1971) American journalist & actress - Religious
Definitions: (1) manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <usually within an established organized religion>; pious; devout; godly, moral; (2) the personal experience of God within; (3) scrupulously faithful; careful; conscientiously exact; interreligious <promoting harmony between differing religious groups>
Quotes:
• A mature religion has a universal, inclusive point of view. A mature religion encourages individual freedom, creative expression, and stimulates growth. — Meredith J. Sprunger (1915-2012) Spiritual Psychology {2009}
• Faith in the survival of supreme values is the core of religion; genuine religious experience consists in the union of supreme values and comic meanings as a realization of universal reality. (111:3.5) — The Urantia Book {1955}Comment: A personal philosophy of religion is derived from both the inner and the environmental experience of the individual. They include the social status, economic conditions, educational opportunities, moral trends, institutional influences, political developments, racial tendencies, religious teachings, inherent temperament, intellectual bent, family dynamics, and, most of all, consistent personal choices.
- Reliable
Definition: consistently dependable in character, judgment, performance, or result; worthy of confidence; one who can be counted on; a trooper
Idiom: A stand up guy (or gal)
Quotes:
• Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. — Willie Hugh Nelson (1933-) American songwriter, singer
• Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to. — Alfred Armand Montapert (1912-2007) American philosopherAffirmation: I am reliable
- Relaxed!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing an easy manner; informal; (2) free from or relieved of tension or anxiety
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: RejuvenativeToo Far: lax, lazy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: En pantoufles (French): “In slippers” [at ease, informal]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer. — William Seward Burroughs II (1914–1997) American writer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Exercise:
The Quick Crisis Escape
There are situations in which you find yourself overloaded. You are tense, uncomfortable, and wishing you could just be someplace else, or at least in a more relaxed state, but you can’t. It could be a test at school, an important game, or a business group’s report is due. Neither your fight nor flight mechanisms are appropriate. The only thing left is flow. You don’t have time for your usual, tried and true relaxation method, but you’ve just got to cool out.
Here’s what you do. First, you don’t get anything for free. There is some preparation necessary. So, you condition yourself to be momentarily, and quickly, transported to a special inner place of peace and strength. While you are there, you trigger an intensely positive, and thus relaxing, experience focused into a few very powerful moments. It is best to use a real historical event in a very exceptional place. When you do have the time, enhance the experience to keep it fresh with regular practice. As you re-experience this wonderfully uplifting place, you are creating an “energy gem” – a feeling you can release with full clarity and force on a designated clue. This gem is packed with sharp, familiar information encompassing all six of senses. The more complete your inner experience, the more intense will be its release.
It is important the external environment of your special place be very satisfactory, but also it must include a... - Rejuvenative
Definition: (1) to make young again; to bring back youthful strength, appearance, or vigor; (2) reborn <the experience of a complete spiritual change>; renascent <born again>
See also: RecuperativeDerivation: Latin, “young again”
Quotes:
• Rejuvenate one’s soul first, then rejuvenation of the mind and body will follow. — Scott Ravens Tarazevits [aka “Scottt” Raven] (~1980’s) American poet, teacher & sonnet author
• The idea is to die young as late as possible. — Francis Ashley-Montagu [born Israel Ehrenberg] (1905–1999) British-American anthropologist
• Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he is young nor weary in the search of it when he has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the health of the soul. — Epicurus (341–270 BC) Greek philosopher & sageAdmonition: Go to the mountains or the ocean or the desert. From there you will bring back some insight, enthusiasm, and inspiration to create something that’s honest for yourself in the world.
Color: pink
- Rejoicing
Definitions: (1) the act of expressing delight and gladness; (2) the experience of happiness; a cause for joy
Quotes:
• Understanding is joyous. — Carl Edward Sagan (1934–1996) American astronomer & professor
• He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. — Epictetus (55-135) Greek Stoic philosopher - Regenerative
Definitions: (1) having new life; restored; (2) to change radically and for the better; moral reform; (3) to revive or produce anew; bring into existence again
Quotes:
• Everything about your life, about your body, grows! Your cells regenerate; your hair, your nails, everything grows for your entire life. And your soul needs exploration and growth. Force yourself to get outside and out of your head. — Melanie “Mel” Robbins (1968-) American motivational speaker
• Regeneration can come only through a change of heart in the individual. — Henry William Williamson (1895–1977) English writer
Note: There are always nutritional elements to aid in regeneration; sunlight, logic, compassion … depending on the need.Colors: black, red-orange, violet
Symbols: 1) antlers; 2) sunrise; 3) the East; 4) mistletoe; 5) the Phoenix; 6) sprouted grain; 7) emeralds (Egyptian); 8) the number eight; 9) an eight-petaled rose; 10) a snake [shedding skin]; 11) baptism {Rebirth}
- Regal
Definitions: (1) exhibiting notable excellence or even magnificence; splendid; (2) relating to or suitable for royalty
Quotes:
• Purple puts us in touch with the part of ourselves that is regal. Purple is the queen in all women; it helps us keep our backs straight and heads held high. — Byllye Yvonne Avery (1937-) American activist
• It is from Christ that we are to learn how God relates himself to sin, suffering, evil, and death. It would seem that he provides us little evidence of anything other than a regal, relentless, and miraculous compassion; sin he forgives, suffering he heals, evil he casts out, and death he conquers. — David Bentley Hart (1965-) American writer - Refreshing
Definitions: (1) having the power to restore to an original state; (2) infusing with vitality or energy; (3) pleasingly new or different
See also: VentiliousSymbol: water {Cool and Clean}
Quotes:
• I like crossing the imaginary boundaries people set up between different fields - it's very refreshing. — Maryam Mirzakhani (1977–2017) Iranian mathematician
• You can't change who you are, but you can change what you have in your head, you can refresh what you're thinking about, you can put some fresh air in your brain. — Ernesto Silvio Maurizio Bertarelli (1965-) Italian-born Swiss businessman & philanthropist - Reflective
Definitions: (1) having cognizance of the operations of the mind; capable of exercising thought or judgment <reflective reasoning>; (2) an idea, opinion formed, or a remark made, as a result of meditative thoughtfulness; deep consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose; pensive <serious thought>;(3) the ability to appreciate then to project, in a new way, the value being appreciated
Compatible Qualities: generous, interested [in others]
Quote: Religion survives because it answers three questions that every reflective person must ask. Who am I? Why am I here? How then shall I live? — Jonathan Henry Sacks (1948-2020) English philosopher & theologian
Observation: A motivational speaker, counselor, or other professional helper must be able to present those embryonic qualities the other person wants or needs, so that the quality and the person can face each other and see how to harmoniously merge with each other.
Comments:
• The universe is a personal reflection of Itself. Or, at least, it is becoming so.
• There are two basic types of reflection: 1) self-reflection (taking another look at what was done in the – usually recent – past. Asking “What should I have done?” and “What should I do next time?” and 2) contemplative reflection capable of revealing deeper aspects of universe reality.Observation: A motivational speaker, counselor, or other professional helper must be able to present those embryonic qualities the other person wants or needs, so that the quality and the person can face each other and see how to harmoniously merge with each other.
Symbol: the mirror
Mythological Figure: Narcissus, a Greek youth who fell in love with his own reflection
- Refined
Definitions: (1) having cultivation or elegance; free from vulgarity or coarseness <said of manners, speech, or character>; (2) possessing more than ordinary subtlety, exactness, or precision; (3) often meticulous; (4) approaching perfection; superfine
Quotes:
• Synchronicity is basically coincidences with a meaning. Synchronicity is in our lives to help us get in touch with our loved ones and also refine our intuition. — Tyler Henry Koelewyn (1996-) American clairvoyant
• Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, and a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. — Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) Japanese master, Founder of Aikido - Red-blooded
Definition: vigorous; high-spirited; strong-willed
Quotes:
• What is the most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine. — Susan Lee Sontag [born Susan Rosenblatt] (1933–2004) American essayist & critic
• Give up the belief that mind is, even temporarily, compressed within the skull, and you will quickly become more manly or womanly. You will understand yourself and your Maker better than before. — Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) American religious leader, founder of The Christian Science Monitor - Rectitude
Definitions: (1) rightness of principle or practice; an upright character; conduct according to honest principles; righteousness; moral charm; (2) correct method or judgment
Derivation: Latin, “straight”
Synonyms: honesty, integrity, justice
Quote: O may I join the choir invisible of those immortal dead who live again in minds made better by their presence; live in pulses stirred to generosity, in deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn for miserable aims that end with self, in thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, and with their mild persistence urge men's search to vaster issues. — Mary Ann Evans [pen name: George Eliot] (1819–1880) English novelist
Symbol: the lance
- Recharged
Definitions: (1) refreshed or restored; regaining energy or spirit; (2) inspired or invigorated; renewed; revitalized
See also: RestfulQuotes:
• It is not possible to educate the will and the healthy soul that underlies it unless we develop insights that awaken energetic impulses in the soul and will. — Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner (1861-1925) Austrian esotericist
• Give yourself more opportunities for privacy, when you are not bombarded with duties and obligations. Privacy is not a rejection of those you love; it is your deserved respite for recharging your batteries. — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940-2015) American self-help authorSuggestions:
Recharging Options: Sleep, humor, meditation, play, dance, exercise, entertainment, reading, imagination, vacation, communing with nature, communicating with a friend, nourishment, love, productiveness, creativeness, sitting in a rocking chair and watching the sunrise or sunset.Symbol: moonbeam {renewal}
- Recuperative
Definition: having the power to regain health or strength; promoting recovery; revalescent <recovering strength
See also: RestorativeQuote: Is any living man so unreasonable that if he found himself stricken with a dangerous ailment, he would not anxiously desire to regain the blessing of health? — Francesco Petrarca [aka Petrarch (1304–1374) Italian scholar & poet
Comment: It depends on what you have experienced as to how to bounce back. Was it a physical, emotional, logical, or spiritual injury or crisis? Was it a death? The usual remedies are time, sleep, conversation, more information, prayer, forgiveness, and/or worship.
- Receptive
Definitions: (1) able or quick to receive knowledge, ideas, or persons; (2) willing or inclined to receive suggestions or offers; (3) capable of accepting fortune (good or ill) in stride; (4) disposed to accept praise with humility
Poem:
Sometimes up … Other times down
Big smiles … Waterfalls
Make the best of it … As no one knows
It’s up to you how it goes
— Larissa Qat (~1990's-) Italian art & cultural management professionalQuotes:
• Some things that are invisible and untouchable can nevertheless be seen and felt. — Michael Chabon (1963-) Summerland {2002}
• Children are extremely perceptive and absorb what goes on around them long before they can talk or even comprehend language. They are like finely tuned receivers that pick up much more than is merely said. They are receptive and attuned to every mood, feeling, and change that goes on in people around them. — Theodore Isaac Rubin (1923–2019) American psychiatristSymbol: the cauldron
- Reasonable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) enjoying sound judgment or thought; (2) possessing good common sense; (3) moderate; fair; (4) just; rational; (5) logical; ratiocinative <forming judgments by a process of logic & reason
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Do not put faith in traditions, even though they have been accepted for long generations and in many countries. Do not believe a thing because many repeat it. Do not accept a thing on the authority of one or another of the Sages of old, nor on the ground that a statement is found in the books. Never believe anything because probability is in its favor. Do not believe in that which you yourselves have imagined, thinking that a god has inspired it. Believe nothing merely on the authority of your teachers or of the priests. After examination, believe that which you have tested for yourselves and found reasonable, which is in conformity with your well-being and that of others. — Siddhartha Gautama [The Buddha] (c. 563-483 BC) Nepali-Indian spiritual teacher
• A theory is a model of the universe, or a restricted part of it, and a set of rules that relate quantities in the model to observations that we make.
A theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements: It must accurately describe a large class of observations on the basis of a model that contains only a few arbitrary elements, and it must make definite predictions about the results of future observations.
Any physical theory is always provisional, in the sense that it is only a hypothesis: you can never prove it. No matter how many times the results of experiments agree with the theory, you can never be sure that the next time the result will not contradict the theory. On the other hand, you can disprove a theory by finding even a single observation that disagrees with the predictions of the theory.
The ideas about scientific theories assume that we are rational beings who are free to observe the universe as we want and to... - Realized
Definitions: (1) fully awake, enlightened; (2) in a real state of existence; achieved; complete; (3) to understand fully; to apprehend
Quotes:
• While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. — Maya Angelou [born Marguerite Annie Johnson] (1928-2014) American poet
• God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole. — Ramakrishna Paramahamsa [born Gadadhar Chatterjee] (1836–1886) Indian Hindu mysticComment: Final realization of one’s full personality is a distant potential. All realized souls know they have only reached a relative plateau.
- Realistic!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) tending to face facts; concerned with or based on what is actual or practical rather than visionary; (2) existential
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idioms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The real deal.
• The real McCoy.Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Just because something is a metaphor doesn’t mean it can’t be real. — Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) Reaper Man
• Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away. — Philip Kindred Dick, (1928–1982) I Hope I Shall Arrive Soon {1980}Reflection: There is an objective reality. The more we identify with objective reality, the more real we are. Objective reality is described in terms of positive qualities. If we include all of the positive qualities, then we are describing the current human understanding of objective reality: that which is! The more “is” you are, the more whole you are, , and the less concern you need have for your survival
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration:
The theory of relativity says physical things are all moving in relation to each other. If any one thing is to be measured, a fixed point is needed. Once that one point is fixed, all other points can be measured in relation to it.
This is also true of things mental and spiritual. When someone’s theories can be measured and calculated and (at least temporarily) proven, then that person’s ideas become a relative beacon. The fixed point, then, is the established theory. As other observers study the ideas of this fixed point, its accuracy and objectivity are brought into relative focus. This is done by speculation, experimentation, interpretation, experience, and logical agreement. Or, logical or otherwise, belief.
We feel a satisfaction in establishing our “fixed” position. There is even greater satisfaction in confirming the accuracy of our position. If our experience verifies our belief, then we stay with the belief, which... - Ready
Definitions: (1) organized or equipped to act instantaneously or spontaneously; (2) having the right combination of qualities to take on a responsibility without delay; (3) prepared in mind; unhesitant; willing; (4) clever and skillful mentally or physically; dexterous; (5) done or made without delay; prompt; (6) convenient or handy for use; immediately available
Synonyms: apt, expeditious, expert, facile, ripe
Quotes:
• If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges. — Patrick James Riley (1945-) American basketball executive
• A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world. — Ellen Gould White (1827–1915) American co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church - Ravishing
Definition: extremely beautiful or attractive; enchanting; entrancing; causing great joy; charming; captivating; delightful
Quote: We are born for wonder, for joy, for hope, for love, to marvel at the mystery of existence, to be ravished by the beauty of the world, to seek truth and meaning, to acquire wisdom, and by our treatment of others to brighten the corner where we are. — Dean Ray Koontz (1945-) American author
- Rational
Definitions: (1) endowed with understanding or reason; sensible; (2) sane; lucid; (3) suprarational <above normal reasoning>
Balancing Quality: Heart
Quotes:
• A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational. — Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Italian theologian
• Our normal waking consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the filmiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different. — William James (1842-1910) American psychologist & philosopher
Note: The subconscious was proposed in 1889 by Pierre Marie Felix Janet (1859–1947) French psychotherapist & philosopher; the superconscious in 1928 by Henri Antoine Jules-Bois (1868-1943) French writer - Rascally
Definition: a friendly mischievous person; a rogue; a scamp <especially as used jokingly and affectionately>; puckish; good-natured ribbing
To Far: Nothing wrong with having a few tricks up your sleeve. Nevertheless, this quality can easily be abused and get out of hand with the person downplaying their hi-jinks as playful when it is really hurtful. Be sure to always respect the other person.
Quote: Narrative has been part of human consciousness for a long time. And if it has played a part in all those thousands of years, it will know a trick or two. It will be wise. It will be mischievous. It will be helpful. It will be generous. — Jim Crace (1946-) English novelist, playwright, & short story writer
- Rapport
Definition: relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity; the ability to get along well with others; close-knit
Quote:
• If you really want to get along with somebody, let them be themselves. — Willie Hugh Nelson (1933-) American songwriter, singer
• We don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note. Only notes that are different can harmonize. The same is true with people. — Steve Goodier (1962-) American minister & Founder of Life Support System - Quiet
Definitions: (1) still; calm; at rest; (2) gentle; mild; placid; smooth; (3) not noisy; hushed; quiescent; (4) free from disturbance or tumult; tranquil; peaceful; quiet-minded; (5) not obstreperous, ostentatious, or pretentious; (6) not forward; unobtrusive; modest; quiet-natured
Synonyms: contented, meek, pacific, satisfied, still, unruffled
Compatible Qualities: deep thinking, inner strength
Proverb: The great man is not he who takes a city or overthrows a nation, but rather he who subdues his own tongue.
Quotes:
• Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb. — Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570–495 BC) Greek mathematician
• Man must be arched and buttressed from within, else the temple wavers to the dust.” — Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor and philosopherAdvice:
• If something must be said, say it tactfully and kindly.
• Share and solidify your ideas and ideals with trusted friends.
• Keep negative thoughts to yourself. Better yet, refuse negativity the ground to become rooted. - Radiant
Definitions: (1) expressing love, confidence, happiness, and joy; (2) beaming <a radiant smile>; (3) feeling vitality and well-being; (4) emitting light; shining brightly
Quote: The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations - each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony. — Ruth Bernhard (1905– 2006) German-born American photographer
Comments:
• Do not forget, radiance has a source. We see and feel a person’s light and call it radiance. But within their soul is the source of the joy which cannot be confined to a small human shape. Love emanates.
• Quantitative matter, no matter a sun or an atom, radiate energy and seek entropy (degradation of energy). Qualitative elements work with an anti-entropic physics. They gain energy; they grow. The more spiritual energy you radiate the more you have to give. - Quick-witted
Definitions: (1) having a nimble, alert mind; quick in perception and understanding; keen; clever; sharp-witted; (2) being able to readily access memory and put ideas together in new ways
Quote: Those who have a natural talent for calculation are generally quick-witted at every other kind of knowledge; and even the dull, if they have had an arithmetical training, although they may derive no other advantage from it, always become much quicker than they would have been. — Plato (428-328 BC) Greek philosopher
- Quick
Definitions: (1) done, proceeding, or occurring with rapidity; brisk; (2) moving or able to move with speed; actively agile; (3) keenly responsive; lively; acute; nimble; (4) prompt or swift in doing or understanding; quick-minded; (5) sensitive and discerning; acutely perceptive; alert
Quotes:
• No individual is alone responsible for a single stepping stone along the path of progress, and where the path is smooth progress is most rapid. — Ernest Orlando Lawrence (1901–1958) American nuclear physicist
• Strive to attain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones. Do not make light of a fall even if it be the most venial of faults; rather, be quick to repair it by repentance. — Saint Basil (329-379) Bishop of Cappadocia - Quality
Definitions: (1) a moral or personality trait, ideal, or value; (2) a feature of excellence rather than quantity; (3) that which makes something such as it is; (4) a single (or set of) distinguishing elements <especially essential characteristics>; (5) an inherent mark or particular attribute
Derivation: Latin, “a property, nature, state, or condition;” from qualis; “of a particular kind,” “a degree of goodness or excellence,” “a distinguished illustration of,” “of distinctive superiority”
Qualityism
1. The theory that people are a combination of positive qualities; that a person’s existence is defined by the possession of values and virtues.
2. The adherence to the principle that by choosing to embody a quality, one can enhance that quality in their being; soul building.Synonyms: caliber, unique, grace, peculiarity, principle, standard, stature
Quote: Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English polymath [eight disciplines]
Consideration: All qualities are in harmony within Love. Each person is putting a subset of qualities together to make up their subjective reality. The ideal is to have a healthy grouping of all kinds of values.
Observations:
• All positive qualities are fruits of the spirit.
• Positive qualities are measured and known by the mind, but are felt in the soul. - Qualified
Definitions: (1) having the qualities, accomplishments, or training making one fit for some function, office, or role; competent; (2) meeting the conditions required by law or custom for exercising a right or holding an office; eligible to do or obtain something
Synonym: capable
Inspiration: Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) had only two years of formal schooling yet with self-study and grit became competent as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.
Quotes:
• Sometimes it is more important to discover what one cannot do, than what one can do. — Lin Yutang (1895-1976) Chinese writer and inventor
• It is essential that every eligible American voter has the ability and access to have their voice heard. — Jefferson H. Van Drew (1953-) American politician & dentistComment: You may not have the qualifications, much less the credentials, to know you can fulfill your goal or dream. You do know failure is possible if not likely, but most of the time focus and faith is all it takes to begin - and continue.
- Quaint
Definitions: (1) possessing an old-fashioned charm; ; twee <affectedly quaint> (2) peculiar or unusual in an interesting or amusing way; (3) skillfully or cleverly made; (4) picturesque
Poetry:
A precious, mouldering pleasure 't is
To meet an antique book,
In just the dress his century wore;
A privilege, I thinkHis quaint opinions to inspect,
His knowledge to unfold
On what concerns our mutual mind,
The literature of old ...
— Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830–1886) American poet - Purposeful
Definitions: (1) having a meaningful goal or an important aim; (2) determined; resolute
Quotes:
• Our purpose in life is to help others along the way. — Sandra Day O'Connor (1930–2023) American jurist, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court
• Life itself must be founded upon the infinite possibility for choice and accident; and if we cannot prove that it is, we must believe that it is. We must believe that we can change; that we can control; that we can direct our own destinies. — Anne Rice [born Howard Allen Frances O'Brien] (1941-2021) The Witching Hour {1990}
• I know that most ... can seldom discern even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as obliges them to admit the falsity of the conclusions they have formed ... of which they are proud, which they have taught to others, and on which they have built their lives. — Count Lev Nikolayevich [Leo] Tolstoy (1828-1910) Russian writer
Note: In your struggle to help others “see the light,” it is important to understand the hold the past has on all of us; what we have experienced and fought for is often fused with destiny. Be sensitive to the truth contained in different beliefs.Comment: Don’t miss out on your life. Destiny is always greater than you are at the present time. If you live up to it in your own mind, you will feel complete and satisfied, but only temporarily. There is always more.
Observation: No matter how good a person’s intentions are, things can go wrong. No matter how bad a person’s intentions are, things can go right. But if your intentions are pure, the outcome will more often than not be better than if your intentions are poor.
Advice:
• Whatever you do, do it on purpose.
• Don’t hurt anybody or anything on purpose.
• When that magical idea or ideal strikes you, that is the time to find the wherewithal to pursue it. - PURE
Divine Definitions: (1) The Perfect Being; (2) The essential spirit; fine; (3) Clean; pristine; (4) Genuine; objectively real; (5) In harmony; one; (6) Self-evident; the initial a priori truth; indispensable; (7) Immaculate; impeccable; unadulterated; (8) Free from defects; faultless; spotless; (9) Indestructible; inviolate; (10) Untainted with evil or guilt; innocent; blameless; irreproachable
Quote: Who shall ascend the hill of the Most Highs? Who shall stand in this holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.— The Bible, Psalms 24:3-4
Comments:
● God is the source of pure energy and of pure spirit.
● Like substances attract. The pure nature of God purifies the human heart as it moves toward its source.PURITY
Human Definitions: (1) utter; sheer; <pure joy>; (2) free from defects; perfect; faultless; unblemished; (3) untainted with evil or guilt; innocent; blameless; spotless; (4) physically chaste; virginal; (5) ceremonially or ritually clean; undefiled; (6) genuine; objectively realSynonyms: clean, clear, guileless, impeccable, pristine, pure-hearted, ultrapure, uncorrupted, unsullied
Quotes:
• Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and of a compassionate heart are needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform. — Chanakya (375–283 BC) Indian polymath [seven disciplines]
• Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war. It demands greater fidelity to the truth and a much more perfect purity of conscience. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monkColor: white
Symbols: 1) fire; 2) rain; 3) the lily; 4) sea foam; 5) the desert; 6) Temperance (tarot) {Purification}; 7) angelica flowers [pure intentions]; 8) the three stars in the belt of Orion {Purity, Righteousness, and Choice}
- Punctual
Definition: carefully observant of the appointed time; prompt; respectful of other people’s time
Synonyms: exact, precise
Compatible Qualities: organization, prepared, timely
Quotes:
• The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it. — Franklin Pierce Jones (1908-1980) American satirist & journalist
• I have to work hard to be punctual, to not lose my temper, take direction and be told what to do - and most of all listen rather than talk. — Alfie Evan Allen (1986-) English actor - Punctilious
Definitions: (1) careful in the observance of the nicer points of behavior or ceremony; etiquette; (2) very exact; scrupulous
Derivation: Latin, “a point”
Quotes:
• All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. — Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, & engineer
• Truly good manners are invisible: they ease the way for others, without drawing attention to themselves. It is no accident that the word "punctilious" comes from the same original root as punctuation. — Lynne Truss (1955-) English author - Pulchritudinous
Definitions: (1) moral beauty; attractive qualities of mind and soul; (2) physical comeliness and appeal; handsomeness; grace; that quality or form pleasing to the eye
Derivation: Latin, “beautiful”
Poem:
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.
— Samuel “Sam” Levinson (1985-) American director and actor - Public-spirited
Definition: exercising a disposition to advance the interest of the community; inclined to make private sacrifices for the public good
Quotes:
• Respond to every call that excites your spirit. — Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rumi (1207–1273) Persian Sufi poet
• It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally non-violent struggle for justice. — Cesario Estrada “Cesar” Chavez (1927–1993) American labor & civil right leaderSuggestion: Give blood. For just the small price of time and a little prick, you can be of service to someone in a whole lot of pain.
- Psychic
Definitions: (1) lying outside the sphere of the physical sciences; moral or spiritual in origin or force; insight; (2) sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences; marked by extraordinary perception, understanding, or insight; (3) pertaining to the soul; (4) originating out of the mind
Derivation: Greek, “the soul”
People Who Exemplify This Quality: The aborigines of Australia are said to have psychic powers. They say it is possible only when a person is totally honest.
Quote: The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference. — Audre Geraldine Lorde [African name: She- Who- Makes-Her-Meaning-Known] (1934–1992) American writer, professor, poet, & activist
Comment: There are degrees to everything. You may not have a clear vision of the future, or people and events in other places and times, but you can see trends. You do have hunches. You can trust and develop this intuition. An animal learns only from their experience or watching others. But a person can look before leaping - and learn from both.
Exercise: A practical way to develop your telepathic abilities is by thinking of a situation, person, or condition about which you have some question. Write down the name or question. Sit quietly every day for a while and listen for ideas to come into your mind. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity (paraphrase) {1962}
- Prudent
Definitions: (1) wise or judicious in practical affairs; (2) discreet or circumspect; cautious but sensible; (3) careful in providing for the future; provident
Derivation: Latin, “to separate or set apart,” “to distinguish”
Synonyms: considerate, economical, frugal, sagacious, thoughtful
Too Far: Looking into the future with fearful caution may lead to cowardice and failure.
Dictum: Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent. — Euripides (480–406 bc) Greek playwright
Quote: Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity. — José Julián Martí Pérez (1853–1895) Cuban poet, philosopherComment: Prudence has been called the “queen of values.”
Symbols: 1) a dolphin entwined around an anchor [arrested speed]; 2) jade: When asked, “Why was jade valued by the sages?” Confucius replied, “It is because the ancient sages were comparing Jade with the virtues. Jade represents kindness because it is soft and smooth to the touch. It represents prudence because its structure is fine and compact and thus solid. It represents justice because it has edges but does not injure. It represents good faith because its beautiful interior qualities can be seen from the outside. It is the image of sincerity as its luster is not veiled by its defects nor its defects by its luster.”
- Provocative
Definition: tending to awaken or incite appetite or passion <his speech provoked my curiosity>; stimulating a specific response <her stories provoke laughter>
Note: This is a quality with some negative connotations, but we are using it here in its best possible sense. Watch for the sensitivities of others when provoking interest. Keep your motives pure, your intent honorable, and your words tactful.Synonyms: arouse, induce, move, stir up, thought-provoking
Balancing Qualities: Appropriate, Discretion
Quotes:
• It's challenging to take on something else that is not you and make it very real and have others be able to associate with it. It's wonderful to provoke thought. — Dashiell "Dash" Raymond Mihok (1974-) American actor & director
• Imagery is powerful. Imagery is provocative - satellite imagery much more so because it is from space, and it allows us to get this perspective that we don't have to have otherwise. — Sarah Helen Parcak (1973-) American archeologist - Provident
Definitions: (1) anticipating wants or needs and making provision to supply them; having and showing foresight; understanding; (2) economical; frugal; thrifty; prudent; (3) conscientious management; nurturing; participative; (4) protector, preserver, and promoter; (5) a manifestation of divine care and direction
Derivation: Latin, “to foresee”
Synonyms: expediting, fostering, guiding, tutelary <serving as a protector, guardian, or patron>
Quotes:
• I believe in the birds, and their implicit trust in the loving Providence that feeds them. … And whatever else I believe is enshrined in those abiding feelings that lie too deep for words. — Waldemar Argow, Jr. (1916–1996) American minister
• Nature, being a wise and provident lady, governs her parts very wisely, methodically, and orderly: Also, she is very industrious and hates to be idle, which makes her employ her time as a good housewife doth. — Margaret Cavendish (1623-1673) English philosopher poetSymbol: Jupiter’s three thunderbolts {Chance, Destiny, and Providence}
- Proud
Definitions: (1) feeling pleasure or satisfaction over an honorable or creditable accomplishment of another; exultant; (2) having or showing self-respect or self-esteem for a personal success; (3) stately, majestic, or magnificent; (4) full of vigor and spirit; elated; kvell: Yiddish, “happy and proud”
Too Far: pride, the sin of; smug
Quotes:
• Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us. — Jane Austen (1775–1817) English novelist
• The true artist is not proud: he unfortunately sees that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad not to have reached that point to which his better genius only appears as a distant, guiding sun. — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) German composer and pianistTip: Say, “I’m proud of you” to your children and others who deserve it.
Color: green
- Protective
Definition: shielding or sheltering from danger or injury <especially a loved one>; defending or guarding; preserving in safety
Quotes:
• People protect what they love. — Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910–1997) French naval officer, oceanographer, filmmaker & author
• There is no love as fierce as the love you feel for your family. There’s no one you feel more protective of than the very same people who can drive you crazy. — Catherine “Kate” Klise (1963-) American children’s fiction writerSymbols: 1) the wolf; 2) the shield; 3) Queen Anne’s lace; 4) the buckle {Self-defense}; 5) an arrow (American Indian)
- Prosperous!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) success in an enterprise or activity; achievement <usually with economic well-being>; (2) strong and flourishing; thriving; (3) enjoying vigorous and healthy physical, monetary, mental, and/or spiritual growth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: SuccessfulSynonyms: auspicious, favorable, palmy, well-fixed, well-healed, well-off, well-to-do
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Giving, Humble, Sincere
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: determination, faith, focus, persistence
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: fertile, productive, profitable, rich
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Qualities: creative, talented
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Qualities: courageous, free, relaxed
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The God of heaven, He will prosper us. — The Bible, Nehemiah 2:20
• Turn the great energy of your thinking upon “plenty” ideas and you will have plenty regardless of what men about you are saying or doing. — Charles Fillmore (1854-1948) American mystic
• Train your mind never to be disappointed. If certain things do not come at certain expected times in the way you wished, do not consider it a failure. Since you have not received that thing, you can instead stand firm in the faith that something much better is on the way and will appear at the right time. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}Affirmations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I have whatever I need to fulfill my needs.
• I can use whatever comes my way in a positive way.Tips:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !--...
• All wealth is created by mind.
• The more willing one is to prosper others; the more willing others are to reciprocate. Your prosperity is based on the prosperity of others. Balance prosperity with the quality of sharing. - Propitious
Definitions: (1) favorably disposed; benevolent; (2) a good omen; auspicious; (3) having been blessed; advantageous; (4) often implies a continuing beneficial condition
Derivation: Latin, “gracious”
Synonyms: benign, helpful, eumendious <well disposed>
Quotes:
• Miracles are propitious accidents, the natural causes of which are too complicated to be readily understood. — George Santayana (1863-1952) Spanish-American philosopher
• When nature made the blue-bird she wished to propitiate both the sky and the earth, so she gave him the color of the one on his back and the hue of the other on his breast. — John Burroughs (1837–1921) American naturalist - Proper
Definitions: (1) appropriate to the purpose or circumstance; suitable; (2) conforming to established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous; chaste; modest; (3) fitting; right; seemly; just; fair; (4) normal or regular; (5) fine; good; excellent; (6) becoming in appearance; handsome or comely
Synonym: idoneous
Idiom: Time puts things in proper perspective.
Quotes:
• The only proper way to eliminate bad habits is to replace them with good ones. — Jerome A. Hines (1921–2003) American operatic bass singer
• When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance. — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines] - Prompt
Definitions: (1) ready and quick to act as occasion demands; alert; immediately or instantly at hand; expeditious; (2) done at the appointed moment; timely; (3) moving, exciting, or inciting to action; (4) to arouse or inspire by suggestion
Saying: He gives twice who gives promptly.
Quotes:
• The game requires coolness, right reasoning, promptness, and patience in the players. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poet
• For anyone to open their heart, they need the right atmosphere, and something to prompt them. {For example} a very relaxed, understanding environment. — Jung Chang (1952-) Chinese-British writer - Promising
Definition: (1) having reasonable grounds for hope; (2) likely to succeed or yield favorable results; just expectations of a good outcome
Synonyms: assuring, auspicious, engaging
Quotes:
• Grow in the root of all grace, which is faith. Believe God’s promises more firmly than ever. Allow your faith to increase in its fullness, firmness, and simplicity. — Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist preacher
• An almost indispensable skill for any creative person is the ability to pose the right questions. Creative people identify promising, exciting, and, most important, accessible routes to progress - and eventually formulate the questions correctly. — Lisa Randall (1962-) American theoretical physicistAdmonition: Live up to your promises.
- Prominent
Definition: distinguished above others; eminent; widely and favorably known; important
Quotes:
• These are matters of external history. They are indeed prominent objects, often changing and giving a new direction to the current; but they tell us not why it flows onward and will ever flow. — Jones Very (1813–1880) American poet, essayist, & clergyman
• The conception that contemporary society is at or near a turning point is very prominent in the views of a school of social scientists who, though they are still comparatively few, are getting more and more of a hearing. — Talcott Parsons (1902–1979) American sociologist
Note: The fact that Mr. Parsons expressed this sentiment before 1979 is telling of the predictive power at any point in history.Comment: The more you lean on God’s gifts, the more they will become prominent in our thoughts and actions. Will that make you a prominent voice in your time on the planet? That is up to how much you practice, but especially by the capacity of the general populace to listen.
- Prolific
Definitions: (1) abundant inventiveness or productivity; (2) fruitful; abounding
Synonym: fertile
People Who Exemplify This Quality:
• Maria del Socorro Tellado Lopez (1927-2009) wrote more than 4,000 Spanish romantic novels.
• Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (1903-2003) American comedian, had 85,000 pages of jokes.
Note: Even the most prolific writer writes only one word at a time.Consideration: Consider the trillions of seeds produced by just one tree. The oldest living tree, Methuselah, a bristle cone pine in California, is approximately 4,600 years old. In 1974, she produced 48 live seedlings. 48 X 4,600 = 220,800 offspring!
- Progressive
Definitions: (1) advancing or moving onward; (2) making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities; forward-looking; (3) marked by growth, reform, or continuing improvement
Quotes:
• I’ve seen this problem before; does that mean I am making progress or going in circles? — Michael Hanna (1950) 100 Thought Adjusters {2007}
• If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it. — Epictetus (55-135) Greek Stoic philosopherObservation: To live in a complex society, progress is necessary.
Tip: If you concentrate on the openings instead of the obstacles, you will make progress.
Comment: The smallest of positive decisions, multiplied by a sincere intention to make it real, plus your other active positive qualities creates a proliferation of positive action. This leads to a more accurate assessment of what is the best action to take under any new circumstance.
Symbol: wings {Spiritual Evolution}
- Profound
Definitions: (1) marked by intellectual depth; (2) seriously or intensely felt; (3) thoroughgoing <profound judgments>
Synonyms: humble, mysterious, penetrating
Quotes:
• Dimension at the Grand Canyon mean nothing to the senses; all we are left with is a troubling sense of immensity. — Clarence Edward Dutton (1814-1912) American geographer
• The first function, one might say, of every mythology has always been a mystical, metaphysical function: that of awaking in the mind and spirit of the individual a sense of awe before the mystery of “being” itself. This is the mystery dimension and the first function of mythology is to communicate that [mystery], so that in the field of mythological forms and of the rites by which you participate in those forms you are made aware, experientially, of the ultimate, absolute mystery of the universe which cannot be caught in words. It is antecedent to meaning. Meanings are the mental interpretations, and these vary.
Now, not only the universe itself, but also the imagery of myth is intrinsically without meaning. It is a “being” statement. And the experience of the “getting turned on” or the “ripple or buzz” comes when all of your meaning interpretations smash, break up; and what has been called the… fascinating, tremendous mystery of this whole thing comes zooming through.
Now, it is a tremendous mystery and it is an appalling, monstrous mystery; to think of the nature of life itself: it lives on life. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Volume II: The Cosmogonic Cycle {2008} - Profitable
Definition: yielding or bringing returns; gainful; lucrative; useful; advantageous; beneficial
Quotes:
• I’ve never been poor, only broke. Being poor is a frame of mind. Being broke is a temporary situation. — Mike Todd (1907-1958) American producer
• The most excellent and divine counsel, the best and most profitable advertisement of all others, but the least practiced, is to study and learn how to know ourselves. This is the foundation of wisdom and the highway to whatever is good. — Pierre Charron (1541-1603) French Catholic theologian - Proficient
Definition: (1) fully accomplished in an art, science, or career; (2) having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession
Derivation: Latin, “to go forward”
Synonyms: Proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice; adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency; expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill; skilled stresses mastery of technique; skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.
Quotes:
• The hard thing about all these tools is that it takes a fair amount of effort to become proficient. Bill Nelson Joy (1954-) American computer engineer
• We need visions of a future in which we have applied our infinite creativity to the task of living on a finite world, where we have embraced our role, become comfortable and proficient as planet-shapers, and learned to use our technological skills to enhance the survival prospects not just of humanity but of all life on Earth. — David H. Grinspoon (1959-) American astrobiologist - Professional
Definitions: (1) having the character, spirit, or methods found in those who have had advanced training; proficient; (2) competent and courteous in service
Balancing Quality: Personal
Note: Professional often means efficient, but efficient can be moved to the point of the impersonal. To enhance the quality of professional, add the qualities of personal and practical.Quotes:
• A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it. — Alistair Cooke (1908–2004) British-American writer
• Greatness comes by doing a few small and smart things each and every day. Comes from taking little steps, consistently. Comes from a making a few small chips against everything in your professional and personal life that is ordinary, so that a day eventually arrives when all that's left is the extraordinary. — Robin S. Sharma (1964-) Canadian Author - Productive
Definitions: (1) manifesting something; generative; creative <a productive mind>; (2) abundant; fertile; fruitful<of a person: having a green thumb>; (3) bringing into being; causing to exist <especially that which has not exited before> <Picasso was a productive genius.>
Quotes:
• The ancient Greek view of happiness was really defined by leading a productive life: It's not about how much you have, it's about what you do with it. — Karen Duffy (1961-) American actress & writer
• If you have a good self-esteem, you can be generous, you can give back and you can be productive in the world. — Deborra-Lee Furness (1955-) Australian actress & producerAdvice: Do not confuse busy with productive.
- Probity
Definition: adherence to the highest principles and ideals; tried and proven virtue and integrity; upright; sincere; veracious; honest
Synonym: trustiness
Quotes:
• Take from a man his reputation for probity, and the more shrewd and clever he is, the more hated and mistrusted he becomes. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) Roman statesman
• Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. — John Wooden (1910-2010) American basketball coach - Privileged
Definitions: (1) having advantage, favor, or benefit of one over another; (2) recognition of relative value
Balancing Qualities: Respect for others, Self-respect
Quote: Few mortals ever dare to draw anything like the sum of personality credits established by the combined ministries of nature and grace. The majority of impoverished souls are truly rich, but they refuse to believe it. (48:7.6) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Advice: When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. — Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor & philosopher
- Pristine
Definitions: (1) a pure and natural state; original <often considered superior>; (2) unblemished or untouched; uncorrupted; unspoiled
Poetry:
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
One clover, and a bee,
And revery.
The revery alone will do,
If bees are few.
— Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830–1886) American poetQuote: No man ever looks at the world with pristine eyes. He sees it edited by a definite set of customs and institutions and ways of thinking. — Ruth Fulton Benedict (1887-1948) American anthropologist & folklorist
- Principled
Definition: an accepted or professed rule of action or conduct; a guiding sense of the requirements and obligations of right behavior
Derivation: Latin, “source or foundation”
Quotes:
• When virtue is lost, benevolence appears; when benevolence is lost, right conduct appears; when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• There are three principles in a man's being and life, the principle of thought, the principle of speech, and the principle of action. The origin of all conflict between me and my fellow-men is that I do not say what I mean and I don't do what I say. — Martin Buber (1878-1965) Austrian philosopher - Princely
Definitions: (1) liberal; generous; loyal; (2) befitting a noble leader; rich; imperial; regal
Synonyms: grand, magnificent, munificent, superb
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Prince of Peace
Quote: In real life, the most practical advice for leaders is not to treat pawns like pawns, nor princes like princes, but all persons like persons. — James MacGregor Burns (1918–2014) American historian & political scientist
Analogy: If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men's cottage princes' palaces. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) English playwright, poet, & actor
- Pretty
Definitions: (1) pleasingly attractive; (2) implied daintiness, delicacy, or gracefulness; (3) any good characteristic considered fine, nice, or agreeable; (4) to a moderately high degree <pretty good for an armature>
Derivations: Old English, Middle Dutch, & West Germanic, sense development: clever, humorous, sporty, cunning, skillful, admirable
Quotes:
• Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too. — Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra (1925-2015) American baseball player & coach
• You get out of life what you put into it. You need a bit of luck but you also need to make a bit of luck. If you're a pretty decent person, you'll get back what you put in. — Sir John Phillip Key (1961-) 38th prime minister of New Zealand - Prestigious
Definition: having a fine reputation based on brilliance of achievement; respected; esteemed; honored
Derivation: Latin, “conjuring tricks”
Note: To be an inventor-scientist takes as much mental dexterity as it does slight-of-hand to be a prestidigitationist.Quotes:
• Try to get the job that's most like the job you want, rather than the one that's more prestigious. Always try to be the talent. — Ezra Klein (1984-) American journalist
• The good people look for challenges. When teaching becomes a prestigious profession, then you'll get good people. — Dan Shechtman (1941-) Israeli-American materials scientist - Preserving
Definitions: (1) to keep alive or in existence; saving; (2) make lasting <preserving the liberties for future citizens>; (3) keeps from harm, damage, danger, or evil; protective
Synonyms: defending, guarding, maintaining, securing
Quotes:
• The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom. — John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher
• When we really leave the planet, we all go as humans, not as people from one country or another. We are humans; we work together. This is our only planet so we all should have an interest in preserving it. — Sunita Lyn Williams (1935-) American astronautTheological Figure: Vishnu, the Preserver, second deity of the Hindu Trimurti
- Presentable
Definitions: (1) attractively attired; neat; clean; (2) suitable to be exhibited, offered, or displayed; fit to be introduced into society; appropriate to be shown or seen
Quotes:
• Boxing's a rough sport. After every fight I rush to the mirror to make sure I'm presentable. — Muhammad Ali [born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (1942–2016) American boxer & activist
• God not only loves me as I am, but also knows me as I am. Because of this I don't need to apply spiritual cosmetics to make myself presentable to Him. I can accept ownership of my poverty and powerlessness and neediness. — Richard Francis Xavier Manning [aka Brennan Manning (1934–2013) American author - Present!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: being, existing, or occurring at this time; now; current
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverb: Look to this day for tomorrow is but a vision and yesterday a dream. — Sanskrit
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Remember, be here now. — Baba Ram Das [born Richard Alpert] (1931-) American spiritual teacher
Note: In times of maximum cosmic exposure we humans can share in the Comic-Now. Only then do we begin to see how truly immense it all is.
• Consider that this day will never dawn again. — Dante [born Durante degli Alighieri] (c. 1265-1321) Italian poet
• The past and the future are the gift wrapping for the present. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• [Dorothy:] If you can’t find what you are looking for right where you are then you can’t find it anywhere. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz {1900}
• What you do in the present creates the future. So, keep your thoughts on the positive side, think about the best that could happen, think about the good things you want to happen. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}Comment: Life is a series of miniscule, connected, and correcting steps. This moment’s actions are linked to the previous, and the next with the quantity and the quality of consciousness. One’s conscious actions, intentions, and experiences have an effect on both the future and the larger pool of consciousness.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(PRESENCE OF MIND)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: able to think clearly and act quickly and intelligently <especially in an emergency>; cool, alert, and ready under pressure; quick-wittedCompatible Qualities: creative, risible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Presence of mind is a quality of “practical smarts.” It includes flexibility and ready...
- Presence-of-Mind!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: able to think clearly and act quickly and intelligently <especially in an emergency>; cool, alert, and ready under pressure; quick-witted
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: creative, risible
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Presence of mind is a quality of “practical smarts.” It includes flexibility and ready retrieval of information. But it is also the ability to put things together in new ways. In addition, it implies a sense of timing, with an appreciation of the subtlety of what others perceive.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Suggestion: Recognize, in the present, what effect your actions are having upon the situation, and then act accordingly.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(PRESENT)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: being, existing, or occurring at this time; now; currentProverb: Look to this day for tomorrow is but a vision and yesterday a dream. — Sanskrit
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Remember, be here now. — Baba Ram Das [born Richard Alpert] (1931-) American Spiritual Teacher
Note: In times of maximum cosmic exposure we humans can share in the Comic Now. Only then do we begin to see how truly immense it all is.
• Consider that this day will never dawn again. — Dante [born Durante degli Alighieri] (c. 1265-1321) Italian Poet
• The past and the future are the gift wrapping for the present. — Jerry Downs (1949-) American Truth-seeker
• I shall tell you a great secret, my friend. Do not wait for the last judgment, it takes place every day. — Albert Camus (1913-1960) French Algerian Philosopher
• [Dorothy:] If you can’t find what you are looking for right where you are then you can’t find it anywhere. — L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz {1900}
• When you bless it, you can own it. Our eye is how God sees the world. Our hand is how God holds the world. Our job is simply to be. — Jerry Downs (1949-)... - Prescient
Definitions: (1) having knowledge of events before they take place; (2) able to read the signs of things to come; (3) being a very good guesser
Derivation: Latin, “knowing beforehand”
Parental Qualities: faith, confident expectation
Familial Qualities: intuitive, insightful, psychic
Quotes:
• An inch of foreknowledge is worth ten miles of after-thought. — Jack Holbrook Vance (1916–2013) American mystery, fantasy, & science fiction writer
• Technological prescience in science fiction usually requires an author with luck. Societal prescience requires a poet. — Heidi B. Hammel (1960-) American astronomerLegendary Power: A Sibyl, a prophetess or oracle with the intuiting power for higher truths
- Prepared
Definitions: (1) ready, fit, or qualified for duty; (2) in proper condition or order; (3) in possession of what is needed because of forethought or foresight
Compatible Quality: realistic [accepting fact as fact]
Motto: Semper Paratus (Latin): “Always prepared” — U.S. Coast Guard
Saying: Be ready to gear up for what is next.
Quotes:
• Did you ever observe to whom the accidents happen? Chance favors the prepared mind. — Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) French chemist and microbiologist
• Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. — George Smith Patton Jr. (1885–1945) American generalReflection: If you permeate your consciousness with positive projections, positive thoughts, positive ideas about yourself and your future situation, then you have a better chance of manifesting those happy times and the qualities that go with them.
Tip: It pays to have both a plan A and a plan B.
Comments:
• With a positive attitude and an example of positive living, you encourage others to emulate your behavior.
• One has to look at the future and imagine different options, needs, and responsibilities. Some of those possibilities are frightening. Still, allow yourself to view them objectively. You need to see them in order to steer clear (or through) them. But since you are not actually experiencing them, you need not fear them. Sometimes you just need time to warm up to the subject.Symbol: Venus fly trap
- Precocious
Definition: exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age
Quotes:
• The grim fact is that we prepare for war like precocious giants, and for peace like retarded pygmies. — Lester "Mike" Bowles Pearson (1897-1972) Canadian diplomat
• What might be taken for a precocious genius is the genius of childhood. When the child grows up, it disappears without a trace. It may happen that this boy will become a real painter some day, or even a great painter. But then he will have to begin everything again, from zero. — Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish painterComment: This quality usually refers to a person with unusual intelligence. But it also applies to any other quality. Although it is attributed to a young person, if you demonstrate a quality now that is not ordinarily acquired until later (like wisdom), you may be considered precocious.
Many insights are so complicated that even a single aha moment is a precocious moment. - Precise
Definitions: (1) strictly defined; accurately stated; definite; unambiguous; (2) speaking or acting explicitly or distinctly; punctilious; (3) with no variation; minutely exact; scrupulous; persnickety; point-device <scrupulously neat and detailed>
Quote: Science is a way of life. Science is a perspective. Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that's precise, predictive and reliable - a transformation, for those lucky enough to experience it, that is empowering and emotional. — Brian Randolph Greene (1962-) American theoretic physicist
Observation: One meter is 39.37 U.S. inches or 1/299,792,458 (.0000000033) of the distance light travels in a vacuum in one second, thus 299,792,458 meters per second. Since light travels at about 186,282.397051220 miles per second, it travels 5,878,139,427,505.244 miles in one year. Our nearest star neighbor is 4.2251 light years (17.85 trillion miles) away.
Symbols: 1) the hummingbird; 2) a needle; 3) any fine needlework
- Precious
Definitions: (1) great in significance or worth; (2) much esteemed; held close and considered dear; beloved; (3) great in price; costly
Derivation: Latin, "of great value"
Quotes:
• So precious is a person’s faith in God, so precious; never should we harm that. Because He gave birth to all religions. — Saint Francis of Assisi [(born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone] (1181-1226) Founder of the Franciscan Order
• We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it. — John Winston Lennon (1940-1980) Revolutionary artist - Prayerful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) worshipful communion to or with God; (2) spiritual or meditative contemplation; (3) devout; (4) earnest and sincere
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: intuition
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Quality: faith
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: insight
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Ora et labora: (Latin): “To work is to pray.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You can’t pray a lie. — Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn {1884}
• God answers man’s prayer by giving him an increased revelation of truth, an enhanced appreciation of beauty, and an augmented concept of goodness. Prayer is a subjective gesture, but it contacts with mighty objective realities on the spiritual levels of human experience; it is a meaningful reach by the human for superhuman values. It is the most potent spiritual-growth stimulus.
Words are irrelevant to prayer; they are merely the intellectual channel in which the river of spiritual supplication may chance to flow. The word value of a prayer is purely autosuggestive in private devotions and sociosuggestive in group devotions. God answers the soul’s attitude, not the words. (91:8.11-12) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Note: Psychagogy is a method of influencing behavior by suggesting desirable life goals. In a more spiritual context, it can mean guidance of the soul.Prayers:
Note: Make up your own prayers or modify the following. Remember prayers are not the words. Your sincere heart is doing the praying. Your open mind is receiving the light. Your prayer is personal.
• Dear God, you are The Upholder. Thank you for the gift of life. Just as the bird sits on her nest, so do you patiently and knowingly nurture our growth.
• Good morning One! Thank you for this day! Thank you for me! Thank you... - Praiseworthy
Definition: admiration because of good ideas, good qualities, or good deeds; commendable; worthy of approval; laudable; vaunted
Music: Aevia means to sing praisefully.
Quotes:
• Praise the bridge that carried you over. — George Colman the Younger (1762–1836) English dramatist & writer
• You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life. There may be a flash of illumination here and a story of faithfulness there. — Spencer Woolley Kimball (1895–1985) American religious leader, 12th President of the LDS ChurchAdmonition: Give someone a pat on the back.
Symbol: violet flowers
- Pragmatic
Definition: concerned with practical considerations and consequences; related to matters of fact
Balancing Quality: Creative, Idealistic
Too Far: obstinate, stubborn
Quotes:
• Somewhere between the intellectual idea of why we're attracted to certain things and the pragmatic reality is some form of ever-evolving truth. — William "Billy" Patrick Corgan (1967-) American musician
• In any architecture, there is an equity between the pragmatic function and the symbolic function. — Michael Graves (1934–2015) American architect
Note: And, depending on the architect, and aesthetic function.Comment: Some pragmatists would say anything beyond the material or economic facts of life are not worth concerning oneself with. We all show our range - and depth - of reality. You cannot expect anyone to value qualities not applicable to their view.
- Practical
Definitions: (1) expertise obtained through continuous active use; (2) that which can be applied to utilitarian ends <practical knowledge>; designed for sensible functions; capable of being put into practice; (3) concerned with the application of information for ethical purposes; (4) dealing efficiently with everyday activities; (5) matter-of-fact
Too Far: mediocre, mundane
Dictum: Function follows form. — Louis Henry Sullivan (1856-1924) American architect
Quotes:
• The kingdom of heaven runs on righteousness; but the kingdom of earth runs on oil. — William Maxwell Aiken (1879-1964) Lord Beaverbrook, Canadian Minister of British Aircraft Production WW II
• If you are motivated to do or say a mean thing, you can always think of a good thing. You deliberately turn around and use the same energy to do or say a good thing instead. It works! — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}Tip: Reassess your situation and yourself periodically, things (and you) do change.
- Powerful
Definitions: (1) having great physical prowess; strong; able to exert intense force; mighty; super-charged; (2) being a brilliant moral influence; (3) able to persuade or convince the minds of others; (4) possessing great energy; producing enormous effects; (5) puissant <primary energy>
Balancing Qualities: An overabundance of the desire for safety and security leads people to focus on the qualities of power and strength. These, if not balanced with the qualities of compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and gentleness, lead to violence.
Too Far: The positive qualities of desire and power taken too far end in greed.
Motto: Cedant arma togae (Latin): “Let arms yield to the toga” [Let military power give way to civil power]. — Wyoming state
Quotes: • It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, it is the cleaving to life and wealth and power. — Siddhartha Gautama [The Buddha] (c. 563-483 BC) Nepali-Indian guru • Non-violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. — Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer & peacemaker
Consideration: If a person who is immature, insecure, and fear-ridden is given power, the power will have to live within that person’s emotional limits and will be subject to the constraints of their developing personality. Decisions made reflect the character of the decision maker.
Observations: • Every action can be, and is, justified by pointing to positive qualities. • Power can be impersonal – like the power of the ocean – or it can be personal. If personal, it can be negative or positive.
Comments: • The powerful are often intent on retaining their own power. And to that end, all else becomes subordinate. • We are still in the age of “might is right,” and will be for hundreds of years. The question is how, in the face of power, to do what you know is right. Sometimes it takes great courage. • The temptation to enhance...
- Potential
Definitions: (1) something that can, but has not yet, come into being; expectant possibilities; unrealized inevitabilities; ; viable; feasible; (2) a latent yet undeveloped excellence or ability; entelechy <the inner perfection that stimulates the potential of the soul>
Derivation: Latin, “powerful”
Dictum: Whatever there is that ought to be, can be. — James Wilson Rouse (1914–1996) American businessman
Quotes:
• Most people will not reach their full potential without somebody else believing in them. — Joel Scott Osteen (1965-) American pastor
• What lies behind us and what lies before of us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what lies within us out into the world, miracles happen. — Henry Stanley Haskins (1875-1957) American stockbrokerReflection: Potentials are actuals waiting to be made real; and every actuality opens up new options of unforeseen potentials.
Observations:
• One’s greatest limitations are those imposed upon oneself.
• Blame is often, yet only sometimes correctly, placed on someone else for a failure to realize a potential.Question: Ask yourself: What are my potentials?
Symbols: 1) the egg; 2) the night; 3) delphinium flowers [possibilities]
- POSITIVE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) God is the best there is; embodying the highest ideals; (2) Independent of changes; absolutely objective; (3) Beyond all doubt or qualification; undeniable; sure; (4) Full of conviction; certain; confident; resolute; (5) Affirmer of practical reality; (6) Directing everything with constructive momentum toward progress; (7) Contributing to everyone’s growth; constructive
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Most institutional religions look to move away from the negative, preventing sin, and avoiding evil. The positive attitude is to turn your sight to the light, embracing goodness, seeking truth, and appreciating beauty. Foresight works better than hindsight.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --POSITIVITY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) indicating acceptance, approval, or affirmation <She received a positive response.>; (2) the best of a kind; good; ideal; favorable <He was a positive role model to the class.>; (3) marked by optimism <We enjoyed their refreshing positive point of view.>; (4) existing in fact or by the presence of something and not by its absence; real; (5) beyond all doubt or qualification; undeniable; sure; uncontestable <He offered positive proof.>; (6) confident; fully assured; firmly convinced; decided; <The witness gave a positive identification.>; (7) resolute; in agreement; affirmative; certain <Her answer was a positive “yes.”>; (8) building progressive growth <We made positive, practical improvement.>; (9) making a definite contribution; constructive <He took the positive approach and the results were evident.>; (10) explicitly laid down; direct; precise; specific <The engineer knew he had to take a positive line.>; (11) independent of changes, circumstances, opinion, or taste; inherent <as is objective reality>Music: “Master Blaster” {1980}
When you’re moving in the positive
your destination is the brightest star.
— Stevland Hardaway Morris... - Popular
Definitions: (1) commonly liked, approved of, or admired; (2) having many friends; well-known; (3) suited to or pleasing to the intelligence or taste of the target audience
Synonyms: beloved, fashionable, favorite, savoir-faire
Balancing Qualities: Decent, Discreet, Gentle, Gracious, Modest
Compatible Qualities: humorous, mannerly, quick-witted, tactful
Parental Qualities: confident, friendly, personable
Familial Qualities: agreeable, charming, cool, interesting, kind
Consequential Qualities: charisma, communicative, leadership
Comments:
• You know what you are attracted to. Let those aspects of yourself shine through as you live your life. Focus first on the qualities you have naturally, then expand your repertoire of qualities.
• Decide who it is important to be popular with. Associate with people with whom you can feel comfortable. To be accepted by some people is not worth your effort. If they will accept you only if you take negative actions, don’t bother with them. Don’t forget common sense. Get yourself out of a bad situation before you get into it. You decide what and who you should be, not what they want you to be.
• Popularity is often being able to fit in with the structure, rules, and circumstances of the group. Therefore, be astute in measuring what is required – or ask. And pick the right group.Questions:
• Am I nice to be around?
• Do I have the tendency to hide or shade my best qualities because I believe it would not be popular to show them?
Note: Go ahead and exhibit yourself. As you do, you will acquire the finesse to be yourself with an acceptable attitude. - Polite
Definitions: (1) exhibiting warm cordiality; genteel; (2) courteously considerate; tactful; civil; (3) having the characteristics of advanced culture; refined in behavior or cultural interests <especially in arts and literature>
Compatible Quality: friendly
Quotes:
• Politeness is to human nature as warmth is to wax. — Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) German philosopher
• I want maximum information given with maximum politeness. — Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994) American First Lady - Polished
Definitions: (1) smooth, soft, or refined manners; elegantly polite; (2) expert; flawless; (3) bringing to a highly developed, finished, or refined state <he was polishing his technique on the clarinet>
Quotes:
• A year from now you may wish you had started today. — B. Karen Lamb (1952– 2001) American actress
• The man who practices unselfishness, who is genuinely interested in the welfare of others, who feels it a privilege to have the power to do a fellow-creature a kindness will be an elevating influence wherever he goes. — Orison Swett Marden (1848–1924) American inspirational author - Poised
Definitions: (1) composed, dignified, and self-assured; (2) well-poised <being in balance or equilibrium>
Derivation: Latin, “equal weight”
Quotes:
• For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. — Audrey Kathleen Hepburn (1929–1993) British actress.
• It is to the mind of perfect poise, housed in a body of clean habits, stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function – when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development – that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted with a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a being. By such a balanced growth does man ascend… (110:6.4) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Poetic
Definitions: (1) possessing the peculiar beauties of harmony; sublime rhythm; prosody; (2) imaginative; (3) language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and cadence; written or spoken word formulating a concentrated imaginative awareness of an experience
Poetry:
You've got to know when to hold 'em,
know when to fold 'em. [— Donald Allen Schlitz Jr. (1952-) American songwriter]
is a very instructive poem.Comment: All poetry is communicative; some is popular and some is evocative. Whatever is wonderful and good can be fused with culture. Words are a way to touch many people at once.
Quote: Diotima now describes how mortals strive for immortality. In all begetting and bringing forth upon the beautiful, there is a kind of making or poiesis ("poetry" in the wide sense of "creating"). In this genesis there is a movement beyond the temporal cycle of birth and decay. “Such a movement can occur in three kinds of poiesis: 1) Natural poiesis through sexual procreation, 2) poiesis in the city through the attainment of heroic fame, and finally, 3) poiesis in the soul through the cultivation of virtue and knowledge.” — Plato (428-328 BC) Symposium {385–370 BC}
Symbol: words
Historic Figures: 1) Homer (8th Century BC) The Father of Epic poetry; 2) Geoffrey Chaucer (1343–1400) The Father of English poetry
Mythological Figures: 1) Erato, the Muse who presided over lyric poetry; 2) Bragi, the Scandinavian god of eloquence and poetry; 3) Calliope, Greek and Roman Muse of eloquence and heroic poetry
- Plucky
Definition: marked by courage; spirited; brave; resolute
Quotes:
• A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck. — James Abram Garfield (1831-1881) 20th President of the United States
• You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone. — Amit Ray (1960-) Indian author & spiritual teacher - Pliable
Definitions: (1) yielding to pressure without breaking; supple; lithe; (2) possessing a flexible disposition; docile; (3) readily amenable to moral influence, persuasion, or discipline; tractable; (4) adjusting willingly or easily to varying conditions; adaptable
Derivation: French, “to bend”
Compatible Quality: Stout
Quotes:
• Technology is constantly shifting, and we should make sure that whatever we build is interoperable and pliable. — Cathy Engelbert (1964-) American business executive
• It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land. — Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake [aka: Sitting Bull] (c. 1837–1890) Lakota leaderSymbol: bald cypress tree
- Pleasant
Definitions: (1) agreeable to the mind or the senses, beautiful; pleasurable; (2) having an agreeable manner; amiably cheerful; (3) presenting an attractive appearance; elegant; (4) merry; jesting; jocular; (5) lively playfulness; sportive
Synonyms: amusing, good-humored, gratifying, humorous, jocose, witty, euphonious <satisfying to the ear>
Too Far: hedonistic
Quote: Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success. — Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) American writer
Comment: If your goal is strictly pleasure, comfort, and the accouterments of an easy life, then you will work to acquire those things. But admit what you are passing up to satisfy the pleasure lure. Pleasure has its value, but so do any and all of the other individual qualities. Life is sweetest when you are in the process of acquiring a wide range of qualities. Pleasure for oneself without care for others will only lead to selfishness.
Admonitions:
• Beware the enslaving power of pleasure.
• Take heed of the tyranny of the distraction.
• It takes courage and insight to choose a life that includes, but also transcends, pleasure. - Playful
Definitions: (1) fond of fun; frisky; indulging in sportive fancy; frolicsome; (2) humorous; joking; (3) possessing a positive attitude which spills over into active cheerfulness; merry
Synonyms: gamboling, gaiety, jocund, lively, romping, sprightly, vivacious
Balancing Quality: Fair
Consequential Qualities: order, sharing
Note: When a child, or anyone, plays they learn it is fun to be friendly with other individuals.Proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Quotes:
• Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul. — Friedrich Frobel (1782–1852) German pedagogue, Founder of the first kindergarten {1837}
• The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist
• In a sense, all science, all human thought, is a form of play. Abstract thought [is the way we are able] to continue to carry out activities which have no immediate goal (just as other animals play while young) in order to prepare... for long-term strategies and plans. — Jacob Bronowski (1908-1974) Polish-British mathematicianSymbols: 1) swings; 2) the seal; 3) viola flowers
- Plainspoken
Definitions: (1) talking with clear, frank openness; candid; (2) communicating with simple, unreserved sincerity
Quotes:
• Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be. ― Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
• When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion. ― Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
Note: Lincoln was famous for his plainspoken rhetoric. - Placid
Definitions: (1) possessing a gentle, quiet spirit; showing an undisturbed or equable demeanor; mild mannered; (2) peace of mind; serene; unruffled; calm; tranquil
Derivation: Latin, “to please”
Quotes:
• The more simply we look at ticklish questions, the more placid will be our lives and relationships. — Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) Russian playwright
• Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed. — Eugenie Peterson [aka: Indra Devi] (1899–2002) Russian actress & yoga instructor - Pizzazz
Definitions: (1) attractive style; dash; showing flair or sparkle; (2) energetic with vitality; vigorous; spirited
Compatible Quality: entertaining
Quote: The point of the dragonfly, the giant water bug, birdsong, or the beautiful dazzle and flash of sunlighted minnows, is not that it all fits together like clockwork - for it doesn’t - but that it all flows so freely wild, like the creek; that it all surges in such an intermingled, fringed tangle. Freedom is the world's water and weather, the world's nourishment freely given, its soil and sap. The creator loves pizzazz. — Annie Dillard (1945-) American author
- Pity
Definition: compassion for fellow-suffering; having sympathy or empathy for the grief or misery of another
Quotes:
• These flowers, which were splendid and sprightly, waking in the dawn of the morning, in the evening will be a pitiful frivolity, sleeping in the cold night's arms. — Pedro Calderon de la Barca (1600–1681) Spanish dramatist, poet, & writer
• [Pity] leaps quicker than light from the highest place to the lowest to bring healing and joy, whatever the cost to itself. It changes darkness into light and evil into good. Every disease that submits to a cure shall be cured. — C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) The Great Divorce {1946}Comment: Pity may soar into piety or it can nosedive into fanaticism.
- Piquant
Definitions: (1) exciting curiosity; mentally stimulating; provoking interest; (2) agreeably stimulating to the taste; pleasantly sharp or biting
Synonyms: charming, clever, lively, smart, spirited
Quote: I look at a basketball laying on the ground, and it makes me think of something. Popcorn ball. How 'bout a spicy popcorn ball? That is how my mind is always working. — Guy Ramsay Fieri (1968-) American restaurateur, author, & television presenter
Comment: This quality most often references spicy food, but it is used here as a way of thinking about human traits. We can imagine a person who can spice up a conversation, has a sharp (but not acerbic) wit, or encourages interest in exciting topics.
- Pious
Definitions: (1) fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental; (2) having or showing religious devotion; godly; (3) sacred <distinguished from secular>; reverence; righteous
Too Far: Sanctimonious
Quote: The moving finger writes, and having written moves on. Nor all thy piety nor all thy wit, can cancel half a line of it. — Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) Persian polymath [four disciplines]
Comment: God sees everything but is especially interested with the inner motives of the soul.
Color: blue
Symbol: the stork {Filial Piety}; 2) The halo
- Pioneering
Definition: venturing into that which is unknown or untried <sometimes to prepare the way for others>
Compatible Quality: courageous
Parental Qualities: faith, freedom
Familial Quality: adventurous
Quote: As in biomedical science, pioneering industrial inventions have not been mothered by necessity. Rather, inventions for which there was no commercial use only later became the commercial airplanes, xerography, and lasers on which modern society depends. — Arthur Kornberg (1918–2007) American biochemist
Symbols: 1) the covered wagon; 2) a space capsule
- Physical
Definitions: (1) perceptible through the corporeal senses; subject to the laws of nature; (2) having material existence; of or relating to the body
Quotes:
• Merely by existing any physical system registers information, and by evolving in time it transforms or processes that information. — Seth Lloyd (1960-) American quantum mechanic
• The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affect our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually. — Gregory David Anderson (1961-) Australian Anglican bishopAffirmations:
• My body is a temple.
• My body is a safe and pleasurable place for me to be. - Photogenic
Definitions: (1) possessing the ability to project one’s inner beauty; (2) suitable for being seen; especially artistically
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) American political activist & speaker
Quote: Have you ever had one of those moments when you know that you're being visited by your own future? They come so rarely and with little fanfare, those moments. They're not particularly photogenic. There's no breach in the clouds to reveal the shining city on a hill. No folk dancing children outside your bus, no production values to speak of - just a glimpse of such quotidian, incontrovertible truth that after the initial shock at the supreme weirdness of it all, a kind of calm sets in. So this is to be my life. — David Benjamin Rakoff (1964–2012) Canadian-born American writer of prose & poetry
Note: The “moment” Mr. Kakoff mentions is usually a simple tendency like having a sense of order or wonder or rhythm. A natural-born inclination should be noticed and nurtured. It can lead in many directions; but all of them can turn out to be satisfying professions. - Philosophical
Definitions: (1) devoted to a study of the processes governing thought and conduct; (2) theoretical contemplation; (3) investigation of the principles and laws regulating the universe that underlie all knowledge and reality; (4) calm in a difficult situation; rational in the face of conflict; sensibly composed; (5) able to add meaning to confusion, put pain into context, or downplay damage which have or will occur in a lifetime
Derivation: Greek, “love of wisdom”
Quote: A work of art can start you thinking about some aesthetic or philosophical problem; it can suggest some new method, some fresh approach to fiction. — Francine Prose (1947-) American novelist
Consideration: History alone fails adequately to reveal future development—destiny. Finite origins are helpful, but only divine causes reveal final effects. Eternal ends are not shown in time beginnings. The present can be truly interpreted only in the light of the correlated past and future. (19:1.11.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Note: The philosophic technique of starting from the lower to approach the higher is in danger of committing errors of reasoning.Symbol: The Archpriest (tarot)
- Philanthropic
Definition: possessing benevolence toward the whole human family; demonstrating universal good will <especially as manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons or to institutions advancing human welfare>
Derivation: Greek, “love of humanity”
Quote: It's important to think good, speak good, and do good. If we want to see positive change in the world, then we need to connect to goodness. — Shari Arison (1957-) American-born Israeli businesswoman and philanthropist
Admonition: Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet
- Pert
Definitions: (1) in good spirits; lively; brisk; sprightly; (2) forward; saucy; bold; (3) jaunty and stylish; chic
Derivation: Latin, “expert”
Quote: It was great for God to send his only son, but I'm waiting for him to send his only daughter. Then things will really be great. — Candace Beebe Pert (1946–2013) American neuroscientist and pharmacologist
- Persuasive
Definitions: (1) causing someone to do something <especially by urging or influencing>; to prevail upon; (2) inducing someone to believe something <especially through proof or logic>; convincing
Synonyms: entice, exhort, vindicate, win over
Too Far: Intimidating
Quote: Persuasiveness takes finesse; it takes an understanding of human psychology. And intention is everything. — Amanda de Cadenet (1972-) British photographer & author
Consideration: To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit: it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse. To design is to transform prose into poetry — Paul Rand [born Peretz Rosenbaum] (1914–1996) American art director & graphic designer
Symbol: The Empress (tarot)
- Perspicuous
Definitions: (1) clear and explicit in statement or expression <speech or writing>; easily understood; lucid; not obscure or ambiguous; plain; distinct; (2) aware of the mind and needs of the other.
Derivation: Latin, “to look at closely”
Familial Qualities: a good listening ability, kindness, sincerity, unselfishness
Quotes:
• Other men are lenses through which we read our own minds. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poet
• The first requisite of style, not only in rhetoric, but in all compositions, is perspicuity. — Richard Whately (1787–1863) English polymath [six disciplines]Comments:
• Brain scans have revealed a region associated with understanding the thoughts and intentions of other people. This neural linkage, like all others, can be strengthened with exercise.
• Perspicuity is the mirror image of self-perceptive. It is the ability to perceive the world from another person’s point of view. Communication is presented using the language the other is familiar with. Perspicuous people help others assimilate softly, recognizing what the other can digest. Maybe what is needed is mother’s milk, or maybe some roughage is okay. - Perspicacious
Definition: having keen mental or emotional perception and understanding; discerning
Derivation: Latin, “transparent,” “to look through”
Quote: If we can learn to change our perspective and see negative things in a different ‘octave,’ we may be able to see beauty in all things and in all situations. — Victor Lemonte Wooten (1964 -) American bassist & author
- Personable
Definitions: (1) having an agreeable or pleasing personality; good-natured; (2) having a well-formed body; graceful; attractive
Familial Qualities: friendly, well-groomed
People Who Exemplify This Quality: “He was able to drop the bucket down the well of his personality and bring up what was needed in the moment.” said of Sir Michael Gambon (1941-2023) Irish actor
Quotes:
• To say that a being is personal is to recognize the relative individuation of such a being within the cosmic organism. … [T]hose who are personal have been endowed with the actual choice of destiny acceptance or destiny rejection. (112:5.1) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. — Confucius [Born Kǒng Qiū] (c. 551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher
• In our personal and professional lives, we are constantly hit with one adversity after the other, most of which we have no control over. But the four things we have total control over are how we react, how we adapt, how we breathe, and how we take action. — Diamond Dallas Page (1956-) American actor - Persistent
Definitions: (1) resolute endurance <especially with what is known to be correct>; (2) abiding; persevering; (3) continuing to exist; lasting; (4) daughty <brave and persistent>
Balancing Qualities: Daring, Diversity, Fearless
Quotes:
• Keep on pluggin'. — John Preston Downs (1913-2005) American businessman & father
• It just goes to show, if you are persistent, something gets done. — Any parent to a child who has just accomplished a project
• Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with great talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. — Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) 30th President of the United StatesAffirmation: I refuse to give up. I shall continue, firmly, steadily and insistently until the good appears. — Catherine Ponder (1927–) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Comment: The person who asks for something 30 or 40 or even 150 times, and finally gets it, has figured out how to ask for something.
- Persevering
Definition: persisting in pursuing something in spite of obstacles, opposition, or discouragement; steadfast in purpose
See also: Stick-to-itiveSynonyms: constant, indefatigable, resolute, tenacious, undeterred
Quotes:
• Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance. — Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English author
• Sometimes things aren't clear right away. That's where you need to be patient and persevere and see where things lead. — Mary Caroline Pierce (1945-) French tennis player - Permissive
Definitions: (1) allowing freedom; tolerant of behavior or practices on the edge of propriety; indulgent; lenient; (2) granting or expressing consent; in agreement
Quotes:
• The pursuit of truth does not permit violence on one's opponent. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer and peacemaker
• Let us permit nature to have her way. She understands her business better than we do. — Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne [aka: Michel de Montaigne] (1533–1592) French Renaissance philosopher - Perky
Definitions: (1) briskly self-assured; spirited; jaunty; (2) cheerful; pert; saucy
Too Far: Syrupy
Quotes:
• It happens very rarely that your ears perk up about a certain project. — Dominic Edward Cooper (1978-) English actor
• Do activities you're passionate about - which make your heart and soul feel perky - including things like working out, cooking, painting, writing, yoga, hiking, walking, swimming, being in nature, being around art, or reading inspiring books. — Karen Salmansohn, American behavioral change expert - Perfection!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) complete in all respects; without defect or omission; faultless; (2) thorough excellence in skill or quality; expert; proficient; (3) completely correct or accurate; exact; precise; (4) without reserve or qualification; pure; impeccable; (5) totally effective; meticulous; (6) a fine physical specimen; sound; flawless; (7) appreciative of the character or nature of someone or some ‘thing’; the most admirable quality
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: The word “perfect” as the Bible uses it of men, does not refer to sinless perfection. Old Testament characters described as “blameless” or “wholly devoted” were obviously not sinless. Although a number of Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “perfect,” the thought is usually either “completeness in all details” (Hebrew: tamam; and Greek: katartizo) or “to reach a goal or achieve a purpose” (Greek: teleioo). Scripture recognizes that Christians do not attain sinless perfection in this life.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Common sense, Down-to-earth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: compromising, realistic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. — The Bible, Matthew 5:48
• From the Universal Father who inhabits eternity there has gone forth the supreme mandate, “Be you perfect, even as I am perfect.” (1:0.3) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The most important question to ask at any one moment is, “How is this perfect?” — Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographer
• When we realize a total of something as we are experiencing it, we are for that moment, perfect. — Jacquelyn Small, Transformers, the Therapists of the Future {1982}Three Stages of Perfection
1. Positional perfection, already possessed by every believer of Christ (Hebrews: 10:14)
2. Relative perfection, i.e., spiritual maturity,... - Perfectible
Definitions: (1) progressive refinement; (2) capable of improvement
Quote: Possibilities … — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Last word in The Red Book {2009}
Proverb: The gem cannot be polished without friction; nor the man perfected without trials. — Korean
Comments:
• It is possible to get locked into a small idea of what perfect is. We need to be willing to leap beyond our known understanding into the greater realm beyond – where chance, possibilities, mistakes, growth, and greater freedom abound.
• We can damn our failures, but know that damning them does not really do any good. As a matter of fact, it does more harm. The incident has passed. The best thing to do, as quickly as possible, is to regret you did it and focus on improvement; learn the lesson. Since we are living inside time, there is the possibility of repeating or not repeating the past.
• Take into consideration your ability, the social situation, and the circumstance to determine how “perfect” you can be. The perfect act takes all variables into account, and melds them together with mindful wisdom. Keep your eye on the ideal. Maintain your honorable intention. Relative perfection is subjective. As you learn and grow, you refine the subjectivity and it gets better. - PERFECT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Complete in all respects; without defect or omission; flawless; (2) Thoroughly excellent; faultless; (3) Completely correct and accurate; exact; precise; (4) Without reserve or qualification; pure; impeccable; (5) Totally effective; expertly proficient; (6) The ultimate ideal; the highest position; the acme; (7) Nothing wanting; finished; (8) The creator of the desire to attain perfection
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Our imperfection is part of the divine plan. We are designed to grow. God experiences growth through sharing our consciousness and adventures.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PERFECTIBLE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) progressive refinement; (2) capable of improvementQuote: Possibilities … — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Last word in The Red Book {2009}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverb: The gem cannot be polished without friction; nor the man perfected without trials. — Korean
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
• It is possible to get locked into a small idea of what perfect is. We need to be willing to leap beyond our known understanding into the greater realm beyond – where chance, possibilities, mistakes, growth, and greater freedom abound.
• We can damn our failures, but know that damning them does not really do any good. As a matter of fact, it does more harm. The incident has passed. The best thing to do, as quickly as possible, is to regret you did it and focus on improvement; learn the lesson. Since we are living inside time, there is the possibility of repeating or not repeating the past.
• Take into consideration your ability, the social situation, and the circumstance to determine how “perfect” you can be. The perfect act takes all variables into account, and melds them together with mindful wisdom. Keep your eye on the ideal. Maintain your honorable intention. Relative perfection is subjective. As... - Perceptive
Definitions: (1) showing keenness of insight, sympathetic understanding, or intuition; discerning; (2) a quick capacity for comprehending; observant; sharp-sighted
Too Far: nosy
Quotes:
• To be is either to be perceived or to perceive. — Bishop George Berkeley (1685-1753) Anglo-Irish philosopher
• If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is: infinite. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poet
• Eskimos see sixteen different forms of ice which are as different to them as trees and shrubs are different to us. Hindus, on the other hand, use the same term for both ice and snow. Creek and Natchez Indians do not distinguish yellow from green. Similarly, Choctaw, Tunica, the Keresian Pueblo Indians and many other people make no terminological distinction between blue and green. The Hopis have no word for time. — Robert Pirsig (1928-2017) Lila {1991}Consideration: clairvoyant (perceiving, as if by seeing beyond, typically the future); clairaudient (perceiving, as if by hearing, what is inaudible)
Observation: In our attempt to simplify complex activities or processes, we tend to isolate individual aspects of the system. This is like turning off a movie projector and studying the film one frame at a time. One will get a detailed look at the individual frames, but will never be able to perceive the dynamic spirit or emotional content of the process. Perceiving the micro and the macro separately and then putting them together gives one a larger perspective.
- Peppy
Definition: taking initiative and proceeding with lively energy; vigorously active; high-spirited
Poetry:
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
— Anonymous (by wish of the authorQuote: I have a small circle of great friends who push me when I need it, tell me when I need to pick up my pace, and who make me want to be better. Sometimes, when I start procrastinating and just need to find that pep in my step, I think of how far I've come and how we can all be role models in our every day lives. — Natalie Katherine Neidhart-Wilson (1982-) Canadian professional wrestler and columnist
Tip: If you are jumping up and down in muddy puddles you must wear rain boots. — Neville Astley (1950-) & Mark Baker (1959-) Peppa Pig animated TV series {2004-2021}
- Penitent
Definition: having regret of offense or sin and willingness to atone; contrite
Comment: If you did something you know was wrong, you will eventually see it for what it was, and want to reverse the injury. To feel a need to take positive action is a first step. Yet you may not be able to remove the harm done to a specific person. What you can do is change who you are. Then you will act differently to all.
Quotes:
• Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran theologian
• When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. — Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) Scottish-Canadian inventorObservation: The penitent brigand … saw a really great man, a true hero. Here was a hero who fired his zeal and inspired his highest ideas of moral self-respect and quickened all his ideals of courage, manhood, and bravery. In beholding Jesus, there sprang up in his heart an overwhelming sense of love, loyalty, and genuine greatness. (187:4.5) — The Urantia Book {1955}
- Peaceful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) in a state of mental or physical tranquility, security, or order; (2) quietly behaved; composed; (3) the state of harmony in personal relations; concord between individuals, governments, or organizations; (4) reconciliation between unfriendly parties
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Latin, “to agree”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: calm, friendly, gentle, mild, pacific, serene; irenic <aiming at peace, uncombative
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “Let There Be Peace on Earth” {1955}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
— Evelyn Merchant [aka: Jill Jackson-Miller] (1913-1995) American songwriter
— Sy Miller (1908-1971) American songwriterSaying: Pax vobiscum (Latin): “Peace be with you.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• [Merlin:] To plant a garden is the chief of the arts of peace. — Mary Stewart [born Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow] (1916-2014) The Last Enchantment {1979}
• If we cannot adjust our differences peacefully, we are less than human. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1984}
• Peace is empowerment, justice, and the struggle for justice. Peace is personal, relational, local, national, international, global. Peace is not found; it is created by continual attention and effort. There is no way to peace, peace is the way. — Abraham Johannes Muste (1885-1967) American Christian pacifist
• No leader is going to give us peace, no government, no army, no country. What will bring peace is inward transformation which will lead to outward action. Inward transformation is not isolation, not a withdrawal from outward action. On the contrary, there can be right action only when there is right thinking, and there is no right thinking when there is no self-knowledge. Without knowing yourself, there is no peace. — Jiddu Krishnamurti... - Peace!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) in a state of mental or physical tranquility, security, or order; (2) quietly behaved; composed; (3) the state of harmony in personal relations; concord between individuals, governments, or organizations; (4) reconciliation between unfriendly parties
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Latin, “to agree”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: calm, friendly, gentle, mild, pacific, repose, shalom <Hebrew, “peace”, irenic <aiming at peace, uncombative
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: compassion, Satyagraha
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “Let There Be Peace on Earth” {1955}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
— Evelyn Merchant [aka: Jill Jackson-Miller] (1913-1995) American songwriter
— Sy Miller (1908-1971) American songwriterSaying: Pax vobiscum (Latin): “Peace be with you.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• [Merlin:] To plant a garden is the chief of the arts of peace. — Mary Stewart [born Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow] (1916-2014) The Last Enchantment {1979}
• If we cannot adjust our differences peacefully, we are less than human. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1984}
• Peace is empowerment, justice, and the struggle for justice. Peace is personal, relational, local, national, international, global. Peace is not found; it is created by continual attention and effort. There is no way to peace, peace is the way. — Abraham Johannes Muste (1885-1967) American Christian pacifist
• No leader is going to give us peace, no government, no army, no country. What will bring peace is inward transformation which will lead to outward action. Inward transformation is not isolation, not a withdrawal from outward action. On the contrary, there can be right action only when there is right thinking, and there is no... - PATIENT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Ministering to the growth of progressing beings; accommodating the needs of His growing children; (2) Steady perseverance in performing all tasks; diligent; (3) Steadfast and consistent action; abiding; (4) Self-controlled; even-tempered; (5) Incapable of being provoked or angered; forbearing; tolerant; (6) The reliever of anguish
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: The Supreme Being possesses infinite patience. His patience in helping His finite family work out their perfection-in-time is boundless. He will continue to exhibit ultimate patience until time-space is transcended. After which He still has the patience to offer an infinite number of unimaginable wonders within the absolute.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PATIENCE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) the will or ability to wait calmly; (2) to endure pain or trouble without complaint, losing control, or making a disturbance; (3) quietly tolerating delay, confusion, or inefficiency; (4) refusing to be provoked or angered by insult; forbearing; (5) ministering to the development of the uneducated or inexperienced; accommodating the needs of growing children; (6) steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in performing a task; diligent; (7) resolute and consistent action; abiding; (8) able to relieve grief or anguish
Note on definition #3: One of the definitions of tolerance is “to put up with.”
Note on definition #6: Having the focus to pay attention to something, and being persistent enough to continue to pay attention to it, will develop patience while you are getting it done.Derivation: Latin, “to suffer”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: composed, constant, even-tempered, equanimity, fortitude, imperturbable, long-suffering, poise, self-controlled, stoic
Patience refers to the quietness or self-possession of one’s own spirit; resignation refers to the submission of one’s own... - Paternal
Definition: fatherly; characteristic of a father or fatherhood <as loyal, supportive, protective, loving, giving, and generous>
See also: MaternalQuotes:
• The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. — Theodore Martin Hesburgh (1917-2015) American priest
• A good father is one whose only reason for putting down a laughing baby is to pick up a crying one. — Linda Poindexter (? 1950's-) American ministerObservation: Father’s Day dates back to 1508 in Europe.
Symbols: 1) the sun; 2) the umbrella
- Pastoral
Definition: (1) characteristic of pleasant rural life; peaceful, simple, and natural; innocent; (2) relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation
Proverb: A butterfly never hurries – even when pursued. — Chinese
Quote: I believe in God - not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God. There is God, and I believe in Jesus Christ, his incarnation. Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God, the Father, Abba, is the light and the Creator. This is my Being. — Pope Francis [born Jorge Mario Bergoglio (1936-) The 266th Roman Catholic Pontiff
Symbols: 1) the farmer; 2) the shepherd
Fictional Figure: Beulah, the idyllic land of sunshine and delight. — John Bunyan (1628-1688) Pilgrim’s Progress {1678}
Mythological Figures: 1) Cybele, the Phrygian goddess of nature; 2) Demeter, the Greek god of agriculture and fruitfulness; 3) Ceres, the Roman god of agriculture and fruits of the harvest
- Passionate
Definitions: (1) compelled or ruled by intense emotion or strong opinion; fervid; zealous; (2) expressing or showing profound feeling; emotional; enthusiastic; vehement; (3) easily aroused to or influenced by desire; ardently sensual; a firebrand
Derivation: Latin, “to endure suffering”
Quotes:
• Live by the three P's: be passionate, persistent, and prepared. — Hailee Steinfeld (1996-) American actress & singer
• Indeed, what could reason ever accomplish for mankind by itself, without passion to drive it on? — Glen David Brin (1950-) Earth {2009}Suggestion: Don’t let your temporary temperature tempt you
Color: bright red
Symbols: 1) blood; 2) a storm
- Particular
Definitions: (1) worthy of attention and regard; special; not ordinary; noteworthy; (2) extremely careful, detailed, or meticulous; (3) singularly precise in preference; fastidious; (4) unique to an individual; an outstanding characteristic
Synonyms: appropriate, distinct, exact, exclusive
Quotes:
• Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. — Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rumi (1207–1273) Persian Sufi poet
• Before achieving a dream, you need to make very little steps. When you want to make a big dream [come true] you have a lot of fastidious little things you have to do. — Bertrand Piccard (1958-) Swiss explorer, psychiatrist, & environmentalist - Participative
Definition: being or willing to be a part of some enterprise; sharing your life
Quote: For low light, all the light rays participate. We're using all the light coming through a large aperture to make a picture with a large depth of field - totally impossible with a conventional camera. Ren Ng (1979) Malaysian-American electrical engineer
Note: We humans have "low light" therefore our aperture needs to be very wide open. Our God concept - God consciousness is that openness. - Parental
Definition: (1) fatherly or motherly integral characteristics; tender; affectionate; (2) the source from which something is derived
Quote: Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. — James Arthur Baldwin (1924-1987) American writer
Reflection: Number five of the ten commandments, "Honor your father and mother."
Observation: One can be the parent of an idea and nurture an ideal.
Tips:
• It is important to know how to let your child learn. Give them the tools, instruction, encouragement, and then the freedom. We all learn differently.
• Notice what talents your child has naturally. Expose them to lots of options. Give your child the benefit of your observations about their talents and interests.Advice: Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. ― Benjamin McLane Spock (1903-1998) American pediatrician
- Paragon
Definition: a model or pattern of excellence or perfection <a paragon of virtue>
Derivation: Medieval Greek, "to test good (gold) from bad"
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Anyone who lives a high standard is a paragon. Anyone can be an example of goodness simply by being good.
Quote: The Spirit brings order out of chaos and beauty out of ugliness. He can transform a sin-blistered man into a paragon of virtue. The Spirit changes people. The Author of life is also the Transformer of life. — Robert Charles Sproul (1939-2017) American theologian
- Panache
Definition: dashing elegance of manner<in fine feather>; spirited self-confidence; flamboyance; verve, carefree
Quote: Men propound mathematical theorems in besieged cities, conduct metaphysical arguments in condemned cells, make jokes on the scaffold, discuss a new poem while advancing to the walls of Quebec, and comb their hair at Thermopylae. This is not panache; it is our nature. — Clive Staples [c. s.] Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British novelist
Observation: It turns out bird-songs are complex languages. And the lyrebird has the most diverse range of all. They can even mimic human sounds. And their courtship dance is pure panache.
Historic Figure: Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655) French dramatist and novelist
Note: Latin, “small feathered wing” - originally referred to a showy, feathery plume on a hat - latter associated, as a metaphor, for Cyrano’s unflagging panache even in death. - Painstaking
Definition: showing diligent caution and effort; taking great care; paying extra close attention to detail when there is a strong reason not to make any mistakes
Quotes:
• Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) American mythologist
• No single achievement in science is possible without the painstaking work of the many hundreds who have built the foundation on which all new work is based. — Polykarp Kusch (1911–1993) German-born American physicist - Pacifistic
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who opposes war and the military solution; one who proposes all disputes be settled by arbitration and other means; (2) nonviolent; peaceable
Balancing Qualities: Humor, Luck, Strength
Compatible Qualities: compromising, courage, moral conviction, objectivity, patience
Familial Quality: Satyagraha (Sanskrit): literally “insistence on truth” or “truth force” [pressure for social and political reform through friendly passive resistance]
People Who Exemplify This Quality:
• Mohandas Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) political and ideological leader of India
• The Quakers: The Religious Society of FriendsQuote: I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
Inspiration: Count Lev Nikolayevich [Leo] Tolstoy (1828-1910) at the age of fifty experienced a religious conversion to the Gospel of Peace and lived his last thirty years preaching the ethic of nonviolence.
Comment: To make political pacifism work there must be unity, loyalty, daring, and mutual respect.
Advice: Remember there is personal pacifism and political pacifism. Do not castigate yourself if you are not Gandhi with his combination of personal and political aplomb. Your personal belief, that might does not make right, is laudable. Do what you can in your daily life to live peaceably.
Bibliography: The true story of effective nonviolent resistance to Nazism. The townspeople sheltered, and saved the lives of, many hundreds of Jews even though the penalty was deportation or death. — Philip Paul Hallie (1922-1994) Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed: The Story of The Village of Le Chambon and How Goodness Happened There {1985}
- Outstanding
Definitions: (1) prominent; conspicuous; striking <outstanding courage>; (2) superior or distinct; excellent; wonderful
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Polymaths (Greek: "having learned much,") A person whose expertise and notable achievements span a significant number of different subject areas [4 to 13+] — such a person is known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems.
Prominent among them are: Leonardo da Vinci {Italian}, Gottfried Leibniz {German}, Mikhail Lomonosov {Russian}, Benjamin Franklin {American}, Shen Kuo {Chinese}, Omar Khayyam {Persian}, Nicolaus Copernicus {Polish}, Emanuel Swedenborg {Swedish}.Quote: The outstanding truths of life, the great and unquestioned phenomena of society, are not to be argued away as myths and vagaries when they do not fit within our little molds. If necessary, we must remake the molds. — Benjamin Nathan Cardozo (1870–1938) American lawyer & Supreme Court justice
Observation: From the earliest epic poem to the most recent story authors tend to demonstrate an outstanding need to resolve tragedy and conflict with righteousness and honor; at minimum a return to stability.
- Outgoing
Definition: interested in and responsive to others; friendly; sociable; gregarious
Quotes:
• Success is a process, a quality of mind and a way of being; an outgoing affirmation of life. — Alex Noble (~1990's-) American journalist
• You cease to move into yourself, away from others. You give up your antagonism. You begin to move toward others in love. God moved toward you in gracious, outgoing love, and you move toward others in that same outgoing love. — Eli Stanley Jones (1884–1973) American theologian - Original
Definitions: (1) first in order; preceding all others; the beginning; (2) arising or arranged independently; inventive; novel; (3) thinking or acting in an individual or creative manner
Quotes:
• A mind that’s afraid to toy with the ridiculous will never come up with the brilliantly original.— Glen David Brin (1950-) Brightness Reef {1995}
• The story of man’s ascent from seaweed to the lordship of earthly creation is indeed a romance of biologic struggle and mind survival. Man’s primordial ancestors were literally the slime and ooze of the ocean bed in the sluggish and warm-water bays and lagoons of the vast shore lines of the ancient inland seas. (65:2.1) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Oriented
Definitions: (1) intellectually or emotionally traveling on the right path; (2) having a good sense of direction; (3) knowing where one stands in relation to various moral, political, or religious opinions
Quote:
• Living is not necessary, but navigation is. — Pompey [born Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus] (106-48 BC) Roman military & political leader
• The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions. — Chanakya (375–283 BC) Indian polymath [seven disciplines]Symbols: 1) sunrise; 2) the east; 3) the North Star; 4) a pyramid [four cardinal directions and a central apex]
- Organized
Definitions: (1) an orderly and methodical mind; (2) bringing a new whole into being by rearranging essential elements and interdependent parts; multi-leveled; (3) brought together for a common objective; cooperative; establish or institute <an organization> for a common purpose; amalgamated; (4) a system of organic cosmic order <nature, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics>
Quotes:
• For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• Sometimes we let life guide us, and other times we take life by the horns. But one thing is for sure: no matter how organized we are, or how well we plan, we can always expect the unexpected. — Brandon Jenner (1981-) American actorTip: The key to order is putting like objects together.
Suggestion: A simple and effective way of getting organized is by beginning your day making a list, then prioritizing the items, and ending the day making notes. You may even dream of the answers to your knotty issues.
- Orderly
Definitions: (1) methodical; neat; tidy; well-arranged; (2) well-behaved; law-abiding; peaceable; harmonious
Synonyms: regular, systematic, eutaxy <good order or management>, well-ordered
Dictum: A place for everything and everything in its place. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
Quotes:
• The prime condition of successful activity is order. — Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) War and Peace {1867}
• No minority has a right to block a majority from conducting the legal business of the organization. No majority has a right to prevent a minority from peacefully attempting to become a majority. — Brigadier General Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923) Robert’s Rules of Order {1876}Comment: We experience such delight when something falls into place. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, nature loves order.
Symbols: 1) the number three {Spiritual Order}; 2) the number seven {Moral or Perfect Order}; 3) the number ten {Universal Order}; 4) the number twelve {Cosmic Order}
- Optimistic
Definitions: (1) taking the most hopeful view of matters; expecting the best outcome in any circumstance; looking on the bright side of things; (2) believing that good will ultimately triumph over evil and that virtue will be rewarded
Balancing Qualities: Practical, Realistic
Quotes:
• Optimist: “Daydreamer” more elegantly spelled. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) Mark Twain’s Notebook {1935}• Some problems are best solved with an optimistic approach. Optimism shines a light on alternatives that are otherwise not visible. — Brian Herbert (1947-) & Kevin J. Anderson (1962-) Sandworms of Dune {2007}
Comment:
Politicians are caught in a trap of projecting an overly hopeful point of view. Because the public demands they solve existing problems they are compelled to make optimistic promises.
Even an honest politician is hampered by trying to meet the requirements of optimism. If the politician does, in all sincerity, believe he or she can accomplish what is promised, then they might be naive. Social problems are so large, diverse, and involved they will take more than a few years to solve. Nonetheless, cooperative action will move us toward realistic solutions. - Opportunistic
Definition: (1) taking advantage of conditions that are favorable to the attainment of a goal; open to success; (2) able to view difficulty as an opportunity
Metaphors:
• Today’s stumbling blocks are tomorrow’s stepping stones.
• Regrets are temptations fulfilled or opportunities unfulfilled. Learn from both.Quotes:
• If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. — Milton Berle [born Mendel Berlinger] (1908–2002) American actor & comedian
• Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poetObservation: Problem solvers and risk takers are opportunistic.
Suggestion: If you are not experiencing any difficulties, then appreciate this peaceful time with thankfulness. If your life becomes too placid, you will be happier if you choose to extend yourself with a challenge. When your life is too hectic, take the opportunity to relax. Difficulties can be seen as blessings and hardships as opportunities; each can be an occasion to acquire some positive personal qualities.
Admonition: You never regret the positive things you try. You only regret the things you wish you had done.
If you regret what you have done, then at least you’ve done it and had not been scared away from a difficult but desirable situation. Then again, the regret may be, as often is the case, not the fact of the action but the immature way or imperfect manner in which you attempted it. Forgiveness and reflective thought are the transforming mechanisms which can change regret into a positive learning process (even if all you’ve learned is that you don’t want to do it again). - Openhanded
Definitions: : generous; liberal; munificent
(alternate spelling - open-handed)Quote: There is more power in the open hand that in the clenched fist. — Herbert Newton Casson (1869–1951) Canadian journalist & author
Consideration: The previous generations, but especially our parent and grandparents, have handed down their material wealth, their hard earned wisdom, and their genuine love to us.
Advice: When thinking about giving, ask yourself, “What is fair, square, honest, and open-handed?"
Symbol: the removal of the right glove
- Openminded
Definitions: (1) receptive to new ideas; (2) free from bigotry or prejudice; (3) willing to communicate or debate a point impartially
(alternate spelling: open-minded)Compatible Qualities: decisive, focused, listening
Too Far: filterless, naive
Note: If a person accepts anything and everything presented to them without question or concern for contradiction, they would be a perfect tool for manipulation.Idiom: Minds are like parachutes; they only function when open.
Quotes:
• An open mind, like an open window, should be screened to keep the bugs out. — Virginia Hutchison (~1990’s-) Scottish artist
• Science at its best is an open-minded method of inquiry, not a belief system. — Alfred Rupert Sheldrake (1942-) Parapsychology researcher - Openhearted
Definitions: (1) candid; frank; (2) generous; kind; benevolent
(alternate spelling = open-hearted)Too Far: bleeding hearted
Quote: Keep your head up, your heart open, stay on a positive path, and the right people will come along and join you on it. ― Amanda [Mandy] Hale (1982-) British actress
- Open
Definitions: (1) receptive; not closed to new ideas; a clean slate <an absence of preconceived ideas or goals> undisguised; (2) generous; liberal; unstinted; (3) frank; candid; direct; honest; unprejudiced; (4) ready to do, hear, see, or accept; fully prepared; attentive; (5) allowing approach, view, passage, or access; available; unquestionable; (6) not secret or hidden; forthcoming; unreserved; (7) expanded; unfolded
Compatible Quality: discerning
Quote: Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm, and genuine people. — Tena Desae (1987-) Indian actress & model
Reflection: There are those who say you are already all you need to be or will ever be; that all you need to do is allow it; just be open and don’t get in your own way. It may be, especially in hindsight, that the best way was open to you all along.
Comment: People are fond of saying, “I went into this philosophy or idea with a healthy skepticism – I even wanted to prove it wrong – but, in the end, I was convinced it was correct.” An honest skepticism prevents you from being naive, but a healthy openness helps you grow.
Sincere openness may have you taken in by a plausible idea. Until you learn, you may even be too trusting. You may look the fool because you were willing to be open, but you also are respected for your honor and your willingness to gain from experience; unlike the hardened skeptic who, because of fear, kept closed.Advice: Give other people’s belief systems a healthy respect. Be open to their sense of reality and order. Their experience and sincerity are putting together a personal subjective puzzle. Realize you and they are evolving and expanding. Tomorrow you may stand with them on more compatible ground because of the compassion you showed toward them today.
- Okay
Definitions: (1) all is satisfactory with your physical, mental, or emotional state; adequate; sufficient; (2) permissible, (3) safe and sound;; hunky-dory; (4) estimable, likable, or dependable
Quotes:
• Sometimes it's okay to give yourself a pat on the back and say, 'That was cool. That made me feel good.' — Sebastian Stan (1982-) Romanian-American actor
• You can never protect yourself 100%. What you do is protect yourself as much as possible and mitigate risk to an acceptable degree. You can never remove all risk. — Kevin David Mitnick (1963-) American Computer security consultant
Note: We all choose our balance between danger and safety. The longer we live we convince ourselves that our stupid moves were okay. - ObservantDefinitions: (1) one who pays strict attention to, or for, an outward sign; keenly watchful; (2) a narrowing of focus <to hone in on an objective or discover something new>; perceptive; (3) quick to notice or pick out anomalies; alert; (4) conforming to law, custom, religion, or ritual How to Live This Quality Today: Use your peripheral vision. Quotes: • To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe. — Marilyn vos Savant [born Marilyn Mach] (1946-) American "Ask Marilyn" columnist • When liberty is mentioned, we must always be careful to observe whether it is not really the assertion of private interests which is thereby designated. — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) German philosopher Comment: The only way we can know what’s going on inside other people is to see what they say and do outside themselves, the decisions they manifest by the actions they take. Suggestion: Pay attention to the rules of the road. This is something we can all cooperate on. Fictional Figure: Sherlock Holmes, famous fictional detective, had incredible powers of observation and deductive reasoning. — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) Scottish Physician & writer
- ObligingDefinitions: (1) ready to be of service; helpful; courteous; civil; (2) under a debt of gratitude; appreciative Synonyms: Oblige emphasizes the idea of doing a favor, often with some effort; obliging and accommodating imply making a gracious gesture; accommodate emphasizes providing a convenience; complaisant indicates one who endeavors to please; kind indicates one who desires to see others happy. Compatible Qualities: amiable, pleasing Quotes: • We cannot always oblige; but we can always speak obligingly. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French philosopher • Putting forward your positive energy connects you back to basic human values which we all share. No matter the size of the gesture, a smile that brightens someone else's day or volunteering in your community, we can all take active part in making a difference. — Shari Arison (1957-) American-born Israeli business woman & philanthropist
- OBJECTIVE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The actual, correct, and exact truth; (2) Truly existing in reality; not assumed to exist; (3) Possessing the final perspective; (4) The ultimate object of desire; the final goal; (5) Eminently fair; unbiased; right-minded; (6) The most valid values; (7) That which focuses light
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Even though we are finite, God does not leave us in the dark, able only to know reality from a totally circumscribed, subjective (bottom up) point of view. We can know the most important Objective (top down) reality there is. We can know love.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --OBJECTIVITY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) free from prejudicial personal feelings or opinions; eminently fair; unbiased; right-minded; (2) external to the mind and distinct from inner or imaginary feelings and thoughts; actual phenomena; real; (3) The actual, correct, and exact truth; (4) a purposeful goal one’s efforts are intended to attain or accomplish; target
See also: RealisticQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Objectivity does not mean detachment, it means respect; that is, the ability not to distort and to falsify things, persons, and oneself. — Erich Seligmann Fromm (1900-1980) German-American Jewish social psychologist
• The scientist’s job is to explore everything, no matter the difficulties! We need to stay open, to accept ambiguity, attempt to fuse with the object of knowledge, admit that there are values shot through the whole enterprise – to love it and to work toward discovering the values by which we live, work to enact those values in the world, explore – and more than that – to create! — Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-) Green Mars {1993}Reflection: It is a most difficult thing to be truly objective. We look at the world through our own subjective experiential view. To those who do not experience the wisdom of a larger view, statements like “Love...
- ObedientDefinitions: (1) complying with authority; yielding willingly to commands, orders, or injunctions; performing what is required or abstaining from that which is forbidden; (2) submissive to a higher authority; (3) guided by truth or conscious Synonyms: amenable, docile, dutiful, tractable Parental Qualities: faith, patience Quote: Yet the concept of civil disobedience, as practiced by such nonviolent practitioners as Martin Luther King, carries with it a further stipulation: that those who for moral reasons disobey the law must do so consciously and with full willingness to suffer whatever penalties their disobedience brings. — Rushworth Moulton Kidder (1944-2012) How Good People Make Tough Choices {2003} Comment: Active participation in obedience includes your positive choice in the action. Begrudging obedience is less than ideal. Fictional Figure: Griselda [story by Giovanni Boccaccio c. 1350] is subjected to cruel trials to test her patience and obedience, is ever meek and long-suffering and never complains. — Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400) The Canterbury Tales {1476}
- Nurturing
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who promotes development by providing nourishment, support, and encouragement during the stages of growth; (2) raising; training; educating; (3) furthering the development of a person, project, idea, or ideal; fostering
Quotes:
• Our souls cannot be forced to grow, but like flowers, our spiritual selves can be nurtured until they blossom and flourish. — James Van Praagh (1958-) American author & spiritual medium
• When you help someone else, not only do they benefit, but you reaffirm to yourself that you have something of value to give them, and you help to strengthen and nurture a bond with an individual that you're helping. — Vivek Hallegere Murthy (1977-) American physicianColor: green
Symbols: 1) Mommy; 2) Mother Earth - Nourishing
Definition: promoting or sustaining life, growth, or strength
Proverb: Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. — The Bible, Matthew 4:4
Note: Every food provides its own nourishment. A wide and balanced variety provides sustaining energies.Synonyms: Nourish denotes supplying with food or causing to grow; cherish: to hold and treat dearly; nurture: to attend to with a fostering care.
Quote: Of the things which nourish the imagination, humor is one of the most needful, and it is dangerous to limit or destroy it. — Edmond John Millington Synge (1871–1909) Irish playwright, poet, & folklorist
Observation: Some ideas, like some seeds, need fire to germinate. But most others just need a little soil (sustenance), water (life), & sun (energy).
- Noteworthy
Definition: worthy of observation or notice <especially because of some special excellence>; outstanding; remarkable
Quote: It is a full-time job being honest one moment at a time, remembering to love, to honor, to respect. It is a practice, a discipline, worthy of every moment. — Jasmine Chanel Guy (1962-) American actress
Comment: Normally you may think something you have done is noteworthy because others have noticed and are commenting on it. And, of course, a thing can be remarkable in a positive or a negative light. Nonetheless develop the habit of noticing your own behavior and measuring it according to your own internal moral compass. Hopefully your subjective compass has a true north ideal. - Normal
Definitions: (1) conforming to or consisting of a pattern, process, or standard regarded as usual or typical; natural; regular; (2) without marked or persistent mental aberrations; well-adjusted
Saying: Be comfortable in your own skin.
Quotes:
• To become a person does not necessarily mean to be well adjusted, well adapted, or approved of by others. It means to become who you are. We are meant to become more eccentric, more peculiar, more odd. We are not meant just to fit in. We are here to be different. We are here to be an individual. — James Hollis (~1942-) American psychoanalyst
• Children are amazingly adaptable. What would be grotesquely abnormal became my normality in the prisoner of war camps. It became routine for me to line up three times a day to eat lousy food in a noisy mess hall. It became normal for me to go with my father to bathe in a mass shower. — George Takei [born Hosato Takei] (1937-) American actor {liven in U.S. internment camps from 1942-1945} - Nonjudgmental
Definition: avoiding judgments based on one’s personal or especially moral standards
Quotes:
• In judging others, folks will work overtime for no pay. — Charles Edwin Carruthers (1866-1930) American professor of political economy
• We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have done. — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) American poetReflection: Judgment is essential to survival. But there are variations of judgment. A person who demands an empirical proof for all reality is closing down reason. Did ultraviolet and infrared exist before the instruments were available to detect them? If one must have proof, they are doomed to wait until someone else with the foresight to look beyond the norm focuses the lens for them to see.
A person who insists their version of reality is the only one, and demands others step into their mold, is closing the door to the possibilities and truths other ways of perceiving offer.Comments:
• Judgment from others is often resented (even if correct) unless you completely trust them or give them permission to judge you.
• Another person or society can only be judged justly using their own set of rules and moral standards. Conversely, if you judge yourself by their standards, you reduce the value of your experience.Advice:
• Use your judgment to protect yourself from dangers.
• Open your heart to judge with penetrating honesty and tender mercy.Symbols: 1) nothingness; 2) the void [not the absence of life but the absence of conflict]
- Nonchalant
Definition: calmly unconcerned; unexcitable; centered
Derivation: French, “not concerned”
Familial Quality: cool
Quotes:
• Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts. — Henry Nichols Beard (1945-) American humorist
• Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes. — Walter "Walt" Whitman (1819–1892) American poet & essayist - Noble
Definitions: (1) having or showing superior moral qualities or ideals; (2) famous, illustrious, or renowned; having eminence, dignity, excellence, or fame; worthy; (3) grand; stately; splendid; magnificent; magnanimous; (4) possessing a courageous or gallant spirit
Derivation: Latin, “to know”
Synonyms: august, , aristocratic, exalted, generous, imperial, lofty, majestic, noble-minded
Compatible Qualities: caring, integrity
Quote:
• Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. — Aesop (c 620–564 BC) Greek fabulist
• Noble aim, faithfully kept, is as a noble deed. — William Wordsworth (1770-1850) English romantic poet
• I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer - No-Worries
Definition: carefree; untroubled; nonchalant
Sayings:
• Sans souci (French): “without worries”
• “No worries, mate.” — AustralianProverb: That the birds of worry and care fly above your head, this you cannot change; but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent. — Chinese
Quotes:
• What, me worry? — Alfred E. Neuman (1954 -) Mad Magazine {1952-2022}
• Take your worries off with your shoes and put them beside your bed when you go to sleep. They will be there in the morning. — “Dutch” (grade school bus driver, circa 1956)
• Consider the lilies, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. — The Bible, Luke 12:27
• Seek the greater thing, and the earthly shall be included. The shadow is certain to follow the substance. — The Bible, Matthew 6:33 - Nimble
Definitions: (1) light and quick in motion; moving with ease and celerity; lively; swift; fleet; ; (2) sensitive; responsive <a nimble listener>; (3) clever conception, comprehension, or resourcefulness; flexanimous <nimble-minded>; legerity
Quotes:
• Educational systems have to be nimbler, have to be more adapted to today’s realities where students can go in different directions and professionalize even faster - constant retraining and re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce. — Roberto Carvalho de Azevedo (1957-) Brazilian diplomat
• Being nimble and ready to change our minds, if need be, is an attribute that is crucial to live and thrive in a society that is powered by science and technology - both as an individual and as an engaged citizen. — Priyamvada (Priya) Natarajan (?1960’s) India-American physicist & astronomer - Nice
Definitions: (1) pleasing; agreeable; delightful; (2) amiably pleasant; kind; thoughtful; considerate; (3) requiring great accuracy, precision, skill, or delicacy <nice workmanship>; (4) refined as to manners, language, or character; (5) virtuous; respectable; decorous; (6) a generalized term of approval; having very wide appeal; good; excellent
Synonyms: correct, dainty, exquisite, exact, fine
Too Far: naive
Saying: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. — Maternal Wisdom
Quotes:
• It's nice to just embrace the natural beauty within you. — Victoria Dawn Justice (1993-) American actress & singer
• Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. — Frank A. Clark (1911–1991) American cartoonistComments:
• If someone is not nice, make up a reason why they are not, or if appropriate, ask him or her. Knowing why gives you a better appreciation of, and tolerance for, the individual’s poor behavior.
• Since everyone wants others to be nice to them, it makes sense to make the effort to accommodate that desire. The likelihood of their being nice back to you increases dramatically – especially if your motive is selfless. - New
Definitions: (1) having never existed before; unique; (2) pure; unspoiled; (3) rejuvenated; refreshed in spirits; healthy; (4) contemporary; recent; fashionable; (5) beginning again <making a new start>
Synonyms: New applies to what is freshly made and unused, or has not been known or experienced before; fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, and brightness; novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented; original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist; renovate: to restore, refurbish, or spruce-up.
Quotes: • Scientists treat a new idea the same way that the body treats a foreign substance: it is rejected. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist, The River That Flows Uphill {1986} • If anyone has Christ Jesus within, they are a new creature; old things are passing away; behold all things are becoming new. — The Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist
Advice: When you come up with something new, innovative, or different, do not be dismayed at the criticism you may experience (even from yourself). Expect it, anticipate it, even welcome it, for these are the fires within which your idea is purified.
Goals: New year’s resolutions often get lost in time & circumstances. They are also often to large to accomplish in a short time. Go ahead and see the bid picture. Then cut it up into manageable pieces. You cannot write that book or get trim in a week.Symbols: 1) thirteen; 2) cherry blossoms & snowdrop flowers [new beginnings]
- Nervy
Definitions: (1) showing calm courage; (2) possessing the power of endurance or control; bold
Too Far: presumptuous audacity
Quotes:
• The gifts of lovers to one another are, in respect to love, nothing but forms; yet, they testify to invisible love. — Jalāl al-Dīn MuḥammadRumi (1207–1273) Persian Sufi poet
• Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation. — Stephen George Bull (1965-) English footballer
• Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory. — Alan Alda [born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo] (1936-) American actor - Neighborly
Definition: showing kindness or helpfulness; friendly; sociable
Synonym: amicable
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Fred McFeely Rogers [aka: Mister Rogers] (1928-2003) American educator & minister
Quotes:
• God did not come to me through a mystical experience, but through a human being, a neighbor, an agent of his love. — Rev. Elizabeth Kilbourn (1926-2006) Canadian educator
• As religious civilization advances, one's neighbor expands in concept to embrace the clan, the tribe, the nation. And then Jesus enlarged the neighbor scope to embrace the whole of humanity, even that we should love our enemies. (103:5.2) — The Urantia Book {1955}Admonition: Love your neighbor as yourself. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) Mark 12:31 & Leviticus 19:18
- Necessary
Definitions: (1) essential, indispensable, or requisite; (2) logically unavoidable; inevitable
Compatible Quality: What is ineluctable is necessary.
Quotes:
• Cultivation to the mind is as necessary as food to the body. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) Roman statesman
• Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. — Saint Francis of Assisi [born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone] (1181-1226) Founder of the Franciscan Order
• The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. — Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Anglo-Irish politician
• To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. — Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Italian theologian
Note: Albeit, there must be some steps, a bridge that can be found, from ignorance of any positive quality to knowledge thereof.Affirmation: I am necessary.
- Neat
Definitions: (1) consistently clean and orderly; trim; tidy; (2) precise; systematic; (3) marked by skill or ingenuity; adroit; (4) fine; admirable <a neat idea>; (5) having a simple, pleasing appearance; shapely; well-proportioned; (6) cleverly or smartly phrased or done
Too Far: compulsive
Quotes:
• To love rightly is to love what is orderly and beautiful in an educated and disciplined way. — Plato (428-328 bc) Symposium {385–370 BC}
• Continue to surprise those who would put you in a neat demographic. Be insistently curious. — Elwood Gordon Gee (1944-) American President of West Virginia UniversityComment: Each mind has a beginning template. It flows from there into so many other places. Later in life you may look back and wonder how that simple childlike mind has been able to cobble together such a neat hodgepodge of ideas.
- Natural
Definitions: (1) living in accordance with what is found or expected <in nature>; (2) real; not artificial; (3) possessing higher or innate qualities or ability <natural talent>; (4) an inherent sense of right and wrong <natural rights>; (5) marked by easy simplicity; at ease; free from affectation <a natural smile>>; (6) what a thing is <quiddity>
Synonyms: ingenuous, intrinsic, normal, original, spontaneous, true
Quotes:
• Nature reaches out to us with welcoming arms, and bids us enjoy her beauty. — Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American artist & poet
• I reckon there’s as much human nature in some folks as there is in others, if not more. — Edward Noyes Westcott (1846-1998) American banker & writer
• The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. — Anne Frank (1929-1945) The Diary of Anne Frank {1947}Inspiration: There is a cultural phenomenon in Scandinavia known as friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv). The expression literally translates as ‘open-air living.’ The term describes the value of spending time in remote natural locations for spiritual and physical well-being.
Observation: I’ve noticed people expect others to possess the natural talents they themselves possess. If it is easy for them, it should be easy for others also. It is surprising, and sometimes frustrating, when they realize others do not have the same normal abilities they possess so easily. It is even more astonishing if they do not even want them. Recognize and be thankful for your inherent gifts, but have compassion for others who do not have the qualities you take for granted. They have other natural qualities you find hard to embody.
- MusicalDefinitions: (1) capable of creating or enjoying music; (2) having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music; melodious Synonyms: concordant, dulcet, mellifluous, rhythmical Idiom: Nobody can conceive of music in hell and no one can imagine a heaven without it. Quotes: • If music be the food of love, play on. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Twelfth Night {1923} • Every disease is a musical problem; every cure a musical solution. — Novalis [born Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg] (1772-1801) German author & philosopher • Music is the effort we make to explain to ourselves how our brains work. We listen to Bach transfixed because this is listening to a human mind. — Lewis Thomas (1913-1993) American physician & poet • Beauty is a hint, a flash, a glimpse of the divine and promise that the world is good. And in music that spark can be elongated long enough to be a steady light. — Mark Helprin (1947-) Paris in the Present Tense {2017} • A poet is a musician who can’t sing. Words have to find a man’s mind before they can touch his heart, and some men’s minds are woefully small targets. Music touches their hearts directly no matter how small or stubborn the mind of the man who listens. — Patrick Rothfuss (1973-) The Name of the Wind {2007} Historic Figure: Saint Cecilia (~200–230 to 222–235) [patroness of musicians and music] Mythological Figures: 1) Euterpe, the Greek Muse of music and lyric poetry; 2) Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music, poetry, prophecy, archery, and medicine; 3) Orpheus, a Greek musician who could charm beasts and make trees and even rocks move to the melody of his lyre
- Munificent
Definition: liberal in giving or bestowing; generous; lavish <often attributed as an attribute of God>
Derivation: Latin, “bountiful gifts”
Synonyms: helpful, open-handed
Quotes:
• If riches increase, let thy mind hold pace with them; and think it not enough to be liberal, but munificent. — Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682) English polymath [five disciplines]
• The greatest gift God ever gave man is not the gift of sight but the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart. — Myles Munroe (1954–2014) Bahamian minister, professor, & author - Multifaceted
Definitions: (1) a soul in possession of a varied array of positive qualities; (2) a personality having numerous fascinating aspects; (3) a complex or intricate mind with many interests; polyvalent
Quotes:
• One of the nice things about getting older is that you come to understand that you can integrate multiple aspects of your life together. — Min Jin Lee (1968-) Korean-American author & journalist
• If you think of truth as being multifaceted and so huge that we human beings can't fully comprehend it, then obviously it makes sense to put all the facts together - to compare disciplines and try to advance the sum of knowledge by exploration and examination. — Susan Howatch (1940-) British author - Multidisciplined
Definitions: (1) proficient or skillful in a variety of fields of study; (2) engaged in training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
Quote: No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, and disciplined. — Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878–1969) American pastor
Observation: Multipotentiality {polymathism} is the state of having many exceptional talents, any one or more of which could make for a great career for that person. — Tamara Fisher (1960-) certified organizational specialist
- Multidimensional
Definitions: (1) referring collectively to the elements and aspects making up a complete personality; (2) the integration and harmony of body, mind, and spirit; (3) having the ability to function or to adequately adapt on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels of being
Balancing Quality: Multidisciplined
Quotes:
• Like the rings of a tree, experiences add dimensions to our being. — Lori Bailey Cunningham (~1960's-) American author & artist, Mandala: Journey to the Center {2002}
• God is a metaphor for that which transcends all levels of intellectual thought. It's as simple as that. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) American mythologist
• Beyond this world are countless dimensions. They stretch on forever. You can travel to them and have experiences in them. — Frederick Philip Lenz III [Rama] (1950-1998) American spiritual teacher - Moxie
Definitions: (1) courage; boldness; nerve; determination; pluck; perseverance; (2) know-how; expertise; (3) vigor; energy; pep; verve
Quotes:
• Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air. — John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) 6th President of the United States
• Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monk - Motivated!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) furnished with an incentive or a goal; (2) having the power to cause motion; incite, impel
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: Motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act; impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution; incentive applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) that will rouse one to action; inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another; spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Service-minded
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• By their fruits you shall know them. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 7:20
• All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• In gaining an entrance into the kingdom of heaven, it is the motive that counts. My Father looks into the hearts of men and judges by their inner longings and sincere intentions. (140:3.19) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}Affirmation: I feel healthy. I feel happy. I feel terrific. I am riding a consistent, persistent wave of good fortune. — William Clement Stone (1902-2002) American philanthropist
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observations: Motivation will take the form of desire or concern.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --The Seven Motivating Conditions
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
1. Love – altruism, encouragement
2. Hope – reward, desire
3. Curiosity – interest
4. Obligation – duty, fixing past mistakes
5. Necessity – protection, survival
6. Fear – guilt, embarrassment, doubt, concern
7. Hate – revengeThe Ladder of Motivation
1. Love
2. Delight
3. Wisdom
4. Need
5.... - Moral
Definitions: (1) dealing with or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong in conduct or character; (2) designating psychological support that involves approval and sympathy <moral support>
Synonyms: Moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions; ethical suggests the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity; noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character; righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness; virtuous implies the possession or manifestation of moral excellence in character; a straight arrow exemplifies honesty and moral uprightness.
Quotes:
• A crime in one society can be a moral requirement in another. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1929-1986) Chapterhouse Dune {1985}
• If your morality gets in the way of your humanity, it’s time for another look. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. — Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States
• Morality is not a simple set of rules. It’s a very complex struggle of conflicting patterns of values. The most moral activity of all is the creation of space for life to move onward. — Robert Pirsig (1928-2017) Lila {1991}Inspiration: We have made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. — Number four of the Alcoholics Anonymous twelve-step program {Founded in 1935 by William “Bill W.” Griffith Wilson (1895–1971), American salesman and co-founder Robert Holbrook Smith (1879–1950), aka: Dr. Bob, American physician and surgeon.}
Symbol: the caduceus (Moral Equilibrium) [a winged wand entwined with two serpents]
- Modest
Definitions: (1) having or showing a moderate or humble opinion of one’s own abilities or achievements; unassuming; (2) shy or reserved; not forward; (3) behaving according to a standard of what is proper or decorous; decent; (4) showing moderation; not extreme or excessive; (5) quiet in appearance or style
Synonyms: becoming, chaste, coy, self-effacing, self-deprecating, unobtrusive, virtuous
Quote:
• Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues. — Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774) Anglo-Irish novelist, playwright, dramatist, & poet
• True humility is intelligent self respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be. — Ralph Washington Sockman (1889–1970) American pastor & radio personality - Modern
Definition: up-to-date; contemporary; not old-fashioned or obsolete; recent; fresh; new; novel; with-it
Quotes:
• Fire made us human; fossil fuels made us modern, but now we need a new fire that makes us safe, secure, healthy, and durable. — Amory Bloch Lovins (1947-) American physicist
• Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from Heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees. — Russell Marion Nelson (1924-) 17th President of the LDS Church - Moderate
Definitions: (1) keeping within reasonable bounds; temperate; sober; steady; avoiding excesses and extremes; (2) mild; calm; gentle; nonviolent; (3) to lessen the intensity or severity
Too Far: Being austere for too long.
Saying: Meden agan (Greek); Ne quid nimis (Latin): “Nothing in excess”
Dictum: Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity. — Periander (~635-585 BC) Ruler of CorinthQuotes:
• Be moderate in everything, including moderation. — Horace Porter (1837–1921) American soldier & diplomat
• A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation. — Jean-Baptiste Poquelin [aka Moliere] (1622-1673) French playwright - Mirthful
Definition: jovial; festive; full of merriment
Synonyms: Mirth implies general lightness of heart and love of gaiety; glee stresses exultation shown in laughter, cries of joy or delight; hilarity suggests loud or irrepressible laughter or high-spirited boisterousness; jollity suggests exuberance or exultant playfulness.
Poetry:
How beautiful the water is! To me 'tis wondrous fair.
No spot can ever lonely be if water sparkle there.
It hath a thousand tongues of mirth, of grandeur, or delight,
And every heart is gladder made
When water greets the sight.
— Elizabeth Oakes Smith (1806–1893) American poetQuote: Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter. Mirth is like a flash of lightning, that breaks through a gloom of clouds, and glitters for a moment; cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity. — Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist
- Ministerial
Definitions: (1) acting as a helpful instrument or means; (2) giving care or aid; service-oriented; (3) providing information <often of a spiritual nature>; (4) fulfilling a duty prescribed by law, ethics, or morality; (5) an act in obedience to objective reality
Quotes:
• The true character of ministry is a servant’s heart. — Harold Ashton Warner (1917–2012) Australian journalist
• Love never ends or fails. Everything must be based on love - the relation between two friends, ministry, service; every field must be based on love. Why? Because God is Love. — Pope Theodoros II (840–897) 116th Catholic Pope (Served only 20 days before dying) - MindfulDefinition: (1)regarding with care; observant; watchful;(2) bearing in mind; heedful; attentive; aware See also: Broad-minded, High-minded, Like-minded, Open-minded, & Service-minded Quotes: • The mind is the connecting link between the formed and the unformed world. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962} • The qualitative mindfulness we; collectively, as a race of people; are able to experience could, in fact, propel us into an age of Light and Beauty. — Linda Ohlson Graham (1947-) American poet • Mindfulness means moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. It is cultivated by refining our capacity to pay attention, intentionally, in the present moment, and then sustaining that attention over time as best we can. In the process, we become more in touch with our life as it is unfolding. — Jon Kabat-Zinn (1944-) American professor of medicine, Creator of Center for Mindfulness in Medicine Society Reflections: • Conscious perusal of reality is more direct and profitable than unconscious realizations. • All values are derivatives of love. Comment: One of the mind’s purposes is to be a vector, to point a direction by first, posing questions and then, by comparing what we say we want to do with what we actually do. Observation: Any idea, or set of ideas, one has in mind will alter what one can see.
- Mild
Definitions: (1) soft; gently and pleasantly affecting the senses; sweet; (2) tender and gracious in temper and disposition; kind; compassionate; merciful; clement; indulgent; easy; (3) calm; tranquil; mellow; meek
Quotes:
• Restrain thy mind, and let mildness ever attend thy tongue. — Theognis of Megara (6th c. BC) Greek lyric poet
• How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. — George Washington Carver (1864–1943) American agricultural scientist - Mighty
Definitions: (1) having great bodily strength or physical power; (2) very robust or vigorous; commanding; (3) wonderful; colossal; (4) important; momentous; (5) of high status <said of kings and others with the highest rank>
Quotes:
• Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut, that held its ground. — David Icke (1952-) English author
• The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)Comment: Although one can be mighty of mind, this quality is most often reserved for physical prowess. Although there have been quite a few who were so mighty of spirit as to make ripples (and even waves) through time.
- MettlesomeDefinitions: (1) full of spirit; courageous; brisk; fiery; (2) possessing constitutional ardor Note: Not to be confused with meddlesome: to interfere in the affairs of another without their permission. Derivation: a variant spelling of metal, used in a figurative sense. In the 17th-century the adjective mettlesome was popularly used as a reference for spirited horses.
Quotes: • Life brings sorrows and joys alike. It is what a man does with them - not what they do to him - that is the true test of his mettle. — Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt (1858–1919) 26th President of the United States
• We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. We feel we could talk like angels and live like angels, if only we could stay on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness wants to make them the only time. — Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) Scottish Baptist evangelist
- MeticulousDefinition: taking extreme care with minute details; precise; thorough; methodical Too Far: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Idiom: Keep all of your ducks in a row. People Who Exemplify This Quality: True friendship is like sound health, the value of which is seldom known until it be lost. — Charles Caleb Colton (1777–1832) English cleric and writer Note: This saying was written twice on a human hair in March, 1990. — Pan Xixing, The Guinness Book of World Records {1992} Quote: It's OK to pursue speculative ideas because we don't want to be too cozy and safe and assume that we know everything about life in the universe. However, we have to be rigorous and careful and honest and logical and scientifically meticulous when we speculate. — David H. Grinspoon (1959-) American astrobiologist
- MethodicalDefinition: acting in a systematic way; painstaking; meticulously careful; deliberate Compatible Quality: patience Quotes: • I studied neuroscience at the cellular level, so I was looking at learning and memory in the visual cortex of rats. Neuroscience mainly exposed me to a way of thinking - about experimentation, about what you believe to be true and how you could prove it - and how to approach things in a methodical manner. — Hosea Jan “Ze” Frank (1972-) American online performance artist • All questions of process require an answer that begins with a very important sentence, and the sentence is: 'Everybody is different.' Whatever way of working you name - methodical, haphazard, gets up early in the morning, sleeps all day, works at night, revises immensely, never revises at all - someone has made great work with that way. — Robert Pinsky (1940-) American poet & essayist Comment: Time and a methodical steadfastness are creative. The subcontinent of India began in the southern hemisphere. As it moved north, it ran into the northern landmass and pushed up the Himalayas. There was a mountain range as great as the Himalayas in the Grand Canyon area. It was washed away millions of years before the Colorado River ever began its flow. We also have millions of years to become our most magnificent selves, one grain of goodness at a time.
- Metaphysical
Definitions: (1) pertaining to the nature of being; one’s essential reality; (2) based on abstract and subtle reasoning; (3) relating to the transcendent or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the purely physical senses; supernatural
Quotes:
• Love is metaphysical gravity. — Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) American futurist
• Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German philosopherComment: Metaphysics is one bridge between the material and the spiritual. Other bridges are humor and music.
- Metamorphic
Definitions: (1) possessing the ability to change; (2) exhibiting a striking alteration in character, appearance, or condition
Derivation: Greek, “transformation”
Quote: The hardest thing for a man to do is to change long-standing prejudices of belief, but to succeed in doing it is a test of one’s humanity. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
Comment: We currently live in our body and express most of our identity in our temporal ego. We function in our mind and act from our personality. If one identifies with positive qualities, a transition begins to take place – a shift from the material to the spiritual. The mind and personality move to the soul, which becomes the seat of one’s cosmic identity. This is effected with a persistent choosing of what we know to be right. It takes a steadfast heart and above all true sincerity.
Symbols: 1) the frog; 2) the butterfly
- Mesmerizing
Definition: (1) compellingly fascinating; irresistibly attractive; spellbinding; (2) holding the attention of someone to the exclusion of all else
Derivation: Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1850) German physician
Quote: Most people, using everything they have in real life, cannot take hold of you the way a talented writer can without even being there. Talent is the ability to mesmerize people when you are nowhere near. Talent is the ability to make something that is more stunning than human presence. — Elizabeth Lee Wurtzel (1967-2020) American journalist & Lawyer
- MerryDefinitions: (1) full of fun and laughter; lively and mirthful; joyous; (2) marked by cheerfulness or festivity Synonyms: blithe, jocund, jolly, jovial, sportive, sprightly, vivacious, merry-andrew Note: The term “merry-andrew” <one whose business it is to make fun of others> is said to have originated with one Andrew Borde (c. 1490-1549), a physician in the time of Henry VIII (1491-1547), who attracted attention and gained patients by making facetious speeches. Saying: Gaudeamus igitur (Latin): “Let us then be merry.” Proverb: A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. — King Solomon (reign~970–931 BC) The Bible, Proverbs 15:13 Symbols: 1) poinsettias; 2) lupine flowers Legendary Figure: King Cole, a legendary British King, was noted for his joviality (“Ol’ King Cole was a merry old soul”) {1708} Mythological Figure: Momus, the Greek god of laughter
- Meritorious
Definitions: (1) worthy of notice because of superior qualities; (2) deserving fame or happiness as a reward for service; praiseworthy for exceptional action; (3) of intrinsic value
Derivation: Latin, “to earn, gain, or deserve”
Quotes:
• Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul. — Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English poet
• True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes. — Edward Frederick Lindley Wood (1881–1959) 1st Earl of Halifax - MERCIFUL!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Disposed to forgive in perfect measure; (2) Willing to pardon; sympathetic; (3) Giver of hope and granter of rest; (4) Ready to show pity; compassionate; (5) Eager to relieve suffering; kindhearted; (6) Caregiver; the good shepherd
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See Also: JustComment: One of our current human definitions of mercy is to let someone off easy, even though they deserve punishment. This is not God’s way. He would not remove our opportunity to learn from our mistakes. One of the most sacred qualities we can acquire is responsibility. He knows we can learn to be accountable for our actions. We reap exactly what we sow – good or ill.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --MERCY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) disposed to forgive, be kind, or offer help; tender; (2) ready to show clemency; compassionate; (3) eager to relieve suffering; kindhearted; proffer sympathySynonyms: Mercy implies compassion that forbears immediate punishment; charity stresses benevolence with tolerant good will and broad understanding of others; clemency implies a mild disposition by one having the power or duty to punish; grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions; lenity implies lack of severity in punishing.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Mercy is a quality of growth. You should realize that there is a great reward of personal satisfaction in first being just, next fair, then patient, then kind. And then, on that foundation, if you choose and have it in your heart, you can take the next step and really show mercy. (28:6.2,4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: A person who has done a disservice, dishonor, or wrong will need to make up for this fact. One of the first steps is to apologize. But apology may not be enough. It may be necessary to perform some kind of compensation...
- MemorableDefinitions: (1) special or important experiences worthy of remembering; (2) worthy of being kept in mind; illustrious; (3) celebrated; distinguished; famous; notable; striking Synonyms: conspicuous, extraordinary, great, prominent, remarkable, unforgettable Familial Qualities: • Resonant: The ability to evoke or suggest enduring images, memories, or emotions. • Eidetic: aka: photographic memory - the ability the see with vivid detail, as if actually visible. Quotes: • It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others. — John Andrew Holmes (1959-2010) British rower • Teardrops are telescopes for happy times and microscopes on the memory of joys that are lost. — Michael Hanna (1950-) 100 Thought Adjusters {2007} Experience: Déjà vu, "already seen" is explained in numerous ways. Some call it an illusion of memory. Others associate it with drug use or various mental illnesses. Or it could be a forgotten previous experience (or feeling) being relived. No matter the source of the feeling, the fact of the experience is of value. Symbol: verbena flowers
- Melodious
Definitions: (1) musical, agreeable to the ear; a sweet succession of sounds; (2) harmonious to the mind
Quotes:
• Silence is a profound melody, for those who can hear it above all the noise. — Socrates (4th Century BC) Greek philosopher
• There's a melody in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with the heart. Nothing penetrates the heart faster than the melody. — Carlos Humberto Santana (1947-) American guitarist - Mellow
Definitions: (1) free from tension or discord; pleasant; agreeable; (2) made gentle, soft, and sympathetic by age or experience
Quotes:
• Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart. — Washington Irving (1783–1859) American essayist, historian, & diplomat
• This is perhaps the greatest moral challenge Jesus left us: We all do pretty well in love when the persons we are loving are warm and gracious, but can we be gracious and mellow in the face of bitterness, jealousy, hatred, withdrawal? That’s the litmus test of love. — Fr. Ronald Rolheiser OMI (1947-) American Catholic theologist - MeekDefinition: in possession of a gentle disposition; serene; not inclined to resentment Derivation: Middle English, “soft, gentle” Synonyms: Meek implies a spirit that has been trained to moderation by discipline or suffering; mild implies a temper that is not easily provoked. Familial Qualities: forbearance, patience Too Far: weak Poetry: Meekness Holds no fear Is full of faith Quotes: • To resort to power one need not be violent, and to speak to conscience one need not be meek. The most effective action both resorts to power and engages conscience. — Barbara Deming (1917-1984) American activist • Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 5.5 Note: Genuine meekness has no relation to fear. It is rather an attitude of co-operating with God. It embraces patience and forbearance and is motivated by an unshakable faith: "Your will be done." Jesus was the ideal meek man. Symbol: the lamb
- MediatorDefinition: an intermediary; one who intervenes between parties at odds for the purpose of reconciling their differences; serving as a go-between and occupying a neutral position; able to see both sides and draw the sides together; bringing accord Quote: • Unsolicited advice is the junk mail of life. — Bern Williams (1929-2003) English moral philosopher • Mediation is one of the most effective tools of non-violence. It can turn parties away from conflict, towards compromise. — Miroslav Lajcak (1963-) Slovak politician & diplomat Comment: It would be wise not to intervene, in most cases, unless invited. Although you can be an intercessor, in a sense, as one who prays for the parties at odds. Sometimes your position includes in its definition the role of mediator. As a parent you are a mediator by default. Advice: Notwithstanding Mr. Williams' quote, I have offered advice in this book. I hope some of it is of value to you, but if it does not strike a chord, then indeed, modify it to the best the you and the situation require.
- Maturity!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) moving toward the next level of growth; (2) developing or working out fully; becoming complete; perfecting
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Maturity: to have regained the seriousness that was had as a child at play. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflections:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Giving selflessly, in order to be truly mature, must include self-esteem, power, and the ability to clearly and compassionately communicate, especially in a confrontation.
• Maturity is our move from an egocentric universe to an other-centered universe. We traverse, as an individual or as a society, through survival, security, duty, subjective self-interest, pitiful altruism, helpfulness, and finally on to generosity – a person or group can get stuck in any one of these levels.Comment: Children try to establish their identity. One of the immature ways they do so is by exaggerating the differences they see. Somebody who has glasses is called four-eyes; somebody who is large is fat. There is a lack of subtlety in their differentiation between themselves and others.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Some adults (of any race) hold that someone who has a different skin color or a different genetic structure is superior or inferior. This prejudice gives the immature person a comparison to judge themselves by. Physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and historical differences are facts. Negative generalizations, are very dangerous and cannot fit all of any class.
The mature person goes beyond the façade. If there is a need to judge, they will do so based on the character of the individual, and how they act.Exercise: It is very instructive to listen to yourself on tape. You will hear what others hear when they listen to you. You get a sense of who you were, and how your mind worked back then. You will hear what you...
- Maturing!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) moving toward the next level of growth; (2) developing or working out fully; becoming complete; perfecting
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Maturity: to have regained the seriousness that was had as a child at play. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflections:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Giving selflessly, in order to be truly mature, must include self-esteem, power, and the ability to clearly and compassionately communicate, especially in a confrontation.
• Maturity is our move from an egocentric universe to an other-centered universe. We traverse, as an individual or as a society, through survival, security, duty, subjective self-interest, pitiful altruism, helpfulness, and finally on to generosity – a person or group can get stuck in any one of these levels.Comment: Children try to establish their identity. One of the immature ways they do so is by exaggerating the differences they see. Somebody who has glasses is called four-eyes; somebody who is large is fat. There is a lack of subtlety in their differentiation between themselves and others.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Some adults hold that someone who has a different skin color or a different genetic structure is superior or inferior. This prejudice gives the immature person a comparison to judge themselves by. Physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and historical differences are facts. Negative generalizations, are very dangerous and cannot fit all of any class.
The mature person goes beyond the façade. If there is a need to judge, they will do so based on the character of the individual, and how they act.Exercise: It is very instructive to listen to yourself on tape. You will hear what others hear when they listen to you. You get a sense of who you were, and how your mind worked back then. You will hear what you considered to be of...
- Matter-of-fact
Definitions: (1) true to the unembellished facts; literal; straightforward; (2) real
Balancing Qualities: Honest, Tactful
Quotes:
• I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author
• In our reasonings concerning matters of fact, there are all imaginable degrees of assurance, from the highest certainty to the lowest species of moral evidence. A wise man, therefore, proportions his belief to the evidence. ― David Hume (1711-1776) Scottish philosopher - Maternal
Definition: characteristic of a mother or motherhood <as loyal, supportive, protective, loving, giving, and generous>; matriarchal
See also: PaternalQuote: Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. — Chief Si'ahl [Seattle] (c. 1780-1866) Native American peacemaker
Symbols: 1) water; 2) the oven; 3) the goose; 4) the gorge; 5) the ocean; 6) the forest
Historic Figure: Anna Maria Jarvis (1864–1948) American teacher & business woman, proposed Mothers Day in 1905 in honor of her mother who wished for a "Mother's Day for Peace."
Theological Figure: Shakti: the cosmic energy of the Great Divine Mother — Hinduism
- Masterful
Definitions: (1) showing skill or knowledge proving one as an expert of a subject; (2) having the ability or power to control <self or others>; authoritative
Quotes:
• A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else. — George Savile (1633 –1695) English statesman & writer
• You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you. — Brian Tracy (1944-) Canadian-American motivational public speaker - Marvelous
Definitions: (1) the highest kind or quality; notably superior; (2) causing wonder, astonishment, or surprise; (3) may be miraculous; supernatural; or extraordinary
Quotes:
• Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous. — Billy Don [Bill] Moyers (1934-) American journalist
• I give infinite thanks to God, who has been pleased to make me the first observer of marvelous things. — Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, & engineerComment: With a healthy and humble sense of self, a self-assessment of being marvelous would not be egotistical. Give yourself credit for the magnificence you have created, and the ideals you will continue to generate.
- Mannerly
Definition: showing good conduct; polite; courteous; well-behaved; couth
Quotes:
• Manners are like the shadow of virtues; they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect. — Sydney Smith (1771–1845) English wit, writer, & cleric
• Manners are sensitive awareness of the feeling of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use. — Emily Post [née Price] American etiquette expert - Maneuverable
Definition: able to move skillfully toward an objective or away from an obstacle; able to devise a successful stratagem or scheme; shrewd
Quote: The dragonfly is an exceptionally beautiful insect and a fierce carnivore. It has four wings that beat independently. This gives it an ability to maneuver in the air with superb dexterity. A dragonfly can put on a burst of speed, stop on a dime, hover, fly backward, and switch direction in a flash. — Richard Preston (1954-) American non-fiction writer
Note: Dragonflies beat their wings 1,800 times per minute. Hummingbirds are able to beat their wings (depending on their size) from 720 to 4,800 times per minute. Thus they can hover, fly backwards, sideways, belly up, and straight up. Bees beat their wings from 12,480 to 16,830 time per minute! - Malleable
Definitions: (1) a capacity for adaptive change; amenable; (2) willing to be altered or influenced by outside forces; yielding
Balancing Quality: Sturdy
Familial Quality: flexible
Quote: The past is malleable and flexible, changing as our recollection interprets and re-explains what has happened. — Peter Ludwig Berger (1929–2017) Austrian-born American sociologist
Note: Not only recollection and the vagaries of memory but also the layers and layers of growth helping us to put history in a broader context. - MAJESTIC
Divine Definitions: (1) Very grand and dignified; august; prestigious; (2) Admirable; esteemed; (3) Astoundingly magnanimous; (4) Exquisite, marvelous; (5) The maker of miracles
Synonyms: God deserves to be thought of in the loftiest of concepts. Humans can fathom only a small bit of what He actually is. Additional superlatives would be: amazing, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, superb, supernal.
Quote: For from the grandeur and beauty of created things their Original Author, by analogy, is seen. — Amenemope (?-983 BC) Wisdom of Amenemopet 13:5 {1550-1350 BC}
Comment: God has everything and can lose nothing – no matter how much of Himself he gives away His infinity remains full. Even a human who has everything can afford to be magnanimous. How much more generous is The One who wants us to share in everything He is?
MAJESTY
Human Definitions: (1) dignity of personality or character; august; noble; (2) splendid; elevated; stately; (3) admirably magnanimousDerivation: Old French, “grandeur, greatness”
Synonyms: composed, esteemed, prestigious
Quote: The human face is the organic seat of beauty. It is the register of value in development, a record of experience, whose legitimate office is to perfect the life, a legible language to those who will study it, of the majestic mistress, the soul. — Eliza Farnham (1815–1864) American novelist
- MagnificentDefinitions: (1) impressive to the mind or spirit; exalted; noble; sublime; (2) imposingly beautiful; splendidly sumptuous Synonyms: glorious, gorgeous, stately People Who Exemplify This Quality: Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564) Italian sculptor, painter, & architect Note: I have to assume he was magnificent because his sculptures of David and the Pietà, his painting of the Sistine chapel, and his architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica are such fine examples of magnificence. He certainly had a magnificent talent. Quote: We must maintain pride in the knowledge that the actions we take, based on our own decisions and choices as individuals, link directly to the magnificent challenge of transforming human history. — Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) Japanese Buddhist philosopher & educator
- Magnetic
Definition: possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract <a magnetic personality>; charismatic
Quote: Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened too, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. — Augustus Menninger (1893–1990) American psychiatrist
Observation: When a magnet is "magnetized," it has remanence. The word ‘remanence’ means "that which remains." Once a person is exposed to the strong magnetic field of a person, place, event, or even an object, they are effectively mesmerized. Jesus was such a person. The Grand Canyon is such a place. All positive values leave a remanence.
- Magnanimous
Definitions: (1) elevated in mental or emotional sentiment; lofty of mind; showing or suggesting a superior and courageous spirit; (2) exhibiting nobleness of soul; liberal and honorable; (3) rising above pettiness or meanness; generous in overlooking injury or insult
Derivation: Latin, “great mind, soul, or spirit”
Synonyms: exalted, high-minded, high-souled, unselfish
Familial Quality: forgiving
Quotes:
• It is the characteristic of the magnanimous man to ask no favor but the be ready to do kindness to others. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• Magnanimous people have no vanity, they have no jealousy, and they feed on the true and the solid wherever they find it. And, what is more, they find it everywhere. — Van Wyck Brooks (1886–1963) American literary critic & historianColor: yellow
- Meditative!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) serious contemplation or mental reflection; musing; (2) thinking about doing; planning; (3) holding a superior attitude in mind; devotion
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: cogitative, consider, ponder, ruminate, study
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: calm, comfortable, confident, peaceful, reflective, restful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Tip: Relaxation is an integral part of meditation. The meditative state establishes a link between the mind and the spirit. Relaxation leaves you open to receive.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Meditations:
To develop a particular quality you want, meditate on that quality. Sit quietly, breath deeply, be calm. Chant “Om” if you wish. Then visualize, at the top of your head – the crown chakra, the divine essence of that quality. Invoke it to fill your aura with itself. Next move it into your mind, contemplating the aspects of the quality having to do with your thinking process. Open yourself to it. Ask the quality to fill you totally with itself. Give it permission to be what it needs to be in your life.
Move it down into the throat chakra, again asking and giving permission for your communication skills to be indicative of that quality. Linger on each area. As you move to the heart chakra, feel the joy of the quality; feel the substance of it enriching your life. Continue this process through all of the chakras (Crown, 3rd Eye, Throat/Ears, Thymus, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral, and Root.) throughout your body, down to the bottoms of your feet. Immerse yourself in the quality, accepting it as now part of you. Allow it to infuse you. Return the energy up through your body to its source, and then all the way back down again. Wash this spiritual energy like waves throughout your physical, mental, and spiritual systems several times. Then let it settle comfortably.
Visualize the quality sinking into the earth and... - Magical!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) any unusual, seemingly inexplicable, or extraordinary power or influence; (2) mysteriously impressive; beautiful <The sight of the Grand Canyon is magical.>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Logic gives you what you need; magic gives you what you want. — Thomas “Tom” Eugene Robbins (1936-) Even Cowgirls Get the Blues {1976}
• Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. — Arthur Charles Clarke (1917-2008) British science fiction author
• What they say in Alcoholics Anonymous is that you cannot stop drinking. Everybody who ends up in AA has tried every way they know to stop drinking. The only way you can stop drinking is by turning things over to a power greater than yourself. You have to determine what that power greater than yourself is. Some people say it’s a redwood tree they found in the forest when they were out walking and looking for inspiration. Some people say it’s God. Some people say it’s the stars. Every type of person who has had most of their brain cells burned out still gets sober through some magical thing. So, for me, I would say, it was magic. — Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographer & bar tenderComment: At least some kinds of magic are connected with generosity. Consider the incident with the loaves and fishes. Jesus was compelled by compassion and generosity to feed the assembled people. The multitudes didn’t exactly take things in the spirit given. They said, “Great, something for nothing, a free lunch.”
From the outside, magic looks like something is happening that cannot happen. Magicians are revered because they seem to have more power and therefore more freedom and control.
You may not have the resources to create loaves and fishes but you do have the resources to do something. You do have the power and freedom to be sympathetic or empathetic. You can be giving and sharing. Abundance is available to... - Lyrical
Definition: (1) poetic, musical, song-like; (2) characteristic of high, light, and flexible qualities; (3) expressive of feeling and emotion, especially spontaneous enthusiasm; exuberant, rhapsodic
Derivation: Greek, "singing to the lyre"
Quote: Without lyric, it is difficult to touch the core of a person. — Dayananda Saraswati (1824-1883) Indian social reformer
- Luxurious
Definitions: (1) using and enjoying the best available <physical comfort, mental stimulation, emotional contentment, or spiritual satisfaction>; (2) profuse abundance; splendidly rich; (3) nature’s pristine lushness; plush; posh
Quotes:
• It is a luxury to be understood. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher
• The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity. — Jack Roosevelt (Jackie) Robinson (1919-1972) American baseball player - Lustrous
Definition: possessing qualities that shine pleasingly to the observer; bright; luminous; brilliant; splendid; illustrious
Derivation: Proto Indo European, "to spread light, illuminate"
Poetry:
The earth has grown old with its burden of care,
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair,
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
When the song of angels is sung.
— Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) American clergyman & authorQuote: Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom. — William Penn (1644–1718) English writer & peacemaker
- Luscious
Definitions: (1) richly satisfying to the senses or the mind; (2) sexually attractive; seductive; voluptuous
Derivation: Middle English, shortened form of "delicious"
Quotes:
• L.O.V.E = Luscious Omnipresent Vibrational Energy — Stanley Victor Paskavich (1958-) American Author
• To smell and enjoy the beauty of this precious journey we call life, decorate yourself with luscious scenic nature. — Debasish Mridha (?1970) American physician & philosopher - Luminous
Definitions: (1) radiating or reflecting light; shining; bright; fulgurous; (2) intellectually brilliant; readily intelligible; (3) enlightened or enlightening; clear; (3) conspicuous splendor
Quotes:
• What is to give light must endure burning. — Dr. Victor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian Holocaust survivor of the Theresienstadt concentration camp
• At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. — Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Alsatian polymath [seven disciplines]Symbol: Aquarius (zodiac)
- Lucky!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: accompanied by or having good fortune; meeting with unforeseen success
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: Fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one’s deserts; happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed; providential implies the help or intervention of a higher power; lykke: Danish, happiness and good fortune.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: courage, discipline, fortitude, risk taker
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Luck is where opportunity and preparedness meet. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (c. 4 bc–ad 65) Roman Stoic philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Parable: There is [an ancient Zen] Chinese story of an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills, and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg they let him alone. Now was that good luck or bad luck? Who knows? Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil, depending on your attitude. — Father Anthony de Mello, S.J. (1931-1987) Sadhana – A Way to God {1978}Advice: If you are on a roll, ride it; but keep your eye out for the greed sign.
!--... - Lucid
Definitions: (1) presenting a clear, distinct view; easily understood, intelligible or transparent; ; transpicuous <easily understood> (2) mentally sound; sane; rational; (3) bright; resplendent
Derivation: Latin, “shining, light”
Quotes:
• The only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity. — Albert Camus (1913-1960) French philosopher
• If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation. — Zhuangzi [Zhuang Zhou] (369-286 BC) Chinese philosopher - Loyalty
Definitions: (1) unswerving in allegiance; constant and faithful in any relationship or obligation implying trust, confidence, or care; (2) the willing bond of the self to a cause, leader, or friend
Parental Qualities: duty, faith
One cannot help but be loyal to what is held in faith.Familial Quality: growth
Quotes:
• Live loyally today – grow – and tomorrow will attend to itself. (100:1.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The back of the arrow follows the front as if from love and loyalty. — Mark Helprin (1947-) Refiner’s Fire {1994}Comments:
• The ideal of loyalty is eventually spoiled if what you are loyal to is focused on selfishness.
• Love may not be the primary motive of a relationship. It may be duty or tradition or obedience, but if the people involved persist with loyal action, they will end up loving.Symbol: 1) the dog; 2) nasturtiums
- Loyal
Definitions: (1) unswerving in allegiance; constant and faithful in any relationship or obligation implying trust, confidence, or care; leal; (2) the willing bond of the self to a cause, leader, or friend
Parental Qualities: duty, faith
One cannot help but be loyal to what is held in faith.Familial Quality: growth
Quotes:
• Live loyally today – grow – and tomorrow will attend to itself. (100:1.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The back of the arrow follows the front as if from love and loyalty. — Mark Helprin (1947-) Refiner’s Fire {1994}Comments:
• The ideal of loyalty is eventually spoiled if what you are loyal to is focused on selfishness.
• Love may not be the primary motive of a relationship. It may be duty or tradition or obedience, but if the people involved persist with loyal action, they will end up loving.Symbol: 1) the dog; 2) nasturtiums
- Lovely
Definitions: (1) having a beauty appealing to the heart, mind, or eye; charmingly graceful; (2) highly pleasing; delightful; (3) possessing moral or spiritual splendor
Quotes:
• The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. — Richard David Bach (1936-) American writer
• You traverse the world in search of happiness, which is within the reach of every man. A contented mind confers it on all. — Horace (65-8 BC) Roman lyric poet - Love!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) a deep affection for another person, idea, or ideal; to hold dear; cherish; (2) to feel a lover’s passion, devotion, or tenderness; (3) one who is well-beloved; (4) the heart of all true, beautiful, and good qualities; (5) ability to give and draw intense interest or affection; charitable; (6) the ability to elicit great pleasure
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: caring, friendship, honesty, respect, trust
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: self-forgetfulness
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Love is blind. When you are doing something you love, or are with someone you love, you are in a state of bliss that is oblivious to all ills. When you are in love, you think not of yourself; your joy lies in thinking of ways to delight, comfort, and interest your loved one.
At play one is enveloped in the excitement, interest, and concentration on the goal.Too Far: smothering love
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “All You Need Is Love” {1967}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
(Love, love, love)
Nothing you can make that can't be made
(Love, love, love)
No one you can save that can't be saved
(Love, love, love)
Nothing you can do
But you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy
— John Winston Lennon (1940-1980) Revolutionary artist; The Beatles (1960-1970)Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !--...
• Amor vincit omnia (Latin): “Love conquers all things.”
• Namaste (Hindi): “The God in me honors the God in you.”
• Aloha oe (Hawaiian): “Love to you”; “Greetings”; “Farewell”
Poetry:
Good shepherd, tell this youth what ’tis to love.
It is to be all made of sighs and tears;
It is to be all made of faith and service;
It is to be all made of fantasy;
All made of passion, and all made of wishes;
All adoration, duty, and observance;
All humbleness, all patience, and impatience;
All purity, all trial, all obeisance.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) As You Like It {1623} - Lovable
Definition: worthy of love; endearing; possessing qualities that attract love or admiration; amiable
Quote: Anyone can love a thing because. That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect. — Patrick James Rothfuss (1973-) The Wise Man’s Fear {2011}
- Loose
Definitions: (1) having a flexible or relaxed character; (2) not confining or bound mentally or emotionally; free and easy
Too Far: sloppy, slutty, uncaring
Quotes:
• The ideal attitude is to be physically loose and mentally tight. — Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. (1943–993) American tennis player
• The fully integrated person is capable of being both an adult and a child simultaneously. Recapture is the childlike feelings of wide-eyed excitement, spontaneous appreciation, cutting loose, and being full of awe and wonder at this magnificent universe. — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940-2015) American author & speakerAdvise: Find a balance between ‘tight as a drum’ and ‘loose as a goose.’
- Long-suffering
Definition: bearing injuries, insults, or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked
Balancing Quality: Hope
Consideration: If you know you can and will do your best “under the circumstances” then you are a practitioner of long-suffering. The “circumstances” may be a singular negative incident (an accident, victimization, being in the wrong place at the wrong time) or the circumstances can be plural (all of the events of a life). We are all putting up with difficulty. The consequences may be a change or an adjustment for the foreseeable future.
Even if everything is going well, it is necessary to deal with the repercussions of internal growth, external change, and aging.Quote: The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. — The Bible, Galatians 5:22-23
Admonition: Do not call stubbornness, a lack of willingness to change, long-suffering. Most of the time you can do something about the situation. If nothing else, control your attitude.
Symbol: the ox
- Logical
Definitions: (1) the art of thinking and reasoning justly; (2) formally true or valid; (3) using correct rationality; (4) a persuasive argument with an expected and necessary progression; one thing rationally and sensibly following each statement; (5) the presentation of facts, feelings, and/or beliefs so as to give the listener reason to accept a given conclusion; teleology <explanation in terms of purpose>
Axiom: As above, so below. — The Emerald Tablet (2nd century BC)
Quotes:
• Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. — Scott Raymond Adams (1957-) American cartoonist
• We are approaching a new age of synthesis. Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill... it demands a broader vision, capabilities in critical thinking and logical deduction without which we cannot have constructive progress. — Sir Ka-shing Li (1928-) Hong Kong philanthropist - Lofty
Definitions: (1) elevated in character, quality, or condition; sublime; exalted; (2) noble in sentiment or diction; eminent; dignified
Derivation: Old Norse, “air,” “heaven”
Synonyms: high, proud, stately
Balancing Quality: Humble
Too Far: conceited
Quote:
• Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. — James Allen (1864–1912) British philosophical writer & poet
• The self-directed man says, “Look at me, I am better than the rest of you.” The noble man says, I am better than I used to be.” The humble man says, “How can I apply my talents to help others?” — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940-2015) American author & speaker
Symbol: winged sandals - Lively
Definitions: (1) vigorous; active; (2) cheerful; airy; (3) spirited; exciting; stimulating; (4) strong; intense; stirring; (5)brilliant; fresh; (6) quick to rebound, to spring back; resilient
Synonyms: Lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy; animated applies to what is spirited, alive, and sparkling; gaiety stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits; sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit; vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring; bouncy describes a person who is confident and full of life; chirpy is one who is cheerful and dynamic.
Poetry:
Humility makes us more friendly.
Happiness makes us more lively.
Love makes us more caring.
Dream makes us more daring.
Trust makes us more forgiving.
Kindness makes us more loving.
Hope gives us the joy of dreaming.
Peace gives us the joy of living.
— Debasish Mridha (~1970’s) American physician & philosopherQuote:
Life is a lively process of becoming. — Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) American generalObservation: No one gets through life unscathed.
- Liturgical
Definitions: (1) the willingness of the individual to share personal beliefs and faiths with others; (2) pertaining to the established formulas for public worship or the entire ritual for formal group worship
Derivation: Latin, “public service”
Quote: In the history of the liturgy there is growth and progress. What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith and prayer. — Pope Benedict XVI [born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger] (1927–2022)
Observation: There is a collective and combining power when a group of sincere people get together for the uplifting of their hearts and minds in worship, meditation, or discussion about God.
- Listening
Definition: a person who hears what is said; one who pays careful attention to everything <but especially to people>
Saying: Listen thrice. Think twice. Speak once.
Quote: Never miss a good chance to shut up. — William Penn Adair Rogers (1879–1935) American actor
Comment: A good listener understands not only the words but also the meaning and intent of the speaker. A good listener hears with thoughtful attentiveness because the other person is worthy of respect. A good listener will also try to remember what was said hoping to incorporate the best of it in their own realm of reason.
Advice: Make sure you listen to what is going to come out of your mouth before it comes out of your mouth. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
- Lithesome
Definition: flexible; limber; nimble; pliant; supple
Derivations: German, “soft;” Old English, “gentle, meek, mellow”
Compatible Quality: Blithesome: (1) having a cheerful disposition; carefree; (2) filled with, marked by, or causing pleasure
Quote: I know that in life there will be sickness, devastation, disappointments, heartache - it's a given. What's not a given is the way you choose to get through it all. If you look hard enough, you can always find the bright side. — Rashida Leah Jones (1976-) American actress, writer, producer, & director
Suggestion: Try out a quirky face or a blithesome attitude just to see how you like it and the odd looks you get.
- Lionhearted
Definition: exceptionally courageous or strong; magnanimous
Quote: The truth is like a lion. You do not have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself. — Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354–430) Roman Empire theologian and philosopher
Symbol: The lion serves as a powerful representation of courage, strength, & resilience. And, like all qualities, it needs to partner with the tender qualities to reach its true potential.
- Limber
Definitions: (1) capable of being shaped; flexible; (2) having a supple and resilient mind or body; agile; nimble
Synonyms: lithe, pliable, pliant
Quote: The hallmark of creative people is their mental flexibility… Sometimes they are open and probing, at others they’re playful and off-the-wall. At still other times, they’re critical and faultfinding. And finally they’re doggedly persistent in striving to reach their goals. — Roger von Oech (1948-) American speaker, author, & toy-maker
Comment: There are two obvious ways to get physically limber: one is one is Yoga and the other is stretching which is informal yoga.. To get mentally limber, read and discuss new ideas. Flex the brain muscles.
Food: The herb Gotu Kola, or Indian Pennywort (Centella asiatica), is said to assist in the transference of the brain’s synaptic connections. When that word is just on the tip of your tongue, or your thoughts are just not flowing smoothly, Gotu Kola might help.
- Likable
Definition: having qualities that compel approval; pleasant; agreeable; attractive; genial
Saying: I do love you but I also like you; you’re the best.
Quote: Having emotional intelligence allows you to manage your emotions, show empathy, and prevent you from getting distracted. It also helps you solve problems and be a more likable person. — John Rampton (1984-) American entrepreneur
Comment: In order to categorize yourself or someone else as ‘likable’ or ‘unlikable,’ you have to have an internal measure, a standard, to support your supposition.Advice: You should try to love everybody, but you don’t have to like everybody. Albeit, if you look for their motives, you will probably see reasons to like them.
- Lighthearted
Definitions: (1) free from care or anxiety; infused with joy; light-minded; (2) cheerfully optimistic and hopeful; easygoing
Proverb:
Where there is light in the soul there will be beauty in the person.
Where there is beauty in the person there will be harmony in the home.
Where there is harmony in the home there will be honor in the nation.
Where there is honor in the nation there will be peace in the world.
— Ancient ChineseQuote: Who says a lighthearted approach to business is incompatible with success? — Herbert David Kelleher (1931–2019) American airline businessman
Comment: Even if things are difficult on the material level, with a focus on the positive, your personal spiritual connection can be lighthearted. It may not change your mood, but you can be heartened in your faith.
- LIGHT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The Being who is the light and makes it possible to see; showing the way; (2) Extremely beautiful; ravishing; (3) Broadcasting love; radiant; (4) Emitting health; glowing; (5) Diffusion of mental knowledge; enlightening; (6) Emanating spiritual knowledge; elucidating; (7) Free from burden; infused with joy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, and it was good. — The Bible, Genesis 1:3,4
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is pure light. There is no darkness in his light, especially not in The Source and Creator of light. All of God’s choices are good. Of course, there is no evil in God. Even though He gave us free will, He did not create evil. Evil is the result of immature and unwise choosing, a shadow across the loving light of God.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --LIGHTNESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) mental illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; (2) free from care; cheerful; happy; (3) extremely beautiful; ravishing; animate; bright; (4) nimble, buoyant, lively; (5) having a shining nature, character, or personality; (6) willing to show the way; (7) emitting health; glowing; (8) diffusion of mental knowledge; elucidating; (9) emanating spiritual knowledge; enlighteningSynonyms: delicate, easy, gentle, radiant, shimmery, unencumbered
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Let your light shine trough.
• A candle’s light is best seen in the dark.Quotes:
• Some people change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat. — Caroline Schoeder, American aphorist
• We are all facets of the diamond which is God ... Each of us reflecting light in our own way. — Linda Ohlson Graham (1947-) American poet
• Only those who live up to the highest light they have find their lives in harmony. Those who act on their highest... - Liberty
Definitions: (1) the power to do as one pleases; the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges; the power of choice; (2) freedom from restraint <The body is at liberty when not confined or when no physical force operates to restrain its action or volition.>; (3) freedom from arbitrary or despotic control <The will or mind is at liberty when not coerced or checked.>
Derivation: Latin, “free”
Saying: To enjoy privilege without abuse, to have liberty without license, to possess power and steadfastly refuse to use it for self-aggrandizement – these are the marks of high civilization. (48:7.8) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Quotes:
• Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people. — John Adams (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States
• Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power. — James Madison (1751–1836) 4th President of the United States
• The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd President of the United States
• Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty. — Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) 40th President of the United StatesComment: Enduring liberty is based on intelligent, mature, fraternal, and equal justice.
Symbol: footwear [since slaves walked barefoot]
- Liberal
Definitions: (1) free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant; (2) generous and willing to give freely or abundantly; bountiful; largehearted; (3) free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, or judgments; open-minded; (4) favorable to or broadminded to progress or reform <as in political or religious affairs>
Balancing Quality: Conservative
Quotes:
• The hand of liberality is stronger than the arm of power. — Saadi Shirazi (1210-1291) Persian poet
• God is not troubled by one who is conservative or liberal, and He certainly never inclines His ear toward a donkey or an elephant. — Max Lucado (1955-) American author & ministerComment: The political meanings of words are now the dominant meanings of those words. Once in a while remember their original definitions for some perspective.
- Levity
Definition: (1) lightness of mind, character, or behavior; frivolity; (2) able to treat a serious matter with humor
Derivation: Latin, “gaiety”
Quotes:
• Singing aloud leaves you with a sense of levity and contentedness. — Brian Peter George Eno (1948-) British musician
• If you're gonna do something as silly and lighthearted, then why not be interesting when you're doing it? — Chelsea Joy Handler (1975-) American comedian & actress - Levelheaded
Definition: showing common sense or sound judgment; reasonable; possessing an even temper
Quotes:
• When things are steep, remember to stay level-headed. — Horace [born Quintus Horatius Flaccus] (65-8 BC) Roman lyric poet
• Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. —Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) preacher and writer - Lenient
Definitions: (1) having an easygoing forbearance; indulgent; agreeably tolerant; merciful; mild; (2) having a soothing influence; the ability to relieve pain, stress, or harshness; (3) willing to alleviate difficulty; (4) to pamper
Derivation: Latin, “mild, soft, smooth”
Quotes:
• Be not so severe as to cause disgust, nor so lenient as to make people presume. — Saadi Shirazi (1210-1291) Persian poet
• Self-care is not about self-indulgence; it is about self-preservation. — Audre Geraldine Lorde [African name: She-Who-Makes-Her-Meaning-Known] (1934–1992) American writer, professor, poet, & activist - Leisurely
Definition: deliberate; slow; unhurried; without haste; laidback
Derivation: Latin, "To be allowed"
Quotes:
• Leisure is the mother of philosophy. — Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) English philosopher
• Leisure is the most challenging responsibility a man can be offered. — Lord William Russell (1639-1683) English politician
• There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature. — Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) American naturalist - Legitimate
Definitions: (1) conforming to established rules, principles, or standards; law-abiding; (2) applied agreement to the precepts of reasoning; logical; valid; (3) genuine; real; justified <a legitimate complaint>; kosher: Hebrew, "genuine &/or legitimate"
Quotes:
• To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival. — Wendell Berry (1934-) American, sixth generation Kentucky farmer & poet
• No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it. — George Washington Carver (1864–1943) Agricultural scientist - Learned!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: (1) having or showing profound or extensive education; well-informed; erudite; (2) boffin <a person with a unique knowledge or skill; (3) quick-minded <learning come easily and with clear comprehension; (4) scient <learned; having knowledge, information, or skill; philology <love of learning
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Ab uno disce omnes (Latin): “From one, learn to know all.”
• Docendo discimus (Latin): “We learn by teaching.”
• Fas est et ab hoste doceri (Latin): “It is right to learn, even from an enemy.”
• If you can’t say, “I don’t know,” you don’t learn.Quotes:
• As soon as you say you know the answer there is no where else for you to go. You can stay where you are or repeat where you have been. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• Space for Copernicus was not the same as space for Newton, and space for Newton was not the same as space for Einstein. We always learn a little bit more. — Carlo Rovelli (1956-) Italian physicist
• Ninety-two percent of what you learn is linked with something that you learned before you were 10 years old! — Gloria Frender, American educator
Note: Connect what you want to learn to something already known, but also link the new material with something strongly desired.
• [Merlin:] The best thing for being sad is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder in your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then – to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust and never dream of regretting. Learning is the thing for... - Leadership!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who advances an idea or enhances the progress of a project <usually with the cooperation of others>; (2) ability to influence, exert authority
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: the ability to listen
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: humility, mercy, self-correcting
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: experienced
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: bossy, domineering
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Way Too Far: tyrannical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• If I had to choose one quality to distinguish the best new leaders, it is “openness to criticism,” the passion for continual self-development, which teaches the leader to value the development of others. — Michael MacCoby (1933-2022) The Leader {1981}
• If you think about it, people love others not for who they are, but for how they make us feel. We willingly follow others for much the same reason. In order to willingly accept the direction of another individual, it must feel good to do so. — Irwin Federman (1936-) President and CEO, Monolithic MemoriesComments:
• One of the hard to develop, but essential, qualities of a leader is the ability to overcome obstacles.
• If a person takes the responsibility, he or she has to expect others will want to assess reward or blame for success or failure. The good leader will have included the group in the decisions leading to the outcome.
• There are different types of leader-follower relationships: sergeant-private, teacher-student, manager-employee, parent-child: all have different degrees of learning, risk, control, intention, and care involved. The situation and the individuals dictate what pressures, hand-holding, and nudging are needed.
• The lubricant between a leader and a team is dialogue, communication. A leader has to be sensitive to, and find... - Law-abiding
Definitions: (1) foreknowledge of and in harmony with obeying the law; respectful of the law; dutiful; licit; (2) the ability to know fact from fiction and right from wrong
Quotes:
• Only outer peace can be had through law. The way to inner peace is through love. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Mere obedience to the law does not measure the greatness of a nation. ... The true test is the extent to which the individuals composing the nation can be trusted to obey self-imposed law. — Lord John Fletcher Moulton (1844-1921) English barrister and judge
• The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy. — John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) 6thPresident of the United States
• Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Mark 12:17Comment: Laws, rules, and regulations have been made to state the obvious, like the protection of the innocent, and also because some will take unfair advantage when the opportunity is available. When that happens, society makes a law.
On the other hand, straying from the (unfair) law may be necessity, thus civil disobedience.Questions: What should be allowed? How much freedom should be given? Is it the level the individual can cope with or the level the society can deal with? How can we be sure something like nuclear material or the idea of freedom can be handled safely and responsibly? – only time, trust, and common sense are safeguards.
Note: We can learn from history, adjust accordingly, and hope for positive possibilities.Symbol: The Archpriestess (tarot)
- Laudable
Definition: praiseworthy; commendable
Derivation: Latin, “praise”
How to Live This Quality Today: Do what you are supposed to do.
Quote: Cheerfulness is among the most laudable virtues. It gains you the good will and friendship of others. It blesses those who practice it and those upon whom it is bestowed. — Bertie Charles Forbes (1880-1954) American journalist
Note: It is up to you to pick your favorite laudable values. - Laid-back
Definition: relaxed; easygoing; carefree
Quote: You cannot be laid back at any given time and think 'you have made it.' You need to have your head on your shoulders and have the right attitude. Your attitude is extremely important. — Vaani Kapoor (1988-) Indian actress
Comment: Newton was laid-back just enjoying his break when he was bonked on the noggin with an apple. The apple was not filled with magic. It was the fact that Isaac was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, author, and a natural philosopher. In other words a thinker.
How to Live This Quality Today: Lie back in a hammock, watch the clouds go by, and count your blessings.
- Ladylike
Definition: possessing elegant manners; genteel; refined; polite; well-spoken
Note: All qualities are gender neutral. The traits described in the definitions are universally applicable.
See also: GentlemanlyProverb: A man dreams of conquering the world. Does a woman dream of any less? — Chinese
Quotes: Truth is a demure lady, much too ladylike to knock you on your head and drag you to her cave. She is there, but people must want her, and seek her out. — William Francis Buckley, Jr. (1925–2008) American conservative writer
- Knowledgeable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) mentally understood as fact or truth; well-informed; (2) keen to perceive; intelligent; (3) possessing appreciative insight; apprehending with clarity and certainty; (4) having a memory of or an experience with; solid recognition; (5) aware of or familiar with; having information about; (6) practiced
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: comprehension, erudite, learned, skillful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Interested
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: Incisive: penetrating knowledge; insightful: knowledge about the inner nature of things; instinctive: knowledge from a previous generation; intuitive: knowledge without the conscious use of reasoning; perspicuous: an ability to recognize the inner other
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Action begets knowledge. Information begets understanding.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverbs:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Knowledge is power. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesman
• Know thyself [Nosce te ipsum (Latin); Gnothi seauton (Greek)] and thou shall know all the mysteries of the gods and of the universe. — Socrates (c. 429-399 bc) Classical Greek philosopher
Note: Socrates never wrote anything down but he is quoted widely. It is reported that he was fond of saying, “All virtues are interlocked in the ‘knowledge of the human good.’ It is your responsibility to know the value of value. Your choices shape your soul which is your destiny.”Quotes:
• The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be oneself. — Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) French essayist
• I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said, “I do not know.” — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• [Merlin:] It is never wise to turn aside from knowing, however the knowing comes. — Mary Stewart [born Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow]... - Knightly
Definition: exhibiting those characteristics associated with knights, specifically chivalry, dignity, bravery, honesty, and goodness
Note: Every quality is ultimately manifested uniquely with each individual personality – male or female.Quotes:
• The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. — Honore de Balzac (1799–1850) French literary artist
• The stories of Ulysses and Agamemnon and Menelaus, of Jesus, of the Good Knight of Chaucer, lives in every one of us. — James Lee Burke (1936-) American authorSymbols: 1) the sword; 2) a paladin
Legendary Figure: King Arthur, the legendary British king (who may have lived in the sixth century AD) fostered the idea of right versus might.
- KIND
Divine Definitions: (1) Intrinsically good; (2) The personal application of fairness; (3) Open-hearted; warmhearted; (4) Willing to help; (5) Able to put up with imperfection; clement; (6) Forbearing
Quote: We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. — Mother Teresa [born Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu] (1910–1997) Albanian nun
KINDNESS
Human Definitions: (1) disposed to be helpful and solicitous; gentle and considerate; good and tenderhearted; friendly; generous; (2) affectionate; loving; agreeable; (3) inclined to offer sympathetic relief; willing to give pleasure; (4) able to put up with abuse; clement; (5) not quick to lash out; tolerantSynonyms: affable, avuncular, courteous, nice, polite
Quotes:
• Perfect kindness acts without thinking of kindness. — Lao-tse (c. 6th Century BC) Chinese philosopher
• It is kindness that makes one strong and brave. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Patchwork Girl of Oz {1913}Symbols: 1) the dolphin; 2) the elephant {Kind, Compassionate, and Loving} (Hindu)
- Keen
Definitions: (1) acutely or finely perceptive; extremely sensitive, responsive, or alert; keen-witted; (2) having great acumen; shrewdly intelligent; penetratingly astute; (3) animated by strong feeling or desire; eager; interested; enthusiastic; (4) a recognition of delight; great; wonderful; marvelous
Quote: The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monk
Observations:
• Men's minds tend to fear more keenly those things that are absent. — Gaius Julius Caesar (100 BC–44 BC) Roman general & statesman
• It is hard to prevent oneself from believing what one so keenly desires. — Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) Genevan philosopher - JUST!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The Divine arbiter; (2) Conforming to the facts; reasonable; (3) Able to discern accurately; discriminating; (4) The final judge; the universal appraiser; (5) Pertaining to suitable treatment of; judicious; (6) Approving of an honest effort; fair; (7) The ultimate value critic; the penetrating evaluator
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Perfect knowledge and infinite wisdom assures the exact amount of justice and the precise amount of mercy to be applied to any living soul.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --JUDICIOUS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definition: possessing sound judgment; discreet; prudent; wiseSynonyms: discerning, expedient, politic, sagacious, sensible, thoughtful, well-advised, well-judged
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Ex pede Herculem (Latin) “From the foot of Hercules” [From a part we may judge the whole.]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• All the way to heaven is heaven. — Saint Catherine of Siena [born Caterina Benincasa] (1347-1380) Italian Catholic theologian
• Don’t wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day. — Albert Camus (1913-1960) French-Algerian philosopher
• Judge men by their fruits, not by their roots; and their fruits are their character, their deeds, and accomplishments. — Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) American theologianReflection: On judgment day, God is not going to ask you what you have done, but who you are becoming.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Symbol: The planet Jupiter
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Isn’t it interesting that Jupiter is the symbol of both Jovial and Judicious.JUSTICE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph...
Human Definitions: (1) having principles of rectitude, honesty, and righteousness; upright; proper; (2) equitable; impartial; fair; (3) the duty of a judge; discriminating, reliable, and reasonable - Judicious
Definition: possessing sound judgment; discreet; prudent; wise
Synonyms: discerning, expedient, politic, sagacious, sensible, thoughtful, well-advised, well-judged
Saying: Ex pede Herculem (Latin): “From the foot of Hercules” [From a part we may judge the whole.]
Quotes:
• All the way to heaven is heaven. — Saint Catherine of Siena [born Caterina Benincasa] (1347-1380) Italian Catholic theologian
• I shall tell you a great secret, my friend. Don’t wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day. — Albert Camus (1913-1960) French-Algerian philosopher
• Judge men by their fruits, not by their roots; and their fruits are their character, their deeds, and accomplishments. — Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) American theologianReflection: On judgment day, God is not going to ask you what you have done, but who you are becoming.
Symbol: The planet Jupiter
Note: Isn’t it interesting that Jupiter is the symbol of both Jovial and Judicious. - Jubilant
Definitions: (1) characterizes a time or attitude of happy celebration and rejoicing; (2) spontaneously expressing joy; triumphant; exultant
Quotes:
• I cried when I was born and I shall die laughing. — Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj [born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli] (1897–1981) Indian guru
• We can all learn to live jubilantly. We can all learn to alter our attitudes so that we can better realize our dreams. — Joan Lunden [born Joan Elise Blunden] (1950-) American journalist, author, & television host - Joyful
Definition: feeling, expressing, or causing a very glad feeling; happiness; grateful pleasure; delight
Synonyms: ecstasy, exultation, rapture, muditā <the joy coming from other people's well-being>
Quotes:
• To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) Puddin’head Wilson
• The more in harmony with yourself you are, the more joyful you are and the more faithful you are. Faith is not to disconnect you from reality - it connects you to reality. — Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947-) Brazilian lyricist and novelistComment: J. Krishnamurti (1895-1986), the great Indian philosopher, advises us to be “joyfully discontent.” In other words, be satisfied you have made it to where you are but be dissatisfied just enough to keep on growing.
Symbols: 1) hibiscus flowers 2) the butterfly (Chinese); 3) a ship [plowing through the sea]
Mythological Figure: Euphrosyne, one of the three Graces of Greek mythology—these three sisters had control over pleasure, charm, elegance, and beauty in human life and in nature.
See also: Comical and BrightColor: orange
- Jovial
Definition: good-humored; good-natured; convivial; playful; joyous
Derivation: Under the influence of Jove or Jupiter, the chief Roman god.
Quotes:
• Be jovial, not trivial. — Debasish Mridha (~1970’s) American physician & philosopher
• I endeavor to be wise when I cannot be merry, easy when I cannot be glad, content with what cannot be mended and patient when there be no redress. — Elizabeth Montagu (1718–1800) British social reformer & writerColor: orange
- Jolly
Definitions: (1) full of life and mirth; jovial; lively; (2) expressing, inspiring, or exciting frivolity and gaiety; (3) cheerfully festive; (4) delightful; charming
Synonyms: gaiety, joyous, merry, sportive, sprightly
Quote: It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched. — Clive Staples [c.s.] Lewis (1898–1963) British writer
- Joy
Definition: feeling, expressing, or causing a very glad feeling; happiness; grateful pleasure; delight
Synonyms: ecstasy, exultation, rapture, muditā <the joy coming from other people's well-being>
Quotes:
• To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) Puddin’head Wilson {1893}
• The more in harmony with yourself you are, the more joyful you are and the more faithful you are. Faith is not to disconnect you from reality - it connects you to reality. — Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947-) Brazilian lyricist and novelistComment: Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986), the great Indian philosopher, advises us to be “joyfully discontent.” In other words, be satisfied - you have made it to where you are - but be dissatisfied just enough to keep on growing.
Symbols: 1) hibiscus flowers 2) the butterfly (Chinese); 3) a ship [plowing through the sea]
Mythological Figure: Euphrosyne, one of the three Graces of Greek mythology—these three sisters had control over pleasure, charm, elegance, and beauty in human life and in nature.
See also: Comical and BrightColor: orange
- Jocular
Definitions: (1) given to jesting; habitually jolly; merry; (2) containing jokes; joshing; sportive; playful; witty
Poetry:
When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by
When the air does laugh with our merry wit
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it.
— William Blake (1757-1827) English poetQuotes:
• People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. — Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) American writer
• Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. — Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American cultural anthropologistObservation: A joke that makes fun of or belittles someone is no joke.
Comment: It takes some discretion and tact to know when to interject some jocularity into a serious situation. It could be the best thing to break the tension and get people seeing things in perspective again, or it could be the most tasteless thing to do. It’s all in the timing, and reading the situation accurately.
- Jaunty
Definitions: (1) high spirited; easy in manner or bearing; airy, sprightly; perky; lighthearted; (2) stylish; chic
Derivation: French, “gentle, genteel”
Compatible Qualities: clever, sure-footed
Quotes:
• Imaginary time is a new dimension, at right angles to ordinary, real time. — Stephen William Hawking (1942–2018) English theoretical physicist
• A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. — Maya Angelou [ born Marguerite Annie Johnson] (1928-2014) American poet - Irresistible
Definitions: (1) superior to opposition; (2) too attractive or tempting to be resisted; enticing; alluring
Quotes:
• Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. — Robert Lee Frost (1874-1963) American poet
• When restraint and courtesy are added to strength, the latter becomes irresistible. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer & peacemaker - Investigative
Definitions: (1) curious and deliberate in research; (2) the action or process of searching minutely for truth, facts, or principles; (3) a careful inquiry to discover the unknown in the physical or moral world either by observation and experiment or by logic and discussion
Derivation: Latin, “to clothe”
Note: Investment is from the same root.Proverb:
When things are investigated, knowledge is extended.
When knowledge is extended, the will becomes sincere.
When the will is sincere, the mind is correct.
When the mind is correct, the self is cultivated.
When the self is cultivated, the clan is harmonized.
When the clan is harmonized, the country is well governed.
When the country is well governed, there will be peace throughout the land.
— Attributed to Confucius [born Kǒng Qiū] (c.551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher
— Translation by A. Charles Muller (1953-) American Japan-based academic {2013}
See Also: RighteousnessReflection: God did intend, in giving us intelligence, to give us the opportunity to investigate and appreciate the wonders of His creation. He is not threatened by our scientific adventures. — Francis Sellers Collins (1950-) American physician-geneticist
Quotes:
• We hold these truths to be self-evident… — Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) The Declaration of Independence {1776}
• The truth never suffers from honest investigation. (153:2.11) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955} - Inventive
Definition: adept at producing something new; creative; ingenious
Proverb: Necessity is the mother of invention.
Quotes:
• You can’t run out of ideas. You look at anything you get an idea. If I look at [anything] long enough, I’ll think of a story. — Stan Lee [born Stanley Martin Lieber] (1922-2018) Cartoonist
• There are three stages in the life cycle of any scientific idea. First, it’s treated as a joke. Next, it’s taken seriously but considered to be impossible. Finally, people admit that it’s possible, but they insist that it’s trivial. — Michael Roberson Rose (1955-) British biologist “Why Bother?” Discover Magazine {June 1992}Observation: If you lose something you once had, you have a great opportunity to be inventive. I know a man who was lefthanded and lost his left arm in a motorcycle accident; it is amazing how inventive he has gotten with his right hand.
Suggestion: Give workers their fair share of the profit for their inventiveness within the workplace. Call it the Inventive Incentive. If the organization takes the profit and the credit for the employees’ inventiveness, there is less incentive for the individual to be open to creativity.
Symbol: the light bulb
- Intuitive!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: (1) characterizes one who immediately knows or learns with little or no conscious use of reasoning; possessing instantaneous apprehension, the sixth sense, inner sight or insight; instinctual; (2) quick perception
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Faith, Freedom, Self-confidence
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You can count how many seeds are in the apple, but not how many apples are in the seed. — Ken Elton Kesey (1935-2001) American author
• To the rationally minded the mental processes of the intuitive appears to work backwards. — Frances G. Wickes [born Frances Gillespy] (1875-1967) Jungian psychologist
• Through the intuition we tap into the stream of our total self and have access to other dimensions and knowledge that can not really be described in words because it is outside of space and time as we are accustomed to experiencing it. — Gabrielle Silva (~1948~2000) Blue Treasure, A Real Adventure {1996}Reflection: Intuition is a mind gift (or if Ms. Silva is correct and “it is outside of space and time” then it is one of the personality values we are born with). It is in-between knowledge and experience. With intuition you can know something you haven’t actually experienced. Some things you can only get through experience, but intuition can help you get it. And some things you only need to get through intuition. Intuition makes learning more efficient.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
• Intuition is a short cut to solution. There are the plodding, analytical steps of getting from A to Z, but intuition travels faster than the speed of logical thought.
• Intuition can be a flash of genius or a gentle nudge. While pondering a problem, your intuition says, “This is the way,” but it also says, “That’s not exactly it.” Heed also intuition that pushes you away from some course of action.
• Intuition is more conducive to... - Introspective
Definition: looking into one’s own mind, feelings, reactions, or motives; objective observation and analysis of oneself
Balancing Quality: Service Minded
Familial Quality: reflective
Too Far: selfishness
Note: Overmuch introspection leads to forgetting others; therefore any activity concerning others is an antidote to harmful brooding.Quotes:
• It's very important for people to know what gives them meaning. But it's hard for people to figure out if you're not connecting with yourself and taking the time to just be introspective and daydream. — Daniel Lubetzky (1968-) Mexican-American philanthropist
• Introspection, or 'sitting in the silence,' is an unscientific way of trying to force apart the mind and senses, tied together by the life force. The contemplative mind, attempting its return to divinity, is constantly dragged back toward the senses by the life currents. — Paramabansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, & guru - Intriguing
Definition: arousing notice or curiosity by a fascinating display; possessing qualities engendering interest from others
Quotes:
• What you don't know intrigues you more than what you do know. — Loretta Young (1913-2000) American actress
• The idea that the mind can extend even beyond the body is an intriguing one, and is bound to become more pressing as we increasingly develop technologies that augment our natural abilities. — Julian Baggini (1968-) English philosopher
Note: An even further extension does occur when, and as, we develop and integrate positive qualities in our minds and souls. - Intrepid
Definition: possessing enduring fortitude; resolutely fearless; bold; brave
Derivation: Latin, “not trembling or shaking with fear”
Quotes:
• It is hard to combine and unite these two qualities, the carefulness of one who is affected by circumstances, and the intrepidity of one who heeds them not. But it is not impossible: else were happiness also impossible. — Epictetus (50-135) Greek Stoic philosopher
• The first element of greatness is fundamental humbleness (this should not be confused with servility); the second is freedom from self; the third is intrepid courage, which, taken in its widest interpretation, generally goes with truth; and the fourth-the power of love-although I have put it last, is the rarest. — Emma Margaret Asquith (1864–1945) British authorSymbol: the boar
- INTIMATE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Indicative of the closest relationship possible; intrinsic.; (2) Directly connected; in touch; ever-near; (3) The inmost character of; self-experiential; (4) The essential part of; quintessential; (5) Worthy of entrusting with the closest confidence; communicative; (6) Able to see the point of view of another; linked; (7) Willing to share and inform; interested
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Mental prayer is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything. — Saint Teresa of Avila [Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda Dávila y Ahumada] (1515–1582) Spanish nun, mystic, & religious reformer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Inspiration: The spirit of the Universe Keeper enters the soul of the simple creature. — Hinduism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is with us in many ways. He is omnipresent, present from the outside passing through all of finite time/space. He is also ubiquitous, present from the inside throughout finite reality. Our mind is a piece of the Universal Mind, the Holy Spirit. He is the source and destiny of our personality. He knows and loves us as one person does another. And He also indwells us as our cosmic identity. Each one of us is precious to Him.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --INTIMACY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) closeness with warm friendship developed through long association; very familiar; linked (2) indicative of one’s deepest nature; intrinsic; essential; self-experiential; (3) worthy of entrusting with the closest confidence; communicative; sharing; (4) the essential part of; quintessentialQuotes:
• On a level of simple personal survival, understanding and... - INTERESTING!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Able to produce great focus; mesmerizing; (2) Able to arouse great desire to learn; thrilling; captivating; (3) Always able to produce something unknown; stimulating; (4) The ability to regenerate and rejuvenate; refreshing; (5) Able to give insight into new aspects; multifaceted; (6) Able to invigorate curiosity; electrifying; (7) Memorable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is worth contemplating. Once we give ourselves a chance to think about Him, we begin to see His nature and appreciate his character. Then, because of the positive nature of the attributes He possesses, we are drawn to take a personal interest in Him. This leads to an appreciation of possibilities – His and ours. Once we begin to like him, we realize He must like us and also have our best interests in mind. We begin to trust in his ability to intercede in our lives. After receiving some truth and recognizing some beauty, we feel some gratitude toward Him. It is then not difficult to want to share in his qualities; to emulate His nature and attributes. Seeing that we can embody these qualities we know that genuine growth is possible. A closer understanding of who He is turns into a heartfelt acknowledgment of His great goodness which elevates our appreciation of Him to the level of worship.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --INTERESTED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) exciting, and then holding attention or curiosity; attractive; mesmerizing; (2) able to stimulate great desire to learn; thrilling; captivating; (3) able to arouse insight into new aspects; multifaceted; (4) showing acute enthusiasm; avidQuotes:
• Happiness goes like the wind, but what is interesting stays. — Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) American Artist
• The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be as far as possible friendly... - Intelligent!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having an active, discerning, or acute mind; noetic; knowing; understanding; (2) sensible wisdom; (3) guided or directed by a rational mind; (4) well-informed and accurate information <good decisions preclude good intelligence
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: Intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems; alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding; clever implies a native ability or aptness; quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or humor, or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but not personality. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hate, hate leads to violence. This is the equation. An army of philosophers would not be sufficient to change the nature of error and to make it truth. — Ibn Rushd [Averroes] (1126-1198) Muslim scholarComment: If you believe you are not intelligent, you are probably underestimating yourself. Test your limits. You will tend to hold yourself within what you think to be true. You can always underestimate and be more confident of success, but if you overestimate, with a dash of prudence (and a modicum of courage and luck) you will attain greater results.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Admonition:
There are nine types of intelligence: linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, visual/spatial, kinesthetic, naturalist, knowing oneself, knowing others, existential. — Howard Gardner (1943-) Frames of Mind {1983}
Note: You have all types of intelligence – all of which are integrated to some degree. What is important is to keep expanding all areas of yourself (not just intelligence). It is easier to do so in the area(s) that is (are)... - Intelligence!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having an active, discerning, or acute mind; noetic; knowing; understanding; (2) sensible wisdom; (3) guided or directed by a rational mind; rational; (4) well-informed and accurate information <good decisions preclude good intelligence
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: Intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems; alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding; clever implies a native ability or aptness; quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or humor, or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but not personality. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hate, hate leads to violence. This is the equation. An army of philosophers would not be sufficient to change the nature of error and to make it truth. — Ibn Rushd [Averroes] (1126-1198) Muslim scholarComment: If you believe you are not intelligent, you are probably undervaluing yourself. Test your limits. You will tend to hold yourself within what you think to be true. You can always underestimate and be more confident of success, but if you overestimate, with a dash of prudence (and a modicum of courage and luck) you will attain greater results.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Admonition: There are nine types of intelligence: linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical, visual/spatial, kinesthetic, naturalist, knowing oneself, knowing others, existential. — Howard Gardner (1943-) Frames of Mind {1983}
Note: You have all types of intelligence – all of which are integrated to some degree. What is important is to keep expanding all areas of yourself (not just intelligence). It is easier to do so in the area(s) that is (are)... - INTEGRITY!-- wp:paragraph --
(CONSOLIDATION)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The perfect interassociation of parts; (2) Able to be put back together again; complete; (3) Seeing the actual way everything should work together; fitting; (4) Retaining the best of the past, nurturing the best of the present, and laying the ground for the best of the future; (5) Insuring the coming together of all to form a cohesive, single RealityINTEGRATED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definition: (1) formed, coordinated, or blended into a functioning or unified whole; united; (2) complete, intact, or pure <the integration of a pristine soul>; (3) able to see how things or people fit together in the most harmonious wayDerivation: Latin, “intact”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it is tied to everything else in the universe. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American Naturalist
• At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American PoetSymbols: 1) a necklace; 2) a sheaf; 3) interlocking fingers
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --(DECENCY)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Completely honest and thoroughly proper; (2) The model of a morally upright nature; honorable; reputable; (3) Worthy of the utmost respect; scrupulously principled; (4) Very believable; sincereComment: When God decides to integrate things, meanings, values, and persons; He does so with a willingness to preserve the best of the individual pieces. This simple preservation of the actuals approach we would expect even from an efficient mechanistic universe.
He is too generous to limit his actions to the minimum. He... - Integrated
Definition: (1) formed, coordinated, or blended into a functioning or unified whole; united; (2) complete, intact, or pure <the integration of a pristine soul>; (3) able to see how things or people fit together in the most harmonious way
Quotes:
• The radiance in some places is so great as to be fairly dazzling ... every crystal, every flower a window opening into heaven, a mirror reflecting the Creator. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalist
• At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful. — Edward Estlin [e. e.] Cummings (1894-1962) American poetSymbols: 1) a necklace; 2) a sheaf; 3) interlocking fingers
- Instrumental
Definitions: (1) contributing aid; useful; helpful; (2) beneficial as a crucial means to some valuable end
Quote: The values I developed were instrumental in gaining a competitive advantage. — John Collison (1990-) Irish entrepreneur
Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
And where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
— Saint Francis of Assisi [born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone] (1181-1226) Founder of the Franciscan Order - Instructive
Definition: (1) conveying knowledge; serving to educate or inform <often suggests methodical or formal teaching>; professorial; (2) to edify <improve someone morally or intellectually>
Quotes:
• Kids need time for problem solving, critical thinking, applying knowledge through project-based instruction, working in teams, falling down and getting right back up to figure out what they didn't understand and why. — Randi Weingarten (1984-) American teacher & lawyer
• We all agree that it’s fit to be as happy as we can, and we need no instructor to teach us this knowledge, 'tis born with us, and is inseparable from our Being, but we very much need to be informed what is the true way to happiness. — Mary Astell (1666–1731) English philosopherComment: Teachers are some of our most valuable citizens.
Admonition: How to teach, minister, and/or instruct depends on the audience. First listen and adapt the message. Above all, avoid being abrasive or a know-it-all.
- Instinctive
Definition: inspired or activated by a natural tendency or propensity; arising spontaneously; being independent of logical judgment or premeditated willful action
Synonyms: automatic, inborn, intuitive
Quotes:
• For all the talk you hear about knowledge being such a wonderful thing, instinct is worth 40 of it for real unerringness. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. You can continue on this track, however, only as long as you're unearthing genuinely new information. — Martha Nibley Beck (1962-) American authorObservation: Something experienced becomes instinct. This may be how abilities and qualities are passed on genetically.
Symbols: 1) the house; 2) the steed
- INSPIRING!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Filling with the spirit; (2) Encouraging others to do and be their best; (3) The compelling influence to creative thought and action; (4) Persuading by positive means to be good, recognize beauty, and know truth; (5) Stimulating to service
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: Theopneustic <the process by which the Holy Spirit reveals truth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The final step in learning something is the ability to give it away; to instruct others on the finer points. Experience is truly the best teacher
• The Spirit of Truth works as one with the presence of the spirit of the Divine Minister. This dual spirit liaison hovers over us, seeking to teach truth to each soul, and to spiritually enlighten, lead, and inspire all peoples to move toward our evolutionary and divine destiny.INSPIRATION
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) filled with the spirit; (2) to stimulate to service; (3) having an animating effect upon; impelling; (4) inducing or influencing another to some creative or effective effort; (5) persuading by positive means to be good, recognize beauty, and know truthDerivation: Latin, “to breathe in”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) British mathematician & philosopher
• Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness – I wouldn’t know. But I am sure that it is the antithesis of self-consciousness. — Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Classical composerComment: If you focus on the positive, even in your criticisms of a person or a situation (with tact), you are helping to transform both the situation and the person.
There are many ways to be treated poorly. And it is easy to feel badly when it... - Insightful
Definitions: (1) having the power to see into a situation; penetrating; perceptive; (2) the ability of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively
Synonyms: acumen, clever, discerning, introspective, keen, perspicacious, shrewd, Prajna <direct insight (Buddhism)>
Balancing Quality: Prayerful
Quote:
• One thing you find out when you leave something is which of your problems belong to where you are, and which of them belong to what you are. — Joan D. Vinge (1948-) The Summer Queen {1991}
• Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love, and compassion; and also intuition, creativity, insight, and focused attention. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American authorAffirmations:
• I am able to pick up on superior ideas and ideals.
• I can recognize inner intentions and motivations.Observation: Presque vu is the intense feeling of being on the very brink of a powerful insight or revelation.
- Insight
Definitions: (1) having the power to see into a situation; penetrating; perceptive; (2) the ability of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively
Synonyms: acumen, clever, discerning, introspective, keen, perspicacious, shrewd, Prajna <direct insight (Buddhism)>
Balancing Quality: Prayerful
Quotes:
• One thing you find out when you leave something is which of your problems belong to where you are, and which of them belong to what you are. — Joan D. Vinge (1948-) The Summer Queen (1991)
• Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love, and compassion; and also intuition, creativity, insight, and focused attention. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American authorObservation: Presque vu is the intense feeling of being on the very brink of a powerful insight or revelation.
- Inquisitive
Definitions: (1) seeking knowledge by discussion, investigation, or observation; (2) given to research; (3) eager for information and understanding; curious
Compatible Quality: informative
Too Far: busybody
Quote:
• There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. — Frank A. Clark (1911–1991) American cartoonist
• Every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and choice, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim. — Aristotle (384-322 BC) Greek philosopherSymbol: the question mark (?)
- Innovative
Definition: able to transform or alter yourself or the situation by introducing something new or unique
Derivation: Latin, “to renew, restore, or change”
Compatible Quality: cooperative
Quotes:
• When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts. — Lawrence Joseph Ellison (1944-) American businessman
• Discovery consists of seeing what everyone has seen, and thinking what no one has thought. — Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986) Hungarian physiologist {1937 Nobel Laureate}
• If you manipulate mathematical equations, they behave in an analogy with the physical world so you can tell what the physical world is doing or should do. — John Vincent Atanasoff (1903-1995) American physicist [inventor of the electronic digital computer] - Innocent
Definitions: (1) free from guilt or sin <especially through lack of knowledge of evil>; blameless; guiltless; faultless; (2) without guile or cunning; lacking sophistication; ingenuous
Synonyms: clean-handed, immaculate, pure, simple, spotless, undefiled, virtuous
Quotes:
• Innocence is one of the most exciting things in the world. — Eartha Mae Kitt [born Eartha Mae Keith] (1927-2008) American singer & actress
• When men are innocent, life shall be longer, and shall pass into the immortal, as gently as we awake from dreams. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopherComment: The quality of innocence is normally attributed to the purity and beauty of a new baby. It is such a compelling quality we are instantly drawn to that bright bundle of pure potential. As time goes on, adding the qualities of sincerity, grace, charm, and wonder to innocence blossoms the personality dynamically into a splendid, mature soul.
Color: white
Symbols: 1) sheep; 3) sweet pea & phlox flowers
- Inner-directed
Definition: guided in thought and action primarily by one’s own scale of values as opposed to external norms; predilection; (2) preference to a deliberate steady pace
Parental Quality: faith
Quotes:
• Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality. — Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Alsatian polymath [seven disciplines]
• Being human always points, and is directed, to something or someone, other than oneself - be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter. — Dr. Viktor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, & Holocaust survivor
Note: The ‘someone’ can be THE ONE.Comment: When focusing on the inner realm, you will discover subconscious, conscious, and superconscious. You will know the superconscious by its feel. This is the area from which your supreme impulses and the sense of right action emanate. This is what to heed.
Listen to external norms and judge them by your highest understanding of objective reality; then decide how or if to accept them.Observation: Labels - like introvert, sensitive, quiet, shy, or withdrawn - attempt to describe how others experience you. They do not relate to who you are. They can limit you because the tendency is to live to the limits of the label and only go that far. In addition, there is the stigma that can accompany any label. — Sarah Dolliver; Founder of InnerVantage
- Initiative
Definitions: (1) taking the first step(s) or move(s); responsible for beginning an action; to inaugurate; (2) the attribute of originating new ideas or methods; inventive; (3) thinking and acting without being urged; enterprising; a go-getter
Balancing Qualities: courage, experience, insight
Quotes:
• Initiative is doing the right thing without being told. — Victor Hugo (1802-1885) French playwright
• The biggest things are always the easiest to do because there is no competition. — William Van Horne (1843-1915) Canadian railway executiveComment: Initiative sometimes fails because an educated guess may have to be made when you don’t have experience or information. Your guesses become a new set of opportunities upon which to base the next experience in your quest for qualities. Even failed initiative is valuable. If you get negative feedback, you have an opportunity to work on communication, understanding, reflection, etc. Since you decided to take action, you have added those constituent qualities to your portfolio.
- Ingenuous
Definitions: (1) showing innocent or childlike simplicity; naive; (2) free from reserve, disguise, or equivocation; fair; (3) unpretentious, modest
Derivation: Latin, “native, inborn.” The original sense was ‘innocently frank.’ {late 17th century}
Synonyms: candid, open
Ingenuous implies one who is actuated by candor and love of truth making them willing to speak their minds without reserve; natural implies a spontaneity lacking artificiality or self-consciousness.Quote: Permission to be wrong, wedded with a responsibility to be right, creates a powerful, civilizing tension. We are a species ingenious enough to project our intellect out across the universe, and ingenuous enough to feel awe at the spectacles the sky still offers at home.— Jeffrey Kluger (1954) American writer
Mythological Figure: The god Mercury [also a symbol for Eloquent]
- Ingenious
Definitions: (1) having an ability to originate new combinations of ideas; inventive; (2) skilled at making things work; resourceful; (3) witty
Note: Compare with ingenuousDerivation: Latin, “gifted with genius,” “having an unusual natural capacity”
Synonyms: clever, talented
Quote: I think there's a supreme power behind the whole thing, an intelligence. Look at all of the instincts of nature, both animals and plants, the very ingenious ways they survive. — Clyde William Tombaugh (1906–1997) American astronomer
Observation: The progress of civilization is directly related to the development and possession of tools, machines, and channels of distribution. Improved tools, ingenious and efficient machines, determine the survival of contending groups in the arena of advancing civilization. (81:6.20) — The Urantia Book {1955}
- Informative
Definitions: (1) imparting knowledge through language, facts, lore, data, music, or entertainment; instructive; (2)answering questions or queries in a manner the questioner requires to receive and understand the information; amenable
Familial Quality: service minded
Quotes:
• Do what you love at all costs and maintain your faith in God. Nothing we have is of our own strength so as long as we remember where we came from, it will inform us where we are going. — Ser'Darius William Blain (1987-) Haitian-American actor
• Everything that exists is information, and everything that is informative also exists. The infosphere is not a virtual space that is distinct from the real world. Rather, the world itself is increasingly being considered an information space and part of the infosphere. — Hubert Burda (1940-) German publisherSymbol: The raven (Scandinavia) [Odin, the supreme Scandinavian deity, had two ravens who told him of everything happening in the world.]
- Influential
Definition: having the capacity or power to produce positive effects on others by intangible or indirect means; effective
Synonyms: authoritative, convincing, guiding, leading, persuasive, potent
Quotes:
• Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.— Archimedes (287-212 BC) Greek mathematician
• My favorite parable for living a positive and influential life is the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.' — Anthony Michael [Tony] Oller (1991-) American singer, songwriterComment: Keep up the good work; it may just influence one person or it could be far-reaching – maybe how you treated that single child will shape in them a positive attitude.
- Industrious
Definition: constantly, regularly, or habitually occupied; diligent; hard-working
Synonyms: active, assiduous, busy, sedulous
Saying: Hoc age (Latin): “Do this!” [Apply yourself to your talent.]
Quotes:
• The harder you work, the luckier you get. — Gary James Player (1935 - ) South African Professional Golfer
• The only way to do a thing is do it when you can, and do it cheerfully, and sing and work and think and plan. The only real unhappy one is he who dares to shirk; the only real happy one is he who cares to work. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Road to Oz {1909}Advice: All companies can benefit from fostering a more flexible environment creating a place where the most talented, industrious, and entrepreneurial people want to work. — Maynard G. Webb (1955-) American businessman & author
Symbol: bees
- Indomitable
Definition: firm; not easily discouraged, defeated, or subdued
Derivation: Latin, “not tamable”
Synonyms: unconquerable, unyielding
Too Far: overbearing
Saying: Arduis Invictus (Latin): Unconquered in hardship
Quote: We learned to be patient observers like the owl. We learned cleverness from the crow, and courage from the jay, who will attack an owl ten times its size to drive it off its territory. But above all of them ranked the chickadee because of its indomitable spirit. — Tom Brown, Jr. (1950-) American naturalist
Comment: The Absolute is indomitable beyond what we can fathom, and yet also absolutely flexible. God does take into account our finite parameters.
- Individualistic
Definition: one who pursues an independent course in thought or action; sui generis
Derivation: Latin, “of one’s own kind”
Too Far: rebellious, selfish
Quote: [The Cowardly Lion:] To be individual, my friends, to be different from others, is the only way to become distinguished from the common herd. Let us be glad, therefore, that we differ from one another in form and disposition. Variety is the spice of life and we are various enough to enjoy one another’s society; so let us be content. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Lost Princess of Oz {1917}
Comment: If you are not working within an organization where feedback is the norm, and especially if you are not very gregarious, then you need a strong confidence and a clear faith informing you that you are doing what is good and valuable. If you are writing a book, are a lone artist, an independent adventurer, or a solitary inventor you have a valuable opportunity to develop the characteristics of individuality.
Structure: All human beings are 99.9 % genetically identical. Since the number of human DNA base pairs equals approximately three billion, that 0.1 percent difference amounts to three million bases insuring our physical individuality. Even in identical twins, individuality is unmistakable. — Jerold M. Lowenstein MD., “Whose Genome Is It, Anyway?” Discover Magazine {1966}
Note: When environment, experience, and attitude are taken into consideration our differences are assured.Symbol: Leo (zodiac)
- Independent
Definitions: (1) free from the control or rule of another; self-governing; not subject to the undo influence of others; self-determined; (2) self-directing; not subject to to suspect bias or dubious persuasion or influence; self-commanding; (3) possessing an intrepid spirit; bold
Synonyms: unconstrained, unrestricted
Balancing Qualities: Constructive Listening, Fair Judgement
Too Far: bullheaded
Quotes:
• No man is an island. — John Donne (1575–1631) Meditation, the 17th devotion {1623}
• If it is to be, it is up to me. — William Henry Johnsen (1920-1995) American personal development author
• No one is entitled to be given answers to the problems that beset them. If you wish to know the truth of things, you must find it out for yourself. — Terry Brooks (1944-) The Black Unicorn {1987}Steps to Financial Independence:
Adapted from Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
1) Be quiet, meditate, and ask.
2) Decide to achieve financial independence and get a sense of peace about the rightness of it for you.
3) Make a detailed mental picture of what you really want.
4) Proceed as you feel led. Do not try to force or hurry your way to fulfillment.
5) Quietly continue to persevere in whatever ways are revealed to you. Stick to it and you will succeed!
6) Realize that your dreams of financial independence have already come true on the mental plane and that every good thing already exists.
8) Remind yourself often of what you have already accomplished.Comment: People who have had too much to drink may want to be independent and believe they are able to drive, but a sober person should judge if the threshold has been crossed and take control.
- Indefatigable
Definitions: (1) persistent and persevering through difficulty; (2) not exhausted by labor or yielding to weariness; untiring
Derivation: Latin, “cannot be worn out”
Synonyms: assiduous, sedulous, unremitting, unwearied
Quote: However, I continue to try and I continue, indefatigably, to reach out. There's no way I can single-handedly save the world or, perhaps, even make a perceptible difference - but how ashamed I would be to let a day pass without making one more effort. — Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) American writer
Comment: Positive qualities are like a whole field of pearls of great price. Each is worth an inexhaustible effort.
- Incisive
Definitions: (1) possessing a penetrating, piercing, or keen intellect; sharp-minded; (2) enjoying clear and direct thought; sharp-minded; (3) benefiting from acute intuition
Derivation: Latin, “to cut into”
Compatible Quality: concentration
Quote: Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand. — Colin Luther Powell (1937–2021) American statesman
Comment: Incisive clarity is not only the sharp vision of mental clarity but also the knowing feeling of an emotional truth.
- Improvisational
Definitions: (1) making do with the tools and materials at hand <usually filling an unforeseen and immediate need>; (2) spontaneously creative
Derivation: Latin, “to see beforehand and prepare for the future"
Quotes:
• Spontaneity, the hallmark of childhood, is well worth cultivating to counteract the rigidity that may otherwise set in as we grow older. — Gail Sheehy (1936–2020) American author & lecturer
• The great majority of people are calm, resourceful, altruistic - or even beyond altruistic, as they risk themselves for others. We improvise the conditions of survival beautifully. — Rebecca Solnit (1961-) American writer - Improving
Definitions: (1) rising to a higher or more desirable state or value; (2) advancing progress in oneself, another, or a situation; (3) becoming better and better; revamp
Familial Quality: Kaizen: Japanese, “continuous improvement”
Synonyms: enhancing, proficient
Idiom: Give someone a leg up.
Quote: Your brain - every brain - is a work in progress. It is 'plastic.' From the day we're born to the day we die, it continuously revises and remodels, improving or slowly declining, as a function of how we use it. — Michael Matthias Merzenich (1942-) American neuroscientist and professor
Comment: Although there are those times when we experience a burst of flourishing growth, most of the time improving is like watching paint dry – sure and steady. It takes time but it looks good, even as it is drying and adding a protective coating. Unlike paint, acquiring qualities continues to grow in beauty beyond the drying time.Observation: There needs to be a system by which to measure growth. It can be subjective, objective, or mathematical but it must be obviously observable.
- Impressive
Definitions: (1) making an imprint on the mind or senses; (2) the power to affect or excite attention and feeling; (3)arousing admiration or respect
Synonyms: important, imposing, swanky
Quotes:
• Every impressive achievement is not genius. — Ronald William Howard (1954-) American actor-director
• It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. — Judith Martin [aka: Miss Manners] (1938-) American authorComment: The weak-minded will be impressed with power of any sort – positive or negative. One needs to tap into their inner truth sense verify their feeling.
Observation: If you do something well, it will usually impress someone. There is an exception to this. In an organization where the job is to create a smooth flow, the smoother things go the less the people who create that smoothness leave an impression. Organizations, in general, are dealing with events (as well as people) that do not go well. It takes a wise and observant manager to occasionally set aside the handling of difficulties to praise those reliable invisible people who make his or her life easier.
- Important
Definitions: (1) having much significance, value, or influence; outstanding; of exceptional consequence; great; (2) deserving special notice or attention; noteworthy
Synonyms: dignified, essential, monumental, momentous, relevant
Quote: Because you are important, everything is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, [God’s] purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again. — William Paul Young: The Shack, Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity {2007}
Affirmation: I am inherently important and uniquely designed to do my own thing so perfectly that no one else in the world can do it like me. — Jacquelyn Small, Transformers, The Therapists of the Future {1982}
- Imperial
Definitions: (1) commanding; maintaining supremacy; sovereign; (2) august; magnificent; (3) pertaining to an empire or to an emperor; regal; majestic
Too Far: imperious
Quotes:
• Greatness is an unusual quantity of a usual quality grafted upon a common man. — William Allen White (1868–1944) American author & editor
• Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions. — Lao-tse (c. 6th Century BC) Chinese philosopherQuestion: What would it be like if every man acted like a king and every woman a queen?
- Impeccable
Definition: immaculate; exemplary; without defect or error; faultless; flawless
Derivation: Latin, “without sin”
People Who Exemplify This Quality:
Impeccable is a snappy dresser. He likes clean lines, and he always smells good. Some people think of him as rigid, but when they get to know him they see how graceful he really is. Especially if they witness him performing the tango with his favorite dance partner, Pizzazz.
Impeccable plays Chopin with his little brother, Punctilious, whom he affectionately calls “Punky.” — After the style of Janet Ruth Gendler (~1950's-) The Book of Qualities {1984}Quote: Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. — Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías [aka: Don Miguel Ruiz] (1952-) Mexican author
- Impartial
Definitions: (1) equitable; just; fair; (2) objective; not biased in favor of one party or point of view more than another; unprejudiced
See also: NonjudgmentalFamilial Quality: open
Quotes:
• None so deaf as those that will not hear. None so blind as those that will not see. — Matthew Henry (1662 – 22 June 1714) British mister & author
• The Sixth Amendment secures to persons charged with crime the right to be tried by an impartial jury reflecting a fair cross-section of the community. — Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) American Supreme Court Justice
Comment: Being impartial does not mean you are indifferent, disinterested, or uncaring. Instead it means you are willing to take the facts as you see them without putting any undue judgment on them. You are, eventually, required to judge some things, but if you are open, you will be treating the people and the situation more reasonably. - Immune
Definitions: (1) exempt from or protected against something disagreeable or harmful; (2) not only safe but also difficult or impossible to damage or destroy
Quotes:
• The outdoors, exercise, sunshine, and fresh air are all good for people's immune systems and health, and not so great for viruses. — Zeynep Tufekci (1970-)Turkish-American sociologist
• Because I believe in God and have faith in God, it doesn't mean I am immortal. It doesn't mean I am immune, as has been claimed. I am as scared as anyone of getting hurt, especially driving a Formula One car. — Ayrton Senna da Silva (1960–1994) Brazilian race car driver
Admonition: Immunize yourself from fear with love, from sorrow with laughter, from loneliness with friendship. - Immaculate
Definitions: (1) perfectly correct; pure; innocent; (2) spotless; unstained; without flaw, blemish, fault, or error
Quotes:
• The wonder of immaculate, perfect, pure mind is that when it is in its perfect, extant state without confusion, it can be anything it wants to be. — Frederick Philip Lenz III [aka: Rama] (1950-1998) American spiritual teacher
• The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous. — Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (1469-1527) Italian cynical philosopher
Note: Jesus could see, and therefore show, the person aspiring to be virtuous what immaculate virtue looked like by living it every day to the end.Comment: Although it would be impossible for an adult to honestly consider themselves to be immaculate, it is none-the-less a worthy ambition.
- Imitable
Definition: worthy of being copied or imitated; emulable; illustrative
Dictum: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. — Charles Caleb Colton (1777-1832) English cleric & writer
Comment on dictum: Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. — Joyce Diane Brothers (1927-2013) American psychologist & advice columnist
Quote: Our best selves tell us that 'there but for the grace of God... ' and that, in the end, there is no distance, really, between us and them. It is just us. Our best and noble hope is to imitate the God we believe in. The God who has abundant room in His heart for us all. — Gregory Joseph Boyle, S.J. (1954-) American priestQuestion: Would you want someone to follow your example and carry on your work?
- Imaginative
Definitions: (1) using or showing vision, creativity, or productive talent; (2) able to conceptualize or feel a situation other than that within one’s personal experience
Synonyms: ideal, idea-minded, inventive, original, poetical, romantic
Too Far: Imagination taken to an animated level becomes fantasy. Fantasy taken too far makes for an unreal inner world. Balance your fantasy with hands-on experience and follow-through.
Quotes:
• What is now proved was once imagined. — William Blake (1757-1827) English poet
• Imagination is more important than knowledge. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Most people look at what is and never see what can be. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Don’t rely on words or equations until you can picture the idea they represent. — Lewis Carroll Epstein and Paul G. Hewitt (1930 -) American physicists
• You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination. You may not see your ears but they are there. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Look about you this moment: Everything you see and touch was once [an] invisible idea until someone chose to bring it into being. Any powerful idea is absolutely fascinating and absolutely useless until we choose to use it. — Richard Bach (1936-) One {1988}Comments:
• Reality responds to imaginings like lightning to a rod. There is a corresponding actual reality in direct proportion to the potential reality of your imagination.
• You can use your imagination against yourself too. We are very creative about how we should feel – good or bad. Most of our negative self-talk is pure imagination.Color: yellow
Symbols: 1) wings; 2) flight; 3) the moon; 4) Gemini (zodiac)
- Illustrious
Definitions: (1) obviously brilliant; having a reputation of greatness or renown; (2) conferring luster or honor; of very high dignity
Derivation: Latin, “clear, conspicuous, distinguished”
Synonyms: celebrated, eminent, famous, glorious, noble
Quotes:
• Hope, that risky, illustrious thing. It should have gone extinct by now, but we keep it alive. — Lauren DeStefano (1984-) American writer
• He only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art. — Gaius Sallustius Crispus [Sallust] (c. 86–35 BC) Roman historian - Illustrative
Definitions: (1) making clear what is obscure; elucidating; (2) serving as an honorable example
Derivation: Latin, “clear, bright, lustrous”
Compatible Quality: artistic
Reflection: A miracle is not the breaking of physical laws, but rather represents laws which are incomprehensible to us. — George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (1867-1949) Armenian philosopher, mystic, & composer
Quotes:
• Art is the means by which we communicate what it feels like to be alive - in the past, that was mixed up with other illustrative duties, but that was still its central function that has been liberated in the art called modern — Antony Mark David Gormley (1950-) British sculptor
• The Resurrection miracle is nothing to you and me if it is only an event of eighteen centuries bygone. Unless we can live the immortal life - unless we can receive God to his own home in these hearts of ours - the texts are nothing to us unless these daily lives illustrate them. — Edward Everett Hale (1822–1909) American author - Idealistic
Definitions: (1) a standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at; ideological; (2) behavior or thought based on a conception of things as they should be or as one would wish them to be; (3) striving to achieve one’s best possible exemplification
Derivation: Late Middle English, in Platonic philosophy “existing as an archetype”
Quotes:
• Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher
• Ideas may take origin in the stimuli of the outer world, but ideals are born only in the creative realms of the inner world. (111:4.10) — The Urantia Book {1995}Inspiration: Jesus did not shy away from the hard facts of day-to-day living. He faced them by pursuing spiritual realities. Therefore he was able to attain an uncompromising religious life in the very midst of a realistic world.
Color: yellow
- Hypnotic
Definition: fascinating; spellbinding; entrancing
Quote: Thought can be so seductive and hypnotic that it absorbs your attention totally, so you become your thoughts. — Eckhart Tolle (1948-) German writer
Comment: Self-hypnosis is used to break negative patterns and behaviors by allowing our unconscious to let them go.
- Hygienic
Definition: promoting good health; sanitary; clean
Quote: Compassion suits our physical condition, whereas anger, fear, and distrust are harmful to our well-being. Therefore, just as we learn the importance of physical hygiene to physical health; to ensure healthy minds, we need to learn some kind of emotional hygiene. — Tenzin Gyatso [aka: Gyalwa Rinpoche] [14th Dalai Lama] (1935-) Buddhist teacher
- Hustle
Definitions: (1) working rapidly or energetically; (2) aggressive <especially in business>; (3) to urge, prod, or speed up
Aphorism: Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. — Unknown
Quotes:
• The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up. — Robert Tew (1961-) Australian rugby player & coach
• People with hustle also tend to be much more agile—they’re the water that goes around the rock. These are the people you want around when everything goes wrong. They’re also the people you want beside you when everything goes right. — Leah Busque (1979-) American entrepreneur - Humorous
Definitions: (1) having the power to speak or write in a funny or comical style; (2) exciting laughter; jocular; amusing; droll; risible; (3) fanciful; playful; waggish; (4) to adapt to changing conditions <humoring the stone to keep the cathedral level and plumb>
Quotes:
• Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1624) English philosopher & statesman
• Cartooning is an honorable thing. It's pushing the envelope. It's the truth of something through exaggeration. — Boleslav William Felix Robert Sienkiewicz (1958-) American comic book artistObservations:
• A sense of humor is just as important as the other five physical senses.
• Comedians are adept at pointing out the ludicrous in such a way we see the humor in it. - Humor
Definitions: (1) having the power to speak or write in a funny or comical style; (2) exciting laughter; jocular; amusing; droll; risible; (3) fanciful; playful; waggish; (4) to adapt to changing conditions <humoring the stone to keep the cathedral level and plumb>>; (5) <archaic> four bodily fluids, i.e. ‘humors’ representing the passion or temperament of a personality
Quotes:
• Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1624) English philosopher & statesman
• Cartooning is an honorable thing. It's pushing the envelope. It's the truth of something through exaggeration. — Boleslav William Felix Robert Sienkiewicz (1958-) American comic book artistObservations:
• A sense of humor is just as important as the other five physical senses.
• Comedians are adept at pointing out the ludicrous in such a way we see the humor in it. - Humility!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) modest or meek in temperament; free from pride or vanity; (2) respectful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: unassuming, unobtrusive, unpretentious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: humor
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, the humble brag
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Lay first the foundation of humility. — Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354-430) Roman theologian
• Many who are first shall be last, while the last shall often be first. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc–30 ad) Jewish preacher
• The sage has no interest of his own, but takes the interests of the people as his own. He is kind to the kind; he is also kind to the unkind: for Virtue is kind. He is faithful to the faithful; he is also faithful to the unfaithful: for Virtue is faithful. — Lao-tse (6th Century bc) Chinese TheologianPrayer: We humbly ask God (as we understand the concept) to remove our shortcomings. — Number seven of the Alcoholics Anonymous twelve-step program. {Founded in 1935 by William “Bill W.” Griffith Wilson (1895–1971), American salesman and co-founder Robert Holbrook Smith (1879–1950), aka: Dr. Bob, American physician and surgeon.}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: Adding humility to your character traits will greatly reduce negative pride. But how to acquire humility. A sure-fire way to gain humility is to see yourself in relation to a greater reality. This could be God or nature or even physics. But it has to be someone or something you respect and cannot help but be very impressed with. Once a person sees themselves in a larger context, they will have the ability (and maybe the will) to see themselves as they truly are.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --We may feel humility when:
• We are favored with an honorific and express, “I am humbled by this recognition.”
• We... - Humble!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) modest or meek in temperament; free from pride or vanity; (2) respectful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: unassuming, unobtrusive, unpretentious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: humor
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, the humble brag
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Lay first the foundation of humility. — Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354-430) Roman theologian
• Many who are first shall be last, while the last shall often be first. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc–30 ad) Jewish preacher
• The sage has no interest of his own, but takes the interests of the people as his own. He is kind to the kind; he is also kind to the unkind: for Virtue is kind. He is faithful to the faithful; he is also faithful to the unfaithful: for Virtue is faithful. — Lao-tse (6th Century bc) Chinese theologianPrayer: We humbly ask God (as we understand the concept) to remove our shortcomings. — Number seven of the Alcoholics Anonymous twelve-step program. {Founded 1935}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: Adding humility to your character traits will greatly reduce negative pride. But how to acquire humility. A sure-fire way to gain humility is to see yourself in relation to a greater reality. This could be God or nature or even physics. But it has to be someone or something you respect and cannot help but be very impressed with. Once a person sees themselves in a larger context, they will have the ability (and maybe the will) to see themselves as they truly are.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --We may feel humility when:
• We are favored with an honorific and express, “I am humbled by this recognition.”
• We see our own limits compared with an accomplished hero we wish to emulate.
• We are unable to do what we once found normal due to age, illness, or accident.
• We have to... - Humanitarian
Definitions: (1) recognition of the value of one’s fellows; ; caritas <love & compassion>; (2) a person promoting human welfare and social reform <especially through the elimination of pain and suffering>; (3) a philanthropist
Synonym: Egalitarianism: the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Quote:
• When we see others as the enemy, we risk becoming what we hate. When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others. ― Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) South African Anglican bishop & theologian
• You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful. — Marie Salomea Skłodowska–Curie (1867-1934) Polish-French physicist - Humane
Definition: having what are considered the best qualities of humankind; merciful; considerate; sympathetic; compassionate; benevolent
Quotes:
• Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of a great fear. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) British polymath [four disciplines]
• Eliminate irrelevant and inaccurate communications about what it means to be male or female, black or white, young or old, rich or poor, disabled or temporarily able-bodied, or to hold a particular belief system. — Rosalie Maggio (1943) The Non-Sexist Word Finder {1988} - Huggable
Definition: inviting a close embrace; cuddly
Compatible Quality: Hugge: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
How to Live This Quality Today: Hug someone.
Quotes:
• You can never have too many books or too many hugs. — Gina House (~1980's-) American knitwear designer
• Hugging is healthy: It helps the body’s immune system. It cures depression. It reduces stress. It induces sleep. It’s invigorating. It’s rejuvenating. It has no unpleasant side effects. Hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. — Multiple Sources - Hospitable
Definitions: (1) receiving and entertaining strangers and guests with generous kindness and in a friendly manner; (2) offering a pleasant or sustaining environment; (3) liberal and generous in disposition; receptive or, at lease, respectful of new ideas
Compatible Quality: Teranga: Senegal, “hospitality, respect, community, solidarity and sharing”
Quotes:
• Hospitality is present when something happens for you. It is absent when something happens to you. Those two simple prepositions - for and to - express it all. — Danny Meyer (1958-) American restaurateur
• It is important for me to focus on positive actions taken to heal instead of beating myself up over what I did wrong each day. It shifts my perspective, thus making my body and mind more hospitable places for healing and positive energy. — Sharon E. Rainey (1956-) American teacher and writerAdmonition: If one cannot be hospitable they can, at least, be civil.
Symbol: the pineapple
Mythological Figures: Baucis and Philemon were an affectionate couple who hospitably entertained Jupiter and Mercury. In gratitude their little house was transformed into a palace. In response to their wish to be together always, they were turned into twin trees when they died. — Ovid [ born Publius Ovidius Naso] (c. 43 BC-17 AD) Roman poet
- Hopeful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) desire for good accompanied with a belief that it is obtainable; (2) expecting to get what one wants and/or needs; (3) having the vision, energy, and ability to turn dreams into reality
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: confidence, expectation, starry-eyed
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: determination, optimism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: long-suffering
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “Over the Rainbow” {1939}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Somewhere, over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
— Harold Arlen (born Hyman Arluck] (1905–1986) American composer
— Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg [born Isidore Hochberg] (1896-1981) American lyricistSaying: Hold on to undying hope.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: Be a beacon of hope.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Hope springs eternal in the human breast. — Alexander Pope (1688-1744) English poet
• Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing and no good thing ever dies. — Frank Darabont (1959-) The Shawshank Redemption {1992}
• If the universe seems to be trying to destroy you, the best way to fight back is with hope. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Brightness Reef {1995}
• Hope is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of the heart. It is the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. — Vaclav Havel (1936-) Czech poet and politicianObservation:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
The Basics in Life:
1. Values
2. Meanings
3. Hopes – goals and desires
4. Needs
5. ExperiencesReflection: Hope is aspirational but its engine is tenacity. It runs on spunk with an overview of determination. Each small step is a victory. Each corner turned is a milestone. The ratchet locks into place and you never need to go back.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !--... - Hope!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) desire for good accompanied with a belief that it is obtainable; (2) expecting to get what one wants and/or needs; (3) having the vision, energy, and ability to turn dreams into reality
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: confidence, expectation, starry-eyed
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: optimism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: long-suffering
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “Over the Rainbow” {1939}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Somewhere, over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why, then, oh, why can't I?
— Harold Arlen (born Hyman Arluck] (1905–1986) American composer
— Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg [born Isidore Hochberg] (1896-1981) American lyricistSaying: Hold on to undying hope.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: Be a beacon of hope.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Hope springs eternal in the human breast. — Alexander Pope (1688-1744) English poet
• Hope is a good thing, maybe the best thing and no good thing ever dies. — Frank Darabont (1959-) The Shawshank Redemption {1992}
• If the universe seems to be trying to destroy you, the best way to fight back is with hope. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Brightness Reef {1995}
• Hope is an orientation of the spirit, an orientation of the heart. It is the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. — Vaclav Havel (1936-) Czech poet and politicianObservation:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
The Basics in Life:
1. Values
2. Meanings
3. Hopes – goals and desires
4. Needs
5. ExperiencesReflection: Hope is aspirational but its engine is tenacity. It runs on spunk with an overview of determination. Each small step is a victory. Each corner turned is a milestone. The ratchet locks into place and you never need to go back.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph... - Honorable
Definitions: (1) worthy of great respect; highly regarded; estimable; (2) motivated by principles of decency with a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation
Synonyms: dignified, noble, renowned, upright
Quotes:
• If children are expected to be honest, parents must be honest. If children are expected to be virtuous, parents must be virtuous. If you expect your children to be honorable, you must be honorable. — James Esdras Faust (1920–2007) American president of the LDS church
• What is honored in a country is cultivated there. — Plato (428-348 bc) Greek Philosopher
Note: What is honored in the self is also cultivated there.
Symbol: the turtle - Honesty
Definitions: (1) held in reverence; respectable; honorable; (2) praiseworthy <an honest day’s work>; creditable; (3) commendable; seemly; (4) possessing integrity; truthful; trustworthy; unashamed; (5) showing fairness and sincerity; frank; (6) innocent
See also: UprightBalancing Quality: Decisiveness
Too Far: insensitive, naive
Quote:
• “Honesty” (absolutely indispensable in science) … is probably the least likely marvel ever to have emerged out of self-centered human minds. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Otherness {1995}
• Beautify your tongues with truthfulness and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. — Baha’ullah [born Ḥusayn-ʻAlí] (1817-1892) Founder of the Baha’i FaithConsideration: If you are dishonest and you feel guilty about it, that’s good! It’s good because it shows you there is a discrepancy between what you do and what you idealize as proper behavior. Guilt is an intermediate step to honesty. It is a level of awareness essential for further progress. The guilt will disappear when honesty is in place.
Observation: A person finding themselves in a compromising situation will have their honesty tested.
Comments:
• Honesty is gentle, kind, and clear. When honesty has clarity, it also has purity.
• Honesty must be guided by wisdom. You need to know when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Honesty is like sunshine and shade. Sometimes you want one, and sometimes you want the other.
• When prejudice has been institutionalized upon a culture, race, or religion, the oppressors have a vested interest in maintaining a self-serving, “justified” dishonesty. They have lots of company in upholding the lie, and they look for any reason to prop up the injustice. When the oppressed show courage enough to speak the truth, there is a perceived threat to the oppressor. The threat is described in terms of loss of jobs, safety, and many other "reasonable" excuses, but at the base of it the lie remains. - Honest
Definitions: (1) held in reverence; respectable; honorable; (2) praiseworthy <an honest day’s work>; creditable; (3) commendable; seemly; (4) possessing integrity; truthful; trustworthy; unashamed; (5) showing fairness and sincerity; frank; (6) innocent
See also: UprightBalancing Quality: Decisiveness
Too Far: insensitive, naive
Quotes:
• “Honesty” (absolutely indispensable in science) … is probably the least likely marvel ever to have emerged out of self-centered human minds. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Otherness {1994}
• Beautify your tongues with truthfulness and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. — Baha'ullah [born Ḥusayn-ʻAlí] (1817-1892) Founder of the Baha’i FaithConsideration: If you are dishonest and you feel guilty about it, that’s good! It’s good because it shows you there is a discrepancy between what you do and what you idealize as proper behavior. Guilt is an intermediate step to honesty. It is a level of awareness essential for further progress. The guilt will disappear when honesty is in place.
Observation: A person finding themselves in a compromising situation will have their honesty tested.
Comments:
• Honesty is gentle, kind, and clear. When honesty has clarity, it also has purity.
• Honesty must be guided by wisdom. You need to know when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Honesty is like sunshine and shade. Sometimes you want one, and sometimes you want the other.
• When prejudice has been institutionalized upon a culture, race, or religion, the oppressors have a vested interest in maintaining a self-serving, “justified” dishonesty. They have lots of company in upholding the lie, and they look for any reason to prop up the injustice. When the oppressed show courage enough to speak the truth, there is a perceived threat to the oppressor. The threat is described in terms of loss of jobs, safety, and many other "reasonable" excuses, but at the base of it the lie remains. - Homey
Definition: having qualities associated with home; comfortably familiar; cozy; informal
Compatible Quality: wholesome
Idiom: Home is where the heart is. — Gaius Plinius Secundus [aka: Pliny the Elder] (AD 23/24 – AD 79) Roman author, naturalist, natural philosopher, naval & army commander
Quotes:
• The home is the chief school of human virtues. — William Ellery Channing (1780–1842) American Unitarian preacher
• A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. — Unknown
• The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship. — Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-1939?) American aviatorObservation: Home is the basic institution of human civilization.
- Holy
Definitions: (1) possessing a noticeable spiritual purity, moral worth, or honorable aims; (2) evoking or meriting reverence or awe; (3) sanctity <the state of holiness or inviability>
Too Far: sanctimonious
Quotes:
• Never lose a holy curiosity. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-American physicist
• Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science. — Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899) American lawyer and writer
• The human Jesus saw God as being holy, just, and great, as well as being true, beautiful, and good. All these attributes of divinity he focused in his mind as the "will of the Father in heaven." The concept of God as a Father was not original with Jesus, but he exalted and elevated the idea into a sublime experience by achieving a new revelation of God and by proclaiming that every mortal creature is a child of this Father of love, a son of God. (196:0.2) — The Urantia Book {1955}Color: red
Symbol: the halo
- High-spirited
Definition: full of natural fire; vivacious; boldly courageous; noble; mettlesome
See also: Spirited & Public-SpiritedQuote: The high-spirited man may indeed die, but he will not stoop to meanness. Fire, though it may be quenched, will not become cool. — Ovid [born: Publius Ovidius Naso] (43 BC-18 AD) Roman poet
Observation: The human mind can attain high levels of spiritual insight and corresponding spheres of divinity of values because it is not wholly material. The spirit center of the mind is evident by: 1) unselfish altruism and unconditional love, 2) comprehension and appreciation of wisdom, and 3) the genuine experience of connection with the Divine Spirit through worship.
- High-minded
Definition: having or showing high ideals, principles, and feelings
Quote: The attribute most noble of the hand is readiness in giving; of the head, bending before a teacher; of the mouth, honest speaking; of a victor, undaunted valor; of the inner heart, unsullied pureness; of the ears, delight in hearing and receiving truth. These are adornments of the high-minded person. — Bhartrihari (~5th century) Hindu linguistic philosopher
Comment: Synchronicities are a way your larger self reminds you that there is, indeed, a mind more sophisticated than the one you use everyday.
Color: yellow
- Heroic
Definitions: (1) brave; bold; intrepid; noble; renowned; (2) characterizes individuals of godlike strength or courage; (3) exalted; eloquent; high-flown <as heroic words>; (4) daring and risky, but used as a last resort <heroic measures>
Synonyms: fearless, gallant, valiant
Note: Words change. The word virago originally meant “a heroic woman” <think Joan of Arc>. Now it means “a bad-tempered woman.”Quotes:
• The hero is the man of self-achieved submission. — Joseph John Campbell (1909-1987) The Hero with a Thousand Faces {1949}
• When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes, they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home. — Tecumseh (1768–1813) Shawnee chiefSymbols: 1) the sun; 2) Hercules {Heroic Striving}
- Helpful!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: (1) willing to, or actually rendering aid or assistance; giving useful service; ministering (2) aiding in the growth of an individual; fostering; (3) supportive toward an objective; sustaining; cooperative; (4) Elevating the mind toward beneficial ideas and ideals
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: friendly
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: If someone comes to you asking for help, do not say in refusal, “Trust in God. God will help you.” Rather, act as if there is no God, and no one to help except you. — Hasidic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• One has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help. — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
• Like the blind man standing on the corner waiting for somebody to lead him across; all of us, at some point in our lives, need some help. — Joseph “Smokin’ Joe” william Frazier (1944-2011) American boxerParable: There was a preacher who believed in God’s help. Now his church was in danger from the rising waters of a flood. When it was time for evacuation, he made sure all of his parishioners got to safety, and went back into the church. The police came in a squad car demanding it is time to go, but he refused, saying, “I will put my faith in God. He will save me.” Later he was on the second story of the church with the water rising fast. Another rescue squad came in a boat to pick him up, but he refused them also, saying, “Thank you kindly, but I am not leaving. God will save me.” Finally, with the raging waters all around him, he had to get out on the roof and hold onto the steeple. A National Guard helicopter arrived to save him, but again he turned them down, saying, “God will help me.” Well, the preacher was drowned. When he got to heaven, he asked God why he didn’t help him in his time of need. God said, “What do you mean? I sent you a car, a boat, and a...
- Hearty
Definitions: (1) proceeding from the heart; sincere; warm; cordial; (2) full of vigorous good health; sound; strong; (3) giving unqualified support <a hearty endorsement>; unrestrained exuberance
Quotes:
• Make a man laugh a good hearty laugh, and you've paved the way for friendship. — Susan Gale, American teacher & author
• The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions - the little, soon forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind look or heartfelt compliment. — Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) English poet & philosopherSuggestion: Greeted friends, neighbors, and strangers alike with a great smile and hearty handshake and they will all feel like they are home. Everyone can give others care and help by devoting spiritual energies such as heartiness, encouragement, understanding, forgiveness, and love.
- Heart!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) the seat of tender emotion; (2) possessing a loving character; affectionate; (3) the capacity for kindness; benevolence; (4) exhibiting a generous disposition; compassionate <a leader with heart>; (5) courage; hardihood; (6) the inmost thoughts or feelings, consciousness, or conscience; (7) enthusiasm; energy; spirit; <a resolute heart>; (8) the vital or essential part; the real meaning; the core <the heart of the matter>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: TenderheartedCompatible Qualities: full-hearted, a heart of gold, joyful, peaceful, playful, relaxed, soft
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” {1955}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
You've gotta have heart
Miles 'n miles n' miles of heart
Oh, it's fine to be a genius of course
But keep that old horse
Before the cart
First you've gotta have heart
— Richard Adler (1921-2012) American Lyricist
— Jerry Ross [born Jerold Rosenberg] (1926-1955) American composerSayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Able to have a positive change of heart.
• Have a good heart-to-heart talk.
• A good laugh will open hearts.
• Get to the heart of the matter.Dictum: The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of. — Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) French polymath [five disciplines]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. — Anne Frank (1929–1945) The Diary of Anne Frank {1947}
• Every heart that has beat strong and cheerfully has left a hopeful impulse behind it in the world. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet
• The greatest substance of the world is immaterial, the province of the heart, and its study cannot be forced or reasoned. Merely to touch upon the edge of things in parsing their mechanics is to foreswear their fullness, for the entry to this fullness lies not in science but in art. — Mark Helprin (1947-) Il Colore... - Healthy!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing well-being and vigor of body, mind, or spirit; salutary; (2) being in a sound state; enjoying fitness; hale; robust; (3) conducive to life; wholesome; salubrious; (4) prosperous; flourishing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• My body is a temple. — The Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:19
• A votre sante (French): “To your health” [used as a toast].Affirmation: I give thanks for ever-increasing health, vitality, and beauty on all levels of my being. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity (paraphrase) {1962}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflections:
• There is an understandable tendency to make attempts to limit the amount of pain you experience. On the surface, this seems reasonable. But consider all of the reasons you need or would prefer to choose pain.
◦ If pain is a part of an adventure
◦ If the fun of the game outweighs the pain involved
◦ If you cannot reach your goal, your ideal, without it
◦ If by suffering you will give life to another – child birth
◦ If you believe your sacrifice will protect someone you love
◦ If by feeling pain you know you will get a reward – exercise
◦ If by experiencing a smaller amount of pain you hope to avoid a greater amount – surgery
◦ If by experiencing discomfort you will receive the wage you need to sustain your livelihood; it is your job, your duty.
◦ You may wish to allow your current, and therefore known, pain rather than choose a change that may or may not produce a new pain.
• If you know your pain and confront it with courage, you won’t have to resort to avoiding it. The fearful use different ways to restrict their pain. One way is to be anesthetized with drugs or alcohol. Or by making choices that reduce the need to confront the difficulty, that is, find a comfortable niche and allow a minimal amount of change to occur. The logic is that change equals pain.... - Health!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing well-being and vigor of body, mind, or spirit; salutary; (2) being in a sound state; enjoying fitness; hale; robust; (3) conducive to life; wholesome; salubrious; (4) prosperous; flourishing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• My body is a temple. — The Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:19
• A votre sante (French): “To your health” [used as a toast].Affirmation: I give thanks for ever-increasing health, vitality, and beauty on all levels of my being. — Catherine Ponder (1927 -) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity (paraphrase)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflections:
• There is an understandable tendency to make attempts to limit the amount of pain you experience. On the surface, this seems reasonable. But consider all of the reasons you need or would prefer to choose pain.
◦ If pain is a part of an adventure
◦ If the fun of the game outweighs the pain involved
◦ If you cannot reach your goal, your ideal, without it
◦ If by suffering you will give life to another – child birth
◦ If you believe your sacrifice will protect someone you love
◦ If by feeling pain you know you will get a reward – exercise
◦ If by experiencing a smaller amount of pain you hope to avoid a greater amount – surgery
◦ If by experiencing discomfort you will receive the wage you need to sustain your livelihood; it is your job, your duty.
◦ You may wish to allow your current, and therefore known, pain rather than choose a change that may or may not produce a new pain.
• If you know your pain and confront it with courage, you won’t have to resort to avoiding it. The fearful use different ways to restrict their pain. One way is to be anesthetized with drugs or alcohol. Or by making choices that reduce the need to confront the difficulty, that is, find a comfortable niche and allow a minimal amount of change to occur. The logic is that change equals pain.... - Healing
Definitions: (1) to restore to health; to make sound, well, or healthy again; (2) to give succor; (3) reconcile hurt feelings
Quote: Jesus always backed away when people came to him only to get their physical needs met. His real interest was in healing the soul. — Joni Eareckson Tada (1949-) American Christian artist & author
Affirmation: Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. — Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (1932–1996) Dutch priest & theologianComment: Healing is what the individual who is ill brings to the curing process.
Colors: green, magenta, orange, pink
Symbols: 1) morning glory flowers; 2) June [the month of healing]; 3) the staff of Aesculapius (Roman and Greek god of medicine) [a staff entwined with one serpent that represents peace, wisdom, and healing]; 4) the caduceus (the staff of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce) [a staff entwined with two serpents {wisdom}, with two wings {power}, and a helmet {lofty thoughts} representing moral equilibrium and good conduct]
Historic Figure: Hippocrates (460-377 bc) Greek Physician [The Father of medicine]
- HARMONY!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) All parts combined in a proportionate, consistent, and agreeable arrangement; congruous; disparate separations adapted to each other; (2) Everything in accord with every other thing; fitting together elegantly; (3) Balance; consonance; equilibrium; (4) Greater than the sum of its parts; superadditive; supersymmetry; (5) Concordant convergence as in music and poetry resonating melodiously beyond the individual notes <the music of the spheres>; (6) Peaceful; tranquil
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Supersymmetry [definition number four] refers to the attempt, now almost exclusively in mathematics, to unify the divergent laws and forces which govern the universe. With God this equilibrium is inherent in His perfect divine poise.Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• When God separated the whole into parts, He created relationships. Every relationship creates a tension. In the absolute all unresolved tensions are equitably settled (instantly), often by the creation of new reality. Some of the tensions created and resolved were: potential and actual resolved by growth; infinite and subinfinite resolved in space through time; personal and impersonal resolved by mind. God is a creator; not a static fact in a state of absolute completion but alive and able to share, enrich, and excite reality.
• We experience much which is out of balance and in need of integration. This is the condition of things in our finite state of existence. Perfection in the infinite is inherent, but in the finite perfection is progressive.
• The natural and necessary consequence of perfect harmony of qualities and attributes in God is their mutually-limiting relationship. Each is interdependent with all others; nothing is out of balance.HARMONIOUS
Human Definitions: (1) peaceful; tranquil; (2) adapted to each other; having the parts combined in a proportionate, orderly, or pleasing arrangement; disparate separations... - Harmonious!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) peaceful; tranquil; (2) adapted to each other; having the parts combined in a proportionate, orderly, or pleasing arrangement; disparate separations adapted to each other; congruous; (3) having similar or conforming feelings, ideas, or interests; in accord or agreement; fitting together elegantly; (4) in balance, consonance, and equilibrium; (5) <in music and poetry> concordant convergence; resonating melodiously beyond the individual notes or words
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Sing in harmony—live in harmony. Relationships make music.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• As long as you are working for your selfish little self, you’re just one cell against all those other cells, and you’re way out of harmony. But as soon as you begin working for the good of the whole, you find yourself in harmony with all of your fellow human beings. No life can be in harmony unless belief and practice are in harmony. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• We need to re-discover the vast, harmonious pattern of the natural world we are a part of, the infinite complexity and variety of its myriad components, the miraculous simplicity of the whole. We need to learn again those essential qualities in our bodies, the alertness of our minds; curiosity and the desire to satisfy it, and the will to conquer it. — James Ramsey Ullman (1907-1971) The Age of Mountaineering {1990}Comment: An individual needs to have a sense of self in harmony with a healthy worldview. When one changes, the other must also change. If they are out of sync, one will experience anxiety during the process of reestablishing the balance.
The key is to include in your worldview the realization, and acceptance of, the fact of change. Include in your inner being an expanding ability to deal with change. The qualities to focus on are flexibility,... - Hardy
Definitions: (1) capable of withstanding adverse conditions; strong (2) having attained courageous qualities; bold; brave; daring; resolute; intrepid; (3) full of assurance; confident; (4) rendered firm by exercise; vigorous
See also: Stress Hardy
See also: HeartySynonyms: enduring, indefatigable, inured, resistant, robust, stout-hearted
Quotes:
• There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble. — Washington Irving (1783–1859) American essayist, historian, & diplomat
• Society asks of most men more than sheer intellect ability-it demands also moral hardiness, self-discipline, a competitive spirit, and other qualities that in more old-fashioned terms we might simply call character. — Julius Adams Stratton (1901–1994) American electrical engineer - Happy-go-lucky
Definition: trusting cheerfully to Providence; carefree; happily unworried or unconcerned; easygoing; lighthearted; fun-loving
Derivation: English, “leaving luck up to chance” {1672}
Comment: When you have faith enough to trust it all to God, you can afford to be happygolucky.
- Happy!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) having or causing a feeling of great pleasure, joy, or contentment; pleased; satisfied; delighted; (2) favored by circumstances; lucky; fortunate; (3) exactly appropriate to the occasion; suitable and clever; felicitous; apt; (4) eudemonism <a system of ethics that bases moral value on the likelihood that good actions will produce happiness>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: blissful, blithesome, glad, merry, prosperous, successful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Effort does not always produce joy, but there is no happiness without intelligent effort. (48:7.10) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• I hope you find, as I did, that happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life. — Barbara Ann Kipfer (1954-)14,000 Things to Be Happy About {1990}
• No man is more unhappy than the one who is never in adversity; the greatest affliction of life is never to have been afflicted. — Tryon Edwards (1809-1894) American theologian
• The rules of a happy life:
1. Don’t sweat the small stuff
2. It’s all small stuff
— George Elliot [born Mary Ann Evans] (1819-1880) English writer & translatorComment: The difference between happy and joyful is situational. It is hard to be happy while you are in pain, but the higher quality of joy can be experienced even in the face of great difficulty.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Suggestion: Decide to be happy – sincerely and completely – in the manner of number (3) definition above, “exactly appropriate to the occasion.” When you are happy in this way you are truly on your way to being content.
We all want to be happy, but sometimes it seems impossible. Even when you find yourself in an unhappy state of mind, you have to move forward in time anyway, so move forward with a positive, hopeful attitude. This will partially displace your actual attitude. You will be living on two levels: the level of your... - Handy
Definitions: (1) skilled use of the hands; dexterous; ready; adroit; (2) performing with skill and readiness; ingenious <especially with tools>
Synonyms: helpful, useful
Quotes:
• Language is handy, but we humans have social and emotional connections that transcend words and are communicated - and understood - without conscious thought. — Leonard Mlodinow (1954-) American physicist
• There is an old tool that has become very handy that is called strategic patience, which is do not overreact in the short-term. Take your time. See what is the underlying, real message. And then, once the reality is represented by actions, then decide how you are going to react to those actions. — Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal (1957-) Mexican economist and politician - Handsome
Definitions: (1) well-proportioned in appearance; goodlooking; attractive; dapper; (2) graceful in manner; possessing propriety and respectful ease; adroit; (3) moderately elegant; neat; correct; (4) liberal; generous; gracious
Derivation: Middle English, originally “easy to handle or use,” hence “suitable, apt, clever.”
Quotes:
• A good haircut is nice; after that you need to speak a few reasonable sentences. — Michael Andrew Hanna, 100 Thought Adjusters {2007}
• The world is full of hopeful analogies and handsome, dubious eggs, called possibilities. — Mary Anne Evans [pen name: George Eliot] (1819-1880) English writer & translator
Comment: There are handsome men, handsome women, handsome buildings, and handsome presents. It is a versatile adjective. To understand a word symbol, one needs to perceive the feeling behind it’s use. - Gutsy
Definitions: (1) daring or courageous; nervy; plucky; (2) robust, vigorous
Idioms:
• Intestinal fortitude.
• Be true to yourself.Quotes:
• You need the right balance between data and gut feeling. — Torger Christian "Toto" Wolff (1972-) Austrian motorsport executive
• Life is hard. Life is difficult. Life is going to punch you in the gut. But when you change your attitude, you change your behavior. When your behavior changes, so do your results. — William Ballard Hurd (1977-) American politicianComment: If you are going to be gutsy you better also be honest or it will come back to bite you.
- Gusto
Definitions: (1) enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation; (2) vitality marked by an abundance of energy and enthusiasm
Derivation: Latin, “taste”
Quote:
• No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto. — William Clement Stone (1902-2002) American author & philanthropist
• God has placed within each of us an immeasurable, unique gift. It is our duty to live that out to the full and to encourage one another with gusto. — Merle Dandridge (1975-) American actress & singer - Gumption
Definitions: (1) initiative; resourcefulness; (2) courage; spunk; guts; (3) common sense; shrewdness
Derivation: Middle English, “energetic common sense,” “to understand”
Compatible Qualities: When you need to do a dirty job the other qualities you will want are: efficiency, focus, patience, and tenacity.
Quote:
• Our souls may all be equal in the sight of the Lord, but our gumption and ingenuity ain't. So the results of man's labor will never be equal. — Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881-1954) American author
• A person filled with gumption doesn’t sit around dissipating and stewing about things. He’s at the front of the train of his own awareness, watching to see what’s up the track and meeting it when it comes. — Robert Maynard Pirsig (1928-2017) American writer & philosopher, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values {1974} - Guiding
Definition: being in a leading position because of intimate knowledge of the way things are and of all its difficulties; conducting; directing; a pathfinder
Compatible Quality: charismatic
Familial Qualities: confidence, leadership
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Docents: teachers, health care, end of life, etc.
Quotes:
• A man's pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others for support and guidance. — Edward Michael “Bear” Grylls (1974-) British adventurer
• Spirituality can release blocks, lead you to ideas, and make your life artful. Sometimes when we pray for guidance, we're guided in unexpected directions. We may want a lofty answer and we get the intuition to clean our bedroom. It can seem so humble and picky and that you don't necessarily think of it as spiritual guidance. — Julia B. Cameron (1948-) American teacher, author, & artistComment: Pick your guiding principle(s). They may be mutual respect with self-respect or honesty with tact and tolerance. Depending on your circumstances it may even be long-suffering. Whatever you come to hold dear will be the light showing you the path ahead (even if you have to forge a new one).
Legendary Figure: Nestor, a wise king in Greece, the chief advisor during the siege of Troy
Mythological Figure: Mentor was a friend and tutor of Odysseus. Athena sometimes took his form as an advisor; a mentor, thus, is a wise and trusted counselor.
- Growth!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) making progress; advancing; improving; (2) developing into full stature or maturity; becoming adult; (3) meteoric <rapid growth; (4) verdant <having achieved a lush level of growth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• A child cannot do the things of an adult.
• Growth is the turning of potentials into actuals.
• You can progress beyond who you are, but you have to be who you are now.Idioms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• No one grows in a vacuum.
• You have to crawl before you can walk.Quotes:
• Growth is awareness plus risk-taking. — Jack Canfield (1944-) American motivational speaker
• The worst potential competition for any organism can come from its own kind. The species consumes necessities. Growth is limited by that necessity which is present in the least amount. The least favorable condition controls the rate of growth. (The Law of the Minimum) — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1965}
• But man is not saved or ennobled by pressure. Spirit growth springs from within the evolving soul. Pressure may deform the personality, but it never stimulates growth. Even educational pressure is only negatively helpful in that it may aid in the prevention of disastrous experiences. Spiritual growth is greatest where all external pressures are at a minimum. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Man develops best when the pressures of home, community, church, and state are least. (103:5.11) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Sometimes a Dynamic increment goes forward but can find no latching mechanism and so fails and slips back to a previously latched position. Whole species and cultures get lost this way. Sometimes a static pattern becomes so powerful it prohibits any Dynamic from moving forward. In both cases the evolutionary process is halted for a while. But when it’s not halted, the result has been an increase in power to control... - Growing!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) making progress; advancing; improving; (2) developing into full stature or maturity; becoming adult; (3) meteoric <rapid growth; (4) verdant <having achieved a lush level of growth
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• A child cannot do the things of an adult.
• Growth is the turning of potentials into actuals.
• You can progress beyond who you are, but you have to be who you are now.Idioms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• No one grows in a vacuum.
• You have to crawl before you can walk.Quotes:
• Growth is awareness plus risk-taking. — Jack Canfield (1944-) American motivational speaker
• The worst potential competition for any organism can come from its own kind. The species consumes necessities. Growth is limited by that necessity which is present in the least amount. The least favorable condition controls the rate of growth. (The Law of the Minimum) — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1965}
• But man is not saved or ennobled by pressure. Spirit growth springs from within the evolving soul. Pressure may deform the personality, but it never stimulates growth. Even educational pressure is only negatively helpful in that it may aid in the prevention of disastrous experiences. Spiritual growth is greatest where all external pressures are at a minimum. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Man develops best when the pressures of home, community, church, and state are least. (103:5.11) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Sometimes a Dynamic increment goes forward but can find no latching mechanism and so fails and slips back to a previously latched position. Whole species and cultures get lost this way. Sometimes a static pattern becomes so powerful it prohibits any Dynamic from moving forward. In both cases the evolutionary process is halted for a while. But when it’s not halted, the result has been an increase in power to control... - Grounded
Definitions: (1) fixed or set <as on a foundation>; firm in one’s cause, reason, or principle; (2) stable and sturdy; settled <as in concrete>
Idiom: Take the higher ground.
Quotes:
• When adversity strikes, that's when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on. — James Todd Smith [aka: LL Cool J] (1968-) American actor
• Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will. Refuse to be average or to surrender to the chill of your spiritual environment. — Sir Arthur Helps (1813–1875) English writer
Note: The “spiritual environment” is often imagined as so ethereal as to not be practical in human affairs. On the contrary, it is the state of mind where we can find our most solid footing.Comment: If you hit rock bottom, at least you now have a grounded place from which to continue. Let God dictate the terms of your surrender.
- Gregarious
Definition: fond of the company of others; social
Derivation: Latin, “a flock”
Quotes:
• Man is a gregarious animal, and much more so in his mind than in his body. He may like to go alone for a walk, but he hates to stand alone in his opinions. — George Santayana (1863-1952) Spanish-American philosopher
• In our society, the ideal self is bold, gregarious, and comfortable in the spotlight. We like to think that we value individuality, but mostly we admire the type of individual who's comfortable 'putting himself out there.' — Susan Horowitz Cain (1968-) American writer & lecturerColor: red
- GREAT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The best there is; (2) The most important; renowned; (3) The most noble and notable of thought and action; distinguished; dignified; (4) Superior; eminent; celebrated; (5) Impressive; remarkable; grand; (6) Extraordinary; splendid; (7) Transcending any ordinary means of measurement or comprehension; immense
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy. — Sai Baba of Shirdi [aka Chand Miya] (c. 1838–1918) Indian spiritual master
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Whether one is talking about magnitude, quantity, or quality, God is the greatest possible.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --GREATNESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having distinctive importance; momentous; renowned; (2) marked by nobility of thought or action; distinguished; dignified (3) unusual in ability of achievement; highly gifted; illustrious; superior; eminent; (4) impressive; remarkable; grand (5) proficient; skillful; (6) excellent; splendid; fine; (7) enthusiasticSynonyms: celebrated, extraordinary, great-minded, majestic, powerful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• To be great is to be Godlike. And since the quality of greatness is wholly determined by the content of goodness, it follows that, even in your present human estate, if you can through grace become good, you are thereby becoming great. (28:6.22) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• Greatness is a transitory experience. It is never consistent. It depends in part upon the myth-making imagination of humankind. The person who experiences greatness must have a feeling for the myth he is in. He must reflect what is projected upon him. And he must have a strong sense of the sardonic. This is what uncouples him from belief in his own pretensions. The sardonic is all that permits him to... - Grateful
Definitions: (1) causing, feeling, or expressing thanks; appreciative; (2) affording pleasure; agreeable; acceptable
Synonym: refreshing
Quote: Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life. — Joel Scott Osteen (1965-) American pastor
Prayer:
Gratitude to Mother Earth – sailing through night and day and to her soul, rich, rare, and sweet.
Gratitude to plants – facing light, changing leaf, and fine root hairs, standing still through wind and rain.
Gratitude to air – bearing the soaring, the swift, and the silent owl at dawn.
Gratitude to wild beings – our brothers, teaching secret ways of freedom; who share with us their milk, their self – complete, brave, and aware.
Gratitude to water, clouds, lakes, and glaciers – holding or releasing, streaming through all our bodies salty seas.
Gratitude to the sun – blinding pulsing light through trunks of trees, through mists, warming caves where bears and snakes sleep.
Gratitude to the great sky – holding billions of stars – and yet goes beyond, beyond all powers and thoughts – and yet is within us. — Mohawk, The People of the Shards of LightComment: Gratitude is a key to abundance, fulfillment, and a happy life. Gratitude is a general antidote to any downward spiral of stress, depression, or conflict. Even when a painful or melancholy attitude is upon you, with gratitude you have a lifeline to the surface. You will still have to deal with the difficulties at hand, but you will be able to do so with a more chipper outlook.
Cultivate the attitude of gratitude.Symbol: lisianthus flowers
- Grand
Definitions: (1) conceived or expressed with great dignity; (2) illustrious; powerful; (3) splendid; magnificent; (4) noble; sublime; lofty; (5) important; distinguished
Synonyms: elevated, exalted, majestic, superb
Quotes:
• Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal. — George Fredrick Will (1941-) American journalist
• You have to have a big vision and take very small steps to get there. You have to be humble as you execute but visionary and gigantic in terms of your aspiration. It's not about grand innovation, it's about a lot of little innovations: every day, every week, every month, making something a little bit better. — Jason McCabe Calacanis (1970-) American internet entrepreneur
Color: green - Gracious
Definitions: (1) having or showing kindness, courtesy, charm, good taste, or generosity of spirit; (2) tactful and delicate; urbane; refined; (3) merciful; compassionate; (4) possessing divine grace; virtuous; good
Synonyms: affable, benignant, cordial, genial, mild, sociable, tender
Quotes:
• I might have some difficult questions, but I know God is good, merciful, and gracious. — Jeremy Thomas Camp (1978-) American Christian singer
• When you've experienced grace and you feel like you've been forgiven, you're a lot more forgiving of other people. You're a lot more gracious to others. — Richard Duane Warren (1954-) American pastorComment: It is because of God’s graciousness that we were given the gifts of grace. And one of those is the gift of free choice. He gave us choice so we would be able to grow and discover our own holiness.
- Graceful
Definitions: (1) possessing beauty or charm of form, composition, movement, or expression; elegance with appropriate dignity; (2) exhibiting an attractive quality, feature, or manner; (3) having a sense of what is right and proper; decent; (4) merciful; clement
Familial Quality: free
Quotes:
• The mare set off for home with the speed of a swallow, and going as smoothly and silently. I never had dreamed of such a motion, fluent and graceful, and ambient, soft as the breeze flitting over the flowers, but swift as the summer lightening. — Richard Hugh Blackmore (1945) English guitarist & songwriter for the band Deep Purple
• Everyone is like a butterfly; they start out ugly and awkward and then morph into beautiful graceful butterflies that everyone loves. — Drew Blythe Barrymore (1975-) American actress
Note: Different caterpillars munch on different kinds of plants. Once they transform into butterflies, they prefer nectar. When humans become butterfly-like, we prefer the nectar of positive qualities.Exercises: Dance. Play sports.
Symbols: 1) the swan; 2) iris flowers; 3) a ballet dancer; 4) the hummingbird
- Grace
Definitions: (1) unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; exalted; (2) approval <in good graces>; (3) an inherited attractive trait or characteristic; (4) a benign attitude or attribute; dignified; honored
Music: "Amazing Grace" {1779}
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
— John Newton (1725-1807) English slaver & later an Anglican clergymanSayings:
• De bonne grace (French): “With good grace”
• Able to accept disappointment with grace.
• Able to appreciate one’s saving graces.
• Able to live with grace in the present.
• Willing to grant a period of grace.Quote: Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. — Bradley Whitford (1959-) American actor & producer
Symbol: alyssum flowers
- Gorgeous
Definitions: (1) fine; splendid; magnificent; beautiful; superb; (2) an expression of great approval; (3) glittering with gay colors; brilliant; showy
Derivation: Middle French, “elegant”
Quote: The alchemist mind transmutes symbols wherein the octave of ethereal vibrations becomes a gorgeous rainbow. — Arthur Stanley Eddington (1882-1944) English astronomer, physicist, and mathematician
- Goofy
Definition: silly; good-hearted
Balancing Quality: Thoughtful
Compatible Quality: good timing
Too Far: absurd
Quote: No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a special friend to act goofy with. — James Montgomery Halstead (1936-2010) American industrial engineer
Exercise: Watch Goofy cartoons.
- Goodness
Definitions: (1) excellence of character, morale, or virtue; (2) showing kindly feelings; benevolence; (3) unselfish; generous; beneficent; (4) deserving of respect; honorable (5) blameless; unimpeachable
Derivation: Sanskrit, “what one clings to;” Old English, “God”
Synonym: praiseworthy
Axiom: If darkness is, then darkness is good. — Mbuti
Quotes:
• Goodness alone can lead men forward beyond their humanity. — Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (480-524) Roman Senator & philosopher
• It is noble to be good and it’s nobler to teach others to be good, and less trouble. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Goodness begets goodness; but to the one who is truly good, evil also begets goodness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese philosopher, Founder of Taoism
• There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns away from Him. — Clive Staples [c. s.] Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British novelistReflection: Magnificent beauty can be so compelling that you can feel the goodness therein.
Comment: If you are good to someone, they get the direct benefit of your act of kindness. But does your simple personal goodness also benefit more broadly? When you are practicing goodness to even one other, they will be more likely to live goodness as well. Therefore, your personal benevolent act spreads out. No matter how private your goodness, you are adding to the greater good.
Consideration: The results of being good are usually evident.
Advice: When in doubt, focus on the good, focus on what you know to be correct and true. Ask your heart whether or not you are doing the right thing. Truth and beauty are mutually supporting with goodness. Look to one to measure the others
- Goodhearted
Definitions: kind and generous; benevolent; possessing a charitable attitude; well-meaning
Quotes:
• No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart. — Shanina Shaik (1991-) Australian model
• I always believe that if you have a good heart, you just want to do what's right. You don't want to step on anyone. — Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco-Escudero [aka: Heart Evangelista] (1985-) Filipino actress, artist, & singer
• Keep a good heart. That's the most important thing in life. It is not how much money you make or what you can acquire. The art of it is to keep a good heart. — Roberta Joan "Joni" Mitchell (1943-) Canadian-American musician - Good-natured
Definition: naturally mild in temper; not easily provoked; having a disposition to please and be pleased
Synonyms: Good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon; amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with; good-tempered denotes a spirit that is not easily ruffled by provocation or other disturbing influences; kind denotes a disposition to make others happy by supplying their wants and granting their requests; obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.
Quote:
• A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. — William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English writer
• Unless and until you inspire the people, you will not get results. Imposition will never give you the results. Inspiration will always give you the results. — Narendra Damodardas Modi (1950-) Indian politician, the 14th prime minister of India - Good-humored
Definition: possessing a cheerful temperament; good-natured
Quotes:
• People with a sense of humor tend to be less egocentric and more realistic in their view of the world and more humble in moments of success and less defeated in times of travail. — George Robert “Bob” Newhart (1929-) American comedian and actor
• It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor. — Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812–1870) English writerAdvice: Train yourself to take teasing with good humor.
- Good Will
Definitions: (1) a friendly disposition; benevolence; (2) cheerful consent; willing
Proverb: Good will to all. — A Christmas wish
Quotes:
• Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. — Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) 30th president of the United States
• In a time of domestic crisis, men of good will and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th president of the United States - Good Self-image
Definitions: (1) a positive concept of oneself; (2) a realistic understanding of one’s capacity
Observation: It is ironic how often those with a poor self-image usually have a sensitive perception of the values of others: “I’m no good but look at how wonderful so-and-so is.”
Subjective reality is folded in such a way that the person with a poor self-image cannot see or accept his or her own positive qualities. Consider Marilyn Monroe; her beauty was certainly obvious to an adoring public, and she surely must have been aware of it, but it was not enough. Those who study theatrical art say she was a talented actor, but her lack of self-esteem helped to destroy her.Structure: The following are from “Anxiety—Recognition and Intervention” The American Journal of Nursing {1930-1986} Barbara C. Schutt R.N. (1917-1986) editor {1930-1986}
Components of a Good Self-Image
• An ability to understand and be understood
• Satisfaction of personal expectations
• Reasonable control of environment
• Satisfaction of personal wants
• Satisfaction of personal goals
• Reasonable control of self
• A sense of productivity
• A sense of usefulness
• A sense of belongingThreats to a Good Self-Image
• A sense of isolation, alienation, or loneliness
• A sense of insecurity (a threat to identity)
• A sense of helplessness
• Fear - Godly!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) filled with love for God; pious; devout; religious; (2) aspiring to conform to God’s design or will; (3) metta <loving-kindness; (4) theophile <one who loves God and is love by God; theosophy <the knowledge that God may be achieved through spiritual ecstasy, direct intuition, or special individual relations
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Why indeed must “God” be a noun? Why not a verb . . . The most active and dynamic of all? — Mary Daly (1928-2010) American theologian
• God is Love, and whenever you reach out in loving kindness, you are expressing God. God is Truth, and whenever you seek truth, you are seeking God. God is Beauty, and whenever you touch the beauty of a flower or sunset, you are touching God. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Man has always thought of God in the terms of the best he knew, his deepest ideas and highest ideals. Even historic religion has always created its God conceptions out of its highest recognized values. Every intelligent creature gives the name of God to the best and highest thing he knows. (102:8.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• God can only do for you what God can do through you by means of your thoughts and ideas. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Note: And your persistent decisions to yield to your higher ideals.Tip: Since everyone has God within, treat everyone like God.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: There is always someone who is stronger or smarter or wiser than you are. Many times it is only your perception of them in relation to your perception of yourself.
If they truly are godly, they will not flaunt their superiority. Any superiority is most probably specific to one area or is a superficial difference. They may be older, or more experienced, or female while you are male, or Polynesian while you are Inuit.... - Goal Oriented!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) focused on the end or final purpose; (2) characterizes one who intends to accomplish everything he or she sets out to do
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Music: "Winter Wonderland" {1934}
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
— Felix Bernard (1897-1944) American Composer
— Richard Bernhard Smith (1901-1935) American LyricistQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• The limitations define how you are to proceed. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• One has half the deed done who has made a beginning. — Horace (65 BC-8 AD) Roman lyric poet
• The last step depends on the first. The first step depends on the last. — Rene Daumal (1908-1944) French poet
• Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright
• After 5,000 “failed” experiments on the light bulb: “I had 5,000 ways of proving that I was getting closer to where I wanted to go.” — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor
• Purpose is a general direction toward which you wish your life to move. Resolutions, on the other hand, are goals that help contribute to your purpose. Once you have stated your purpose, set up a plan to achieve it. Look at the resources that are available, and think about which ones are needed. It’s important to have a taste of success. Also, make sure you reward yourself when you meet your short-term goals. — Dr. George Sheehan (1918-1993) “Peak Performance! Coaching Your Internal Team,” Taking Care Magazine
• Having a goal sometimes limits your flexibility. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
Note: Don’t be so narrowly focused on your goal that you forget your higher purpose.Inspiration: You alone do not need to arrive at all of the determination you need to experience your goals....
- Glowing
Definitions: (1) radiating health and high spirits; (2) warmly favorable or complimentary <glowing praise>; (3) animated excitement or passion; ardent zeal; elated; (4) exhibiting a rich and warm feeling; lambent <soft radiance>
Derivation: Old English, “bright,” “to glitter”
Quotes:
• Don't forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must love yourself internally to glow externally. — Hannah Marcina Bronfman (1987-) American angel investor
• As I lay there thinking of my vision, I could see it all and feel the meaning with a part of me like a strange power glowing in my body; but when the part of me that talks would try to make words for the meaning, it would be like fog and get away from me. — Black Elk [Heȟáka Sápa] (1863–1950) Oglala Lakota holy man - Gleeful
Definition: merry; gaiety; joyous; full of delight
Quotes:
• Applause is the most powerful thing... people talk about the sound of it, but what I hear is glee. — Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (1952-) Guyanese-born American actress
• You gleefully say, "I just thought of something!", when in fact your brain performed an enormous amount of work before your moment of genius struck. When an idea is served up from behind the scenes, your neural circuitry has been working on it for hours or days or years, consolidating information and trying out new combinations. But you take credit without further wonderment at the vast, hidden machinery behind the scenes. — David Eagleman (1971-) American neuroscientist - Glamorous
Definition: fascinating attraction; alluring charm; personally enchanting
Compatible Quality: healthy
Quote:
• God's will for your life is God's will for today, and it doesn't get any more glamorous than that. — Gloria Gaither (1942-) American singer-songwriter
• Glamour is an imaginative process that creates a specific emotional response: a sharp mixture of projection, longing, admiration, and aspiration. It evokes an audience's hopes and dreams and makes them seem attainable, all the while maintaining enough distance to sustain the fantasy. — Virginia Inman Postrel (1960-) American writer - Glad
Definitions: (1) affected with pleasure or joy; happy; cheerful; (2) wearing a gay appearance; showy; bright; (3) pleasing; exhilarating; (4) very willing <glad to help>
Synonyms: delighted, gladsome, gratified, fain <with pleasure>
Quote: It made me gladsome to be getting some education, it being like a big window opening. — Mary Gladys Webb (1881–1927) English novelist & poet
Symbol: smooth like the gleam of polished gold (German)
Fictional Figure: Pollyanna, also known as the Glad Girl, who finds good in everything and is brightly optimistic. — Eleanor Emily Hodgman Porter (1868-1920) American novelist
- Giving!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) to transfer one’s own possession (material, mental, emotional, or spiritual) freely to another without asking anything in return; (2) devoted to a cause, occupation, pursuit, or goal; (3) reciprocal <given, felt, or done in return
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Appreciation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: You can sacrifice yourself under necessary situations, but sacrifice can be negative. If you give beyond the need, you could be depriving the receiver of a valuable learning experience and allowing yourself to be taken advantage of. Or if the receiver takes more than is needed, they are turning positive generosity into negative greed.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• What fulfills you is not what you keep but what you give away. — Madeline Manning Mims (1948-) American 800 meter gold medal Olympian
• Freely have you received; therefore freely should you give of the truth of heaven, and in the giving will this truth multiply and show forth the increasing light of saving grace, even as you minister it. (176:3.10) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}Analogy: Giving and receiving can be seen in the infinity symbol (∞). Divide the symbol in half horizontally with the bottom half as the giving side and the top half as the receiving side. Divide it left and right. The left side is the self; the right side is the other person or persons. Whatever you’ve got to give crosses through the central point. It goes into the other’s receiving chamber.
The quantity and quality of the giving is dependent on the capability and capacity of the giving person, but also on his or her attitude toward the receiver. The quantity and quality being received is modified by the receiver’s openness and their ability to receive. A flood of good could be given (information, goods, services, love) but the receiver can only... - Gifted
Definitions: (1) endowed by nature with a great talent, ability, or faculty; (2) exceptionally intelligent
See also: GeniusComments: Remember to be thankful for your gifts:
• Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art. — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec [born Baron Stanisław Jerzy de Tusch-Letz] (1909–1966) Polish aphorist & poet.
• Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. — Felice Leonardo Buscaglia [aka: Dr. Love] (1924–1998) American motivational speaker
• God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French philosopherQuote: Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained. — Marie Salomea Skłodowska–Curie (1867-1934) Polish-French physicist
- Genuine
Definitions: (1) sincere and frank; honest and forthright; (2) real; true; authentic; not artificial; not counterfeit <a genuine manuscript>
Synonyms: (fair) dinkum <true gold>, natural, unadulterated, unaffected, veritable
Quotes:
• The essence of Hinduism is the same essence of all true religions: Bhakti or pure love for God and genuine compassion for all beings. — Radhanath Swami [born Richard Slavin] (1950-) American Gaudiya Vaishnava guru
• The belief that all genuine education comes about through experience does not mean that all experiences are genuinely or equally educative. — John Dewey (1859–1952) American philosopher & psychologistComment: When, on the one hand, one seems genuine and honest, but on the other hand, has selfish motives, their true purpose cannot really be known until time clarifies it. However you may be able to see through their facade from the outset. If not, wait patiently, eventually the individual will show themself. Remember the old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”
Sometimes people say they are motivated by a set of positive qualities and yet are taking steps and actions going against the very qualities they profess to hold in such high regard. - Gentlemanly
Definition: pertaining to or becoming courteous, a gracious man with a strong sense of honor; polite; complaisant
Note: All qualities are gender neutral. The traits described in the definitions are universally applicable.
See Also: LadylikeQuotes:
• Anyone can be heroic from time to time, but a gentleman is something you have to be all the time. Share this Quote Luigi Pirandello (1867-1936) Italian dramatist and poet
• Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him. — John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher - GENTLE
Divine Definitions: (1) Heeding the need of others delicately and with sensitivity; (2) Possessing a good heart; softhearted; (3) Able to handle any situation smoothly and with touching tenderness; (4) Self-composed; serene; (5) Noble; Lordly
Quote: The sound of 'gentle stillness' after all the thunder and wind have passed will [be] the ultimate Word from God. — Philip James Elliot (1927–1956) American Christian missionary
Comment: We see, seemingly, dissimilar qualities come together in the same human being; such as strong and gentle, all of the time. If opposites can be so agreeably combined in humans, then all the more probable in The One who is the originator of all that is good.
GENTLENESS
Human Definitions: (1) refined or polite; noble; (2) heeding the need of others with delicacy and sensitivity; generous; kind; (3) able to handle a situation smoothly; self-composed, serene; patient; (4) mild; moderate;Synonyms: meek, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, softhearted, tender
Balancing Qualities: Determined, Strong
Maxim: Gently in manner, strongly in deed.
Quote: The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. — Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) American naturalist
Comment: We associate gentleness with the sense of touch; but even though we cannot physically touch most people, we can touch their hearts with the kindness of a smile, touch their minds with an encouraging word, or touch their funny bones with a sense of humor.Symbol: the unicorn {Gentleness and Longevity} (Chinese)
- Genteel
Definitions: (1) elegant or graceful in manner; polite; (2) refined in style or speech
Derivation: French, “gentle”
Familial Qualities: gentlemanly, ladylike
Too Far: haughty
Poetry:
But we are more than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process of being realized.
— Shane Koyczan (1975-) Canadian poetQuote: When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time. —Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Preacher and writer
- Genius!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) extraordinary intelligence beyond the intellectually superior individuals; (2) an outstanding gift for some specialized activity, particularly skilled in one or more fields; (3) the personification or embodiment of a quality or condition
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Mid 17th century, “exceptional genetic ability”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: clever, creative, ingenious, talented, wise
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Genius is eternal patience. — Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simon (1475-1564) Italian polymath [four disciplines]
• A man with genius is unendurable if he does not also possess at least two other things: gratitude and cleanliness. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German philosopherQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Mediocrity is self-inflicted and genius is self-bestowed. — Walter Russell (1871-1963) American Polymath [four disciplines]
• Everyone knows about Newton’s apple. Charles Darwin said his Origin of the Species {1859} flashed complete in one second, and he spent the rest of his life backing it up; and the theory of relativity occurred to Einstein in the time it takes to clap your hands. This is the greatest mystery of the human mind – the inductive leap. Everything falls into place, irrelevancies relate, dissonance becomes harmony, and nonsense wears a crown of meaning. — John Steinbeck (1902-1968) American writerComment: Genius is not just relegated to math (Einstein) or music (Mozart) or writing (Shakespeare). You can be a genius of any quality or talent. The Scottish write of a genius for friendship. Genius is not only innate, or bestowed, it can also be developed.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Symbol: a single [hidden] pearl (Chinese)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Legend: An ancient Roman belief held that each person is...
- Genial
Definitions: (1) pleasantly cheerful; (2) imparting warmth or comfort; kindly; friendly; amiable; cordial; sympathetic; (3)displaying the marks of a genius; (4) favorable to growth or life
Synonyms: gracious, hearty, inspiriting, merry
Quotes:
• The inborn geniality of some people amounts to genius. — Edwin Percy Whipple (1819–1886) American essayist & critic
• Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays the pleasing game of interchanging praise. — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894) American polymath [six disciplines] - Generous
Definitions: (1) liberal in sharing; unselfish; freehearted; a warmhearted readiness to give; bountiful; (2) free from meanness or pettiness; open-handed; (3) magnanimous; free-handed; nobleminded; gracious
Synonyms: abundance, fulsome
Balancing Quality: Practical
Too Far: poverty
Quotes:
• If you haven't got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. — Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (1903-2003) American comedian
• If you get great pleasure and joy out of giving of yourself, then your “selfishness” manifests itself as generosity. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empathParable: The Bible story of the employer who paid those who worked all day the same as those who worked just at the end of the day shows generosity to be a greater quality than consistency.
Comment: Generosity does not mean only the giving of money. It also includes the sharing of ideas, establishing positive systems and infrastructure, caring for physical and emotional needs, even helping control those who cannot control themselves.
An attitude of generosity may or may not include an overt or hidden sense of payback. But the best generosity gives without expectations.Observation: One of God’s most heartwarming characteristics is Absolute Generosity.
Symbol: a mountain (Chinese)
- Gaiety
Definitions: (1) light-hearted, buoyant, cheerful; (2) joyous and lively; happy and lighthearted; (3) exuberant; high-spirited; festive; (4) freedom from care; a contented state of mind
Derivation: Proto-Germanic, "fast, quick”
Synonyms: blithe, sprightly
Quotes:
• To enjoy the things we ought, and to hate the things we ought, has the greatest bearing on excellence of character. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• The crucial task of old age is balance: keeping just well enough, just brave enough, just gay and interested and starkly honest enough to remain a sentient human being. — Florida Pier Scott-Maxwell (1883-1979) American author & playwrightObservation: A good example of how words gather multiple meanings over time.
- Gamesome
Definition: gaiety, sportive; playful; frolicsome; merry
Quotes:
• I'm not afraid of death. It's the stake one puts up in order to play the game of life. — Hippolyte Jean Giraudoux (1882–1944) French novelist & diplomat
• Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it. — Sathya Sai Baba (1926-2011) Indian spiritual guru - Gallant
Definitions: (1) brave; courageous; heroic <gallant efforts in the face of danger>; (2) showing polite attention; courteous; nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing; courtly; (3) exhibiting dashing behavior and ornate expression; high-spirited; (4) grand; splendid; magnificent <a gallant heart>
Synonyms: bold, fearless, intrepid, valiant
Quotes:
• Gratefulness is the gallantry of a heart ready to rise to the opportunity a given moment offers. — David Steindl-Rast (1926-) Austrian-American Catholic monk & author
• To produce an enduring piece of artwork is a gallant response to the prospect of death. Every person knows that they must die. Every person possesses autonomy of the will, the ability to choose how to conduct their life. An artist does not deny their impermanence but embraces the prospect of their death by laboring to create a monument of their existence that will survive their expiry. — Kilroy J. Oldster, Dead Toad Scrolls {2016} - Funny
Definition: exciting laughter; a humorous situation; comical, droll, amusing
Quotes:
• To find something funny one only has to look at themselves. — Jay Ward (1920-1989) American Cartoonist, Creator of Rocky and His Friends {1960}
• It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. — Thomas Sowell (1930-) American economist & philosopherSymbol: laughter
- Fun
Definitions: (1) lively playfulness; merriment; amusement; sport; recreation; joking frivolity; (2) a source or cause of enjoyable distraction <as a game or an amusing person or thing>
Comment: You might tease a friend with a bit of banter, but there is no 'fun' in making fun of someone.
Quotes:
• Make space in your life for the things that matter, for family and friends, love and generosity, fun and joy. — Rabbi Lord Jonathan Henry Sacks(1948-2020) British philosopher & theologian
• The Universal Zulu Nation stands to acknowledge wisdom, understanding, freedom, justice and equality, peace, unity, love, having fun, work, overcoming the negative through the positive, science, mathematics, faith, facts, and the wonders of God, whether we call him Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, or Jah. — Lance Taylor {aka: Afrika Bambaataa] (1957-) American DJ & rapper - Fulfilled
Definitions: (1) characterizes one whose expectations have been realized or satisfied; accomplished; (2) brought to an end; performed
Quotes:
• A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese theologian
• If by chance some day you're not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I've said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled. — Richard "Red" Skelton (1913–1997) American comedianComment: When one accomplishes one’s desires (a form of self-love) then one feels fulfilled, especially if it is done unselfishly. There are always new goals to set and strive for.
Symbol: a single rose
- Fruitful
Definitions: (1) very fertile; prolific; plentiful; (2) producing abundant results; (3) profitable; rich
Compatible Quality: generous
Quotes:
• Sometimes it's the detours which turn out to be the fruitful ideas. — Sir Roger Penrose (1931-) British mathematician
• Give me the fruitful error any time, full of seeds, bursting with its own corrections. You can keep your sterile truth for yourself. — Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto (1848-1923) Italian polymath [five disciplines]Color: red
Mythological Figure: Vertumnus, a Roman god of gardens, crops, orchards, and Spring
- Frugal
Definitions: (1) economical <usually with monetary possessions but also with all sorts of resources>; not using unnecessarily; saving; using precious resources sparingly; (2) entailing little expense; requiring few assets
Too Far: miserly, stingy
Quotes:
• Living a frugal lifestyle gives you the opportunity to invest more money towards your future. — John Rampton (1984-) American entrepreneur
• Being frugal, conscious of making money, is that sensibility of creating value and finding value and reinvesting in customers is what separates great restaurants from the average ones. — Joe Bastianich (1968-) American restaurateur - Frolicsome
Definition: merrily playful; full of mirth; sportive; lighthearted
Poetry:
I want to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbably beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.
― Mary Oliver (1935-2015) American poet, Owls and Other Fantasies {2006}Quote: A real education takes place, not in the lecture hall or library, but in the rooms of friends, with earnest frolic and happy disputation. — Stephen John Fry (1957-) English actor, comedian, & writer
- Frisky
Definition: gaily active; lively; playful
Idiom: American-English: Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed {1888} } ― American-English
Quote: The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. ― Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman (1960-) English author
Suggestion: What to do when feeling frisky: play, prance, invent, enjoy a companionable conversation
- Friendship!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) showing kindly interest and good will; amicable; (2) comforting or supportive of others needs and wants; helpful; (3) attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion; (4) disposed to peace; ; amity; (5) cheerful; (6) entente <friendly understanding between factions>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: a buddy, conciliatory, hospitable, playmate, propitious, sympathetic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Complementary Qualities: communication, forgiveness, respect, sharing, silliness, tolerance
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: love
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverbs:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• A man who would have friends must show himself friendly. — Jewish
• True friendship is like sound health, the value of which is seldom known until it is lost. — ChineseQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• No man is a failure who has friends. — No man is a failure who has friends. — Philip Van Doren Stern (1900–1984) American writer, editor, & historian, His story "The Greatest Gift"{1943} inspired the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life {1946}
• To find a friend one must close one eye – to keep a friend, two. — George Norman Douglas (1868-1952) British writer
• Become interested in your fellows; learn how to love them and watch for the opportunity to do something for them which you are sure they want done. (130:7.2) — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Urantia Book {1955}
• So long as we love, we serve. So long as we are loved by others, I would almost say, we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish novelistComment: True friendship is a gift of sublime self-forgetfulness. Being overly focused on oneself will drain your energy. But if you focus on your task or your loved one, you will have more energy and motivation to persist.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !--... - Fresh
Definitions: (1) having the energy and appearance of youth; (2) original, spontaneous, and stimulating; (3) having new vigor; lively; (4) not impaired by time; not forgotten or used
Synonyms: brisk, florid, novel, recent, glowing, strong, unfaded
Quotes:
• I would like to recapture that freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth when all the world is new to it. ― Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French artist
• What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade. ― Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) British horticulturistTip: Keep your thoughts fresh. Stimulate your mind with new ideas and your soul with bright ideals.
- Freethinking
Definitions: (1) characterizes a person who forms opinions on the basis of sound reasoning, independent of authority, tradition, or established belief; self-determining; (2) one who accepts the possible validity of all modes of thought or action; open-minded
Balancing Quality: Cooperative
Familial Qualities: independent, individualistic
Quotes:
• The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks. ― Christopher Eric Hitchens (1949-2011) British author & journalist
• Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking; where it is absent, discussion is apt to become worse than useless. ― Count Lev Nikolayevich [Leo] Tolstoy (1828-1910) Russian writer - Freedom
Definitions: (1) able to move in any direction; unhindered; (2) able to choose for oneself; not restricted by anything except one’s own limitations or nature; unencumbered; unhampered; (3) spontaneous; (4) not constrained or stilted; unimpeded; smooth, easy, and graceful; (5) possessing a generous spirit; liberal or lavish with goods or time; (6) frank; straightforward; uninhibited; (7) open to all
Balancing Quality: Respect
Note: If a person feels freedom without any constraints, they may feel they can do anything. This includes taking what they want even if it belongs to someone else. Adding the quality of respect (for person and property) to freedom infuses dignity to the character.Compatible Qualities: artistic, expressive
Quotes:
• Our greatest human freedom is our ability to choose an attitude. — Dr. Victor Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian psychologist, neurologist, & Holocaust survivor; Man’s Search for Meaning {1959}
• The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.Comments:
• If you are possessed by your possessions, you are not free.
• Recognizing true higher value and submitting your subjective will to it is liberating.
• An individual or a society experiencing fear is usually willing to give up personal freedom in favor of security and protection. Gravity is a physical universal fact. Freedom is a personality gift. Each choice made focuses our freedom. We control ourselves by agreeing to the rules of society, the rubrics of religion, conformity in the workplace, etc.Symbol: magnolias blossoms
- Free
Definitions: (1) able to move in any direction; unhindered; (2) able to choose for oneself; not restricted by anything except one’s own limitations or nature; unencumbered; unhampered; (3) spontaneous; (4) not constrained or stilted; unimpeded; smooth, easy, and graceful; (5) possessing a generous spirit; liberal or lavish with goods or time; (6) frank; straightforward; uninhibited; (7) open to all
Balancing Quality: respect
Note: If a person feels freedom without any constraints, they may feel they can do anything. This includes taking what they want even if it belongs to someone else. Adding the quality of respect (for person and property) to freedom infuses dignity to the character.Compatible Qualities: artistic, expressive
Familial Qualities: free-spirit, latitude, leeway
Quotes:
• Our greatest human freedom is our ability to choose an attitude. — Dr. Victor Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian psychologist, neurologist, & Holocaust survivor; Man’s Search for Meaning {1959}
• The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.Comments:
• If you are possessed by your possessions, you are not free.
• Recognizing true higher value and submitting your subjective will to it is liberating.
• An individual or a society experiencing fear is usually willing to give up personal freedom in favor of security and protection. Gravity is a physical universal fact. Freedom is a personality gift. Each choice made focuses our freedom. We control ourselves by agreeing to the rules of society, the rubrics of religion, conformity in the workplace, etc.Symbol: magnolia blossoms
- Fraternal
Definitions: (1) relating to or involving brothers; (2) refers <in a generic sense> to the familial connection between all people, male and female; friendly; (3) characterizes one who gives special attention or favor to individuals because they are family or are as close as family.
Compatible Qualities: Sororal: sisterly; Pilina: Hawaiian, strong personal connections
Quote: Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, time to act, time to extend our fraternal relations, time to become better men, time to become better women, time to become better and more independent citizens. — Samuel Gompers (1850–1924) British-born American labor leader
Symbol: the garland {Fellowship}
- Frank
Definition: free in expressing what one thinks or feels; candid; free from reserve, disguise, or guile; open; ingenuous; clearly evident; plain
Derivation: Middle Latin, “free,” “at liberty”
Synonyms: honest, open-faced, sincere, up front
Balancing Qualities: Articulate, Compassionate
Too Far: brusque, piercing, tactless
Quotes:
• You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage. — Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) American general
• Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses himself with frankness and with fervor. — Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881) British statesman & writer - Fragrant
Definitions: (1) morally, spiritually, or socially attractive; (2) having a pleasing scent; sweet-smelling
Synonyms: aromatic, balmy, perfumy, spicy
Quotes:
• The scent of jasmine travels only with the wind, but the fragrance of holiness travels even against the wind. — The Dhammapada (4:11) {5th Century}
• Everyone can identify with a fragrant garden, with beauty of sunset, with the quiet of nature, with a warm and cozy cottage. — William Thomas Kinkade III (1958-2012) American painterComment: All of the senses have intrinsic value.
Symbols: 1) flowers; 2) perfume
- Foxy
Definitions: (1) slyly clever or cunning; crafty; sharp; vulpine; (2) physically attractive <especially in an alluring way>
Balancing Qualities: Trustworthy, Sincere
Quote: No critic and advocate of immutability has ever once managed properly or even marginally to outwit the English language's capacity for foxy and relentlessly slippery flexibility. For English changes constantly; it grows with an almost exponential joy. It evolves eternally; its words alter their senses and their meanings subtly, slowly, or speedily according to fashion and need. — Simon Winchester (1944-) British-American author & journalist
Symbols: Anthropomorphism: derivation Greek, "human" & "form"
Note: Many human traits have been named after animals. Some examples are wise as an owl, lazy as a sloth, an eager beaver, sly as a fox ... - Foursquare
Definitions: (1) frank; forthright; direct; (2) firm; solid; unhesitating; holding a bold conviction
Balancing Quality: Lighthearted
Quote: It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd President of the United States
Observation: The saying goes, “You cannot fit a square peg in a round hole." This is true if you must have a perfect fit. Nonetheless, we are mentally and experientially all different sizes and shapes – and we all fit into the larger round ‘whole.’
- Forward
Definitions: (1) mentally advanced; precocious; (2) progressing onward; (3) prompt; ready; eager; (4) bold; pert
Too Far: pushy
Quotes:
• March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path. — Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American Artist and poet
• Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. — Brian Tracy (1944-) Canadian-American motivational speaker - Fortunate
Definition: receiving, bringing, or coming to you by circumstances or good luck; auspicious
Synonyms: favorable, fortuitous, prosperous, successful
Quotes:
• If I am more fortunate than others, I need to build a longer table not a taller fence. — Tamlyn Naomi Tomita (1966-) American actress
• The way of fortune is like the milky way in the sky; which is a number of small stars, not seen asunder, but giving light together: so it is a number of little and scarce discerned virtues, faculties, and customs, that make men fortunate. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher & statesmanObservation: You will notice that people with a certain set of qualities are blessed. Either they have a talent and fortune comes as a result, or they are nice to be around and they are sought-after companions. Either way, you can develop your natural abilities and your positive personality traits in order to create your personally fortunate situation.
Tip: When you are fortunate, appreciate it.
Mythological Figure: Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune
Symbol: peony flowers
- Fortitude
Definitions: (1) strength of mind in the face of pain, adversity, or peril; (2) patient courage plus magnanimity
See also: CourageousDerivation: Latin, “strong,” “powerful”
Quotes:
• Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues. — John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher
• Intense striving for the attainment of supermortal ideals is always characterized by increasing patience, forbearance, fortitude, and tolerance. (100:6.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}Comment: It is by facing stress, conflict, difficulty, and problems that you acquire the qualities of strength, fortitude, and bravery.
- Fortified
Definitions: (1) possessing physical strength, courage, or endurance; invigorated; (2) one with staunch mental or moral strength; undaunted
Familial Quality: mettlesome
Quotes:
• Only the consciousness of a purpose that is mightier than any man and worthy of all men can fortify and inspirit and compose the souls of men. — Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) American writer & reporter
• Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it. — Hermann Karl Hesse (1877–1962) German-Swiss poet, novelist, & painter
Tip: When you don’t feel loved or loving, or even if you do, take stock of your positive qualities; you’ll feel stronger and better able to continue. - Forthright
Definitions: (1) free from ambiguity or evasiveness; candid; straight to the point; outspoken; without hesitation; frank; (2) simple in style or quality; direct; (3) focused immediacy
Balancing Qualities: Delicate, Sensitive, Tactful
Quotes:
• I've apologized tons of times. The only thing I must not do is break the code of honesty and steady, forthright contact. You can fix almost anything by authentically communicating. — Amanda MacKinnon Gaiman Palmer (1976-) American singer/songwriter
• Being honest means being forthright about information, no matter how painful disclosing that information might be. — Cary Kennedy (1968) American politician
Note: At least one more quality needs to be added to make raw honesty palatable; and that would be tact. - Formal
Definitions: (1) being in accordance with the usual (social) requirements or customs; observant of conventional civil behavior or procedure; punctilious; (2) done or made in an orderly fashion; methodical; (3) having a regular arrangement or pattern; symmetrical
Synonyms: ceremonious, exact, precise
Quotes:
• Every company has two organizational structures: The formal one is written on the charts; the other is the everyday relationship of the men and women in the organization. — Harold Sydney Geneen (1910–1997) American businessman
• In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat, but in the evolution of real knowledge it marks the first step in progress toward a victory. — Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) English mathematician and philosopher - Forgiving!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who gives up resentment, stops anger, or pardons wrongs (or perceived wrongs); reconciliation; (2) giving up all claim to punish or exact a penalty; overlooking or abandoning vengeful feelings
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: absolving, exculpating, excusing, exonerating, releasing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Communication, Imagination
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: acceptance, tolerance
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Significant Date: International forgiveness week is the first week of February.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Ira furor brevis est (Latin): “Anger is a brief madness.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictum: To err is human; to forgive, divine. — Alexander Pope (1688-1744) English poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Metaphor: Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet that clings fast to the heel that crushed it.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverb: Anger is as a stone cast into a wasp’s nest. — Malabar
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Forgiveness can purify memory. It can travel through time and history breathing life into the killing fields, into the collective soul of nations, into the lives of its brutalized citizens. — Pope John Paul II [born Karol Józef Wojtyła] (1920-2005) the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
• If you’re harboring the slightest bitterness toward anyone, or any unkind thoughts of any sort whatsoever, you must get rid of them quickly. They aren’t hurting anyone but you. It is said that hate injures the hater not the hated. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Nature does abhor a vacuum, and when you begin moving out of your life what you do not want, you automatically are making way for what you do want. By letting go of the lesser, you... - Forethoughtful
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who thinks or plans out in advance; one who premeditates; (2) having prudent thought for the future; foresightful
Axiom: Measure twice; cut once.
Quotes:
• There’s a halfway world between each ending and each new beginning … Give yourself the time you need. Some thresholds are too wide to be taken in one stride. — Nina George (1974-) The Little Paris Bookshop {2013}
• Wisdom, prudence, forethought, these are essential. But not second to these is that noble courage which adventures the right, and leaves the consequences to God. — Robert Dale Owen (1801–1877) Scottish-born Welsh-American social reformerMythological Figure: The name Prometheus means forethought. Prometheus was a Titan of Greek mythology who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. He was tortured severely by Zeus for his insolence. Evidently, the myth writers wanted us to realize that, with forethought, we can weigh the potential good of our actions against the potential grief. Forethought does not always protect you from difficulty, but it is better than being reckless.
- Foresighted
Definitions: (1) possessing the power of seeing beforehand; prescience; (2) having thoughtful regard or provision for the future; prudent forethought; (3) exhibiting the ability to project to oneself and others the consequences of actions to be taken (and proceeding if possible and curtailing if unwise)
Quote: Lacking foresight, evolution is simply opportunistic, retaining those features that were available when opportunity knocked. … It even created the capacity for music and poetry and humor – somehow. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Flows Uphill {1986}
Comment: All of the confusion, frustration, and sorrow caused by war, greed, corruption, and ignorance have a hope of being mitigated if large numbers of people, individually, decide to focus on some general good. People may turn to the positive because they are tired of the misery they have wrought upon themselves and others. We can have the foresight to seek the light beyond our own desires.
The most permanent of these disasters is the ongoing destruction of plants, animals, and habitats which may take another hundred generations to rebuild if they come back at all.
We need to extend our vision into the future. But more importantly we need to extend our love and concern to those people who will be facing these sad consequences. After all, they are our children. - Forceful
Definitions: (1) acting with power or full of energy; vigorous; (2) effective; cogent; telling
Balancing Qualities: This quality is best in combination. It needs always to be balanced with a range of other qualities depending on the circumstances. As a parental disciplinarian you need to be forceful yet tender. A person in a potentially threatening situation needs to be forceful and prudent. In a rough and tumble game the combination would be forceful and playful.
Too Far: bully, insensitive
Quote: Persuasiveness is really just about getting your ideas across without being forceful. It's a skill that can be learned and is useful for anyone who works in a team environment. — Amanda de Cadenet (1972-) British photographer & author
- Forbearing
Definition: self-controlled when subject to annoyance or provocation; patient; long-suffering
Familial Qualities: determined, stick-to-itive
Quote:
• The two powers which constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing. — Epictetus (50-135) Greek Stoic philosopher
• Forbearance is the root of quietness and assurance forever. — Tokugawa Ieyasu [born Matsudaira Takechiyo] (1543–1616) Founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan
Comment: Forbearance is greater than tolerance, greater than patience, greater, even, than long-suffering. It includes a clarity of understanding, and a knowing faith, in the truth that all things work together for the greatest good.Symbol: the ox
- Folksy
Definitions: (1) friendly or neighborly; sociable; (2) very informal and familiar; casual; unceremonious; unpretentious
Derivation: Middle English, “people”
Familial Qualities: down-to-earth, homey
Quotes:
• Folks are like plants; we all lean toward the light. — Kris Carr (1971-) American actress & filmmaker
• To live more simply is to unburden our lives - to live more lightly, cleanly, aerodynamically. It is to establish a more direct, unpretentious, and unencumbered relationship with all aspects of our lives: the things that we consume, the work that we do, our relationships with others, our connections with nature and the cosmos, and more. — Duane Elgin (1943-) American author & social scientist - Focused
Definitions: (1) brought into the center of attention; single-minded; (2) intently fixed on one object or purpose; concentrated; (3) cooperation with or by a group on a particular activity
Compatible Qualities: determined, motivated
Parental Qualities: disciplined, joyful
Familial Qualities: attentive, thorough
Idiom: Keep your eye on the ball.
Quote: This feeling of “becoming” the experience is made possible by connecting more fully and feeling the experience on a more intimate level. — Terry Orlick, Ph.D. (1948 -) Positive Living Skills, Joy and Focus for Everyone {2010}
Comment: Paying attention, focusing, is a form of magnification. Rock climbing focuses the body and mind. Pain instantly brings the consciousness to a single point.
- Flowing
Definitions: (1) moving steadily in an agreeably effortless or rhythmic way; (2) having a smooth, satisfying, harmonious continuity; profluent
Quote: The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green. — Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish essayist
Questions: What happens when the point between giving and receiving gets choked off? The internal energy doesn’t flow. There are always physical ramifications (positive or negative) concerning the balance between giving and receiving. Both external and internal causes can effect physical illnesses. If you are not doing what you know you need to be doing, or are doing what you know you should not be doing, internal energy turns in on itself and gets wacky. It can turn into cancers, nervous disorders, headaches, ulcers, or suppression of the immune system. (Yes, the psychopath is the exception.)
The difficulty comes in measuring that balance. You have to make subjective judgments. Are you taking care of the duties of daily living with honest effort? Are you doing interesting things with interesting people? Are you enjoying what you are doing? Are you proceeding smoothly from one thing to the next? Are you facing your difficulties instead of creating them? And if you have created a problem, are you doing your best to return things to balance?Symbol: river water
Mythological Figure: Alpheus, a Greek river god
- Flourishing
Definitions: (1) increasing in wealth or honor; prosperous; (2) at the peak of development, activity, or influence; to be in one’s prime
See also: GrowingDerivation: Latin, “flowering,” “to blossom”
Synonyms: thriving, triumphant
Quotes:
• Virtue can only flourish among equals. — Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) British writer & philosopher
• Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. — Virginia Satir (1916–1988) American author and psychotherapist - Flexible
Definitions: (1) yielding to influence; tractable; (2) capable of responding or conforming to changing or new situations; (3) adaptable physically, emotionally, or mentally
Synonyms: pliable, pliant, supple
Too Far: wishy-washy
Quotes:
• Most moral codes say “either-or” . . . while the universe itself seems to be filled instead with a whole lot of “maybes.” — Glen David Brin (1950-) Earth {1990}
• Humor functions to lessen the shock of the unexpected impact of fact or of truth, rigid unyielding fact and flexible ever-living truth. The mortal personality, never sure as to which will next be encountered, through humor swiftly grasps—sees the point and achieves insight—the unexpected nature of the situation be it fact or be it truth. (48:4.18) — The Urantia Book {1955}Reflection: Flexibility can be experienced on many levels. On the physical, a flexible set of muscles helps in your supple and graceful movement. On the intellectual/emotional, flexibility is essential for dealing with the variability of life’s situations and interactions with other people. And spiritually when one acquires a broad and balanced set of positive qualities, flexibility is an inevitable result.
Comments:
• Prisoners of war who survived first decided to survive and then were flexible enough to do and be whatever it took to survive.
• People have an incredible capacity to juxtapose seemingly impossible concepts in their psyche, such as killing for peace or cheating for success. Be aware of these incongruities and inconsistencies. If you find you are justifying a point of view, you could take that as a clue — you may be forcing a fit. - Flamboyant
Definitions: (1) strikingly bold or brilliant; showy; (2) extravagantly dashing and colorful
Derivation: French, “flaming, blazing”
Too Far: brassy, obnoxious
How to Live This Quality Today: Wear bright colors.
Quotes:
• If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work. — Beryl Markham [nee Clutterbuck] (1902–1986) British-Kenyan aviator {First person to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic from Britain to North America.}
• In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. — Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Alsatian polymath [seven disciplines] - Flair
Definitions: (1) a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack; (2) a uniquely attractive quality <as elegance, smartness, or sophistication>; style; (3) instinctive perceptiveness; discernment
Derivation: Latin, “smell sweet”
Too Far: It is easy to go overboard if your persona is just on the surface and not who you are deep down.
Quote: What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose. — Margaret Hilda Thatcher (1925–2013) British stateswoman, 71st Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
How to Live This Quality Today: Notice what qualities your friends have a flair for. Weave that recognition into the conversation. By doing so, you will be building a flair as an artful complimenter.
- Fitting
Definitions: (1) suitable or appropriate; proper or becoming; (2) to be in harmony or accord; belonging <I plan on fitting in at my new school.>
Synonyms: adequate, apposite, apt, competent, conformable, congruous, expedient, seemly
Quotes:
• One cannot, and must not, try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present. — Golda Meir (1898–1978) 4th Prime Minister of Israel
• I think the best way to deal with fitting in is to be yourself. It sounds hard, but in the end, it's much easier than pretending to be something you're not. — Meaghan Jette Martin (1992-) American actress and singer
Note: If the milieu of the group has a narrowly structured mindset, the oblique uniquenesses of the individual tend to be - at best - ignored or not honored with any favor and - at worse - chiseled off aggressively. - Fit
Definitions: (1) adapted for a specific purpose; (2) in good, sound physical and mental condition; healthy; trained; qualified; (3) ready; prepared <fit for duty>
Idiom: In fine fettle.
Quotes:
• The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monk
• There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American authorComment: Survival of the fittest only works for those species (or more likely subspecies) who are on the cusp of change. The Permian-Triassic extinction killed off about 83% of insects, 81% of all marine species, & 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.
- Firm
Definitions: (1) showing positive determination; resolute; steady; (2) full of or indicating vigorous strength; fixed; stable; (3) unchanging; constant <a firm unshakable faith>
Synonyms: pertinacious <holding firm>, robust, rugged, staunch, steadfast, sturdy, tenacious, unfaltering, unyielding
Balancing Quality: soft
Quotes:
• A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. — David McClure Brinkley (1920–2003) American newscaster
• Wisdom does not show itself so much in precept as in life - in firmness of mind and a mastery of appetite. It teaches us to do as well as to talk; and to make our words and actions all of a color. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC–AD 65) Roman Stoic philosopherSymbols: 1) the leg; 2) the column
- Finesse
Definitions: (1) extreme delicacy of performance; skillful craftsmanship; subtle discrimination; (2) smooth and tactful <as in handling a sticky situation>; (3) artful strategy, cunning
Synonyms: adroit, crafty
Compatible Quality: sensitive
Quotes:
• To live means to finesse the processes to which one is subjugated. — Eugen Berthold Friedrich Brecht (1898–1956) German playwright & poet
• Our lives are largely made up of a series of mundane moments, but those little moments are often the finesse that shapes our entire existence; it's not necessarily the big, dramatic events, although they do, too, of course. — Andrew Haigh (1973-) British filmmakerAdvice: Nature converts and alters every obstacle and opposition, and fits them into their predestined place, making them a part of herself, so too the rational person is able to finesse every obstacle into an opportunity, and to use it for whatever purpose it may suit. — Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor and Philosopher
- Fine
Definitions: (1) of superior or the best quality; of high or highest grade; excellent; (2) characterized by refinement or elegance; polished; (3) sophisticated in appearance; smart; first class; (4) good-looking; handsome; (5) delicate in texture or workmanship; performed with extreme care and accuracy; first rate; (6) showing subtle ability or nicety; discriminating; (7) physically trained or hardened close to the limit of efficiency; healthy; highly skilled or accomplished
Synonyms: attractive, beautiful, choice, dainty, peachy, rare, showy
Idiom: Everything is fine and dandy.
Quotes:
• Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age. — Newton Booth Tarkington (1869–1946) American novelist
• I wish that I could go into a time machine right now and just look at my self and say, 'Calm down. Things are gonna be fine. Things are gonna be all great. Just relax.' — Tristan Paul Mack Wilds (1989-) American actorComment: You are the final judge of your work (along with God, of course – but he lets you do it without interference) therefore do fine work and you will have fewer regrets.
- Fidelity
Definitions: (1) careful observance of duty; exact performance of obligations or vows; faithful; (2) firm adherence to a person or party with which one is united or bound; loyalty; (3) accuracy; exactness
Derivation: Latin, “faith, trust”
Synonyms: allegiance, conscientious, constancy, fealty, integrity, trusting, trustworthy
Quote: Through fidelity, we situate ourselves and maintain ourselves in the hands of God so exactly as to become one with them in their action. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit priest
Comment: There are many causes one can pledge fealty. But if it is a human commitment understand, even if you hold to it for a lifetime, it is still fleeting. Better to embrace a divine ideal
Symbol: turtledoves
- Fetching
Definition: attractive; pretty, charming; pleasing; captivating; (2) to go for and then bring back something <often for someone else>
Quotes:
• The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbors, kindle it at home, communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French philosopher
• My daily activities are not unusual, I’m just naturally in harmony with them. Grasping nothing, discarding nothing. In every place there’s no hindrance, no conflict. My supernatural power and marvelous activity: drawing water and chopping wood. If one does everything mindfully then it is all the same.— Layman Pang (740–808) non-monastic Buddhist - Festive
Definitions: (1) a joyous attitude; gaiety; mirthful; revelous <fond of festivity>; (2) for or suitable to a feast or festival
Quote: Picture and sculpture are the celebrations and festivities of form. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher
Prayer: When you recognize the festive and the still moments as moments of prayer, then you gradually realize that to pray is to live. — Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (1932–1996) Dutch priest & theologian
Comment: Most people associate the word festive with a holiday season. Fair enough, yet dressing up and lighting up your festive heart is a pretty good idea too.
Observation: You can come to a joyous gathering with a festive spirit, but even if you don’t the prevalent emotion is contagious.Symbol: 1) fireworks; 2) streamers; 3) orange blossoms
- Fervent
Definition: having or showing very warm or intense spirit, feeling, or enthusiasm; ardent; passionate; zealous; earnest
Too Far: fanatical
Quote: Be fervent in God, and let nothing grieve you, whatever you encounter. — Hadewijch (13th century) Dutch poet and mystic
Prayers:
• Pray with love and fervency out of a pure heart with sincerity. — Myra Medina-Hutchenson, A Blessed Woman blog (1/26/2016)
• It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone or seated in your shop ... while buying or selling ... or even while cooking. — Saint John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople - Fertile
Definitions: (1) productive in mental achievements; inventive; ingenious; (2) having abundant resources; rich; (3) prolific
Synonyms: fecund, floriferous, luxuriant
Note: fertile denotes the power of producing; fruitful the act.Quotes:
• Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows. — Benjamin Jeremy Stein (1944-) American actor & comedian
• The orchid's association in Chinese culture with such virtues as elegance, good taste, friendship, and fertility goes all the way back to Confucius himself, who was said to have a particular attachment to the flowers. — Lawrence Osborne (1958-) British Journalist & novelist
Symbols: 1) frogs; 2) seeds; 3) grapes; 4) the catMythological Figure: Baal, an ancient Semitic god of fertility
- Felicitous
Definitions: (1) suitable to the occasion <as a well-chosen word or phrase>; (2) apropos and pleasing in expression or style; pertinent and to the point; (3) having an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful; (4) happy; pleasant; delightful; enjoyable
See also: AppropriateDerivation: Latin, "lucky," “to make happy”
Synonyms: joyous, successful, timely
Quotes:
• Human felicity is produced not as much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day. — Benjamin Franklin (1705-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• The pause - that impressive silence, that eloquent silence, that geometrically progressive silence which often achieves a desired effect where no combination of words, howsoever felicitous, could accomplish it. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist - Feisty
Definitions: (1) full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; exuberant; (2) having or showing a lively aggressiveness; spunky; plucky
Derivation: Late 19th century English, “a small dog”
Balancing Qualities: Easygoing, Farsighted
Too Far: truculent
Quotes:
• Never extinguish the fire or feistiness in your daughter’s heart. It may drive you crazy now, but one day they will be the tools she uses to not get pushed around. — Unknown
• At the birth of society and civilization I find a religious landscape littered with feisty female deities who make wisdom their business. — Bettany Mary Hughes (1967-) English classical history authorSymbol: the badger
- Fearless
Definition: free from dread; bold; brave; courageous; intrepid; undaunted
Quotes:
• Fear is just a negative guess about an uncertain future. — Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographer
• There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. — Chloe Anthony [Toni] Wofford Morrison (1931–2019) American novelistObservations:
• If you gamble and win you’ve got guts. If you gamble and lose you’ve got a learning experience. There’s a fine line between foolish and fearless.
• One of the ways fear shows up in a is person getting caught out putting their own selfishness above truth and fairness. One common method used is to quickly accuse the person they have harmed of the exact thing they have done themselves. - Favored
Definitions: (1) treated with or looked upon with friendliness or approval; (2) enjoying special advantages; privileged
Synonyms: optimal, well-favored
Familial Quality: fascinating
Quotes:
• I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. — Henry Louis Mencken (1880–1956) American journalist
• The longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist, the more likely your success. — Jack Canfield (1944-) American author & motivational speaker - Fashionable
Definitions: (1) observant of or conforming to the prevailing customs of the day <particularly in dress and speech but also in manners, thought, and deed>; (2) current; popular; stylish; modern; hip; natty; right-on
Quotes:
• It is necessary to make virtue fashionable. — José Julián Martí Pérez (1853–1895) Cuban poet philosopher
• Kindness is always fashionable, and always welcome. — Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr (1831–1919) British novelistQuestion: Can one be fashionable and an individual, separate from the crowd, at the same time?
- Fascinating
Definition: to attract by delightful characteristics; captivating; extremely interesting; compelling
Derivation: Latin, “to bewitch,” “to enchant,” “to put under a spell”
Synonyms: alluring, charming, enamoring, enrapturing, entrancing
Quotes:
• I find it fascinating that you can look at the same problem from different perspectives and approach it using different methods. — Maryam Mirzakhani (1977-2017) Iranian mathematician
• Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience moulds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together. — Linda Diane Thompson (1950-) American songwriterComment: If you possess a balanced and broad range of positive qualities, you will be naturally fascinating.
- Farsighted
Definitions: (1) having foresight and good judgment; sagacious; (2) planning prudently for the future; (3) able to take the long view, prospicient; portentous
Quotes:
• A pilot who sees into the distance will not let his ship capsize. — Amenemope (c. 1100 bc) The Wisdom of Amenemope 26:15-16 {Found 1888; Published 1922}
• The long run is possible only if we consistently take care of the short run. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Flows Uphill {1986}Comment: Sometimes you can see farther into the future than others. The farther you see, the greater the difficulty in bridging the gap with your contemporaries. The problem then is that you have no company in your vision. Or worse yet, you are sanctioned because you are politically incorrect. Consider Galileo, who lived in the times of the inquisition. He dared to agree with Copernicus that the sun, and not the earth, was the center of the solar system. Galileo faced the torture of the rack and decided to disavow his “blasphemous” claim. He lived out the rest of his life under house arrest. New ideas can be dangerous to established creeds.
Observation: Veronica Seider (1951-2013) had a visual acuity measured at 20/2 (twenty times better than normal). She could recognize individuals from a distance of one mile as well as identify an object of micro-level size. — Guinness Book of World Records {1972}
Symbol: a telescope
- Fantastic
Definitions: (1) extraordinarily great, to the point of defying belief; (2) produced or existing only in imagination; whimsical; (3) capricious; chimerical; (4) eccentric
Derivation: Greek, "have visions, imagination"
Quotes:
• Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. — Ray Douglas Bradbury (1920–2012) American author
• Music is a fantastic peacekeeper of the world, it is integral to harmony, and it is a required fundamental of human emotion. — Xun Kuang [aka: Xunzi] (c. 310 – 238 BC) Chinese philosopherInspiration: What is fantastic to you? the beauty of nature; the variety of people; the creativity of art and architecture; the wonder of the Cosmic creation — all of the above.
- Fancy
Definitions: (1) possessing a playful imagination; whimsical; (2) executed with technical skill and style; (3) able to perform intricate or elaborate tricks; (4) to be pleased with; to like or have a fondness for; (5) Imaginative projection; (6) sophisticated; high quality; (7) (in 16th and 17th century music) a composition for keyboard or strings in free form
Quotes:
• True love - that is, deep, abiding love that is impervious to emotional whims or fancy - is a choice. It's a constant commitment to a person regardless of the present circumstances. — Mark Manson (1984-) American author
• It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream. — Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) American writer and poet - Famous
Definitions: (1) honored for achievement; eminent; (2) widely known; celebrated; renowned
Synonyms: conspicuous, distinguished, illustrious, noted, prominent
Balancing Quality: Humility
Compatible Qualities: self-acceptance, success
Quote: A very wise quote is a spectacular waterfall! When you see it, you feel its power! — Mehmet Murat Ildan (1965-) Turkish playwright
Reflection: A person who is not famous will not be given as much credit for brilliance or erudition as one studied in and labeled as an expert in his or her field, even though the unknown person may say or do the same thing with just as much refinement. The exception is children, who we consider brilliant because of their innocence. If we do not accept brilliance where we find it, we are narrowing our field and accepting wisdom and knowledge from an unrealistically small population. This is why authors have a common habit of quoting those who are trusted soothsayers to give foundation and substance to their words.
Comment: Normally famousness is something attributed by others. But it is important to look at yourself in an objective light too. What is it you have accomplished or achieved? Give yourself the credit you deserve and you will be enhancing your honesty, your self-reliance, and your self-esteem.
- Familial
Definition: pertaining to or characteristic of family bonds; a unit of mutual and intimate support; storge <natural (or acquired) familial love>
Quotes:
• So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty. — Haniel Long (1888-1956) American poet
• The family is the test of freedom; because the family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself. — Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936) English writer & philosopherConsideration: The family is the basic unit of society, then comes the clan, race, state, nation, world, and universe. Once we all recognize that we are all kin, we will have a chance for world peace.
Suggestion: Make a place in the family for God.
Symbols: 1) the chain; 2) the ruby slippers (silver in the original written version) [Dorothy of Kansas wore them in The Wizard of Oz {1939} when she declared, “There’s no place like home.”]
- FAITHFUL!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Reliably adhering to responsibility; true to allegiance; the constant performance of duties; conscientious; (2) Can be counted on to keep promises; credible; honest; (3) Ever-willing to give service; fidelity; loyalty; (4) True to His word; principled; (5) Worthy of being believed; (6) Dedicated to the plan, devoted to His people; (7) Sincere.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is not foolish. He will not give us what we want simply because we ask for it. He has our best interests in mind. He is willing to listen and respond to our will – if it is coincident with His, all-wise, will. Even if our prayer is foolish, the sincerity behind the prayer is valuable and that will be rewarded.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --FAITHFULNESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) constant in the performance of services; conscientious; (2) exhibiting true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiances; principled; (3) firmly adhering to responsibilities; honest; (4) can be counted on to keep promises; credibleSynonyms: consistent, incorruptible; trustworthy, bona fides (Latin: “good faith”)
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Gardez la foi (French): “Keep the faith.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Mottoes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• God helps those who help themselves. — Multiple Sources expressing the same sentiment.
• Semper Fidelis (Latin): “Always faithful” — U.S. Marine CorpsQuotes:
• Instead of ruling us by miracles, He has infused in us certain qualities that enable us to accomplish the divine purposes by ourselves – faith, loyalty, courage, tolerance. — Thomas Bertram Costain (1885-1965) The Silver Chalice
• Faith is nothing more than the conscious choice of the God within. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer & peacemaker
• A belief is not merely an idea that the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind.... - Faith!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) an a priori proposition; (2) possessing complete trust, confidence, or reliance on a person, statement, or thing; (3) belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, especially those with loyalty to a God concept
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: conviction, credence
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: innocent, open
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Qualities: joy, loyalty
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: If you take faith too far from the practical qualities, you will believe you need not participate to solve your problems. Nothing is beyond your reach in eternity but you must contribute. If you take practical too far you will be blind to the richness of the possibilities faith provides.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Gardez la foi (French): “Keep the faith.”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Motto: God helps those who help themselves. — Multiple Sources expressing the same sentiment.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• A belief is not merely an idea that the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind. — Robert Oxton Bolton (1572-1631) English preacher
• Faith is nothing more than the conscious choice of the God within. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer and peacemaker
• The following from: James William Fowler’s (1940-2015), Stages of Faith {1991}, synopsis of some of Wilfred Cantwell Smith’s (1916-2000) conclusion in Faith and Belief {1998}
1) Faith is generic, a universal feature of human living, recognizably similar everywhere despite the remarkable variety of forms and contents of religious practice and belief.
2) Faith involves an alignment of will, a resting of the heart, in accordance with a vision of transcendent value and power, one’s ultimate concern.
3) Faith is an orientation of the total person, giving purpose and goal to one’s hope and strivings,... - FAIR!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Free from anything which might impair appearance, quality, or character; beautiful; (2) Open; honest; (3) Able to evaluate reality objectively; equitable; impartial; unbiased; (4) Able to take all things into consideration; evenhanded; equanimous; (5) Sympathetic of the plight of others; accepting; commiserative; (6) Truthful at all times; ingenuous; upstanding; (7) The perfect melding of justice and mercy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• One of the first qualities a child understands is fairness. They first want their way – for the other person to be fair with them. But they soon begin to understand fairness is a two-way street. We hold certain qualities in high regard for each other. How much more so are these qualities exemplified by The Creator of moral value itself? God holds up His end of the fairness exchange. Our part is to align our will with His, most eminently fair, will.
• Is there a fairness to the hardships which we are asked to endure and learn from? Since God is fair, if we are pushed beyond His sense of fairness, we will be compensated.FAIRNESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) all sides treating each other truthfully and impartially; just; equitable; objective; evenhanded; (2) pleasant and courteous; civil; (3) free from anything which might impair the appearance, quality, or character; clean; pure; (4) agreeable to the eye or mind <especially because of fresh, charming, or flawless traits>; lovely; beautiful; attractive; (5) open; honest; (6) the perfect melding of justice and mercySynonyms: candid, clear, equanimous, frank, honest, open, reasonable, sympathetic, unprejudiced
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: Let’s be fair and square.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• We must always remember that it is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy. — Susan... - Fabulous
Definitions: (1) exceptionally good or unusual; marvelous; exceedingly great; wonderful; (2) almost impossible to believe; incredible; astonishing
Derivation: Latin, “legendary,” “celebrated in fable”
Quotes:
• Your life is your canvas, and you are the masterpiece. There are a million ways to be kind, amazing, fabulous, creative, bold, and interesting. — Kerli Kõiv (1987-) Estonian singer and songwriter
• Somebody who can reckon with the past, who can live with the past in the present, and move towards the future - that's fabulous. — Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (1949-) American singer & songwriterSymbol: the dragon
- Exuberant
Definitions: (1) abounding in high spirits and vitality; effusive; full of joy and vigor; (2) overflowing; lavish
Derivation: Latin, “being abundantly fruitful”
Synonyms: copious, plenitude
Too Far: rambunctious
Note: Let others get their thoughts out - even if they are ordering them as they are expressing them.Quote: The notion of the infinite variety of detail and the multiplicity of forms is a pleasing one; in complexity are the fringes of beauty, and in variety are generosity and exuberance. — Annie Dillard (1945-) American author
- Extroverted
Definitions: (1) the act or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self; (2) friendly; uninhibited; gregarious; exuberant
Derivation: Latin, “to turn beyond”
Balancing Qualities: courteous, sensitive
Quotes:
• Extroverts sparkle, introverts glow. Extroverts are fireworks, introverts are a fire in the hearth. — Sophia Dembling (~1950's-) The Introvert's Way {2112}
• There is no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum. — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist - Extraordinary
Definition: going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary; preternatural
Derivation: It is interesting that this word is made by combining two words that by themselves would not be considered anything special: extra and ordinary. Put them together, add a personality, and you do get someone truly marvelous.
Quotes:
• A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. — Wade Anthony Boggs (1958-) American baseball player
• I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude. — Casandra Brené Brown (1965-) American professor - Extemporaneous
Definitions: (1) composed, performed, or uttered offhand; impromptu; without previous study or preparation; unpremeditated; (2) adept at speaking with clarity without forethought; (3) made expressly for the occasion; improvised
Derivation: Latin, “at the moment,” “outside of time”
Quotes:
• I love improvisation. You can't blame it on the writers. You can't blame it on direction. You can't blame it on the camera guy... It's you. You're on. You've got to do it, and you either sink or swim with what you've got. — Jonathan Winters (1925-2013) American comedian
• Jazz is like a language. You learn the alphabet, which are the scales. You learn sentences, which are the chords. And then you talk extemporaneously with the horn. It’s a wonderful thing to speak extemporaneously, which is something I’ve never gotten the hang of. But musically I love to talk just off the top of my head. And that’s what jazz music is all about. — Stan Getz [born Stanley Gayetski] (1927–1991) American saxophonistAdvice: When speaking extemporaneously, speak from your heart and project the intention of your values.
- Exquisite
Definitions: (1) carefully done or elaborately made; unique excellence of execution; (2) very lovely; extraordinarily fine; delicately beautiful; appealingly distinctive; (3) of the highest quality; admirable; perfected; (4) highly sensitive; keenly discriminating; fastidious
Synonyms: accomplished, choice, consummate, dainty, matchless, refined
Quotes:
• Science shows us truth and beauty and fills each day with a fresh wonder of the exquisite order which governs our world. — Polykarp Kusch (1911–1993) German-born American physicist
• The arts, quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, & inspire. There is nothing like that exquisite moment when you first discover the beauty of connecting with others in celebration of larger ideals and shared wisdom. — Elwood Gordon Gee (1944-) American President of West Virginia University
• It is a holy blessing to be born with the exquisite qualities of a daughter of God. Women of God, both old and young, are spiritual and sensitive, tender and gentle. They have a kind, nurturing nature. This is your inheritance. Never belittle the gifts God has given to you. Develop the divinity that is within you. — Margaret Dyreng Nadauld (1944-) 11th President LDS Young Women organization - Expressive
Definitions: (1) possessing the ability to keenly represent one’s inner thoughts or feelings in words or manners; well tuned; (2) full of knowing; significant; meaningful <an expressive nod>
Familial Qualities: artistic, communicative, entertaining
Quotes:
• Expression is the antitheses of depression. — Robert Bellows (1948-) American artist
• Anything that's made by humans is about humans, whether it's about gods or aliens or anything; it's about some sort of expressive nature about us. — Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada (1979-) Guatemalan-born American actor - Explorative
Definitions: (1) to look into closely; meticulous search; strict or careful examination; (2) willing to travel for purposes of discovery into regions previously unknown or little known
Familial Qualities: adventuresome, curious
Consequential Qualities: experienced, knowledgeable
Quotes:
• As every parent knows, children begin life as uninhibited, unabashed explorers of the unknown. From the time we can walk and talk, we want to know what things are and how they work - we begin life as little scientists. — Brian Randolph Greene (1963-) American theoretical physicist
• A lot of our creative flow comes from a place of curiosity and exploration. It often feels like we're excavating and asking questions and not just giving answers but really just exploring. — Adrianne Elizabeth Lenker (1991-) American musician
Symbol: passion flowers - Expert
Definition: (1) trained and knowledgeable in some field; very skilled; (2) able to preform more than one thing at a time; multitasking
Synonyms: able, adept, adroit, clever, dexterous, proficient, versed, pundit: (Sanskrit, “learned, skilled”)
Quote: Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience. — Denis E. Waitley (1933-) American motivational speaker
Comment: The more experience you have in a certain task or field, the more your capacity has grown. It is said that 10,000 hours of doing anything will make you a master.
Advice: Initially modeling your actions after someone you admire gives you the courage to go out on a limb. Your imagination conjures up a successful outcome. Choices are made and preparations taken. Then, once you are committed, you take action.
- Experienced!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: skill or wisdom gained primarily through participation in an activity (especially if it is oft repeated); also gained to a lesser extent by observation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Experto credite (Latin): “Believe one who has had experience.”
• There is nothing that can substitute for experience.
Experience can be obtained if you …
◦ Care more than others think is wise;
◦ Risk more than others think is safe;
◦ Dream more than others think is practical;
◦ Expect more than others think is possible;
◦ Live on planet earth.Quote: Youth is wholly experimental. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish Poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Affirmation: By forgiveness I have set myself free from the past. I now face the present and the future with wisdom, security, and positive anticipation.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Inspirations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Through experience you will become who you desire to be, who you long to be, and who you can be.
• Ultimately, the only value of the past is what it has made of you today. The value of your outer experiences is what they have made for you inside.
• God is a participant with you. He gave you free will to decide what to experience. Along the way, He gets to experience your experience. And, He is the force moving reality, not only after you have chosen it, but also before you have committed to it.Reflection: As you look back, do so with the realization you have accomplished things, experienced realities, and incorporated qualities into your being. If you look into your past with worry, regret, sorrow, criticism, hostility, or resentment, you are allowing your unpleasant experiences to hold you in a restricting grip. Let go to free yourself to learn their lessons and move on. Holding on to the negative affects your health and attitude. It is natural to wish,...
- Experience!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: skill or wisdom gained primarily through participation in an activity (especially if it is oft repeated); also gained to a lesser extent by observation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Experto credite (Latin): “Believe one who has had experience.”
• There is nothing that can substitute for experience.
Experience can be attained if you ...
◦ Care more than others think is wise;
◦ Risk more than others think is safe;
◦ Dream more than others think is practical;
◦ Expect more than others think is possible;
◦ Live on planet earth.Quote: Youth is wholly experimental. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Affirmation: By forgiveness I have set myself free from the past. I now face the present and the future with wisdom, security, and positive anticipation.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Inspirations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Through experience you will become who you desire to be, who you long to be, and who you can be.
• Ultimately, the only value of the past is what it has made of you today. The value of your outer experiences is what they have made for you inside.
• God is a participant with you. He gave you free will to decide what to experience. Along the way, He gets to experience your experience. And, He is the force moving reality, not only after you have chosen it, but also before you have committed to it.Reflection: As you look back, do so with the realization you have accomplished things, experienced realities, and incorporated qualities into your being. If you look into your past with worry, regret, sorrow, criticism, hostility, or resentment, you are allowing your unpleasant experiences to hold you in a restricting grip. Let go to free yourself to learn their lessons and move on. Holding on to the negative affects your health and attitude. It is natural to wish,...
- Expeditious
Definition: done with prompt efficiency; speedy; quick
Derivation: Latin, “ready for action”
Balancing Quality: Inventive
Quotes:
• You can’t gather much if you won’t go on a risky expedition. Leaders never fear the thorns; they’ll still go in for the beautiful roses no matter the number of pricks they’ll get. ― Israelmore Ayivor (1989-) Inspirational speaker
• Have confidence in your decisions. Make them expeditiously, and stay with them as long as you believe you are correct no matter what others say. However, when you conclude you were in error, do not hesitate to announce the error publicly and change course. ― Edward Irving Koch (1924-2013) American mayor of New York CityHow to Live This Quality Today: Set yourself a job. Figure out how long it would normally take, and then do it in less time, while still doing it professionally.
Comment: Before you can move expeditiously, and if you have time, it is wise to study the the situation or problem as thoroughly as possible. Then take action.
- Expanding
Definitions: (1) enlarging in range or scope; unfolding; becoming more comprehensive; opening; developing in detail; (2) spreading positive ideas or ideals; (3) possessing a large measure of benevolence; broad-minded, generous, open-hearted, and sympathetic
Synonyms: amplifying, extending, swelling
Quotes:
• The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) American poet
• The more you zoom in and focus on the details, the closer to the invisible and immeasurable qualities - like consciousness and energies - you get. And expanding outwards, into the cosmos, you learn more about the invisible or perceptible things. — Adrianne Elizabeth Lenker (1991-) American musicianComment: When you make someone your enemy, you shrink your consciousness; you shrink your options; you limit your possible points of view. The narrower your world view(s), the smaller your world.
Visualization: There was a TV show called “Bonanza.” It opened with a map being consumed by fire expanding from the center outward. Think of it as a positive metaphor: an increase of consciousness, an unfolding of personality, a growing of the soul?
Life gets consumed as experience is expanded, only to nurture new growth. - Exotic
Definition: having the charm or fascination of the unfamiliar; strangely beautiful; enticing
Quotes:
• The universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. — John Burdon Sanderson Haldane (1892-1964) British-Indian geneticist, biologist, & mathematician
• Deadlines refine the mind. They remove variables like exotic materials and processes that take too long. The closer the deadline, the more likely you'll start thinking waaay outside the box. — Adam Whitney Savage (1967-) American special effects designerComment: When you visit an exotic place you are thrilled by the unfamiliar and interesting which is right in front of you. And when you come home you might imagine how your ordinary environment would be just as striking to those far off folks as their normal life was to you.
Experience: To be recognized as exotic, go someplace where you are the only one of your kind. To feel exotic, realize that you are unique.
- Exhaustive
Definition: testing all possibilities or considering all elements; thorough; complete
Quote: Remind thyself, in the darkest moments, that every failure is only a step toward success, every detection of what is false directs you toward what is true, every trial exhausts some tempting form of error, and every adversity will only hide, for a time, your path to peace and fulfillment. — Augustine "Og" Mandino II (1923–1996) American author
Comment: Even though you may aspire to be prepared for the best job possible, there is always more that could be done; be willing to end the project at a logical point. Now that the internet is in our lives, it is easy to get so much information on any particular subject, it is often impossible to study it all – devise a way not to be overwhelmed by the quantity and find the quality.
- Exemplary
Definition: serving as a worthy model or pattern; commendable
Synonyms: excellent, honorable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Quotes:
• Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary. — Warren Gamaliel Bennis (1925–2014) American scholar & leadership consultant
• The most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world. — Dmitri “Misha” Collins [born: Dmitri Tippens Krushnic] (1974-) American actorComment: Everyone is an example of some aspect of reality. But to be an outstanding example, they must have been very good at what they tried to do, thus becoming that very thing.
Observation: A person who is an excellent example of something can be described as ‘top-notch’ or 'top shelf'.
- Exciting
Definitions: (1) producing or stimulating exhilaration; arousing keen interest; thrilling; (2) stirring an emotional or spiritual response; (3) calling to action
Synonyms: fiery, invigorating, oomph
Quotes:
• Dig into life with wild roving abandon, opening your mind to the delicious possibilities that perplex the mind, entice the heart, and excite the spirit. — Maximillian Degenerez, Portuguese artist
• Idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong. — Paul David Hewson [Bono] (1960-) British singer-songwriter - Exceptional
Definitions: (1) unusually excellent, superior, or extraordinary; (2) out of the ordinary; uncommon; rare; titanic
Derivation: Latin, "to take out"
Saying: The exception proves the rule in cases not excepted.
Note: The Latin derivation of “proves” is ‘tests, demonstrates.”Quotes:
• To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail. — Giorgio Armani (1934-) Italian fashion designer
• I firmly believe that all human beings have access to extraordinary energies and powers. Judging from accounts of mystical experience, heightened creativity, or exceptional performance by athletes and artists, we harbor a greater life than we know. — Jean Houston (1937-) American author - Excellent
Definition: being of the very best quality; exceptionally good; first-class; tip-top; of great worth; superior; admirable
Derivation: Latin, “out, beyond, lofty”
Synonyms: choice, par excellence, prime, sterling, transcendent
Quotes:
• Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time. — Habeeb Akande (~1990's-) British-Nigerian writer
• When you write down your ideas you automatically focus your full attention on them. Few if any of us can write one thought and think another at the same time. Thus a pencil and paper make excellent concentration tools. — Michael LeBoeuf (1942-) American business author - Exact
Definitions: (1) observing strict method, rule, or order; meticulous; careful; (2) precisely thought out or stated; definite; (3) highly polished
Synonyms: accurate, actual, adjusted, correct, punctual, true
Familial Quality: conscientious
Saying: Ad unguem (Latin): “to the fingernail”; “to a nicety”; “exactly” (from the use of the fingernail to test the smoothness of marble)
Quotes:
• Truth is exact correspondence with reality. — Paramabansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, and guru
• Persuasion is achieved by the speaker's personal character when the speech is so spoken as to make us think him credible. We believe good men more fully and more readily than others: this is true generally whatever the question is, and absolutely true where exact certainty is impossible and opinions are divided. — Aristotle (384-322 BC) Greek Philosopher - Evolving!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) reaching a highly developed state by a process of growth and change; expanding gradually; (2) unfolding; becoming disclosed; (3) exhibiting creativity along the time/space continuum; (4) freeing up, giving off, or emitting
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note on Definition (4): One way to evolve the self is by getting rid of what is not needed. The best way to do this is to move toward the positive, not away from the negative. As you radiate love and its positive manifestations, your actions result in your evolution.Saying:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
The ultimate “out there” is your death. Then you are really out there. During this life you are still on a familiar plane, you remember where you’ve been, you see where you are. There is a saying we came up with on a trip in the Grand Canyon. It applies to death as well as any event we live through.
First you come to it.
Then you go through it.
Then you are on the other side.
Even when you really are on the other side of this physical existence, you’ve still got the same truth. You first came to it (the fact that you were going to die), then you’ve gone through it (the portal of death), then you find yourself on the other side. There is no alternative but to accept the fact of your death. You might as well see what the next thing is and begin adapting to your new situation.
Beyond physical death, in the next phase of existence, you are given the next range of capacity – a new mind, a new body, a new environment, and therefore, new attainment possibilities.
The only way to get through it is to go through it. If you are required to do something, and it includes some difficulty, it makes sense to go through those contortions – without complaint, if possible.Quotes:
• Justice is never given; it is exacted and the struggle must be continuous for freedom is never a final fact, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher... - Even-tempered
Definition: placid; calm; not quickly angered, excited, or disturbed
Proverb: He who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. — Proverbs 17:27
Observation: Some female elephants are both so intelligent and so even-tempered that villagers in Thailand have used them as babysitters. — Burkhard Bilger, American New Yorker staff writer
Tip: Count to ten when you feel anger beginning to rise. It’s an old trick but it works if you have good intentions.
- Euphoric
Definition: experiencing a strong feeling of well-being, relaxation, happiness, and confidence
Derivation: Greek, “the power of bearing easily”
Quotes:
• It's not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you're grateful, you can find happiness in everything. — Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (1973-) American songwriter & record producer
• When we feel joyful, euphoric, happy, we are more open to life, more capable of seeing things clearly and handling daily tensions. — Felice Leonardo Buscaglia [aka: Dr. Love] (1924–1998) American Motivational speakerObservation: The greatest euphoria is when you are letting pure love pass through you.
- Ethical
Definitions: (1) exhibiting or practicing the principles of morality; (2) being in accordance with the rules or standards of right conduct; (3) faithful to the standards of a profession or group; (4) showing good judgment
Derivation: Greek, “character,” “custom”
Note: The inner aspect (character) precedes its outer manifestation (custom).Quotes:
• A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help. — Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Alsatian polymath [seven disciplines]
• Ethics are possible only because of a human level of ability to speculate, judge quality, and modify our possible actions accordingly. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; A Brief History of the Mind {2004} - Esteemed
Definitions: (1) a person held in the highest regard because they possess value(s); (2) having a favorable opinion of; prized
Derivation: Latin, "to estimate, to seek, to value"
Synonyms: appreciated, respected, revered
Quote: When you are older you will understand how precious little things, seemingly of no value in themselves, can be loved and prized above all price when they convey the love and thoughtfulness of a good heart. — Edwin Thomas Booth (1833–1893) American actor
Comment: An ‘esteemed colleague’ can mean a work mate, a comrade, a boss, etc. but if it also means someone you truly respect, then they have risen to the level of one who can be trusted – a person you will allow to mold your ideas and, by extension, your ideals
- Essential
Definitions: (1) the intrinsic, fundamental nature of someone; basic; inherent; (2) necessary to make a person what they are; indispensable; requisite; vital; (3) absolute; complete; perfect; pure
Quotes:
• It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. — Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944) French poet & author, The Little Prince {1943}
• We discover an important truth when we begin to experience our essence, or true nature. We find out that Essence manifests in many different qualities – what we have called the essential aspects. In other words, not only is Essence the pure and authentic presence of our Being, the ontological beingness of our soul, but this presence manifests itself in and as various experiential qualities that are clearly discernible. So Essence also presents itself as the sweetness of Love, or the warmth of Compassion, or the fire of Strength, or the solidity of Will, or the stillness of Peace – depending on the needs of the particular situation. — Abdul Hameed Almaas [born Abdul Hameed Ali] (1944-) Integral theorist, Spacecruiser Inquiry {2002}Affirmation: I am essential.
- Erudite
Definition: having extensive knowledge; learned; well-read; scholarly; profound
Derivation: Latin, “away from rudeness or ignorance"
Quotes:
• Like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers, seek similarly, through your reading, to obtain healing for your soul. — Ephram the Syrian (c. 306–373) Christian theologian
• If the ability to tell right from wrong should have anything to do with the ability to think, then we must be able to 'demand' its exercise in every sane person no matter how erudite or ignorant. — Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) German-American historianColor: yellow
- Equitable
Definitions: (1) possessing or exhibiting fairness; giving each person their due; showing equality in regard to the rights of persons; (2) distributing honest justice; assigning what the law demands; impartial
Synonym: reasonable
Symbol: Wyoming [the Equality state]
Quotes:
• Let us be very clear on this matter: if we condemn people to inequality in our society, we also condemn them to inequality in our economy. — Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) 36th President of the United States
• [Dorothy:] “I cannot see how there can be more than one King or Queen in any one country, for were these all rulers, no one could tell who was Master.”
One of the Kings who stood near and overheard this remark turned to her and said: “One who is Master of himself is always a King, if only to himself. In this favored land all Kings and Queens are equal, and it is our privilege to bow before one supreme ruler – the Private Citizen.” — L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) Tik-Tok of Oz {1914} - Equanimous
Definition: not easily ruffled, disturbed, or prejudiced <especially under stress>; composed; having a balanced or mild disposition; calm
See also: Stress HardyDerivation: Latin, “with even mind”
Compatible Quality: Upekkha: The Buddhist concept of equanimity, even-mindedness, impartiality, and serenity
Quotes:
• A compassionate heart still feels anger, greed, jealousy, and other such emotions. But it accepts them for what they are with equanimity, and cultivates the strength of mind to let them arise and pass without identifying with or acting upon them. — Stephen Batchelor (1953-) Scottish Buddhist philosopher
• Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist - Entrepreneurial
Definition: one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or an enterprise
Compatible Qualities: risk taker, shrewd
Quotes:
• The better off you are, the more responsibility you have for helping others. — Carlos Slim Helú (1940) Mexican businessman and philanthropist [Richest person in the world 2010 to 2013]
• The entrepreneurial life is one of challenge, work, dedication, perseverance, exhilaration, agony, accomplishment, failure, sacrifice, control, powerlessness... but ultimately, extraordinary satisfaction. — David Semel Rose (1957-) American entrepreneur - Entrancing
Definition: (1) inspiring ecstasy; enrapturous; delightful; charming; enchanting, engrossing; (2) fill with wonder; hold someone’s attention; engrossing; captivating
Quotes:
• Being mystified is a good beginning, because you won't do what you've done before. — Alan Alda [born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo] (1936-) American actor
• It is important to see that, in the critique of ideology, only those interventions will work which make sense to the mystified subject itself. — Terry Eagleton (1943-) English literary theoristComment: There is a reason ‘entrance’ (an entryway) and ‘entrance’ (captivating) are spelled the same. There is always something on the other side, be it familiar or mysterious, there is a reason to find out.
Observation: All of the senses can hold you in awe: a lunar eclipse so astonishing you cannot look away; a classical symphony so fascinating you follow its every note and nuance; an excellent meal so well balanced you savor every taste; the silkiness of Angora fur so soft it captures your attention for as long as you touch it; the smell of the air after a warm spring rain fills you with comfort.
- Enticing
Definition: (1) alluring by exciting hope of reward or pleasure; tempting; (2) offering an invitation to participate
Derivation: Latin, “a piece of burning wood.”
Note: We can see the fire before we feel its warmth, thus it entices us to approach. A clear judgment of what is being offered is always prudent. Fire can also burn.Quotes:
• Change can be frightening, and the temptation is often to resist it. But change almost always provides opportunities - to learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to improve the way we work. — Klaus Schwab (1938-) German economist
• The madness of spring is so enticing. I love it when things are opening up and emerging from the ground. I also love the middle of summer when fruit is bursting forth, but I even love the garden in the winter when everything is resting. — Ross Gay (1974-) American poet & professor - Enthusiastic!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing intense or eager interest; zealous; fervent; (2) having a strong, exciting feeling; ardor
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Greek, entheos: en “in,” theos “God,” i.e.: “possessed by God,” “supernatural inspiration”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: Means both ‘God within’ and ‘within God.’
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 bc-30 AD) The Bible, Luke 17:21
In Him we live and move and have our being. — Paul of Tarsus (c. 5 BC-67 ad) The Bible, Acts 17:28Quote: In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Enthusiasm is a hard quality to keep juiced. You eventually run out of energy. Keeping up your health helps. Connecting yourself with what is motivating, personally and altruistically, helps. You are working on something valuable, and that value infuses you with the interest, if not the enthusiasm, you need to proceed.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: Sometimes you don’t get the joy of enthusiasm from doing a task, all you get is the doing of it and the relief of finishing it.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: When you first start something big or important, you may have just broken through the fears of your own negative “what if’s,” those oppressive possibilities that, until now, have prevented you from positive action. When you overcome this swamp of negative potential pitfalls, you have risen your sight to the clear blue sky, to the bright sunshine of optimistic possibilities. Now you are given the gift of enthusiasm to start you on your way. You have taken the first decisive steps. You have faced what surely seems to be a difficult, yet reasonable reality, and transformed your vision. You have decided to create your own...
- Entertaining
Definition: (1) the ability to hold the interest of others; pleasingly amusing; diverting; (2) to give an idea a closer look
Derivation: Latin, originally meant "maintain & continue;” later “maintain in a certain condition, treat in a certain way;” then “to show hospitality”
Quotes:
• It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• We are like chameleons; we take our hue and the color of our moral character from those who are around us. — John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopherComment: We have all had ideas we look back on and wonder what to do with them. We can discard them to the garbage bin and let the friendly microbes of the mind churn through them to make some good soil for the next crop of thoughts. But first we should pick through the mess to find the rubies in the rubble.
- Enterprising
Definitions: (1) showing an independent, energetic spirit and a readiness to experiment or commit; (2) willing to attempt large or untried schemes; (3) full of energy and inventive initiative
Quotes:
• Man needs, for his happiness, not only the enjoyment of this or that, but hope and enterprise and change. — Bertrand Arthur William Russell (1872–1970) British polymath [four disciplines]
• The prudent see only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both; diminishes the former and makes the latter preponderate, and so conquers. — Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741–1801) Swiss poet & philosopherHow to Live This Quality Today: Write down your good ideas and let them incubate.
Comment: In order for an enterprise to take off, the idea has to mesh with the ideals of the prospective participants.
Color: red
- Enlightened
Definitions: (1) having arrived at a more objective view; able to see or comprehend truth; illuminated; (2) clear as to facts, meanings, values, or intentions; informed; (3) free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition; (4) satori <Japanese, sudden enlightenment>
Quote: I am not the first Buddha who came upon Earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time, another Buddha will arise in the world - a Holy One, a Supremely Enlightened One, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious, knowing the universe, an incomparable leader of men, a master of angels and mortals. — Siddhartha Gautama “The Buddha” (c. 563-483 BC) Nepalese holy man
Comment: When enlightened by facts and inspired by truth, moral stamina and spiritual bravery enliven the urge of evolutionary ascension though the channels of intelligent and conscientious self-direction.
Tip: Enlightenment is relative. For instance: One may experience a sudden coalescing of pieces of the puzzle into a cohesive whole. All the while knowing this new “whole” is yet just another piece.Colors: violet, yellow
Symbols: 1) the crown; 2) lotus flowers
- Enjoying
Definition: feeling or perceiving with pleasure or satisfaction; relishing
Quotes:
• Live and enjoy; this is a gift from God. — Giovanni Francesco Sagredo (1571-1620) Venetian mathematician
• Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete. — Chanda Kochhar (1961-) Indian bank manager
• Enjoying outdoor recreation is not only good for physical health, but also for improving mental health, and I encourage everyone to explore some of the beautiful opportunities our state has to offer. — Edward Miner Lamont Jr. (1954-) 89th governor of Connecticut
Note: This could be said about any of Nature's gifts.
Consideration: After an objective has been achieved, you feel good about what you have done. But before and during the process, you worry and sweat and hope. But does it feel like success while you are going through it? You might as well (try to) enjoy the doing of it. - Engaging
Definitions: (1) drawing positive attention or affection by being attractive, winning, or pleasant; (2) fully committed and affectionately connecting to the service of others
Compatible Quality: charming
Quotes:
• Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom. — Bodhidharma (5th or 6th century AD) Chinese Buddhist monk
• We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in the work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile. — Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) American motivational speaker - Energetic
Definition: operating with force, vigor, and effect; exhibiting power; spirited; efficacious; elan
Too Far: hyperactive, manic
Quotes:
• The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have. — Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American clergyman & positive thinker
• I know of no other act in the local or immediate universe that requires more energy (I didn’t say effort) than the act of letting go. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writerTip: Have projects you like to do, and get enough sleep.
Advice: Although it is tempting (even unavoidable) to feel anger, bitterness, or frustration when you have been wronged, you can use that energy for good. Resolve to feel pity rather than bitterness; turn that swirl of anger into ideas of how to help (if not that person, then someone). If you do help the poor, sick soul who hurt you, you will become better acquainted with compassion.
If you cannot bring yourself to do anything else, at least you can pray for them – and for yourself.Color: orange
Symbols: 1) fire; 2) hair; 3) the sun; 4) the snake; 5) chakras: The qualities associated with each chakra are: a) root chakra: security and stability; b) sacral chakra: joy, creativity, and sexuality; c) solar plexus chakra: will and personal power; d) heart chakra: love and emotion; e) thymus chakra: compassion, community, and peace; f) throat/ears chakra: truthfulness, spontaneity, communion, and listening; g) third eye chakra: expanding awareness and psychic perception; h) crown chakra: God consciousness and the higher self.
- Enduring
Definitions: (1) having the capacity for remaining or continuing; durable; (2) holding out against hardship; long-suffering; (3) working through difficulty; diligent; (4) waiting for the time to be right; tolerant; (5) that which cannot be destroyed
Quotes:
• The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue. — Confucius [ Born Kǒng Qiū] (c.551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher
• In a position of utter desolation, when man cannot express himself in positive action, when his only achievement may consist in enduring his sufferings in the right way - an honorable way - in such a position man can, through loving contemplation of the image he carries of his beloved, achieve fulfillment.— Viktor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, & Holocaust survivorSymbols: 1) Saturn; 2) chrysanthemums; 3) bamboo {Longevity}; 4) a long-distance runner
- Endeavoring
Definition: making an earnest attempt; trying very hard; exerting great effort; striving
Quotes:
• Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. — Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American writer and lecturer
• The young fear failure. The middle-aged have come to doubt success. The elderly know both failure and success are false; it is effort alone that counts. — Dr. George Sheehan (1918-1993) United States Naval Doctor
Legendary Object: the search for the Holy Grail - Endearing
Definitions: (1) binded by ties of affection and love; cherished or beloved; (2) manifesting tender emotion; admiration
Quotes:
• The parts of people that are the most lovable is usually the thing they're least willing to share: the tender, vulnerable side of people that's endearing and magnetic. — Zachary Woods (1984-) American actor
• We need not be afraid of expecting the unexpected, but let us wheedle each instant we enjoy and endear each happy moment we encounter; let us watch each step we take and each move we make, ever since happiness is a loving and appealing fairy, but utterly frail and vulnerable. — Erik Pevernagie (1939-) Belgian painter & writer - Encouraging
Definitions: (1) inspiring with courage, hope, and confidence; inspiriting; (2) generating positive anticipation for success; spurring on; stimulating
Synonyms: animating, cheering, emboldening
Quotes:
• A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919) American author and poet
• Ah, Hope! what would life be, stripped of thy encouraging smiles, that teach us to look behind the dark clouds of today, for the golden beams that are to gild the morrow. — Susanna Moodie (1803–1885) English-born Canadian author - Enchanting
Definition: irresistibly attractive; bewitching; fascinating
Synonyms: captivating, enrapturing, entrancing, ravishing
Compatible Quality: trusting
Poetry:
'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,
and robes the mountain in its azure hue.
— Thomas Campbell (1763–1854) Irish minister, religious reformer on the American frontierQuotes:
• The enchanting charms of this sublime science reveal only to those who have the courage to go deeply into it. — Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) German mathematician & geodesist
• I have always tried to live by the 'awe principle.' That is: Can I find awe, wonder, and enchantment in the most mundane things conceivable? — Craig M. Hatkoff (1954-) American author & entrepreneurSymbol: sweet william flowers
- Enamoring
Definition: filling with love and desire; charming; captivating; fascinating
Derivation: Latin, “in love”
Balancing Quality: Common Sense
Too Far: gullible, foolhardy
Quote:
• Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• It's the best thing, when you are in a creative space, discovering something and being enamored with it and excited by it. — Connie Inge-Lise Nielsen (1965-) Danish actress - Empathy
Definitions: (1) characterized by insightful understanding; the ability to know how another is feeling; possessing a mutual knowingness arising from sameness of experience; (2) vicariously being aware of, or being sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of another without personally participating with the other at the time these feelings, thoughts, or experiences took place; (3) being able to grasp what is happening without the situation being fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; (4) an emotion of kind-hearted pity or compassion
Familial Quality: sympathetic
Quotes:
• Being able to feel the pain of others is a strength. It gives us incentive to avoid causing pain. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) BARD, The Odyssey of the Irish
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 7:12
• Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss. Relate yourself to every man as if you were in his place. Recompense injury with kindness. — Lao-Tse (6th Century BC) T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien (The Treatise of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution) Taoism
Note: The last two quotes represent the Golden Rule. We cannot adhere to this principal of reciprocity if we do not empathize with our fellows.Experience:
The Five Stages of Grief
1. Denial and isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Note: You may not be able to bypass the stages of grief, but you can move through them efficiently if you do not allow yourself to wallow in defeat or sorrow. After living through the difficulty, you will be a more mature person, thus better able to empathize with others in similar pain. - Empathetic!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) characterized by insightful understanding; the ability to know how another is feeling; possessing a mutual knowingness arising from sameness of experience; (2) vicariously being aware of, or being sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of another without personally participating with the other at the time these feelings, thoughts, or experiences took place; (3) being able to grasp what is happening without the situation being fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; (4) an emotion of kind-hearted pity or compassion; (5) telempathic <the ability to sense the emotions of others
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Quality: sympathetic
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Being able to feel the pain of others is a strength. It gives us incentive to avoid causing pain. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) BARD, The Odyssey of the Irish {1984}
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 7:12
• Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss. Relate yourself to every man as if you were in his place. Recompense injury with kindness. — Lao-Tse (6th Century BC) T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien (The Treatise of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution) Taoism
Note: The last two quotes represent the Golden Rule. We cannot adhere to this principal of reciprocity if we do not empathize with our fellows.Consideration: “Death is division,” the priest said. “Not only the dying who passes from this world to the coming cycle, but within each of us. We are trapped between the life we had when our friend, our lover, our parent, our child was with us, and this diminished world without them. We are split in two, and bringing ourselves back to wholeness is the spiritual work of mourning.” — Daniel James Abraham (1969-) American writer Age of Ash {2022}
!--... - Eminent
Definitions: (1) standing high by comparison with others due to recognized achievement or renown; (2) outstanding; remarkable; great
See also: DistinguishedSynonyms: celebrated, exalted, famous, illustrious, noteworthy, supereminent
Quotes:
• Let us ever remember that our interest is in concord, not in conflict; and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not those of war. — William McKinley (1843–1901) 25th President of the United States
• Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from it, under any circumstances, lies under the suspicion of being no policy at all. — Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Anglo-Irish politician - Emerging
Definitions: (1) coming forth naturally, blooming; (2) becoming visible, apparent, or known; (3) coming into being through evolution as something new or improved
Derivation: Latin, “to rise up or out”
Quotes:
• There's no better feeling than having an idea and seeing it become reality, emerging in the physical world. — Boyan Slat (1994-) Dutch inventor
• Only through art can we emerge from ourselves and know what another person sees. — Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (1871–1922) French novelist & critic
Comment: Rising out of one’s own past often leaves a person with the feeling that what did happen was destined to happen, after all it all happened so naturally. But you can also imagine many very different outcomes if you had been in a different environment and made differing choices. You truly are the creator of your own subjective reality. The next trick is to see how you and your choices can be connected to objective reality. Which person will emerge?Symbol: a cocoon
- Elegant
Definitions: (1) grace and dignified in fine design, manner, or style; luxurious in a restrained, tasteful way; first-rate; (2)characterized by a sense of propriety and refinement; fastidious; (3) excellent; savoir-vivre <ability to live elegantly>
Compatible Quality: Arbiter Elegantiarum (Latin): “judge of elegance”
Quotes:
• What is elegance? Soap and water! — Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton (1904–1980) British photographer & designer
• Genius ain't anything more than elegant common sense. — Josh Billings [[born Henry Wheeler Shaw] (1818-1885) American humorist - Electrifying
Definitions: (1) sudden and passionate excitement; (2) arousing to intense activity; (3) startling or surprising <especially by doing something very inspiring or deeply interesting>; thrilling
Quotes:
• Thunder is good. Thunder is impressive. But it is lightning that does the work. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910) American humorist
• As in nature, all is ebb and tide, all is wave motion, so it seems that in all branches of industry, alternating currents - electric wave motion - will have the sway. — Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) Serbian-American inventor, futurist, electrical & mechanical engineerSymbol: a lightning bolt.
Note: Lightning flashes can travel upward at 87,000 miles per second and can heat the air around it to 54,000°F (nine times the temperature of the surface of the sun). - Elated
Definition: in high spirits; proud or happy; joyful; jubilant
Derivation: Latin, "raised up"
Synonyms: delighted, exalted, exultant, overjoyed
Quotes:
• I was elated, ecstatic, and extremely surprised that we were successful. — Neil Alden Armstrong (1930–2012) American astronaut and aeronautical engineer; 1st man to walk on the Moon {1969}
• When you're in love you never really know whether your elation comes from the qualities of the one you love, or if it attributes them to her; whether the light which surrounds her like a halo comes from you, from her, or from the meeting of your sparks. — Natalie Clifford Barney (1876–1972) American writer - Elastic
Definitions: (1) adjusting readily to <new> circumstances; flexible; (2) recovering quickly from emotional or physical distress; resilient; (3) receptive to new ideas; adaptable; elastic-minded
Quotes:
• The thing is that as you grow through life, the pursuit of art and the pursuit of new ideas, all these things keeps your mind elastic. — Patricia “Patti” Lee Smith (1946-) American songwriter
• There is a certain even-handed justice in Time; and for what he takes away he gives us something in return. He robs us of elasticity of limb and spirit, and in its place, he brings tranquility and repose—the mild autumnal weather of the soul. — Alexander Smith (1830-1867) Scottish poet - Efficient
Definitions: (1) directly producing the desired result with a minimum of effort, expense, or waste; (2) working at optimum proficiency; streamlined; (3) wise progress; competent; capable
See also: EffectiveSynonyms: able, causative
Consequential Quality: Self-efficacy: (1) To believe in one’s own abilities to accomplish a goal; (2) the aptitude to deal with the stresses involved in facing specific difficulties; (3) understanding and accurately judging the inherent risks of an objective; (4) The clarity of knowing when the job is done well enough
Note: A perfectionist can always see another decimal point to nudge the project just that closer to perfection.Idiom: You will know when it is time to give an all-out effort.
Quote: Just think of the advantage that the first warm-blooded mammal would have had at night, all the reptiles cooled down to somnolence unable to defend themselves. And all because of an abnormally inefficient animal (by cold-blooded standards!) that wasted energy by metabolizing food when it wasn’t needed for movement. But this kept body temperature up and so the animal was pleasantly surprised by all the sleepy prey he encountered, which more than made up for all the wasted energy. The next time that you hear an evolutionary argument based on efficiency, remember those profligate warm-blooded animals. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Flows Uphill {1986}
Comment: You can cut your way through, or maybe take a short cut; but do not cut corners on important elements.
- Effervescent
Definition: lively and high-spirited; vivacious; exuberant
Derivation: Latin, “boiling up”
Familial Qualities: Collective effervescence is the sense of energy and harmony people feel when they come together in a group around a shared purpose. Collective effervescence is the synchrony you feel when you slide into rhythm with strangers on a dance floor, colleagues in a brainstorming session, cousins at a religious service, or teammates on a soccer field. — David Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) French sociologist
Idiom: Tripping the light fantastic.
Quote: Religious experience is dynamic, fluid, effervescent, yeasty. But the mind can't handle these so it has to imprison religious experience in some way, get it bottled up. Then, when the experience quiets down, the mind draws a bead on it and extracts concepts, notions, dogmas, so that religious experience can make sense to the mind. — Howard Washington Thurman (1899–1981) American theologian
- Effective
Definitions: (1) producing a definite, decisive, or desired result; (2) functional; operative; active; (3) making a striking impression
See also: EfficientSynonyms: conclusive, convincing, forcible, influential, potent
Note: Effective is used regarding the accomplishment of things; getting something done no matter if it’s done efficiently or not. Efficient means getting things done with the least amount of effort and time.People Who Exemplify This Quality: rock climbers
Quote: People, like everything else, work better in parallel than they do in series. ... When things are organized socialistically in a bureaucratic series, any increase in complexity increases the probability of failure. But when they’re organized in a free-enterprise parallel, an increase in complexity becomes an increase in diversity more capable of responding to Dynamic Quality, and thus an increase of the probability of success. — Robert Manard Pirsig (1928-) Lila {1991}
- Educated
Definitions: (1) furnished with knowledge or principles; instructed; trained; (2) having a cultivated mind, speech, or manner; disciplined
Quotes:
• What greater or better gift than to educate our youth. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 bc) Roman philosopher
• What is defeat? Nothing but education, nothing but the first step toward something better. — Wendell Phillips (1811-1884) American abolitionist
• The ultimate goal of the educational system is to shift to the individual the burden of pursuing their [own] education — John William Gardner (1912-2006) United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (Johnson Administration)
• I don’t expect you … to believe anything. It was my obligation to show you the truth, even if it doesn’t mean anything to you. The curse of the educator. — Warren Burton Murphy (1933-2015) & Molly Cochran (1949-) Grandmaster {1984}Color: green
Symbol: the cap and gown
- Ecumenical
Definitions: (1) the desire of an individual to give other points of view a respectful hearing; (2) cooperative unity <especially among churches and religious denominations>; (3) finding the universality within the diversity of an organization; cooperation among divergent groups
Derivation: Greek, “inhabiting the earth”
Quotes:
• In the fellowship of the kingdom there shall be neither Jew nor gentile, rich nor poor, free nor bond, man nor woman. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Galatians 3:28
• Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law. — Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Prussian philosopherComment: This quality is often misunderstood as proselytizing your religion to others. When it is used that way, the other person feels like they are being forced into accepting something which they have not digested yet. The more positive view is to first respect, if not understand, the other’s current grasp of reality, and then offer yours with the hope they can glean some good from it. Reflecting on their corner of reality will also most likely give you some new piece of information to add to your own growing picture. No one has all of the answers. There is always room for enhancement.
- Ecstatic
Definitions: (1) experiencing a feeling of delight overwhelming the mind and emotions; rapturous; (2) the condition of being beside oneself with feeling; overjoyed; (3) a mystic or prophetic trance <especially one resulting from religious fervor>
Quotes:
• The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. — Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830–1886) American poet
• Pleasure is a shadow, wealth is vanity, and power a pageant; but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment, perennial in frame, unlimited in space and indefinite in duration. — DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828) American politician and naturalistSymbols: 1) jumping; 2) fireworks
- Economical
Definitions: (1) careful, efficient, and prudent regarding the use of resources; thrifty; (2) operating with little waste or at a savings
Quotes:
• A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic legacies - all of the things that quite literally make us who we are. — Steve Berry (1955-) American author & attorney
• You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing. You don't have to do anything to earn it. Your shortcomings, your lack of self-esteem, physical perfection, or social and economic success - none of that matters. No one can take this love away from you, and it will always be here. — Baba Ram Dass [born Richard Alpert] (1931-) American spiritual teacherComment: You spend a few dollars and get some bread. You eat the bread, use its energy, and it is gone. You spend more dollars on gasoline, use its energy, and it is gone. The sun will burn out in a few billion years – then it will be gone. On the other hand, the economy – even the physics – of a quality is the opposite: as you use it, it not only regenerates itself, it actually builds more substance. The only way to waste it is to not use it.
- Eclectic
Definitions: (1) selecting or choosing from various systems or methodologies, not following any one strategy; (2) made up of elements selected from various sources <an eclectic philosophy>; (3) a person of broad tastes and diverse interests
Derivation: Greek, “to pick out,” “to select”
Quotes:
• Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation. — Noam Chomsky (1928-) American linguist
• If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities; and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place. — Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American cultural anthropologistComment: The broader one's outlook, , the greater the risk but, excitingly, a much richer reach.
- Ebullient
Definition: (1) overflowing with enthusiasm; high-spirited; sparky; showing much exuberance or exhilaration; (2) A sudden rush of joy; sky-high
Derivation: Latin, "boiling" or "bubbling"
Too Far: Over the top all of the time
Quotes:
• Positive emotion can be about the past, the present, or the future. The positive emotions about the future include optimism, hope, faith, and trust. Those about the present include joy, ecstasy, calm, zest, ebullience, pleasure, and (most importantly) flow; these emotions are what most people usually mean when they casually-but much too narrowly-talk about "happiness." The positive emotions about the past include satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment, pride, and serenity. — Martin Elias Peter Seligman (1942-) American psychologist & author
• But it is possible, it is possible: the old grief, by a great mystery of human life, gradually passes into quiet, tender joy; instead of young, ebullient blood comes a mild, serene old age: I bless the sun's rising each day and my heart sings to it as before, but now I love its setting even more, its long slanting rays, and with them quiet, mild, tender memories, dear images from the whole of a long and blessed life and over all is God's truth, moving, reconciling, all-forgiving! — Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) Russian novelist - Easygoing
Definitions: (1) inclined to take matters in a relaxed, unhurried way; good-natured; (2) moving at an effortless pace; placid
Quote: To be a pleasant person, you would at least need to see the point of being a pleasant person. Or have it explained to you at some sort of 'finishing school' where you could actually learn the laws of propriety and the skills of appearing well-adapted, easygoing, and attractively trouble free. — Michael Leunig (1945-) Australian cartoonist
How to Live This Quality Today: There are times circumstances dictate you should not be hurried. At those times mellow into a relaxed flow. When you’re waiting for the toast to pop up; when you’re in an elevator; when you’re on hold on the phone, you can take the time to relax. Or use it to prepare for what comes next. Either way, easy does it.
Symbols: 1) a hammock; 2) a hot tub
- Earnest
Definitions: (1) serious and intense mental focus; (2) deeply convinced; sincere
Derivation: German, “zeal,” “vigor”
Synonyms: ardent, eager, urgent, warm
Balancing Qualities: humor, light
Quotes:
• Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute! Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated. Begin, and then the work will be completed. — Jean Marie Lucien Pierre Anouilh (1910–1987) French dramatist
• It was not any grace in me, but God that put this earnest care into my heart, that I should be one of the hunters or fishers whom long ago God foreshowed would come in due time. — Saint Patrick (fifth-century ad) Romano-British Christian missionary - Eager
Definitions: (1) keen or enthusiastic desire <especially to be helpful>; (2) interested in supporting others; (3) longing with positive anticipation; expectant
Derivation: Latin, “keen,” “sharp”
Synonyms: earnest, fervent, gung-ho, intense, zealous
Idioms:
• Bright eyed and bushy tailed.
• Be ready to take up the slack.
• Be prepared to tie up loose ends.
• Be keen on touching up the finer points.Quotes:
• When a man is willing and eager the god's join in. — Aeschylus (525–455 BC) The Father of Greek tragedy
• Expect your every need to be met, expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level, expect to grow spiritually. — Eileen Caddy (1917-2006) English Co-founder of Findhorn
• I'm open for possibilities. I'm open for choices. I always welcome new ideas. I'm always eager to learn. I'm never going to close my mind from learning. — César Felipe Millán Favela (1969-) Mexican-American dog trainerSymbol: zephyr flowers
- Etiquette
Definitions: (1) the forms, manners, and ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in society, in a profession or in official life; mannerly; (2) an appreciation of superior thought or behavior
Quotes:
• Nothing is less important than which fork you use. Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor. — Emily Post (1872–1960) American author
• Emotional intelligence is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships. — Dr. Travis Bradberry (1976-) American authorComment: This is one of the qualities that involves the doing as well as the not doing. Etiquette includes not doing certain things in public as well as doing other things when appropriate. Knowing what is appropriate is the whole trick.
- Dynamic
Definitions: (1) exhibiting power in motion; involving or causing energy; (2) active; vigorous; forceful; (3) relating to or tending toward change or growth
Quotes:
• Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent. — Tenzin Gyatso [aka: Gyalwa Rinpoche] {14th Dalai Lama} (1935-) Buddhist teacher
• Projecting a persuasive image of a desirable and practical future is extremely important to high morale, to dynamism, to consensus, and in general to help the wheels of society turn smoothly. — Herman Kahn (1922–1983) American physicist & futuristColor: pure red
Goal: Seek a dynamic range.
Symbol: the ocean
- Dutiful
Definitions: (1) performing the tasks expected or required; respectful; obedient; (2) proceeding from or expressive of a sense of obligation; owing thanks <beholden>
Consequential Quality: loyalty
Quotes:
• Duty does not have to be dull. Love can make it beautiful and fill it with life. — Thomas Merton (1915-1968) American Trappist monk
• To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist. — Robert Schumann (1810–1856) German composerComment: An au pair can dutifully change a diaper. But a mother does the same job with love.
Symbol: the ox
Fictional Figure: Javert is the personification of duty and devotion. — Victor Hugo (1802-1885) Les Misérables {1862}
- Durable
Definitions: (1) lasting in spite of hard wear; enduring; (2) capable of continual or frequent use; stable
Synonym: permanent
Quotes:
• The word of man is the most durable of all material. — Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) German philosopher
• Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. — Clive Staples [C. S.] Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British novelistComment: One of the reasons people live to a ripe old age is their ability to take things in stride. Let difficulty roll off of your thick skin. Accept the scrapes, do what you can about them, and then let them go.
- Dulcet
Definitions: (1) melodious to the ear; harmonious; (2) pleasing to the mind; (3) agreeable to the eye or the feelings; soothing
Derivation: Latin, “sweet”
Music: The ancient origins of the dulcimer (sweet song) are in the Near East, where instruments of this type have been made and played for 5,000 years.
Quote: About six weeks after bottling, the stout proved to be great. It was full bodied and rich with a dark chocolate note, roasted flavors, tart and dulcet cherry flavors and a bit of tannin like you would find in a fine red wine. — Gordon Kendall, The Roanoke (Virginia) Times, March 24, 2020
- Drive
Definitions: (1) an inner urge prompting activity directed toward satisfying a basic need; motivated; (2) vigorously focused toward a goal or objective; attentive; (3) energetic initiative
Quotes:
• Beauty awakens the soul to act. — Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) Italian poet
• Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) American preacher & peacemakerTip: A lot of drive is just sticking with your ideal past the zeal, past the enthusiasm, past the requirement, on to drudgery leading directly to the accomplishment.
- Dreaming!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) a state of mind marked by abstraction or release from common reality; reverie; (2) something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality; (3) a strongly desired goal or purpose; (4) something fully satisfying a wish <as an ideal>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• If you can dream it, you can do it. — Walter “Walt” Elias Disney (1901-1966) American animator & film producer
• It may be those who do most, dream most. — Stephen Leacock (1869-1944) English-born Canadian teacher
• It’s as though (our daydreaming mind) is allowed to have a genius moment before our lumbering, bureaucratic idea of thinking puts on a tie and gets in the way. — Michael Harris (1980-) Solitude {2017}
• If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1872) On Walden Pond {1854}
• Dream is the personalized myth, myth the depersonalized dream; both myth and dream are symbolic in the same general way of the dynamics of the psyche. But in the dream the forms are quirked by the peculiar troubles of the dreamer whereas in myth the problems and solutions shown are directly valid for all mankind. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) The Hero with a Thousand Faces {1949}Parable: Once, Chong Chou dreamt that he was a butterfly. A butterfly flittering and fluttering around, happy with himself, doing as he pleased. He did not know he was Chong Chou. But then he woke up, and there he was, solid and unmistakably Chong Chou. But he did not know if he was a butterfly dreaming that he was Chong Chou, or Chong Chou who was dreaming that he was a butterfly. Between Chong Chou and the butterfly, there must be some distinction. This is called the transformation of things. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph... - Docile
Definitions: (1) easily instructed; teachable; biddable; (2) easily led or managed; tractable
Derivation: Latin, “to teach,” “to be fitting”
Too Far: wimpy
Quote: Natural selection shaped the human brain to be drawn toward aspects of nature that enhance our survival and reproduction, like verdant landscapes and docile creatures.— Paul Bloom (1963-) Canadian-American psychologist
Comment: When you are trying to learn something, it is best if you are docile; that is to say, being attentive helps you be more open to new information.Observations: Biddability overall, is a very positive trait to have in a dog. Biddable dogs are intelligent, happily follow directions, seek guidance, and are eager to be with their humans. They include: Australian shepherds, Border collies, Labrador & Shetland retrievers, English springers and Cocker spaniels.
- Divine
Definitions: (1) excellent in the highest degree; extraordinary; superb; supremely good; heavenly; (2) relating to or proceeding directly from God; heavenly-minded
Prayers:
• Divine Wisdom, reveal Your great good.
• Divine Silliness, grant me the spirit to understand things in the light of humor.
• Divine Clarity, open my mind to Your pure view.
Note: The word ‘divine’ can be put in front of any of the qualities (or combination of qualities), depending upon which divine aspects you are striving for, and wish to invoke.Quotes:
• Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known. — Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) French polymath [five disciplines]
• The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, evil by nature. Every man is divine and strong in his real nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts, but not himself. — Ramana Maharshi [born Venkataraman Iyer] (1879-1950) Indian Hindu sage
Note: Each human is made up of a body, a mind, a personality (with freewill), a soul, and a Spirit. All of which are created by, or come from, the Divine.Comment: Reducing God to an exclusive Absolute separates the Divine Person to an infinite distance. Evaluating God as an inclusive Absolute allows for the most intimate and best friendship.
Symbol: the meteorite [any object falling from heaven is considered a sacred symbol]
- Diverse
Definitions: (1) composed of distinct elements or qualities; (2) attracted to various interests; (3) pluralistic; coexistent
Derivation: Latin, “to turn in different directions”
Quote: Life – all life – is in the service of life. Necessary nutrients are made available to life by life in greater and greater richness as the diversity of life increases. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Dune {1965}
Observation: Everybody needs something different.
Comment: We are all chasing the meaning of life, the reason for existence. In the end, we all come to similar conclusions, but it will have a million different spins on it. That’s diversity; that’s Divinity.
Symbol: nature
- Distinguished
Definitions: (1) separated from others by extraordinary qualities; (2) exhibiting an air of poise and dignity; renowned; positive; famous; conspicuous
Derivation: Latin, “to divide,” “to separate”
Synonyms: Distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority, something which makes a person stand apart from others in the public view; celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print, widely spoken of with honor and respect; eminent implies great prominence for outstanding character, standing high compared with those around them; illustrious stresses enduring glory attached to actions or achievements of the highest quality; noted suggests well-deserved public attention.
Quotes:
• Wise leaders generally have wise counselors because it takes a wise person themselves to distinguish them. — Diogenes (412/404–323 BC) Greek philosopher
• The essence of belief is the establishment of a habit; and different beliefs are distinguished by the different modes of action to which they give rise. — Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914) American philosopher & logician - Distinctive
Definitions: (1) possessing a quality, mark, or feature of admirable difference; that which makes or keeps an individual unique; (2) specially recognized or honored; eminent; superior; famousSynonyms: discerning, notable, ranking
Quote:
• All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident. — Titus Livius [aka: Livy] (59 bc–ad 17) Roman historian
• Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done. — Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894–1984) American minister & civil rights leader - Disporting
Definition: playful; indulging in amusement; frolicsome; (2) diversion from work or serious matters
Derivation: Old French, “to carry away”
Balancing Quality: Fair play
Quote:
• If all the year were playing holidays, to sport would be as tedious as work. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}
• If our condition were truly happy, we would not seek diversion from it in order to make ourselves happy. — Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) French polymath [five disciplines] - Discriminating
Definitions: (1) having excellent taste or judgment; (2) analytical; discerning; perspicacious
Compatible Qualities: discerning, decisive, direct
Quote: The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 bc) Roman philosopher
Reflection: It is necessary to periodically reevaluate your ‘truth,’ particularly those negative things. When you come to understand a previous belief is no longer what you now hold, let it go, but do not dismiss the whole category. I’ve known quite a few people who, after deciding they did not believe in some of the precepts of the Catholic church, not only disassociated themselves with the offending concepts but with religion altogether. This is called throwing the baby out with the bathwater. One does need to discriminate, to evolve a greater understanding of reality, but this can be done surgically. Let go of the single outmoded concept and leave the remaining structure intact. Allow the space of lesser truth to be filled with greater truth. Keep your hope alive for a better understanding. Actively investigate superior ideas and ideals.
- Discreet
Definitions: (1) good judgment in conduct; (2) unpretentious; modest; (3) capable of preserving silence; cautious; prudent; (4) able to determine hidden meanings or motive and keep them unrevealed
Derivation: Latin, “to discern,” “distinguish,” "to separate or sift apart"
Synonyms: careful, circumspect
Familial Quality: perspicacity
Saying: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
Idiom: Discretion is the better part of valor.
Quote: Be discreet in all things, and so render it unnecessary to be mysterious. — Arthur Wellesley (1769–1852) 1st Duke of Wellington
Tip: Watch what you say. Before you say it, project what effect it will have on the listeners, and those who it may be within earshot.
- Disciplined
Definitions: (1) preparation of the mental, moral, and physical powers by instruction, self-management, and exercise; (2) the result of training; self-control; orderly conduct
Synonyms: ascetic, self-correcting, self-educated, self-regulating
Compatible Qualities: commitment, striving
Quotes:
• Seek freedom and become captive to your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Chapterhouse Dune {1985}
• Discipline is the bridge between thought and accomplishment ... the bridge between inspiration and value achievement ... the bridge between necessity and productivity. — Emanuel James “Jim” Rohn (1930-2009) American motivational speakerAdvice: What time of day are you the sharpest, most energetic, most clear-headed? Are you a morning person or a late-night person? Don’t fritter away this valuable time with mundane or routine tasks. Do the most difficult and important things at your optimum time.
Questions:
• What must I do?
• What will it take?
• Who must I become?Symbol: the yoke
- Discerning
Definition: (1) revealing insight and understanding; discriminating; capable of seeing, knowing, and judging; sharp-sighted; shrewd; astute <discerning motives>; (2) able to see eye to eye
Quotes:
• A discerning eye needs only a hint, and understatement leaves the imagination free to build its own elaborations. — Montague Russell Page (1906–1985) British landscape architect
• To discern what weaknesses and faults separate you from God, you must enter into your own inward ground and then confront yourself. — Johannes Tauler (c. 1300–1361) German mystic & theologianComment: It doesn’t matter what some so-called expert says about it, you’re going to decide for yourself anyway. You may open your ear a little bit wider if you happen to believe the source has good credentials, but even then, you are the one sifting the information through your filters.
Visualization: The unaided human eye, under the best possible viewing conditions, comparing large areas of color, in good illumination, using both eyes, can distinguish 10,000,000 different colored surfaces. — 1986 Guinness Book of World Records
- Directed
Definitions: (1) knowing where you are going; having a clear purpose; (2) guided, regulated, or managed <by oneself or by another>
Quote:
• God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you. — Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947-) Brazilian lyricist & novelist, The Alchemist {1988}
• We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it. — Epicurus (341–270 BC) Greek philosopher and sage - Direct
Definitions: (1) straight to the goal without deviating; (2) straightforward and to the point; frank; using exact and precise language; a straight shooter <an honest & clear communicator>
Proverb: You need not travel to the moon to get across the street.
Quotes:
• We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. — Dolly Rebecca Parton (1946-) American singer-songwriter
• The way we experience the world around us is a direct reflection of the world within us. — Gabrielle Bernstein (1979-) American author & motivational speaker
• The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. — Vince Thomas Lombardi (1913-1970) American football coach - Diplomatic
Definitions: (1) tactful and clever in dealing with people; (2) politic and adroit in conduct; (3) characterizes a person who represents a state, community, or region governed by its own people
Derivations: Latin from Greek, “to fold (paper) double”
Compatible Qualities: open-minded, perspicacious
Quotes:
• Diplomacy is more than saying or doing the right things at the right time, it is avoiding saying or doing the wrong things at any time. — Bo Bennett (1972-) American psychologist
• A diplomatic peace is not yet the real peace. It is an essential step in the peace process leading towards a real peace. — Yitzhak Rabin (1922–1995) Israeli general 5th Prime Minister of IsraelComment: The diplomat who sticks only to small talk gets no respect and gets nothing done. The diplomat who cares only for winning will not win. The diplomat who listens and is fair is valued.
- Diligent
Definitions: (1) application of steady effort to a purpose; constant exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; assiduous; industrious; (2) done with careful and dedicated resolve; painstaking attention to the task at hand
Synonyms: active, indefatigable, laborious, persevering, sedulous, unremitting, untiring
Quotes:
• Strive on with diligence. — Buddha’s last words (c. 563-483 BC) Nepalese holy man
Note: "Diligence" in this quote is variously translated as earnestness, vigilance, awareness, heedfulness, etc.
• Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We rarely see these three means combined; and for this reason, creative geniuses are not common. — Denis Diderot (1713–1784) French philosopher & chief editor of the first encyclopedia
Note: This advice applies to any worthy effort.Symbol: wings
- Dignified
Definitions: (1) of high repute; worthy of honor; esteemed; noble; (2) loftiness of appearance or manner; stately; (3) calm self-possession and self-respect
Quotes:
• We are nothing if we walk alone; we are everything when we walk together in step with other dignified feet. — Rafael Sebastián Guillén Vicente (1957-) Mexican soldier
• Maturity is the ability to think, speak, and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations. — Samuel Ullman (1840–1924) American businessman, poet, & humanitarianColor: violet
Symbol: sun-shade (Chinese)
Fictional Figure: Hermione is an example of “dignity without pride, love without passion, and tenderness without weakness.” — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) The Winter’s Tale {1623}
- Dexterous
Definitions: (1) mental cleverness; quick at inventing; (2) skillful and graceful in manual activity; adroit; (3) ready and expert in the use of the body or hands; neat-handed; legerdemain <skillful in the use of one’s hands>
Derivation: Latin, “fortunate,” “auspicious”
Synonyms: apt, artful, clever
Quote: You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left. — Theodor Seuss Geisel [aka: Dr. Seuss] (1904-1991) American children's author
Symbol: a juggler
- Devout
Definitions: (1) passionate service to a career or ideal; self-dedication <the artist’s devotion to her talent>; (2) very faithful to a religious belief; worshipful; (3) sincere; earnest; fervent; heartfelt
Synonyms: holy; reverent
Quote: The waving of a pine tree on the top of a mountain - a magic wand in Nature's hand - every devout mountaineer knows its power. And also the marvelous beauty value of what the Scotch call a breckan in a still dell: what poetry this sings. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalist
Symbol: alstroemeria flowers
- Devoted
Definitions: (1) zealous or ardent in loyalty or affection; faithful; (2) dedicated with great seriousness <as to a cause>
Too Far: fanatical
Quotes:
• Values can never be static; reality signifies change, growth. The greater the quality of cosmic adaptation, the more of meaning any experience possesses. Values are not conceptual illusions; they are real, but always they depend on the fact of relationships. Values are always both actual and potential—not what was, but what is and is to be. (100:3.5) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• We invest or devote ourselves because the other to which we commit has, for us, an intrinsic excellence or worth and because it promises to confer values on us. We value that which seems of transcendent worth and in relation to which our lives have worth. — James William Fowler (1940-2015) Stages of Faith, The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning {1981}Comment: One is not devoted unless and until all one’s doubts are removed. We use our powers of logic, intuition, organizing, belief, commitment, and finally faith before we allow ourselves to be enveloped in the fires of pure devotion.
Color: blue
Symbol: lily of the valley
- Developing
Definition: (1) becoming gradually fuller, larger, or better; growing; evolving; (2) eductive <bring out something latent or potential>; (3) fully-fledged
Quotes:
• God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers. — Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) Indian aerospace scientist & statesman; 11th President of India
• The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones. — John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) English economist & philosopher
Note: Mr. Keynes says escaping. It is more like up-stepping or evolving; especially when new facts, ideas, and/or ideals are discovered and successfully integrated with the previous.Consideration: Potentials turn into actuals. As long as you are developing, you are becoming your ideals. It may not seem fast enough but steady progress is satisfactory. As your view of the grand reality becomes fuller and clearer you may feel you are shrinking, but only because your view of reality is getting bigger. When looking at the night sky you may feel like an insignificant speck in a vast universe of stars and galaxies; on the other hand, you are a significant spark that can take part in the grand adventure.
Symbol: abundant and beautiful hair {Spiritual Development}
- Determined
Definitions: (1) resolute; unwavering; staunch; (2) having one’s mind made up; decided; resolved
Synonyms: firm, fixed, stable, steady, steely
Compatible Qualities: The Principles of Kwanzaa: cooperative economics, creativity, faith, purposefulness, self-determination, teamwork with responsibility, and unity
Too Far: stubbornness, narrow-mindedness
Sayings:
• Ride out the hard times.
• Soldier on through thick and thin.Idiom: Put your mind too it.
Quotes:
• We will find a way, and if there is no way, we will make one. — Hannibal Barca (247-183 bc) Carthaginian general
• We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. — James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens (1913-1980) American Olympic gold medal winnerComment: Once you recognize your desire is worthy, then pursue it with determination.
- Desire!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) to long for; to want; to crave; to earnestly wish to possess and enjoy <a worthy objective>; (2) to ask for; (3) an alluring person or thing; attractive; fine; (4) exciting to possess because it is pleasing, beautiful, or excellent; (5) sexual appetite; passionate; (6) advantageous, advisable <a desirable reform>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Latin, “influenced by the stars”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: eager, hanker, inclination, pine, request, solicit, tantalizing
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Appreciative, Creative, Flexible, Patient, Persistent
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: When desire is taken too far it is toxic.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Consider the seven deadly sins:
• Anger (wrath): a drastic need to be right, safe, or strong
• Covetousness (avarice, greed): a powerful desire for wealth
• Envy: a discontented desire for what another possesses
• Gluttony: an excessive desire for sustenance
• Lust: an intense desire for sexual pleasure
• Pride: an extreme desire for self-aggrandizement
• Sloth (laziness): a disproportionate desire for comfortQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• If we didn’t want anything, we would never get anything, good or bad. I think our longings are natural. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) Tik-Tok of Oz {1914}
• Truly, the image makes the condition if you will make the mental image. Consciously have confidence that your desires can come true, place a picture of the desired result where you can daily view it. Your subconscious mind will make it so, and your convictions will come to pass. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Note: Ms. Ponder, like most, attributes the power of manifestation to the subconscious mind, while in reality the superconscious mind is where the real action takes place.Affirmation:
I give thanks for the immediate,... - Deserving
Definition: worthy of merit; creditable
Derivation: Latin, “to serve well or zealously”
Quotes:
• Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• When someone saves your life and gives you life, there's gratitude, humility. There's a time you've been so blessed you realize you've been given another chance at life that maybe you did or didn't deserve. — George Allen “Pat” Summerall (1930-2013) American sportscaster
Comment: Since God loves each of us with an Absolute affection, we should at least try to grow our love for ourselves and other as much as we can. - Dependable
Definition: capable of being counted on; reliable; trustworthy; levelheaded; steady <especially in an emergency>
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Anyone in a crisis-oriented occupation: firemen, emergency medical personnel, police, etc.
Quotes:
• You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist
• Ability is a wonderful thing, but its value is greatly enhanced by dependability. — Robert Anson Heinlein (1907–1988) American science fiction author & aeronautical engineerComment: Dependable is usually the first trait marking a true friend.
How to Live This Quality Today: Show up prepared and on time.
- Demure
Definitions: (1) characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved; (2) sober; sedate; (3) mature; well-mannered
Balancing Qualities: Self-respect, Strong
Compatible Qualities: Pragmatic, Farsighted
Quote: It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy, and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers, and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed. — Paula Poundstone (1959-) America comedian, author, & commentator
- Democratic
Definitions: (1) considering and treating others as one’s equals; not snobbish or prejudiced; (2) existing or provided for the benefit or enjoyment of all <democratic art>; (3) by rule of the majority of the people
Derivation: Greek, "power to rule by the people"
Quote:
• Knowledge is the most democratic source of power. — Alvin Eugene Toffler (1928–2016) American futurist
• The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation. — Jimmy Carter (1924-) 39th President of the United State - Delightful
Definition: giving great pleasure and satisfaction; charming
Synonyms: agreeable, beautiful, captivating, enjoyable, gladsome, lovely
Quotes:
• After many years of great mercy, after tasting of the powers of the world to come, we still are so weak, so foolish; but, oh! when we get away from self to God, there all is truth and purity and holiness, and our heart finds peace, wisdom, completeness, delight, joy, and victory. — Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist preacher
• Of all the senses, sight must be the most delightful. —Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & Lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)
Note: The senses evolved in the following order: touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. - Delicious
Definitions: (1) very agreeable to the mind; delightful; (2) highly pleasing to the senses <chiefly to taste or smell>
Quote:
• Life is delicious; waste not one bite! — Adrienne Lyn Posey (1986-) American author
• Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English polymath [eight disciplines] - Delicate
Definitions: (1) beautiful in texture, quality, or workmanship; (2) elegantly mild, light, or soft; (3)slight and subtle <a delicate difference>; (4) sensitive in feeling, understanding, or responsiveness; <delicate demeanor>; (5) having a discriminating distaste for the offensive or unseemly; (6) finely skilled; well done; light-handed; (7) considerate and tactful
Derivation: Latin, “giving pleasure”
Balancing Quality: firm
Too Far: If you keep digging up a delicate plant to see how well the roots are taking, it dies. — Patricia Oren Kearney Cadigan (1953-) British-American author, Variation on a Man {1984}
Quote: Like the entomologist in search of colorful butterflies, my attention has chased in the gardens of the grey matter cells with delicate and elegant shapes, the mysterious butterflies of the soul, whose beating of wings may one day reveal to us the secrets of the mind. — Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852–1934) Spanish neuroscientist & pathologist
Symbols: 1) a butterfly’s wing; 2) the almond tree [sweet blossoms that can be destroyed by frost]
- Deliberate
Definitions: (1) studied and intentional action characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration; done on purpose; premeditated; (2) aware of the consequences; (3) slow, unhurried, and steady; allowing time to plan each individual action involved
Synonyms: cautious, premeditated, thoughtful, voluntary, witting
Quotes:
• There is a time to deliberate... and a time to act. Learn to recognize which is which, and act accordingly. — Douglas Clark Merrill (1970-) American technologist
• The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived, and dishonest; but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th President of the United StatesSuggestion: Take as much time to pre-deliberate as needed. The more complex the problem, the more care should be taken. Ultimately you will know when to take deliberate action.
- Delectable
Definition: giving joy or pleasure <especially a delicious food item>; tasty
Derivations: Old French from Latin, “to charm”
Quotes:
• Lovers of painting and lovers of music are people who openly display their preference like a delectable ailment that isolates them and makes them proud. — Maurice Blanchot (1907–2003) French writer & philosopher
• Such philosophy as shall not vanish in the fume of subtle, sublime, or delectable speculation but shall be operative to the endowment and betterment of man's life. — Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher - Deft
Definition: showing skill; expert; subtly apt; handy; dexterous
Compatible Quality: In order to be deft, you also need to be persistent and practiced.
Quotes:
• I know this world is ruled by infinite intelligence. Everything that surrounds us - everything that exists - proves that there are infinite laws behind it. There can be no denying this fact. It is mathematical in its precision. — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor
• The names of Britain's 70,000 or so pubs cover a broad range, running from the inspired to the improbable, from the deft to the daft. Almost any name will do so long as it is at least faintly absurd, unconnected with the name of the owner, and entirely lacking in any suggestion of drinking, conversing, and enjoying oneself. At a minimum the name should puzzle foreigners-this is a basic requirement of most British institutions-and ideally it should excite long and inconclusive debate, defy all logical explanation, and evoke images that border on the surreal. — William McGuire Bryson (1951-) American–British journalist & author - Definite
Definitions: (1) clearly defined or determined; accurate; certain; positive; (2) stresses precise, clear statements or arrangements; decided
Quotes:
• All the evolution we know of proceeds from the vague to the definite. — Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) American philosopher
• Smiling is definitely one of the best beauty remedies. If you have a good sense of humor and a good approach to life, that's beautiful. — Rashida Leah Jones (1976-) American actress & writer - Deep
Definitions: (1) possessing a penetrating intellect; wise; sagacious; (2) characterized by profundity of feeling; intense; (3) engrossed; involved
Quotes:
• Details matter. They create depth, and depth creates authenticity. — Neil Blumenthal (~1980's-) American entrepreneur
• It always comes back to the same thing: go deep enough and there is a bedrock of truth. — May Sarton (1912-1995) American poetObservation: The Mariana Trench is an oceanic trench located in the western Pacific Ocean, about 124 miles east of the Mariana Islands; it is the deepest oceanic trench on Earth. It is crescent-shaped and measures 1,580 miles in length and 43 miles in width. The maximum known depth is 36,037 feet; 6.825 miles at the southern end of a small slot-shaped valley in its floor known as the Challenger Deep. If Mount Everest were placed into the trench at this point, its peak would still be underwater by more than 1.2 miles.
Symbol: the abyss
- Dedicated
Definition: wholly committed to a cause, ideal, or personal goal; zealous
Quote:
• The first fresh hour of every morning should be dedicated to the Lord, whose mercy gladdens it with golden light. — Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892) English Baptist preacher
• The secret of happiness is: Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it. — Daniel Clement Dennett III (1942-) American philosopher & cognitive scientistAffirmation: An affirmation is a confident statement somewhat like an oath. You are dedicating your will to the doing of some deed, or the keeping of some promise. In order to do so, you need to hold a firm conviction that you will be able to be true to your pledge — for an appreciable amount of time.
Consideration: When deciding on what to dedicate real effort to, look beyond the cause célèbre.
- Decorous
Definition: (1) displaying good manners, propriety, and good taste; becoming; seemly; decent; (2) conforming to the approved or conventional standard; prim; (3) professional comportment
Derivation: Latin, “to be fitting,” “seemly;” French, “grace” “beauty”
Consequential Qualities: acceptance, warm-hearted
Quotes:
• Observe decorum, and it will open a path to morality. — Mason Cooley (1927–2002) American aphorist
• Every man has his moral backside which he refrains from showing unless he has to and keeps covered as long as possible with the trousers of decorum. — Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–1799) German physicist & satirist - DECISIVE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) God makes a choice only after considering all of the options; (2) Expressing determination for a dedicated purpose firmly and resolutely; (3) Faultless action taken after purposeful consideration
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Being all-knowing, all of God’s decisions are made after considering all options. This was true while determining the nature of Nature before anything or anyone existed. God is absolute in relation to the entire time-space universe; and thus, within time-space His decisions, and therefore his actions, are the best possible reaction to each person, planet, or universe.
• When determining (judging) what actions to take with an individual after that person has died, God will include in His decision the circumstances the person was faced with in their life, the choices they made, the qualities they managed to embody within their soul, any long-range plans God has for this soul in His creation, as well as innumerable other factors unknown to us. What we can be absolutely sure of is: His decision(s) will be fair and meticulous.DECISIVENESS
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) arriving at a solution after purposeful consideration thus ending uncertainty or dispute; (2) making a choice or finalizing a judgment; (3) showing determination for a dedicated purpose; firmness; resoluteSynonyms: conclusive, incontestable, positive, unmistakable, unquestionable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Open-minded, Vision
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Qualities: faith, wisdom
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Qualities: calm, peaceful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: demanding, narrow-minded
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity. — Rollo May (1090-1994)...
- Decent
Definitions: (1) exhibiting proper conduct, speech, or dress; respectable; (2) modest deportment; chaste; (3) generous; kind; fair
Synonyms: becoming, befitting, decorous, seemly, suitable
Quotes:
• Not everyone is able to show courage, but human decency must be demanded of every person. — Andrzej Sebastian Duda (1972-) President of Poland
• We may not all be equally guilty. But we are all equally responsible for building a decent and just society. — Ruby Nell Bridges Hall (1954-) American civil rights activist - Debonair
Definitions: (1) possessing an affable manner; genial; courteous; (2) suave; urbane; worldly; (3) jaunty; cheerful; lively; carefree; rakish
Derivation: Old French, “of good disposition”
Quote: One's appearance bespeaks dignity corresponding to the depth of his character. One's concentrated effort, serene attitude, courteous disposition, thoroughly polite bearing, piercing look - each of these reveals dignities. Such outward appearance, in short, comes from constant attentiveness and seriousness. — Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659–1719) Japanese Samurai & Buddhist priest
Note: bushido (Japanese, “the Samurai code of honor and morals”)
Comment: A boy who is naturally (genetically) debonair is not aware he is special even though his mates treat him with a little more respect or envy. He can grow up and feel privileged or he can treat everyone else with the same deference he enjoys. - Dazzling
Definitions: (1) impressing deeply; astonishing with delight; surprising; (2) possessing obvious brilliant qualities
Quotes:
• The radiance in some places is so great as to be fairly dazzling – every crystal, every flower a window opening into heaven, a mirror reflecting the Creator. — John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalist
• You must not let your life run in the ordinary way; do something that nobody else has done, something that will dazzle the world. Show that God's creative principle works in you. — Paramabansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, & guru - Dauntless
Definition: (1) fearless; intrepid; bold; (2) able to resist or slough off intimidation; (3) able to stay the course
Quotes:
• Grow great by your example and put on the dauntless spirit of resolution. — William Shakespeare (1564-1616) English playwright
• We can never intimidate and discourage the people who voice their words with courage. The essence of freedom rests precisely here - in the freedom of expression of the people. And we must protect it. — Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (1963-) Mongolian President - Dashing
Definitions: (1) engaging in vigorous action; energetic; bold and lively; spirited (2) elegant and gallant in appearance and manner; attractive; (3) moving with sudden speed
Quotes:
• We carry adolescence around in our bodies all our lives. We get through the Car Crash Age alive and cruise through our early twenties as cool dudes, wily, dashing, winsome . . . shooting baskets, the breeze, the moon, and then we try to become caring men, good husbands, great fathers, good citizens. — Garrison Keillor (1942-) Radio personality
• There is nothing more shocking than to see assertion and approval dashing ahead of cognition and perception. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 bc-43 bc) Roman philosopher - Darling
Definitions: (1) very dear; beloved; cherished; popular; (2) very pleasing; charming; cute; lovable
Quotes:
• Art is the child of Nature; yes, her darling child, in whom we trace the features of the mother's face, her aspect and her attitude. — Beck David Campbell (1970-) American musician
• All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one Workman; and however we deceive ourselves, as dear unto God is the poor peasant as the mighty prince. — Plato (428-348 bc) Greek philosopher
• Plato is dear to me, but dearer still is truth. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher - Daring
Definition: fearlessness in courting danger <a daring mountain climbers>; bold; courageous; intrepid; adventurous; derring‑do <daring to do>
Quotes:
• It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult. — Seneca (c. 3 bc-65 ad) Roman Stoic philosopher
• I’ve trained all my life not to be distracted by distractions. — Karl Wallenda (1905-1978) German-American high wire artistSymbol: a tightrope walker
- Dapper
Definitions: (1) neat in dress or demeanor; spruce; trim; natty; (2) alert and lively in movement and manners
Balancing Qualities: Modest, Professional
Quotes:
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (1452–1519) Italian polymath [seven disciplines]
• On the tawny sands and shelves trip the pert fairies and the dapper elves. — John Milton (1608–674) English poetObservation: When one dresses up their mind and soul, it shines through their physical habiliments.
- Dainty
Definitions: (1) cultured and refined in taste; particular; fastidious; (2) delicately lovely or pretty; elegant; tender
Synonyms: choice, exquisite, fine, neat, nice, rare
Poetry:
Yellow, mellow, ripened days,
Sheltered in a golden coating;
O'er the dreamy, listless haze,
White and dainty cloudlets floating;
Winking at the blushing trees,
And the somber, furrowed fallow;
Smiling at the airy ease,
Of the southward flying swallow
Sweet and smiling are thy ways,
Beauteous, golden Autumn days
— William McKendree Carleton (1845–1912) American poetComment: There is room in everyone for every quality. No matter how macho you are, there is a time and place to even be dainty.
Experience: I was camping in the high Rocky Mountains when I first was picking qualities to emulate. The random choice of dainty was not exactly what I was looking for, but I took it in stride. As I was hiking, I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of dainty flowers, grasses, and soft colors. It was one of those clear, Colorado, blue-sky days when even the air was dainty. I was up on a ridge at about thirteen thousand feet when I stopped to catch my breath in the thin atmosphere. Just above and behind me, a hummingbird flew over the ridge and came right for me, hesitated, and landed on my right shoulder. He must have needed a breather too. I said hello to him and he flew back a few feet, took a good look at me, and then landed again. Well, for a hummingbird a few seconds is a long time, so he was soon rested. He then took off and was out of sight in no time.
This incident taught me that odd combinations of qualities happen all the time. I knew hummers are extremely aggressive and territorial, after all, they are the living descendants of dinosaurs. Even though we ascribe qualities like dainty to them, they may not think so of themselves. After this I began choosing two qualities to see how they live together. - Daffy
Definition: crazy; silly; zany
Too Far: foolish, loopy
Quotes:
• I’m in my own little world. But it’s okay; they know me here. — Daffy Duck (1937-) Animated cartoon character
• I was chasing my dreams but I tripped over my reality and busted my head on the truth. — Daffy Duck (1937-) Animated cartoon character - Cute
Definition: (1) pleasingly pretty or charmingly attractive <especially in a delicate or dainty way>; (2) an innocence so charming as to captivate the heart of others
Quotes:
• Tell me I'm clever. Tell me I'm kind. Tell me I'm talented. Tell me I'm cute. Tell me I'm sensitive, graceful and wise. But tell me the truth. — Sheldon Allan Silverstein (1930–1999) American writer, poet, & cartoonist
• I trust God's timing. I'm a very spiritual person, and a lot of times, we want things on our time, and we come up with our own plans of what we want to do with our lives, but God be like, 'Ha ha, you're funny. That's cute. Anyways, this is what you're going to do.' And I've learned to just sit back. — LeToya Nicole Luckett (1981-) American R&B singer and actressComment: If you are naturally cute, you will know it pretty early and you will probably use it to your advantage. Remember two things: 1) Don't abuse your natural gifts, they can turn ugly fairly quickly; and 2) cuteness fades.
- Curious
Definition: (1) strongly desirous to learn or know; (2) possessing a need to investigate; (3) quizzical
Balancing Qualities: Diplomacy, Discretion, Thoughtful
Familial Qualities: adventuresome, explorative
Consequential Quality: understanding
Too Far: nosy, prying
Note: A person’s privacy should always be respected.Music: “What’s Going On?” {1971}
Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today
— Marvin Pentz Gaye (1939-1984) American soul singerProverb: Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.
Note: Curiosity not balanced by caution can be dangerous.Quotes:
• The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. — Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) American poet and satirist
• Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life. — Linus Pauling (1901-1994) American chemistComment: When you ask a question, you are exhibiting your desire for the qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. At the same time, you are enhancing the qualities of curiosity and wonder. And you are exemplifying communication and possibly courage.
Fictional Figure: Curious George {1941} gets in trouble because of his curiosity. He has adventures, and yet everything turns out okay. — Hans Augusto Rey (1898-1977) & Margret Rey (1906-1996) German-American authors
Symbols: the brown bear; protea flowers
- Cunning
Definitions: (1) skillful; clever; shrewd; (2) created with dexterous proficiency; ingenious; (3) a display of keen insight; inventive; (4) pretty in a delicate way; cutely attractive
Synonyms: artful, astute, crafty, sly, subtle, wily
Quotes:
• Man has made many machines, complex and cunning, but which of them indeed rivals the workings of his heart? — Pablo Casals (1876-1973) Spanish cellist, composer, & conductor
• The tantalizing discomfort of perplexity is what inspires otherwise ordinary men and women to extraordinary feats of ingenuity and creativity; nothing quite focuses the mind like dissonant details awaiting harmonious resolution. — Brian Randolph Greene (1962-) American physicist & mathematician
Note: Mr. Greene uses the word Dissonant. It certainly means the nonsense we encounter, but it also means the attempt to understand the mind or another person or even the messages from The Higher power.Comment: Cunning also has the negative connotation of underhanded motives, but we are dealing with positive values here – and it is easy to tell the difference.
- Cultured
Definitions: (1) a quality of refinement arising from an acquaintance with, and concern for, what is regarded as excellent in the arts, letters, and/or manners; (2) exhibiting improvement of the mind by education and training; intellectual pursuit; (3) appreciation of fine quality; enlightenment
Synonyms: accomplished, cultivated, erudite, learned, polished, refined
Quote:
• Cultivate truth, good faith, experience, cleverness, sociability, and industry. — Pittavus of Mytilene (c. 640-568 BC) Greek philosopher
• Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions. — Paulo Coelho de Souza (1947-) Brazilian lyricist & novelist - Cuddly
Definitions: (1) enjoying affectionate close contact; (2) holding tenderly; huggable
Quotes:
• I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words. — Ann Hood (1956-) American novelist
• Some of the strongest people you know are waiting to curl up in the right pair of arms and let out the sigh they’ve been holding in forever. — Nitya Prakash (1988-) Indian write, consultant, & motivational speakerObservation: Children need to be cuddled.
See also: HuggableSymbol: a teddy bear
- Credible
Definitions: (1) capable of being supported; trustworthy; (2) worthy of confidence; reliable
Derivation: Latin, “believable”
Synonyms: axiomatic, foolproof, plausible
Quotes:
• To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful. — Edward Roscoe Murrow [born Egbert Roscoe Murrow] (1908–1965) American broadcast journalist
• A statement is persuasive and credible either because it is directly self-evident or because it appears to be proved from other statements that are so. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopherComment: Conventional credentials – diplomas, titles, lists of accomplishments, authorship, family ties, and children – give a person credibility. No matter what a person says they are going to do, who they are is evident in what they have done.
Somebody might say he or she believes in certain positive qualities, and these intentions are valuable, but who they actually are and what they have in fact done, are a good measure of how well they will live up to their ideals. When values must be integrated with each other and embedded in a person’s soul only then are they self-evident. - Creative!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) to bring into being; to originate; to cause to exist; (2) characterized by originality and execution of thought; (3) forming something new; inventive
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: constitutive, generative, productive, resourceful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Ability, Harmony, Practicality, Responsibility, Talented
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: adaptability, devoted, dreaming, flexible, humorous, playful, whimsical
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial and Consequential Qualities: Three qualities work well with creativity: curiosity, courage, and confidence.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
In order to be courageous, in the inventive sense, one needs a measure of curiosity. Curiosity creates the positive impetus to venture into an unknown situation. Your fear says there may also be difficulty in that place, but your inquisitiveness, your sense of wonder, can be your guiding light. How will this new experience relate to something I really want? What does it look like? What does it feel like? What does it taste like? This is how curiosity leads to courage. Once you experience some courage, you become confident. Confidence allows you to commit to a course of action that surely will foster difficulty but also will lead to the accomplishment of your goal and many experiences of joy and growth. You are then literally becoming a new person.People Who Exemplify This Quality:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
There are different avenues and types of creativity.
• Imhotep (27th century BC) [Pyramid Builder]
• William Shakespeare (1564-1616) [Words]
• Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) [Music]
• Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) [Politics]
• Albert Einstein (1879-1955) [Math]
• Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) [Dance]
• Ieoh Ming [I. M.] Pei (1917-2019) [Architecture]
• Jonathan Winters (1925-2013) [Comedy]Quotes:
• We are creators! And... - Cozy
Definitions: (1) enjoying or affording warmth and ease; snug; (2) marked by the intimacy of the family or a close group
Parental Qualities: Comfortable, Homey
Quotes:
• Once upon a time there was a piece of wood. It was not an expensive piece of wood. Far from it. Just a common block of firewood, one of those thick, solid logs that are put on the fire in winter to make cold rooms cozy and warm. — Carlo Lorenzini [aka: Carlo Collodi] (1826 –1890) Italian humorist, The Adventures of Pinocchio {1883}
• There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven. — The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1
Note: In an entire life one will not do, or even want to experience, all of the possibilities. Some people are naturally adventurous and others keep their lives close to home. No matter the scope of life a foundation is key: a cozy domestic environment, a well-run office, an organized base camp ... - Courtly
Definitions: (1) polite, dignified, refined, or elegant; (2) pertaining to, or suitable for, the court of a sovereign; respectful
Quotes:
• There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer and peacemaker
• Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, and men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love. — Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) Scottish historian, poet, & playwrightComment: Those in power in courts demand a certain conspicuous mannerliness. In the street this is known as common courtesy. Caring for the feelings and comfort of others is always appropriate.
- Courteous
Definitions: (1) having court-like manners; thoughtful of others; polite and gracious; (2) at minimum actively considerate and sometimes stately politeness
Synonyms: affable, attentive, civil, comity, conciliating, obliging, respectful
Quotes:
• He who sows courtesy reaps friendship.— Saint Basil (329-379) Bishop of Cappadocia
• One of the most graceful of warriors is the robin. I know few prettier sights than two males challenging and curveting about each other upon the grass in early spring. Their attentions to each other are so courteous and restrained. — John Burroughs (1837–1921) American naturalistConsideration: Common courtesy is the backbone of civilization. Simple consideration of others could easily be the foundation of a new world order.
Fictional Figure: Sir Calidore, a knight who typifies courtesy — Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) English poet, The Faërie Queene {1590}
Legendary Figure: Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, famous for strength and courtesy
- Courageous!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) facing and dealing with anything recognized as difficult or painful instead of withdrawing from it; (2) that firmness of spirit that meets danger or hardship without fear; strength of character; (3) the quality of being mentally or morally fearless or brave; valorous; intrepid
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: bold, daring, dauntless, enterprising, gallant, hardy, heroic, pluck
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty; mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience; resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one’s ends; spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one’s own or keep one’s morale when opposed or threatened; tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence.Balancing Qualities: Compassionate, Confident, Curious, Farsighted, Kind, Open-minded
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: appreciation, attentiveness, experience, flexibility, gratitude, humor, knowledge, preparedness, relaxation, strength, understanding
NOTES:
• These compatible qualities may also be considered antidotes to fear either singly or in combination. Yet courage and boldness are not really antidotes to fear, they are more positive reaction mechanisms.
• If your focus is good enough, your attentiveness is good enough. You perceive the rattlesnake before it has a chance to bother you. Then you just take a wide path so you don’t even experience the fear because your attentiveness gives you an alternate path.
• You are not as afraid of the things you have already experienced.
• One of the greatest antidotes to fear is humor. When you experience fear, or if your intention is to be courageous, make sure there is a serious quantity of levity involved.
• To be prepared gives you a look into possible futures. If you are... - Correct
Definitions: (1) conforming with fact or logic; true; free from errors; accurate; right; (2) in accordance with acknowledged or accepted standards; proper
Derivation: Latin, “made straight, amended, guiding”
Synonyms: exact, faultless, precise
Quotes:
• An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. — Orlando Aloysius Battista (1917–1995) Canadian-American chemist
• A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. — John Calvin Maxwell (1947-) American author and pastor - Cordial
Definitions: (1) proceeding from the heart; warm; affectionate; genial; (2) reviving of spirits; cheering; giving strength; invigorating
Synonym: gracious
Quotes:
• The artist is the confidant of nature; flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him. — Francois Auguste René Rodin (1840–1917) French sculptor
• The way to make a true friend is to be one. Friendship implies loyalty, esteem, cordiality, sympathy, affection, readiness to aid, to help, to stick, to fight for, if need be. ... Radiate friendship and it will return sevenfold. — Bertie Charles Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-American financial author & founder of Forbes magazineSaying: A bras ouverts (French): “with open arms”
- Coordinated
Definitions: (1) the ability to balance physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self for a positive goal; (2) human cooperation combined in harmonious action; (3) able to use more than one set of muscle movements to a single end
Derivation: Latin, “to bring order to”
Quotes:
• In 1967, the world health community launched a global effort to eradicate smallpox. It took a coordinated, worldwide effort, required the commitment of every government, and cost $130 million dollars. By 1977, smallpox had disappeared. — Liya Kebede (1978-) Ethiopian model
• Through improvisation, jazz teaches you about yourself. And through swing, it teaches you that other people are individuals too. It teaches you how to coordinate with them. — Wynton Learson Marsalis (1961-) American trumpeter - Cooperative
Definition: a willingness and ability to work with others; collaborative; greater efficiency through teamwork
Proverb: When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. — Ethiopian
Quote: Whatever God’s dream that man may be, it is certain it cannot come true unless man cooperates. — Stella Terrill Mann (1898-1990) Author of Change Your Life Through Love {1949}
Reflection: Ultimately the final outcome of racial tension will be one of three separate possibilities: isolation, annihilation, or assimilation.
Assimilation is accomplished by communication and interaction. Society is strengthened by cross-cultural relationships, cross-societal associations, personal friendships, and the melding of linguistic and musical ideas and attitudes. When assimilation is rendered with a cooperative spirit, the new combination is a strong and unique new people.Comment: A stable civilization is built on a cooperative society.
Observation: A discussion may begin as a negotiation and, if productive, lead to cooperation; and then, if fruitful, become a collaboration.
Symbol: fish {Teamwork}; geranium flowers
- Cool
Definitions: (1) marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control; (2) composed; restrained; (3) very good; pleasing; excellent; (4) fashionable; up-to-date; hip
Synonyms: fresh, self-possessed, sangfroid <unruffled under pressure>, unperturbed
Compatible Quality: stylish
Quotes:
• Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances. — Thomas Jefferson (1742-1826) 3rd President of the Unites States
• One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat. — Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) 28th President of the United States
• Good words cool more than cold water. — John Ray (1627–1705) English naturalistComment: What is cool may be good or bad, but if it’s popular then it’s acceptable. The desire to fit in can override better judgment if the individual is immature.
Colors: blue, rainbow, turquoise
Symbols: 1) an icicle; 2) an ice cube
- Convivial
Definitions: (1) friendly; agreeable; (2) fond of merry company; jovial; (3) befitting a feast; festive
Derivation: Latin, “to live with”
Poetry:
In larger things we are convivial;
what causes trouble is the trivial.
— Richard Willard Armour (1906–1989) American prose & poetry writerQuote: Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! — Dr. Seuss [Theodor Seuss Geisel] (1904-1991) American children's author
Observation: Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. — Joanne Kathleen “J.K.” Rowling (1965-) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban {1999}
- Convincing
Definitions: (1) satisfying or assuring by argument or proof; (2) persuasive of the truth, rightness, or reality of something; plausible
Quotes:
• Every one of us is different in some way, but for those of us who are more different, we have to put more effort into convincing the less different that we can do the same thing they can ... just differently. — Marlee Beth Matlin (1965-) American deaf actress, & author
• Your self-belief does occasionally take a knock and you have to be pretty strong to keep convincing yourself you're doing the right thing. — Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill (1952-) Northern Irish professional football manager
Note: Of course, one also has to have a higher sense of what “the right thing” is.Comment: There is both mental logic and emotional conviction in a convincing argument.
- Conviction
Definition: (1) a strong persuasion or ardent belief; (2) a state of being free from doubt
Affirmation: It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen. — Muhammad Ali [born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (1942–2016) American boxer and activist
Comment:
Truth and Conviction
The sincere conviction that something is true will allow the individual who holds that conviction to resonate with a power that presents an argument for truth. Yet that person could be wrong. As a matter of fact, the only thing that may be right is the sincerity of the conviction. Therefore the individual should do whatever he or she can to make their belief resonate with truth.
For example, a vessel much larger than described would be needed for Noah to carry two of every species on the planet; but those who believe this “fact” sincerely, do whatever they can to make it true. They try to make it consistent with logic. If it could be proved or disproved by some objective means, then they could rejoice in their accurate belief or would have to readjust their conviction.
Actual facts as well as facts of belief have the resonance of truth when spoken with conviction. The listener must decide what is objective truth, subjectively true, or, more likely, a combination of both – and how to segregate them.
Actual truth is always scientifically provable, intellectually logical, and spiritually virtuous. - Controlled!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: Definitions: (1) able to manage one’s own temperament; self-control; apatheia <mastery of the passions (2) mental or emotional restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires especially in the face of self-described negative temptations; (3) able to curtail one’s own appetites <especially restraint in order to keep within (social or moral) bounds; (4) exercising authority over one’s self or others; in command <able to set things in order
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Quality: self-forgetful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales. — Byron Joseph Langenfeld (1909-1996) American humorist
• Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control. — Steven Arthur Pinker (1954-) Canadian-American cognitive psychologist & psycholinguistReflections:
• You cannot control the facts of the past. But you can control your attitude toward the facts of the past. You can control your attitude and judgment about the present and what you will do in the future. You cannot control what other people do, or how they think, or who they are. You can influence them, but only if they are willing or susceptible to your example or power.
Recognize what you actually have control over and what you do not have control of. It is useless to try to control what is not yours to control.
• There is also negative control: fear, torture, sleep deprivation, threats of harm to loved ones, threats of loss of job, or loss of life. If one is to encompass the positive aspects of control one needs to persuade... - Contributive
Definitions: (1) giving to the common good; (2) having a consonant purpose; <Her skillful acting was contributive to the success of the play.>; (3) making a gift toward; (4) paying a share into
Familial Quality: lagniappe <a small gift, any nice little extra bonus>
Proverb: Everyone must row with the oars they have. — English
Quotes:
• Doing good is a simple and universal vision. A vision to which each and every one of us can connect and contribute to its realization. A vision based on the belief that by doing good deeds, [thinking] positively, and [choosing] affirmative words, feelings, and actions; we can enhance goodness in the world. — Shari Arison (1957-) American-Israeli philanthropist
• Anyone can accomplish anything and rise to the challenge as long as they are willing to work with others, to let go of the personal agenda, to reach a higher goal, and to do what is right for the common good. — Julie Payette (1963-) Canadian engineer, scientist, & former astronaut - Content!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) satisfied with what one is or has; (2) possessing a mind at ease
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. — Saint Paul of Tarsus (c. 5 bc-67 ad) Christian missionary
• Contentment, unlike happiness, is not dependent upon our circumstances. It is an inner perspective from which we are aware of the difficulties or problems of our lives without being emotionally controlled by them. — Matthew Flickstein (~1960's-) Journey to the Center {1994}Parable:
Once there was a great king who gazed down from a tall tower upon a gardener who sang as he worked, and the king cried, “Ah, to have a life of no cares! If only I could be that gardener.” And the voice of the August Personage of Jade reached out from Heaven and said, “IT SHALL BE SO,” and lo, the king was a gardener singing in the sun. In time the sun grew hot and the gardener stopped singing, and a fine dark cloud brought coolness and then drifted away, and it was hot again and much work remained, and the gardener cried, “Ah, to carry coolness wherever I go and have no care! If only I could be that cloud.” And the voice of the August Personage of Jade reached out from Heaven and said, “IT SHALL BE SO,” and lo, the gardener was a cloud drifting across the sky. And the wind blew and the sky grew cold, and the cloud would have liked to go behind the shelter of a hill, but it could only go where the wind took it, and no matter how hard it tried to go this way, the wind took it that way, and above the cloud was the bright sun. “Ah, to fly through wind and be warm and have no cares! If only I could be the sun,” cried the cloud. And the voice of the August Personage of Jade reached out from Heaven and said, “IT SHALL BE SO,” and lo, he was the sun. It was very grand to be the sun, and he delighted in the work of sending down rays to warm some things and burn others, but it... - Contemporary
Definitions: (1) characteristics of the present period; modern <she keeps up with contemporary style>; up-to-date; hip; (2) features or characters of the same period <Lincoln was contemporary with Darwin>
Quotes:
• Telling a story in a futuristic world gives you this freedom to explore things that bother you in contemporary times. — Suzanne Collins (1962-) American author
• The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story. This truth applies both to individuals and institutions. — Michael Margolis (1943-) American strategistColor: blue
- Contemplative
Definitions: (1) looking at intently; gazing; observing; (2) continued thoughtful application of the mind to a subject; focusing on with great interest; meditating upon; studying; (3) anticipating something coming in the future; looking forward to; expectant; (4) a spiritual person devoted to deliberation of the divine and to prayer; in a state of mystical awareness
Synonyms: considering, looking up, musing, reflective
Quotes:
• It’s so hard when contemplated in advance, and so easy when you do it. — Robert Manard Pirsig (1928-2017) Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values {1974}
• Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate. — Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Italian theologianTip: A proper environment is very conducive to a contemplative state. A natural setting seems to be ideal. Seek out a God-made or man-made garden.
Question: The Eightfold Path: right views, aspirations, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and, contemplation? — Siddhartha Gautama “The Buddha” (c. 563-483 bc) Nepalese holy man
Note: What is beyond the eightfold path? Contemplation of the Divine.Symbols: 1) a mandala; 2) a mountaintop
- Constructive
Definitions: (1) promoting further development or advancement; positive formation; (2) able or helping to erect or create; (3) building up and making better; serving to improve
Quote:
• You must not under any pretense allow your mind to dwell on any thought that is not positive, constructive, optimistic, or kind. Emmet Fox (1886–1951) Irish spiritual leader
• You should tell yourself frequently 'I will only react to constructive suggestions.' This gives you positive ammunition against your own negative thoughts and those of others. — Dorothy Jane Roberts (1929–1984) American authorQuestion:
What are the foundations upon which to construct a solid personality? A few suggestions: curiosity, High ideals, insight, moral fiber, self-awareness. - Consonant
Definitions: (1) in agreement or harmony <usually with others>; accordant; congruous; consistent; (2) sympathetic vibration <said of musical tones, but can also be so with personalities>
Synonyms: suitable, unified
Consideration: It can be argued that the purpose for existence is to mesh with or be more consistent with observable reality. Science defines itself in these terms: the more accurate the theory, the more in agreement with “reality” and therefore more accepted.
Here, in our earth effort, the good as well as the bad (people) prosper or fail in what sometimes seems to be a haphazard way. Nonetheless, we know by experience the extent to which we are growing closer to, or moving farther away from, objective reality. After physical death we will get real proof of the results of our efforts. The initial fact of reawakening as our “self” will affirm some hope in the correctness of the hypothesis. If, on the other hand, some other theory of what is true proves to be correct, a different result will occur. Fact is a great changer of minds. If, say, the theory of nonconsciousness, or unconscious melding with an oversoul, proves to be true, we would not have much to decide. We wouldn’t know ourselves as individual conscious beings capable of arguing the effects or merits of various theories.
My conviction is we will continue to experience reality as an individual entity. And yes, we will be in a different environment with new circumstances with a continuum of experience. In other words, we will wake up on the other side recognizing our existence, remembering our previous life, and continuing from where we left off. Our purpose will still be to make positive choices, thus guaranteeing sustained survival.Symbol: an Ouroboros [a dragon or serpent biting its own tail]
- Consistent
Definitions: (1) harmonious regularity or steady continuity; uniform; (2) conducting oneself in harmony with one’s belief, character, profession, or custom; (3) recognition of value through time
Derivation: Latin, “standing firm or still, existing”
Synonyms: accordant, changeless, consonant
Balancing Qualities: Concern, Fairness, Tact, High-minded
Too Far: mediocrity
Note: Qualities, often sacrificed in the name of consistency, are flexibility and individuality. In the attempt to be consistent, individuals as well as institutions can become staid and concrete, resulting in mediocrity and apathy.Quote: The person we believe ourselves to be will always act in a manner consistent with our self-image. — Brian Tracy (1944-) Canadian-American motivational speaker
Reflection: You can remain consistent in the midst of continual and inevitable change if you are focused on positive qualities. They always adapt.
Comment: Most people know someone who they call strange or, at best, eccentric. That person may or may not be endearing in an odd sort of way, but if he or she is consistent, then it is easier for others to come to terms with their quirky nature.
Admonition: If you focus and work for good, you will have a dynamic consistency. Take a point of view appropriate, reasonable, and fair in the current situation. Don’t be concerned your view in the present situation appears to be different from your position in a similar but previous situation. Do not fear you will be criticized for promoting a different position in the future. Wisdom dictates you attend to what is right at this time and proceed with poise, honesty, and tact.
- Considerate
Definitions: (1) showing kindly regard for the feelings or circumstances of others; thoughtful; (2) showing care; deliberate
Derivation: Latin, “examine,” (perhaps based on sidus: “star”)
Quotes:
• Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree. — Marian Wright Edelman (1939-) American civil rights activist
• Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. — Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) 34th President of the United States - Conservative
Definitions: (1) inclined to preserve the existing order of things; traditional; (2) marked by moderate or cautious attitudes; safe; (3) a wise melding of the best from the past with the most promising of the future; prudent; (4) protect or maintained in its original state; a preservationist
Derivation: Late Middle English, “to keep safe from harm”
Balancing Qualities: Flexible, Liberal, Open
Too Far: afraid, closed
Quotes:
• The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution. — Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) German-American historian
• You can't conserve what you haven't got. — Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890–1998) American author, women's suffrage advocate, & conservationist - Conscious!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) aware of one’s own existence and of external objects and conditions; (2) able to feel and think; awake; (3) sensitive of oneself as an alert being <knowing what one is doing and why>; (4) capable of, or marked by: thought, will, design, or perception; (5) able to see the light; (6) deliberate; intentional <a conscious effort to do better>deliberate; intentional <a conscious effort to do better>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: apprised, cognizant, felt, known, sensible, scious <having knowledge>; supraliminal <above the level of consciousness>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictums:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I AM that I AM. — God (∞ – ∞)
• Cogito, ergo sum (Latin): “I think, therefore I am.” — Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French philosopherQuotes:
• There is no end to consciousness; All things are glittering like stars in the firmament of our being. — Paramabansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, & guru
• Our great human adventure is the evolution of consciousness. We are in this life to enlarge the soul and light up the brain. — Thomas “Tom” Eugene Robbins (1936-) American author
• Why do I persist in perceiving a central me at all! What is this consciousness that even now, as I think these thoughts, contemplates its own existence? — Glen David Brin (1950-) Earth {1990}
• People generally react to any new situation in one of four ways: Aha!, Ho-hum, Oy Vey!, and Yum-Yum. These illustrate the four basic states of consciousness.... All else is mere elaboration. — Glen David Brin (1950-) Earth {1990}
• Our ability to tell ourselves a silent narration about a future is the key to the modern conception of consciousness. — William H. Calvin (1939-) American theoretical neurophysiologist; The River That Runs Uphill: A Journey from the Big Bang to the Big Brain {1986}
Note: Dr. Calvin goes on to say this need not be a verbal story; it can be a... - Conscientious
Definitions: (1) paying meticulous attention to adhere to one’s moral sense governing all of one's actions; careful; (2) influenced or governed by the known, accepted social and scientific principles of correct and incorrect; scrupulous; (3) inclined to honor the internal rules of right and wrong; honest
Compatible Qualities: Logical, Reasonable
Quotes:
• Never should an unfamiliar word be passed over without elucidation, for, with a little conscientious research, we may each day add to our conquests in the realm of philology and become more and more ready for graceful independent expression. — Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937) American writer
• Good parents must defer many of their own needs and desires in favor of the needs of their children. As a consequence of this sacrifice, conscientious parents develop a nobility of character and learn to put into practice the selfless truths taught by the Savior Himself. — James Esdras Faust (1920–2007) American LDS leader & lawyer - Conscience
Definitions: (1) the knowledge - or feeling - of right and wrong; (2) the faculty, power, or principle of a person which decides on the morality of their actions; (3) the criticism of oneself by one’s own value-habits - personal positive ideals; (4) the compulsion to act with the intention of doing good
See also: UprightDerivation: Latin, “with knowledge”
Quote: When will our conscience grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it? — Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
Consideration: We use the measurement of personal positive ideals to criticize ourselves or others. In judging another, use their own standard of “personal positive ideals” rather than yours.
Observation: If you want to know what matters most to someone, look at their habits. No one keeps doing things they hate, not long-term. Their behavior may be despicable but they justify it to themselves – usually through a self-centered self-argument.
- Connected
Definitions: (1) coherently combined meanings; logically linked ideas; (2) an appropriate relationship, socially, physically, or professionally; interconnected; (3) a thorough set with all parts harmoniously united; joined together in a proper order <as the precise fit of a mosaic or puzzle>; quick-connecting
Quotes:
• The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe. — Michio Kaku (1947-) American theoretical physicist
Note: Of course “the known universe” keeps on expanding. And the mind is a much larger matrix than the brain.
• The brain contains no material other than its own channels and switch-ways. Thoughts can be about pigs or coconuts, but there are no pigs or coconuts in the brain. In the mind there are no neurons, only ideas of pigs and coconuts. — Gregory Bateson (1904–1980) English anthropologist, semiotician, & cyberneticistComment: Our connections are of three natures: personal, mental, and spiritual. We are connected with our fellows through family, friendship, and many other associations. The mind, on the other hand, looks to connect ideas, stories, and experiences. And the soul loves to connect ideals. We can make these bridges with logic, mathematics, or even intuitive faith leaps.
- Congruous
Definitions: (1) corresponding to what is right, proper, or reasonable; suitable; (2) conforming to the circumstances or requirements of a situation; fitting; (3) agreeing in nature or qualities; harmonious
Derivation: Latin, "to come together"
Synonyms: commingle, to forge a bond
Quotes:
• Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. — Edward Everett Hale (1822–1909) American author
• A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality. — Yoko Ono (1933-) Japanese-American multimedia artist, songwriter, & peace activist - Congenial
Definitions: (1) appropriate or pleasing in nature or character; agreeable; (2) suited or adapted in tastes or temperament; compatible; kindred; (3) harmoniously associated; (4) existing together sociably; genial
Derivation: Latin, “with genius”
Quote: What could an unsanctified man do in Heaven? No man can possibly be happy in a place where he is not in his element and where all around him is not congenial to his tastes, habits, and character. — John Charles Ryle (1816–1900) English Anglican bishop
Note: Heaven will be a strange place for all of us, saint and sinner alike. The angels will help us to move from good to better to best. - Conforming
Definitions: (1) acting in accordance or harmony with prevailing standards, attitudes, and practices <of society or a group>; complying; (2) to be or become similar in form, nature, or character
Balancing Qualities: Confidence, Individuality
Compatible Quality: a team player
Quotes:
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. — Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880) French novelist
• The young always have the same problem - how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another. — Quentin Crisp [born Denis Charles Pratt] (1908–1999) English raconteurComment: Beware of “confirmation bias” – the (deliberate or unwitting) tendency to interpret observations in a way as to fit or reinforce some pre-existing belief or assumption. This, of course, is a natural propensity but the more objective you become the less your subjective leanings will cloud your judgment.
Admonition: Know when (and how) to conform and when to buck the system.
- Confident
Definitions: (1) having full belief; fully assured; certain; (2) relying on oneself; bold
Synonyms: in the groove, positive, sanguine, sure, undiscouraged
Balancing Qualities: Changeable, Flexible
Compatible Qualities: knowledgeable, understanding
Too Far: arrogant, brash, cocky, smart alecky
Quotes:
• As is our confidence, so is our capacity. — William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English writer
• Confidence ignores “No Trespassing” signs. It is as if he doesn’t see them. He is an explorer, committed to following his own direction. He studied mathematics in France and still views his life as a series of experiments. The only limits he respects are his own. He is honest and humble and very funny. After all these years, his sister doesn’t understand why he still ice skates with Doubt. — Janet Ruth Gendler, The Book of Qualities {1984}Affirmation: By writing out words of confidence you help implant the idea more firmly in your subconscious mind, which then works harder and faster to produce happy results. Affirmations are your strongest confidence-builders. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Comment: In the acquisition of confidence you need at least a bit of success. You have to have some nerve to step out there in the first place to see if and how it works. You also need a bit of failure to overcome, to learn from, so you can go on to what does work. Set up the dynamic of a positive goal. Assess the reality of your current situation, take a look at the intermediate goals and achieve those.
Observations:
• Confidence is faith in oneself.
• You can hold confidence in the one who can keep a secret, a pledge, or a vow. - Concise
Definitions: (1) brief and exact; focused and to the point; comprehensive; (2) giving precisely what is needed
Synonyms: condensed, pithy, succinct, snappy
Poetry:
The light of a candle
Is transferred to another candle
Spring twilight
— Yosa Buson (1716–1784) Japanese Haiku master & painterQuote: God has stated in clear and concise language how He created the universe and we ought not to doubt His Word. — Walter Lang (1896–1972) American film director
How to Live This Quality Today: Notice if the person you are talking to is very busy. If so, chatter about the weather will be a waste of their time. Courtesy sometimes demands being concise.
Advice: Read the room. You may think what you have to say is so important, so wise, so true that you need to suck up all of the oxygen in the room. But if you give your message concisely it will reach hearts and minds more readily.
- Conciliatory
Definitions: (1) overcoming distrust or hostility with friendly action, compromise, and communication; (2) the ability to sooth anger; placate; (3) making peace between persons at variance; reconciling; pacific
Derivation: Latin, "to assemble, unite, or win over"
Synonyms: conciliate, engaging
Quote: What is the time for singing, what the time for play - and in whose presence? When to jest or tease and on what occasion to be conciliatory - and to whom? In a word, how does one maintain one's character? Wherever you swerve, you suffer a loss from the very act itself. — Epictetus (50-135) Greek Stoic philosopher
- Concerned
Definitions: (1) attentive to or involved in some matter; (2) in a state of caring interest; <a concerned citizen>
Too Far: reactionary, worried
Reflection: God is concerned with everything; yet he will never interfere with anything.
Quotes:
• It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one's life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than 'try to be a little kinder.' — Aldous Leonard Huxley (1894–1963) English writer & philosopher
• Faith consists in being vitally concerned with that ultimate reality to which I give the symbolical name of God. Whoever reflects earnestly on the meaning of life is on the verge of an act of faith. — Paul Johannes Tillich (1886–1965) German-American Christian existentialist philosopher - Concentrative
Definitions: (1) able to point to a common objective; focused; (2) able to direct one’s thoughts or efforts; capable of fixing one’s attention on one idea; (3) able to put ideas together in new ways
Synonym: laconic <able to express an idea in a few words>
Quote: Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus. — Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) Scottish-Canadian inventor
Comment: If you have great concentrative powers, you not only can block out extraneous thoughts and sounds, but also can utilize stray inputs to enhance your focus on the task at hand. During problem solving and brainstorming, half of the fun is to be open to all stimuli in the framework of the solution. No matter how ridiculous the input, it may trigger some aspect of the solution eventually adopted.
A person with good concentration usually has a very quick and discerning mind. A decision can be made in a split second ↔ all the way through.Admonition: “Every step a perfect step” became an obvious warning while hiking the back country of the Grand Canyon.
- Compromising
Definitions: (1) combining the qualities of two (or more) different matters or ideas; (2) something lying between the extremes; (3) adjusting or settling a difference by mutual agreement, often with concessions on both sides
Derivation: Latin, “with promise”
Quote: A multicultural society does not reject the culture of the other but is prepared to listen, to see, to dialogue and, in the final analysis, to possibly accept the other's culture without compromising its own. — Reuven “Ruvi” Rivlin (1939-) Israeli politician & lawyer; 10th President of Israel
Comment: The different parties in a dispute often think they have to give something away in order for a compromise to be effected. Although this is the case in some instances, it need not be the case altogether. Compromising is defined as a “combining of qualities.” There need not be a loss. It need not be a matter of giving away (lateral thinking), but a matter of giving up (vertical thinking). The blending of positive qualities will bring about a novel, unexpected, and better result.
Consideration: Indeed, when the blending of ideas and ideals is perfect there can appear something surprising, synergistic, even superadditive. Hydrogen and oxygen, in perfect harmony, create water.
Observation: A daredevil will compromise safety for the thrill of the adventure.
- Comprehensive
Definitions: (1) having an extensive intellectual range with understanding; (2) able to perceive the relationships of a group of facts or ideas; enjoying to a large mental extent; (3) able to grasp the nature, significance, scope, or implication of ideas; covering thoughts broadly; (4) Docity <able to size up a situation quickly>; compendious <presenting the essential fact>
Derivation: Latin, "to catch, thus capture, and finally possess"
Familial Quality: open
Quotes:
• The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist
• Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend. To understand the things that are at our door is the best preparation for understanding those that lie beyond. — Hypatia (c. 350–370 to 415 AD) Egyptian philosopher, astronomer, & mathematician
• It is the harmony of the diverse parts, their symmetry, their happy balance; in a word it is all that introduces order, all that gives unity, that permits us to see clearly and to comprehend at once both the ensemble and the details. — Jules Henri Poincare (1854-1912) French mathematician - Composed
Definition: (1) freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline; serene; tranquil; unflappable; (2) the elements which constitute or make up a whole
Synonyms: calm, cool, quiet, sedate
Quotes:
• When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th President of the United States
• Philosophy is written in this grand book, the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze. But the book cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the language and read the letters in which it is composed. — Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer - Compliant
Definitions: (1) ready or disposed to submit to a desire, demand, or proposal; (2) possessing a disposition to yield to others; flexible
Synonyms: acquiescent, consensual, obedient
Quote: The substance of the universe is obedient and compliant; and the reason which governs it has in itself no cause for doing evil, for it has no malice, nor does it do evil to anything, nor is anything harmed by it. But all things are made and perfected according to this reason.— Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor and philosopher
Comment: Sometimes compliance is the most appropriate quality, as the boughs of a tree in the wind.
- Complete
Definitions: (1) having all parts or elements; whole; lacking nothing; entire; full; (2) having all the required or customary characteristics or skills; consummate <a complete scholar>; (3) thorough; total; undivided; uncompromised
Quote:
• I gave my life to become the person I am right now. — Richard Bach (1936-) American writer
• There would be no need for love if perfection were possible. Love arises from our imperfection, from our being different and always in need of the forgiveness, encouragement, and that missing half of ourselves that we are searching for, as the Greek myth tells us, in order to complete ourselves. — Eugene Cullen Kennedy (1928-2015) American psychologist & writerHow to Live This Quality Today: You are complete right now, but only in the sense that you are the culmination of all of your experiences so far. On the other hand, anything you do will move you toward or away from a better state of completeness. Since we will forever be moving toward The Infinite, we will never be absolutely complete.
- Complacent
Definitions: (1) pleased <especially with oneself, one’s advantages, or one’s accomplishments>; self-satisfied; (2) pleasant; kindly; complaisant
Derivation: Latin, “with pleasure”
To Far: self-righteous
Quotes:
• A modest assertion of one's own opinion, and a complaisant acquiescence in other people, preserves dignity. — Douglas Gene Stanhope (1967-) American stand-up comedian & author
• Complaisance, though in itself it be scarce reckoned in the number of moral virtues, is that which gives a luster to every talent a man can be possessed of. It was Plato's advice to an unpolished writer that he should sacrifice to the graces. In the same manner I would advise every man of learning, who would not appear in the world a mere scholar or philosopher, to make himself master of the social virtue which I have here mentioned. — Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayistComment: Many say don’t be complacent, don’t get too comfortable. This may be necessary advice for a lazy person. But an energetic person needs to take time to see what has been done correctly and take a season of rest before moving on. And when the body begins to age, to look back and appreciate what you have been able to do is a sweet reward.
- Competent
Definitions: (1) able or capable; duly qualified; (2) answering all requirements; suitable; sufficient; (3) fit for or adequate to the purpose
Derivation: Latin, "to strive or seek together"
Sayings:
• Able to put up with a lot.
• Able to set things straight.
• Able to power up for action.
• Able to pull your own weight.
• Able to take difficulty in stride.
• Able to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.Quotes:
• To know happiness, it helps to know unhappiness. — Alastair John Campbell (1957-) British author & strategist
• Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become. — C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish-born British novelist - Compelling
Definitions: (1) demanding attention; drawing notice because of interest or beauty; having a riveting or an irresistible effect; (2) very powerful; forceful <a compelling personality>
Derivation: Latin, “to drive together”
Quotes:
• God's presence is not just Light, and Life, but Love. And Love invites, but does not compel. — Frederica Mathewes-Green (1958-) American author
• Nothing in the world is so compelling to the emotions as the mind of another human being. — Margaret Floy Washburn (1871-1939) American psychologist - Compatible!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) living together harmoniously; getting along well together; (2) in agreement; congruous; compossible; simpatico
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Derivation: Latin, “to suffer with”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: obliging, perseverance
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments: This is the quality of relationships. The type of relationship referred to in the following is one of mates. There are seven primary components of a complete relationship: chemistry, comfort, companionability, communication, care, creativity, and commitment.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --1. Chemistry
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
A. Physical
This is where it all begins. There must be attraction. The physical senses ask to be satisfied: looks, voice, smell, touch, taste.
Compatible qualities: clean, neat
Note: Familiarity may not be so severe as to breed contempt, but the wonder and luster does wear thin as you get to know the patterns and responses of another person. Physical attractions lose their spark and intensity even more quickly if the extent and depth of the attraction is only hormonal.
B. Emotional
a. The emotional senses (feelings) are stimulated in symmetry with the physical.
Compatible qualities: energy, passion, sexiness
b. The emotional feeling may last a long time and even rekindle periodically, but emotions usually mellow into more tender characteristics.
Compatible qualities: comfortable, gentle, snug
c. Do not become complacent – taking the other person for granted. Let him or her know your feelings.
Compatible qualities: open-hearted, open-mindedC. Spiritual
The feeling you have found your true mate at the beginning stage is proven reliable only in time. Do not be fooled by the chemistry into predictions of forever. Be satisfied with the joy and energy of the moment. If there is a feeling of “all is perfect,” remember: people tend to forget how to be... - Compassionate!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) possessing sympathetic consciousness of the distress of others; (2) demonstrating a desire to alleviate suffering; (3) a disposition to pity; inclined to show mercy
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: clement, gracious, indulgent, kind, soft, tender
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: empathetic, piteous, sympathetic, understanding
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Proverb: If you want to help others, practice compassion (karuna); if you want to help yourself, practice compassion. — Buddhist
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• You should have compassion on each other and leave judgment to God. — Saint Catherine of Siena [born Caterina Benincasa] (1347–1380) The Dialogue of the Seraphic Virgin {2013}
• Every human being has the potential for compassion. I have chosen to pay more attention to it. — Tenzing Gyatso [aka: Gyalwa Rinpoche] {The Dalai Lama} (1935-) upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize
• I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion. — Kurt Hahn (1886-1974) German educator and founder of Outward Bound
• A human being is a part of the whole called by us “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He [she] experiences the self, thoughts, and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of (the personal) consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicistMythological Figure: Androcles was a Roman...
- Companionable
Definitions: (1) good fellowship; friendly; (2) agreeable as an associate; sociable
Synonym: comradely
Quotes:
• A relation-ship is a boat that floats on a river of conversation. — Michael Hanna (1950-) 100 Thought Adjusters {2007}
• Yes, information matters; but it’s really the quality of relationships through which information is exchanged that ultimately determines the success of an organization. — Michael Schrage, “Organizations Don’t Run on Information,” Lotus Magazine {~1968}
Symbol: King Arthur’s round table - Communicative!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) conveying knowledge or evidence; making known; (2) able to transmit information, thoughts, or feelings so to be satisfactorily received and understood
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: announcing, articulate, disclosing, divulging, imparting, loquacious, promulgating, publishing, revealing, straight talker
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Qualities: Clarity, Order
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Elaborate; illustrate; decorate.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• When you live in constant communication with God, you cannot be lonely. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2121}
• As far as we can tell, human language results from a certain type of mental organization, not simply from a high level of intelligence. — Noam Chomski (1928-) American linguist
• Man, by means of words, can communicate abstract ideas; he can benefit from experiences of others without having to be present at the time; he can make intelligent cooperative plans. — Jane Goodall (1934-) British primatologist
• It is the humble man who risks his dignity to speak up for what he loves. It is the courageous man who dares contradiction and the acrimony of argument to defend his beliefs. If one loves anything – truth, beauty, women, life – one will speak out. Genuine love cannot endure silence. Genuine love breaks out into speech. And when it is great love, it breaks out into song. Talk helps to relieve us of the tiresome burden of ourselves. It helps some of us to find out what we think. It is essential for the happiest companionship. One of the minor pleasures of affection is in the voicing of it. If you love your friend, says the song, tell him so. Talk helps one to get rid of the surplus enthusiasm that often blurs our idea. — Myles Connolly (1897-1964) American screenwriterTip: Do it now! Talk about your...
- Common Sense
Definitions: (1) practical understanding or intelligence; (2) sound and prudent judgment
Derivation: Originally, common sense was the faculty uniting and interpreting the impressions of the other five senses.
Sayings:
• Best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
• You cannot buy time, happiness, or virtues.
• A person can look before committing and therefore learn from looking as well as from leaping. An animal ordinarily learns only by leaping.Dictum: Today’s common sense is yesterday’s science. — Neils Bohr (1885-1962) Danish physicist
Axiom: Correlation does not imply causation.
Quotes:
• Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright
• A walking encyclopedia will walk over a cliff, for all its knowledge of cliffs and the effects of gravity, unless it is designed in such a fashion that it can find the right bits of knowledge at the right times, so it can plan its engagements with the real world. — Daniel Dennett (1942 -) American philosopher - Committed
Definition: devoted unreservedly <to an idea or a project>; engaged; pledged; bound
Synonyms: entrusted, confided, consigned
Saying: Have a can‑do attitude.
Quotes:
• Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American cultural anthropologist
• Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamed would have come their way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
— William Hutchison Murray (1913-1996) Scottish Mountaineer and WriterComment: You cannot make a commitment for someone else even if you know, without a doubt, they are ready to take the first step. You might be able to provide inspiration, encouragement, or information. You can offer some help or preparation, but it is ultimately that person’s choice.
Mythological Figure: Juno, the supreme goddess of Roman mythology, wife of Jupiter, and goddess of marriage
Symbol: ranunculous flowers
- Commiserative
Definition: feeling or expressing sympathy, compassion, pity, or empathy
Derivation: Latin, “to lament with”
Quotes:
• It is more fitting for a man to laugh at life than to lament over it. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC–AD 65) Roman Stoic philosopher
• We love to commiserate and troubleshoot and prepare for the worst, and gratitude yanks us out of that and reminds us of the ridiculous amount of infinite blessings that are around us at all times. — Jen Sincero (1965-) American writerSymbol: a nurse
- Commendable
Definitions: (1) being an admirable example <a person, idea, or ideal worthy of emulation>; (2) recommending as worthy of confidence or notice; (3) expressing a favorable opinion; to praise
Synonyms: applauded, approved, entrusted, recommended
Music: "You’re the Top" {1934}
You're the top
You're the Colosseum
You're the top
You're the Louvre Museum
You're a melody from a symphony by Strauss
You're a Bendel bonnet, a Shakespeare sonnet
You're Mickey Mouse
— Cole Porter (1891-1964) American composer and songwriterQuotes:
• The will is commendable though the ability may be wanting. — Ovid [born: Publius Ovidius Naso] (43 BC-18 AD) Roman poet
• While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction. — James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) American author - Commanding
Definition: able to control by influence, authority, or dignity; dominating
Synonyms: authoritative, imperious, lordly
Balancing Qualities: Caring, Compassionate
Quotes:
• Well-timed silence is the most commanding expression. — Mark Helprin (1947-) American-Israeli novelist
• None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone. — Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish essayistSymbols: 1) the scepter; 2) clubs [the suit in cards]
- Comical
Definition: causing laughter or amusement <especially with startling or unexpected humorous impact>; funny; droll
Compatible Quality: timing
Quotes:
• You cannot teach a crab to walk straight. — Aristophanes (446-386 bc) Greek classic poet [The Father of comedy]
• There's a difference between being a comic and a comedian. A comic is a guy who says funny things, and a comedian is a guy who says things funny, and he has a style and point of view that will last much longer. — Milton Berle [born Mendel Berlinger] (1908–2002) American actor & comedianSymbol: the clown
Mythological Figure: Thalia, one of the three Graces of Greek mythology, is the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry.
See also: Joyful and Bright - Comforting
Definitions: (1) imparting encouragement and strength; heartening; (2) bringing solace or cheer to someone; consoling; reassuring; (3) providing grace, hope, and cheer; showing compassion and soul soothing kindness; (4) bestowing satisfaction and contentment; (5) commodious
Synonyms: relieving, supporting
Quotes:
• Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself, the most comforting words of all; this, too, shall pass. — Esther Pauline "Eppie" Lederer [pen name: Ann Landers] (1918-2002) Advice columnist
• We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. — Viktor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, & Holocaust Survivor - Comfortable
Definitions: (1) feeling pleasurable satisfaction; (2) at ease in ones own body or mind; content
Synonyms: agreeable, cozy, pleasant, snug, supporting
Consequential Quality: creative
Too Far: indolent, sluggish, smug
Quote: A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown. — Denis E. Waitley (1933-) American motivational speaker
Comment: There is good reason to avoid agony but be very cautious that the the cure (addictive drugs &/or alcohol) does not dull your sense of control.
- Comely
Definitions: (1) pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance; attractive; handsome; pretty; (2) decent; suitable; proper; becoming; (3) acting in a way to put people at their ease
Derivation: Old English, “fine, handsome”
Synonyms: graceful, seemly
Quote: Someone who just has a really good heart - it's so attractive: someone who makes you feel beautiful and encourages you - makes you better. Allyson Brooke Hernandez (1993-) American singer
- Colorful
Definitions: (1) having striking or spirited elements; vivid; stimulating; (2) full of variety; picturesque; (3) a unique and charming character; showy; pleasantly recognizable
Familial Quality: charisma
Quotes:
• Why would anyone lie? The truth is always more colorful. — James H. Hall (1933-) American philosopher
• What makes things memorable is that they are meaningful, significant, colorful. — Joshua Foer (1982-) American journalistSymbol: a rainbow
Note: One can find the end of a rainbow. Anyone can do it. When you have a large mist of water in front of you and the sun behind, you will see a rainbow. As you walk toward the rainbow circle (all rainbows are circles) it will shrink. Each step forward brings the two ends of the rainbow closer together. When you are at the edge of the mist you are standing at both ends of the rainbow! It turns out the “gold” at the end of the rainbow is literally YOU! - Coherent
Definitions: (1) clearly articulated and intelligible; (2) logically connected; (3) in natural agreement; harmonious
Synonyms: consistent, related, united
Quotes:
• Meditation makes the entire nervous system go into a field of coherence. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American author
• When you build a thing, you cannot merely build that thing in isolation, but must repair the world around it, and within it, so that the larger world at that one place becomes more coherent, and more whole; and the thing which you make takes its place in the web of nature, as you make it. — Christopher Wolfgang John Alexander (1936–2022) Austrian-born British-American architect - Cognizant
Definitions: (1) the fact of being aware; perceptive; (2) knowledgeable of something <especially through personal experience>; (3) the range of comprehension possible through examination; able to notice and retain such observation
Synonym: mindful
Familial Qualities: aware, conscious
Quotes:
• Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. — Ashley Smith (1978-) American author
• In this life struggle, here I am among you fully cognizant that a true believer has no fear of what God has ordained for him. Those who are visited by fear live only for their present, under the illusion that the world began with them and will end with their departure. — Hussein bin Talal (1935–1999) King of Jordan - Cogent
Definitions: (1) having a powerful appeal to the mind; convincing; (2) a sound argument presented with lucidity and, often, telling evidence; 3) compelling serious attention; pertinent; 4) a valid use of logic; 5) common sense made relevant and meaningful to an audience
Compatible Qualities: Compassionate, Listening, Logical
Quotes:
• There are proofs that date back to the Greeks that are still valid today. — Sir Andrew John Wiles (1953) English mathematician [eight disciplines]
• In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence. — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines] - Climbing
Definition: gradual or continuous progress; rising; ascending
Quotes:
• The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters. — Conrad Anker (1962-) American mountaineer
• It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe. — Muhammad Ali [born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (1942–2016) American boxer and activist
• The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can't always see it right away. — Victoria Arlen (1994-) American paralympian swimmerComment: God is the ultimate, inevitable, and the final accomplishment of all creation. In His infinite wisdom, we have the gift of free will, therefore we can choose our destination and how to get there.
- Clever
Definitions: (1) mentally sharp and resourceful; quick-witted; astute; bright; scintillating; (2) skillful or adroit in using the hands or body; nimble; dexterous; talented; (3) something ingeniously or expertly made, said, or done
Parental Qualities: courage, curiosity
Quotes:
• Here we stand in the middle of this new world with our primitive brain, attuned to the simple cave life, with terrific forces at our disposal, which we are clever enough to release, but whose consequences we cannot comprehend. — Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893–1986) Hungarian biochemist
• No, ancient astronauts did not build the pyramids - human beings built them, because they're clever and they work hard. — Eugene “Gene” Wesley Roddenberry (1921–1991) American television screenwriterSymbol: the fox
- Clement
Definitions: (1) mild in temper and disposition; tender; compassionate; (2) inclined to be merciful; kind; (3) able to control oneself when provoked; forbearing
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Jesus during his sham trial and execution.
Quotes:
• Nothing in human nature is so God-like as the disposition to do good to our fellow-creatures. — Samuel Richardson (1689–1761) English writer
• Let us not listen to those who think we ought to be angry with our enemies, and who believe this to be great and manly. Nothing is so praiseworthy, nothing so clearly shows a great and noble soul, as clemency and readiness to forgive. — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 bc– 43 bc) Roman statesman - Clear
Definitions: (1) having the power of perceiving or comprehending quickly; discriminating <a clear intellect>; not confused or dull; (2) easily seen or comprehended <of your statements by others>; easily understandable; perspicuous; distinct; lucid; clear-sighted; open-eyed; (3) free from obscurity <of others communications to you>; evident; manifest; indisputable; undeniable; (4) free from emotional perturbations; undisturbed; unruffled; serene; (5) free from guilt or blame; morally unblemished; innocent
Synonyms: acute, apparent, bright, limpid, obvious, orderly, plain, pure, unspotted, vivid
Quotes:
• Philosophy aims at the logical clarification of thoughts. Philosophy is not a body of doctrine but an activity. A philosophical work consists essentially of elucidations.— Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (1889–1951) Austrian philosopher
• In foggy weather you can see clearly the terrain that is near you and you often think that those who are further away from you are stuck in the fog. Although things might appear clear to you, those at a distance fancy that they are the ones in the clear and that you are stuck in the fog. — Benjamin Franklin (1705-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]Symbols: 1) crystal; 2) a calm blue sea; 3) a cloudless blue sky
- Clean
Definitions: (1) pure and flawless; clear of imperfection or defect; (2) shapely; well-proportioned; clean-limbed; lithe; (3) not awkward, clumsy, or bungling; dexterous; adroit; deft; skillful; (4) without limitation or modifying quality; entire; complete; thorough; (5) free from moral corruption, guilt, or blame; innocent; clean‑minded
Synonyms: kempt, purified, sinless, spick-and-span, spotless, unpolluted, unsullied, untarnished
Dictum: Cleanliness is, indeed, next to Godliness. — John Wesley (1703-1791) English theologian
Quotes:
• I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. — Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian lawyer and peacemaker
• It is to the mind of perfect poise, housed in a body of clean habits, stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function—when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development—that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted with a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a being. (140:6.4) — The Urantia Book {1955}(CLEAN-CUT)
Definitions: (1) appealing in a natural way; fresh and elegant; (2) sharply defined; clear; (3) well-made; well-formed; (4) pleasing in appearance; neat; spiffy; trim; wholesomeCompatible Quality: nice
- Classy
Definitions: (1) first-class <especially in style or manner>; elegant; (2) having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior; (3) admirably skillful or graceful; fine
Quotes:
• I have become convinced that everything that is classy doesn't go away. — William West Anderson [aka: Adam West] (1928–2017) American actor
• Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. — Paul William "Bear" Bryant (913-1983) American football coach - Clairvoyant
Definitions: (1) possessing the paranormal power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of normal vision <especially the future or events happening in different locations>; (2) having quick, intuitive knowledge of things and people; sagacity
Derivation: French, “to see clearly”
Quotes:
• Men do not believe what they cannot see, and they will not believe what they do not believe. That is why magic is a mystery to them. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) DRUIDS {1992}
• There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom. — Robert Henri (1865–1929) American painterComment: Every positive quality can be developed. But some you need to sneak up on. Start out noticing the little things; studying the obvious things; paying attention to the meanings behind the statements. These will lead to perceiving the subtle things the wise clairvoyant sees as obvious.
Consideration: Television and the internet have turned us all into clairvoyants.
Symbol: the third eye
- Civilized
Definitions: (1) refinement of thought, etiquette, or taste; (2) educated; (3) cultured or courteous social conduct
Quotes:
• Human dignity is the keystone of any civilization. — Clifford D. Simak (1904-1988) City {1952}
• The most necessary task of civilization is to teach men how to think. — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor
How to Live This Quality Today:
• Think before you speak.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt. Examine their motives and realize that even though they may be doing something you don’t like, they may have positive reasons in their minds.Color: green
Mythological Figure: Isis, the Egyptian goddess of the moon and fertility, brought forth civilization.
- Civil
Definitions: (1) respectful of the basic human rights of others; (2) courteous and polite; mannerly; (3) proper behavior
Synonyms: affable, complaisant, obliging
Quotes:
• Manners are the basic building blocks of civil society. — Alexander “Sandy” McCall Smith (1948-) British legal scholar & author
• All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers. — François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (1651–1715) French theologian
• Law in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied. — Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689–1755) French judge & historianComments:
• When you choose to be civil you are creating civilization.
• Although being civil oftentimes implies an attitude little more than a lack of rudeness, it also implies a willingness to be tolerant. This is the beginning of an acceptance of our unavoidable differences, and a practical step away from the negative toward the positive. - Chutzpah
Definition: supreme self-confidence; nerve; audacity; temerity
Balancing Qualities: It’s easy for qualities of strength and self-reliance to get out of hand if they are not balanced by compassion, kindness, and a willingness to see the other person’s point of view.
Too Far: insolence
Quote: Poets are excellent students of blizzards and salt and broken statuary. If the poet does not have the chutzpah to jeopardize habituated assumptions and practices, what will be produced will be sleep without dream, a copy of a copy of a copy. — Dean Young (1955–2022) American poet
Comment: Chutzpah is like a strong spice; a little goes a long way.
- Chummy
Definition: intimate companionship; affable friendliness; sociably outgoing
Derivation: English, "chimney sweep"
Quote: I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. — Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American writer and lecturer
Comment: You can be chummy with anyone, but a true friend is another story.
- Choice!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) something worthy of being favored; of special excellence; the best part of anything; (2) the ability to know the higher, better, or more preferable thing; recognition of prime value; (3) holding dear; (4) to select freely after careful consideration; the voluntary act of separating from two or more things; (5) having the right or privilege of an option
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: alternative, delicate, election, elegant, exquisite, rare
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: decisive, freedom
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• The only way to avoid all frightening choices is to leave society and become a hermit, and that is a frightening choice. — Richard Bach (1936-) One {1988}
• We can have health, love, longevity, understanding, adventure, money, happiness. We design our lives through the power of our choices. — Richard Bach (1936 -) One {1988}
• When humans “invented” the concept of the infinite, they opened the possibility of all options. They stated in one word the ultimate value of choice. — Gerard Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• Creators are artists. And artists create originals! I can constantly continue to choose, moment by moment, what to put into my world. If I opt for a negative experience, I descend. If I opt for a positive experience, I ascend ... and instantly, forces begin moving to manifest a positive result. ... The higher choice will always be a positive one! — Jacquelyn Small, Transformers, the Therapists of the Future {1982}
• Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny. — Antoine Etienne Serres (1786-1868) French physician and embryologist
Note: That is to say, the biological development of the individual repeats the stages of development of the genetic history of the organism. But because of choice, it is also possible to acquire qualities, and combinations of qualities, not inherent in one’s natural or environmental... - Chivalrous
Definitions: gracious courtesy and high-minded consideration; valiant
Compatible Qualities: courageous, honorable, generous, loyal
Quote: You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.— Demosthenes (384–322 bc) Greek statesman & orator
Comment: Even though this quality normally refers to men, that shouldn’t stop women from aspiring to its noble ideals. The feminine term for chivalrous is virago, viraginous: a woman of great stature, strength, and courage.
See also: VirileFictional Figure: Don Quixote strives to be chivalrous even though his worldview is fanciful. — Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha {1605}
- Chipper
Definitions: (1) in cheerful good humor and health; jaunty; lively; (2) smartly dressed; soigné <elegantly well groomed>
Derivation: Northern English dialect, “lively”
Poetry:
We've found this Scott Fitzgerald chap
A chipper charming child;
He's taught us how the flappers flap,
And why the whipper-snappers snap
— Keith Preston (1884–1927) American authorQuote: Happiness is not the shallow state of feeling pleased and chipper all the time. Happiness is the state of a human being that has achieved cross-level coherence within herself, and between herself and the people, challenges, and institutions around her. Happiness comes from between. — Jonathan David Haidt (1963-) American psychologist
Reflection: Chipper is not a very common quality (yet it must be for some folks) but if you go out in nature and listen to the birds chirping you may just catch the bug.
- Childlike
Definition: relating to or resembling a child or childhood; <especially marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness>
Saying: You are as young as you feel.
Quotes:
• You can be childlike without being childish. A child always wants to have fun. Ask yourself, 'Am I having fun?' — Christopher Peter Meloni (1961-) American actor
• The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German and American physicist - Chic
Definition: elegantly attractive; stylishly original; clever with fashion
Quote: Making loans and fighting poverty are normally two of the least glamorous pursuits around, but put the two together and you have an economic innovation that has become not just popular but downright chic. The innovation - microfinance - involves making small loans to poor entrepreneurs, usually in developing countries. — James Michael Surowiecki (1967-) American journalist
Consideration: A time to be chic; a time to be droll; a time to be meek; a time to have soul.
- Cherished
Definitions: (1) treating another with tenderness and affection; (2) taking care of, fostering, or nurturing a loved one; (3) liebchen; holding dear; valued highly; appreciated; (4) kept in mind <cherish the memory>; to cling to <cherish the principles of virtue>; encouraging
Familial Qualities: maternal, paternal
Quote: Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th President of the United States
Affirmation: Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it. — Anne (Ninon) de L'Enclos (1620-1705) French author
Symbol: anemone flowers
- Cheerful
Definitions: (1) full of good spirits; animated; full of life; joyful; (2) having a bright attitude; lightness of mind; (3) creating contagious merriment; (4) willing; hearty; (5) likely to dispel gloom or worry; (6) something that gladdens <words of cheer>
Synonyms: bonny, buoyant, happy, lively, pleasant, sprightly, sunny, riant <laughing, smiling, mirthful>
Music: “Whistle While You Work” {1937}
Whistle while you work
Put on that grin and start right in,
To whistle loud and long
Just hum a merry tune
Just do your best,
Then take a rest and sing yourself a song
— Frank Churchill (1901-1942) American composer
— Leigh Harline (1907-1969) American composerProverb: A cheerful heart causes good healing. — The Bible, Proverbs 17:22
Quotes:
• The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) Mark Twain’s Notebook {1935}
• Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. — James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) American romantic poetComment: When you are doing what you “know” you are supposed to be doing, you can be in a sublime state of cheerfulness, even if the outside circumstances point to some other emotion. I believe Christ on the cross was in a state of divine cheerfulness, even in the face of apparent failure and excruciating pain, because he was intensely aware he was doing the Father’s will.
Color: yellow
- Chaste
Definitions: (1) pure in thought and act; innocent; virtuous; (2) clean and modest; immaculate; (3) free from obscenity; incorrupt; spotless
Derivation: Latin, “morally pure”
Synonyms: modest, unaffected, uncontaminated, undefiled
Quote: I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do. — Robert Anson Heinlein (1907–1988) American science fiction author & aeronautical engineer
Symbols: 1) the swan; 2) the unicorn
Fictional Figure: Britomart, a “Lady Knight,” personified chastity and carried an irresistible magic spear. — Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) English poet, The Faërie Queene {1590}
See also: VirginalLegendary Figure: Sir Galahad was one of King Arthur’s knights, and the son of Sir Lancelot. He was able to find the Holy Grail because of his great nobility and purity, and was celebrated for his chastity.
Mythological Figure: Bona Dea is the Roman deity of fertility and chastity who was worshiped only by women.
- Charming
Definitions: (1) extremely pleasing or delightful; entrancing; (2) to satisfy, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction; that which delights the heart; (3) the power to gain and hold affection; a fascinating or alluring quality; agreeably irresistible; enchanting; (4) to subdue or appease <especially by that which entertains and fascinates the mind>
Balancing Qualities: Genuine, Honest, Integrity, Sincerity
Compatible Qualities: kind, helpful, complementary
Note: One who is charming knows how to take, as well as to give, a compliment.Familial Qualities: poised, relaxed
Consequential Qualities: attractive, friendly, intriguing
Quotes:
• Charm: the ability to make someone think you are both rather wonderful! — Unknown
• If you have it [charm], you don’t need anything else. And if you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter what else you have! — Sir James Barrie (1860-1937) Scottish author and dramatist, creator of Peter Pan {1911}Symbol: black-eyed susan flowers
- Charm
Definitions: (1) extremely pleasing or delightful; entrancing; (2) to satisfy, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction; that which delights the heart; (3) the power to gain and hold affection; a fascinating or alluring quality; agreeably irresistible; enchanting; (4) to subdue or appease <especially by that which entertains and fascinates the mind>
Balancing Qualities: Genuine, Honest, Integrity, Sincerity
Compatible Qualities: kind, helpful, complementary
Note: One who is charming knows how to take, as well as to give, a compliment.Familial Qualities: poised, relaxed
Consequential Qualities: attractive, friendly, intriguing
Quotes:
• Charm: the ability to make someone think you are both rather wonderful! — Kathleen Winsor 1919–2003) American author
• If you have it [charm], you don’t need anything else. And if you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter what else you have! — Sir James Barrie (1860-1937) Scottish author and dramatist, creator of Peter Pan {1911}Symbol: black-eyed susan flowers
- Charitable
Definitions: (1) the disposition of heart inclining people to think favorably of their fellows and to do them good; (2) prone to good will, benevolence, or affection; (3) liberal in judgment of others
Synonyms: benign, eleemosynary, forgiving, generous, indulgent, lenient; loving
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Jamsetji Tata (1939-1904) Indian philanthropist gave $102.4 billion mainly in education & healthcare.
Quotes:
• True charity is the desire to be useful to others with no thought of recompense. — Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) Swedish polymath [four disciplines]
• Sweeter than the perfume of roses is a reputation for a kind, charitable, unselfish nature; a ready disposition to do to others any good turn in your power. — Orison Swett Marden (1848–1924) American inspirational authorColor: red
- Charismatic
Definitions: (1) an extraordinary power for leadership and the ability to inspire veneration; (2) a personal magnetism facilitating the ability to attract or influence others
Derivation: Greek, “favor, grace”
People Who Exemplify This Quality:
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th President of the United States
• John Winston Ono Lennon (1940-1980) English singer/songwriterQuotes:
• If you listen you will double your charisma. — James David Graham Niven (1910-1983) British actor, memoirist, & novelist
• You can be revered for all sorts of qualities, but to be truly charismatic is rare. — Francesca Annis (1945-) English actress - Character
Definitions: (1) an individual pattern of behavior or personality; (2) an essential quality; nature; kind or sort; (3) a distinctive trait, quality, or attribute; (4) moral constitution or strength; self-discipline, fortitude, or integrity; (5) a person conspicuously different and unique from others
Synonyms: disposition, repute, temperament
People Who Exemplify This Quality:
• Elvis Aaron Presley (1935-1977) American singer
• Wladziu Valentino Liberace (1919-1987) American pianist and entertainerQuotes:
• Character is grace under pressure. — Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) American author
• Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones. — Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) American Episcopal clergyman & author
• Character comes from following our highest sense of right, from trusting ideals without being sure they’ll work. — Richard Bach (1936-) One {1988}
• Character cannot be developed in ease and quite. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)
• The measure of the spiritual capacity of the evolving soul is your faith in truth and your love for man, but the measure of your human strength of character is your ability to resist the holding of grudges and your capacity to withstand brooding in the face of deep sorrow. Defeat is the true mirror in which you may honestly view your real self. (156:5.17) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Changeable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: subject to variation or alteration in form, state, quality, or essence; transformative
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: innovation, modifying, mutation, novelty, transition, transmutation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: Stress HardyBalancing Qualities: Playful, Restful, Worshipful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictums:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• All things are changing and we are changing with them. — William Harrison (1534–1593) English clergyman
• The more things change, the more they stay the same. — Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr (1784–1842) French critic, journalist, & novelistQuotes:
• Change creates movement; movement creates change. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer, collagist, & writer
• He who cannot change the very fabric of his thoughts will never be able to change reality. — Anwar El Sadat (1918-1981) 3rd President of Egypt
• A tiny change today brings us a dramatically different tomorrow. There are grand rewards for those who pick the high roads. — Richard Bach (1936-) One {1998}
• You cannot change anyone except yourself. After you have become an example, you can inspire others to change themselves. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• The biggest reason for resisting change is the anticipation that the personal costs of the potential change will be greater than the benefits. When individuals resist change due to threatened self-interest, there is a tendency to camouflage the real reasons for resistance with “other reasons.” — J. Randolph New and Daniel D. Singer, Industrial Engineering Magazine
• What I see without is a reflection of what I have first seen within my own mind. I always project into the world the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes which preoccupy me. I can see the world differently by changing my mind about what I want to see. — Gerald Jampolsky... - Certain
Definitions: (1) existing in fact and truth; something definite and correct; (2) assured in mind or action; absolutely confident; convincing; (3) reliable; dependable
Synonyms: incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, irrefragable, undeniable, unerring, unfailing, unquestionable
Balancing Quality: open-minded
Note: It is said ADOLPH HITLER (1885-1945) German Fuhrer, had more than one thousand books in his private library, but he hadn’t read even one of them because his mind was already made up. If he had possessed a modicum of open-mindedness, he would have been more reasonable and unable to focus his certainty to such a destructive extent.Quote: Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. — Martin Luther (1483–1546) German priest & theologian
Comment: In 1927 WERNER HEISENBERG (1901–1976) German theoretical physicist, proposed his ‘principle of uncertainty’ which states no event, not even atomic events, can be described with zero tolerance. That is, the more precisely one property is measured, the less precisely the other(s) can be measured. Even though scientists know the “facts” have been revised many times as new information comes to light, they often insist on holding onto the old data as if nothing has changed. - Cerebral
Definition: appealing to or conceived by the higher intellect <including sublime emotions, inspired imaginings, and pure logic>
Compatible Qualities: humorous, musical, playful
Note: In 1926 GRAHAM WALLAS (1858-1932) English psychologist, described the four stages of creative thought as preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. The incubation stage is often aided by walking away from the problem and doing something entirely different – particularly a fun diversion. It is said that many mathematicians are jugglers.Quotes:
• When we make the cerebral state the beginning of an action, and in no sense the condition of a perception, we place the perceived images of things outside the image of our body, and thus replace perception within the things themselves. — Henri-Louis Bergson (1859–1941) French philosopher
• Music can make the cerebral accessible, the subconscious hummable. It communicates our shared needs and desires as sentient beings better than any other medium. — Nell Marie McKay (1982-) American singer/songwriter - Centered
Definitions: (1) composed and poised; in control of the mind and emotions; (2) placed or fixed at or around an axis; focused; (3) gathering together; concentrating; (4) holding a moderate or central position; (4) in a place of tranquil quiescence; stationary and still
Quotes:
• A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe. — Wayne Walter Dyer (1940–2015) American self-help author
• The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflective - people who know to see a problem as an opportunity. — Deepak Chopra (1946-) Indian-American authorSymbols: 1) the number one; 2) the tree as the world axis
- Celeritous
Definitions: (1) emphasizes dispatch or economy in an activity or work; purposeful operation; (2) efficient yet rapid action
Synonyms: fleetness, quickness, swiftness
Balancing Qualities: Hindsight, Foresight
Motto: Certainty, Security, and Celerity — The United States Postal Service
Quote: A quantity will always move on in the same straight line (not changing the determination or celerity of its motion) unless some external cause divert it. {An early version of what later became the first law of motion.} — Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) English polymath [eight disciplines]
- Celebrated
Definition: known for positive behavior; spoken of with high regard; renowned
See also: DistinguishedQuotes:
• Share our similarities, celebrate our differences. — Morgan Scott Peck (1936–2005) American psychiatrist
• The God who existed before any religion counts on you to make the oneness of the human family known and celebrated. — Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) South African Anglican bishop & theologianComment: When we can celebrate our relationships, we are honoring them and they us: concelebrate.
- Cautious
Definitions: (1) using great care or prudence; wary; watchful; (2) forethoughtfully discreet
Synonyms: chary; circumspect, forewarned, judicious, stealthy
Too Far: Timidity is caution tinged with shyness and self-doubt.
Quote: Let's be cautious about relying so much on material things that we have no energy left for the spiritual aspects of our lives. — James Alexander Forbes Jr. (1935-) American interdenominational preacher
Comments:
• Doubt is sometimes part of fear and sometimes part of caution. Take a look at the extremes and move in toward the middle from there. Regarding fear, doubt closes the mind. With caution, doubt peeks around the corner with an open mind.
• How far are you willing to go, or allow other people to go, when it comes to being adventuresome, fearless, or brave? If you are responsible as a parent or guardian, you have a responsibility to say, “I cannot let you cross that line.” Or you can extend your responsibility if you know it is time for your child or friend to push their boundaries. They may or may not be able to handle what transpires when they get out on that limb, but if they’ve got a friend who is willing to go with them, then the margin of error is somewhat reduced. Ultimately, the person taking the action is making a choice and taking the risk. The person supporting them and helping them is an important element in allowing the inexperienced one to become the person they wish to become.
• I have been alone in the Grand Canyon, miles and days from any help. When one is alone, the margin for error is reduced to almost zero. It is a palpable sensation. The experience is sweeter if you are cautious in the boldest sense of the word.Visualization: Picture a wasp landing on a thistle. Talk about the epitome of caution, and yet the wasp does it with such ease.
- Casual
Definitions: (1) informal, natural; (2) showing little concern; nonchalant
Too Far: capricious
Quotes:
• It's a rare moment when we take a break from the tribulations of the daily rat race to reflect on assumptions and values that we casually accept as gospel. — Edward Graydon Carter (1949-) Canadian Journalist
• A human being becomes human not through the casual convergence of certain biological conditions, but through an act of will and love on the part of other people. — Italo Giovanni Calvino (1923-1985) Italian writer - Caring
Definitions: (1) having thought or regard for; concerned; (2) feeling love or liking for; (3) to take charge of; to look after; to provide for
Parental Qualities: giving, kind
Quotes:
• Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community. — Anthony J. D'Angelo (1975-) Educational entrepreneur
• Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. — Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) American Supreme Court Justice - Careful
Definitions: (1) dealt with thoughtfully; (2) showing cautious concern; (3) accurately or thoroughly done or made; painstaking; (4) solicitously mindful
Synonyms: attentive, gingerly, heedful, prepared, prudent, watchful
Quote: Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. — Carl August Sandburg (1878–1967) American writer
Consideration: There are situations where you cannot be too careful. When lives are at stake, make careful plans, make a careful search for the best people and parts, carefully lay a level foundation, and carefully avoid political pitfalls. Also, keep the highest ideal in mind at all times.
- Carefree
Definition: free from anxiety, concern, or worry; trouble-free
See also: No WorriesCompatible Quality: creativity
Quote: I can be a little messy and wild and carefree with my creativity as a solo artist. In a group, there's a certain structure, and everyone has a part to play. ― Dawn Angeliqué Richard (1983-) American singer-songwriter
Note: There is a difference between that solitary carefreeness versus the one you can feel with other people. When you are in sync with yourself it is easier to meld with others, but you do have to appreciate their sensibilities and how they complement yours.Comment: Enjoy those carefree episodes in your life. Keep them alive in your imaginative memory. They will sustain you during the difficult times (as long as you do not feel sorry or sad that those good times will never come again.)
Color: orange
Symbol: a bird (Native American) - Captivating
Definitions: (1) able to effect intense attraction <as by beauty or some other charming positive quality>; enthralling; (2) holding full attention; fascinating
Synonyms: bewitching, enchanting, entrancing
Poetry:
To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour.
— William Blake (1757-1827) English PoetQuote: Eloquence, at its highest pitch, leaves little room for reason or reflection, but addresses itself entirely to the desires and affections, captivating the willing hearers, and subduing their understanding. ― David Hume (1711-1776) Scottish philosopher
Symbol: peach blossoms
- Capital
Definitions: (1) the most important; chief; principal; notable; (2) very good; excellent; first-class; (3) any thing that confers value or benefit to its owner
Quotes:
• The accumulation of cultural capital - the acquisition of knowledge - is the key to social mobility. — Michael Gove (1967-) British politician
• Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him. Phineas Taylor [P. T.] Barnum (1810–1891) American showman & philanthropistComment: If you have a capital idea, you can parley it into enough capital to built a capitol building.
- Capacity
Definitions: (1) the maximum ability or power of a person to do, experience, or understand something; (2) the current level a person should be expected to accomplish; (3) within the realm of possibilities or feasibilities; (4) Self-efficacy is an individual's belief in their capacity to act in the ways necessary to reach specific goals.
Quotes:
• Any blessing or achievement turns to be a curse if it's not accompanied by efforts to increase and enlarge inner capacity to handle it. ― Dr. Lucas D. Shallua; Tanzanian veterinarian & educator, Chancellor and President of Mount Eagle College & University
• Your capacity lies in your courage. ― Lailah Gifty Akita, Ghanaian Founder of Smart Youth Volunteers FoundationComment: A person's capacity is always changing. A child may have an aptitude to be a musical genius but must still move from a novice to a master. The capacity of any one person may equal the total capacity of humankind but we are all on a path of growing toward this maximum ideal.
- Capable
Definitions: (1) possessing physical or mental attributes required for performance or accomplishment; intelligent; (2) able to understand or to receive into the mind; a capacious mind
Synonyms: clever, competent, efficient, gifted, skillful, suitable
Quotes:
• Human beings are capable of making an everlasting self-identification with total and indestructible universe reality. (116:7.5) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life. — Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) American psychologistTip: Assess your capabilities. Start with your natural physical endowments. Exercise and expand those to work in your favor. You have emotional, mental, and spiritual strengths as well; some are innate talents and others have been developed by the circumstances you have lived.
- Canny
Definitions: (1) experienced; expert; (2) having a quiet and gentle disposition; (3) easy; comfortable; (4) cautious; prudent; wary; watchful; careful; (5) skilled in magic; (6) clever, shrewd; (7) thinking quickly; acting with measured response
Balancing Qualities: Friendly, Honest, Wise
Compatible Qualities: cagey, cerebral, cunning
Quotes:
• Love is space and time measured by the heart. — Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (1871–1922) French novelist & critic
• The insights given by a great professor are a privilege to receive. To be a teacher, by contrast, calls for more ingenuity and patience; it is the canny art of coaxing insights out of the students themselves. — Caitlin Keiper; American teacher - Candid
Definitions: (1) sincerely honest; open; frank; (2) disposed to think without prejudice; free from bias; impartial
Derivation: Sanskrit, “it shines;” Latin, “bright;” Welsh, “white”
Balancing Quality: Tactful
Quote: To be candid, some people have given positive thinking a bad name. I can't stand to hear some gung-ho individual say that with positive thinking you can just do 'anything.' If you think about that one for a moment, you recognize the absurdity of it. — Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar (1926-2021) American motivational speaker
Comment: A child takes things at face value. They are naturally candid. An adult who takes things at face value can often be gullible.
- Calm
Definitions: (1) free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance <a calm demeanor>; at rest; (2) in possession of a quiet psyche; tranquil
Synonyms: peaceful, placid, phlegmatic, placid, serene, still-minded, stolid
Saying: Aequam servare mentem (Latin): “preserve a calm mind”
Idiom: Calm, cool, and collected
Quote: True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. — Ellen Gould White (1827–1915) American co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Comment: Seek a set of qualities which will result in a balanced and symmetrical personality. Try to be just but nonetheless fair; firm but not obstinate; calm but not to the point of being indifferent; helpfully sympathetic but never meddlesome or dictatorial; strong but at the same time gentle; courageous but never rash or foolhardy; humorous and playful, but only when appropriate.
- Cagey
Definitions: (1) the ability to see what is coming and act accordingly; practical foresight; (2) clever; cunning; shrewd, wary
Balancing Qualities: Diplomatic, Sensitive, Thoughtful
Quote: Skate to the where the puck is going to be. — Wayne Douglas Gretzky (1961-) Canadian ice hockey player
Consideration: If you are right about something really important the only reason to be cagey about it is the way you lay that truth gently upon the sensibilities of the listener(s).
Comment: Always plan to tell the truth. Nonetheless, being tactful about how much you should expose is only wise. "No comment," "I don't know," "That is not for me to say," and the like, are perfectly valid responses.
- Buoyant
Definitions: (1) encouraging or invigorating the spirit of the people around you; (2) showing a cheerful or lighthearted outlook; (3) the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement; resilient
Derivation: Spanish; “to float”
Synonyms: hopeful, joyous, lively, spirited, sprightly, vivacious
Balancing Qualities: Down-to-earth, Observant
Quote: It is the hopeful, buoyant, cheerful attitude of mind that wins. Optimism is a success builder; pessimism an achievement killer. — Orison Swett Marden (1848–1924) American inspirational author
Symbol: a boat
- Bubbly
Definition: expressing joy, delight, or exultation in an irrepressible manner; effervescent; enthusiastic
Quotes:
• Laughter is a bubbly, effervescent form of holiness — Anne Lamott (1954-) American writer
• Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch; nay, you may kick it about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening. — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) American polymath [six disciplines] - Brotherly
Definitions: (1) like or befitting a sibling; affectionate; kind; (2) having a good relationship with or among men; fraternal; loyal
Familial Quality: sisterly
Quotes:
• Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother. — Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese-American writer & poet
• I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) American peacemakerComment: “The brotherhood of man” denotes all but may not sound like it to our modern ears. I am aware of the problem with our language, i.e., “We are all sons of God the Father.” Certainly, by now, we all realize God is not a male or female entity. Nonetheless, it does need to be said: God is Goodness; and God, in any language and by any name, is one - The God.
- Broad-minded
Definitions: (1) accepting of various views; liberal; (2) inclined to tolerate, or even condone, departures from conventional behavior; (3) open-minded to the many ways of thinking
Quote: Be kind. It's worthwhile to make an effort to learn about other people and figure out what you might have in common with them. If you allow yourself to be somewhat curious - and if you get into the habit of doing that - it's the first step to being open minded and realizing that your points of view aren't totally opposite. ― Viggo Peter Mortensen Jr. (1958-) American actor
Comment: The ideal of being broad-minded may not mean you can understand everyone, but you will find out there are many ways to think.
- Brilliant
Definitions: (1) distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness; very able; talented; (2) splendid; remarkable; illustrious; outstanding; spectacular
Compatible Qualities: clarity, humility, plainspoken
Quotes:
• All of us, at some point in life, get brilliant ideas...only a few of us have the courage to take the next step. ― Manoj Arora (1973-) Indian financial advisor
• The truth of faith is a slender, glowing element that runs through even the seemingly ordinary and undramatic moments of existence. Even at low intensity, it is a steady source of illumination. Such religious truth is powerful even when it seems faint, even when it seems obscured by the larger events of history. ― Eugene Cullen Kennedy (1928–2015) American writer & professorComment: Any dullard can (and does) find fault and point out the problems. It takes real heart and genuine brilliance to come up with workable solutions.
- Bright
Definitions: (1) sunny in attitude, demeanor, or spirit; (2) radiant with happiness or good fortune; (3) cheerful and lively; pleasant; (4) giving promise of prosperity; favorable; auspicious <a bright outlook>; (5) having a sparkling personality; resplendent with charms; animated; (6) displaying an active, clever, or intelligent mind; discerning; keen-witted; quick-witted
Derivation: Sanskrit, “to shine”
Synonyms: brainy, brilliant, cheery, clear, gleaming, glittering, luminous, lustrous, pearly, pellucid, resplendent, witty
Idiom: Keep your chin up.
Quote: Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. ― George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright
Color: yellow
Mythological Figure: Aglaia, the Grace of Brilliance, is one of the three Graces of Greek mythology.
See also: Joyful and Comical - Breathtaking
Definition: astonishingly beautiful; exhibiting a remarkable ability; an exciting or thrillingly achievement
Quotes:
• One had to realize that mankind’s omnipotence is not in his powerful forms of energy, nor his complex machines, and not even in his wisdom: It is to be found in his flexibility, breadth, and farsightedness of thought. — Dmitri Bilenkin (1987-1987) Where Two Paths Cross {2016}
• The religious challenge of this age is to those farseeing and forward-looking men and women of spiritual insight who will dare to construct a new and appealing philosophy of living out of the enlarged and exquisitely integrated modern concepts of cosmic truth, universe beauty, and divine goodness. (2:7.10) — The Urantia Book {1955}Comment: The body and brain can only go so long before they need to take a breather. Sleep is imperative to balanced health. On the other hand, the mind and the soul can function and grow under all circumstances. They get their insights and luminosity from higher sources.
- Brave
Definitions: (1) having or showing courage; intrepid; (2) to meet or endure with stamina and moral strength; dauntless; (3) to defy the odds; to challenge; to dare
Derivations: Latin, “barbarous;” Old Spanish, “courageous;” Danish, “worthy”
Synonyms: bold, gallant, great-hearted, hearty, heroic
Brave is a general term that suggests fortitude, daring, and resolve; courageous implies a higher or nobler kind of bravery, especially as resulting from an inborn quality of mind or spirit; fearless implies unflinching spirit and coolness in the face of danger; valiant implies an inner strength manifested by brave deeds.Balancing Qualities: Practical, Safe
Note: Caution needs to be modified with courage and adventure, but bravery needs to be modified with the discretion of safety, practicality, and reality.Saying: Fortes fortuna juvat (Latin): “Fortune favors the brave.”
Idiom: Put on a brave face.
Quotes:
• To be brave, one must be cheerful. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Patchwork Girl of Oz {1913}
• There are many kinds of bravery and one cannot be expected to possess them all. I myself am brave as a lion in all ways until it comes to fighting, but then my nature revolts. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) Tik-Tok of Oz {1914}Observation: Self-pity is just the reverse side of bravado. — Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-) Galileo's Dream {2009}
Fiction: Henry Fleming, a soldier, is ashamed of his natural impulse to flee the horrors of war. Nonetheless, he distinguishes himself as brave. — Stephen Crane (1871-1900) Red Badge of Courage {1895}Legendary Figure: Sir Lancelot, the bravest of King Arthur’s knights
- Bountiful
Definitions: (1) generous in bestowing gifts or favors; munificent; (2) abundant; plentiful
Symbol: snapdragon flowers
Quotes:
• Spread the seeds of encouragement far and wide, and delight in the bountiful harvest that they will surely bring. — Ralph Fulsom "Red" Marston (1904-1967) American Inspirational writer
• Recognizing your talents doesn't mean believing they're limitless. Accepting your strengths doesn't lead to pride, but instead to humility; you're less likely to resent what others have if you understand your own bounty. — Regina “Gina” Barreca (1957-) American academic & humorist - Bonhomie
Definition: having a pleasing and genial manner; showing a cheerful or good-natured disposition; easy friendliness
Derivation: French, “good man”
Saying: Teamwork makes the dream work.
Quote: Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. — Michael Jeffrey Jordan (1963-) American basketball player
Comment: Are you unwilling to share your ideals with those who do not hold to your philosophy, religious affiliation, political party, etc.? Do tolerance and kindness flow only to those within your circle? By enlarging your sphere of brother/sisterhood you will open yourself to those cross-over pollenizations and possibilities.
- Bold
Definitions: (1) showing or requiring a fearless, daring spirit; planned with courage and zest; (2) brave; intrepid; confident; (3) displaying great liberty of style or expression; very free in behavior or manner; offbeat; unconventional
Synonyms: bravura, adventurous, audacious, dauntless, high-spirited, stouthearted, valiant
Saying: … to boldly go where no one has gone before! — (1991) Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country {1991}
Quotes:
• Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. — Helen Keller (1880-1968) American author & lecturer (blind and deaf from 19 months old)
• Boldness means you're willing to go where you've never been, willing to try what you've never tried, and willing to trust what you've never trusted. Boldness is quiet, not noisy. Mike Yaconelli (1942–2003) American pastor & theologianSymbol: youth
- Blooming
Definitions: (1) a state or time of most beauty, freshness, or health <as in youth or a flower>; (2) outward evidence of vitality or healthy vigor <a rosy appearance>; (3) enriching one’s life; growing; (4) shining out; glowing
Synonyms: beautiful, blossoming, fair, flourishing, youthful
Quotes:
• Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder. — Rumi (1207–1273) Persian Sufi poet
• The smallest flower is a thought, a life answering to some feature of the Great Whole, of whom they have a persistent intuition. — Honore de Balzac (1799–1850) French literary artist
• If beautiful lilies bloom in ugly waters, you too can blossom in ugly situations. — Matshona Dhliwayo (1982-) Zimbabwean-Canadian philosopher - Blissful
Definitions: (1) experiencing complete happiness or joy; (2) the cause of delight or elation
Synonyms: blessed, ecstatic, rapturous
Quotes:
Note: The following two quotes are from Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) Interview with Bill Moyers {1999}
• I feel if one follows his bliss, the thing which really gets you deep in the gut, and that you feel is your life, doors will open up – they do! If you are on your way, even if no one has done it before, it will open up.
• If you follow your bliss, you will have your bliss, whether you have money or not. If you follow money, you may lose that money, and then you won’t even have that. The secure way is really the insecure way.Comment: Part of being in your bliss is being in balance. When you enhance a quality, it floods into the space where negative qualities had lurked. Bliss and fear cannot live in the same place.
- Blessed
Definitions: (1) held in reverence; (2) bringing comfort, joy, pleasure, or contentment; (3) enjoying great happiness; blissful
Synonyms: cheerful, endowed, enriched, felicitated, gladdened, thankful
Balancing Qualities: Humble, Responsible
Note: If you are blessed with the opportunity to serve because of your talents or the situation, seize the moment and choose to take up the responsibility. As you look back on it, or forward to it, you may be humbled by the fact you were chosen to do what was (or is) needed to be done.Quotes:
• You are blessed as long as you view what happens as a blessing. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949 -) and Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographers
• Beatitude dips from on high down on us and we see. It is not in us so much as we are in it. If the air comes into our lungs, we breathe and live; if not, we die. If the light comes into our eyes, we see; else not. And if truth come to our mind we suddenly expand to its dimensions. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopherAffirmation: I am blessed on every level with happiness, success, and true achievement. I will accept what abundance comes my way with gracious thankfulness.
Mythological Figure: In Greek mythology, Pandora is the first woman (Mother Eve). Although some say Pandora’s box contained all manner of ill, were not these “ills” also offering the blessings of acquiring the virtues needed to overcome the vicissitudes of living with grace? Traditionally the quality at the bottom was HOPE.
- Benign
Definitions: (1) having a gentle or mild disposition; possessing a gracious and agreeable spirit; (2) having a favorable or beneficial effect; (3) generous; liberal; kind
Derivation: Latin, “good nature”
Quote: Whatever your religious persuasion, if you believe that the universe is governed by benign forces, at some point you have to explain why there is so much suffering, misfortune and misery in the world. — Julian Baggini (1968-) English philosopher
Note: Because the Benign Force decided free will was a good idea.Comment: Since every human is imperfect, the only truly benign dictators are God and his Son.
Suggestion: Once in a while dedicate the whole day to being Benign.
- Benevolent
Definitions: (1) characterized by or expressing kindly feelings; (2) desiring to help others; charitable
Derivation: Latin, “well wishing”
Synonyms: beneficent, benign, bounteous, congratulatory, generous, goodwilled, kindhearted, munificent, philanthropic
Quotes:
• For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, and justice. — Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677) Portuguese philosopher
• Think of the universe as a benevolent parent. A child may want a tub of ice-cream and marshmallows, but a wise parent will give it fruits and vegetables instead. That is not what the child wants, but it is what the child needs. — Srikumar S. Rao (1951-) Indian excellence authorObservation: Only an advanced civilization recognizes a consistently even-tempered and benevolent God.
- Beneficial
Definitions: (1) contributing to a valuable end; (2) conferring positive or advantageous or useful results; (3) receiving or entitled to receive blessings
Synonyms: benevolent, good, salubrious, salutary, wholesome
Quote:
• Whatever you learn will never to go waste. It will be beneficial in the future. — Kriti Sanon (1990-) Indian actress
• Adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is most beneficial to us. — Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English moralist - Beneficent
Definitions: (1) characterizes one who produces good <especially performing acts of kindness and charity>; (2) describes thoughts, words, or deeds resulting in actual advantage <especially for others>
Derivation: Latin, “to do good or well”
Quotes:
• The indescribable innocence of, and beneficence of, Nature - of sun and wind and rain, of summer and winter - such health, such cheer, they afford forever! — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1872) American naturalist
• Beneficence is a duty; and he who frequently practices it, and sees his benevolent intentions realized comes, at length, really to love him to whom he has done good. — Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Prussian philosopherSymbol: periwinkle flowers
- Beloved
Definition: one greatly valued; genuinely respected; a dear friend close to your heart
Quotes:
• Being listened to and heard is one of the greatest desires of the human heart. And those who learn to listen are the most loved and respected. — Richard Carlson PhD. (1961–2006) American psychotherapist & motivational speaker
• We are one people; we are only family. And when we finally accept these truths, then we will be able to fulfill Dr. King's dream to build a beloved community, a nation, and a world at peace with itself. — John Robert Lewis (1940–2020) American civil rights activist & congressmanComment: Allowing a cherished beloved person into your heart transforms your heart into one they can hold with the same tenderness in their heart.
- Believable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) being trusted by another; (2) certainty in the existence, reliability, truth, or value of something; (3) axiopisty <worthy of being believed>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Idiom: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: There was a time when ‘I believe’ as a declaration of faith meant, and was heard as meaning: ‘Given the reality of God, as a fact of the universe, I hereby proclaim that I align my life accordingly, pledging love and loyalty.’ — Wilfred Cantwell Smith (1916-2000) Canadian professor of comparative religion
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Much of what is considered to be true is based on mutual agreement.
• The most compelling validation to believe something is because you have personal experience of it.
• Belief is not faith. Faith is the central reality - Objective Reality. Belief may be close to this pure truth or it may be very far from it.
• Belief is nothing more than a theory. In science one postulates a hypothesis and then proceeds to present a proof. If the proof can be repeated, finding no errors or omissions, then the hypothesis is declared to be true – at least temporarily. We have only a limited vision of what is going on outside of our own consciousness, but when we can share with others, we get more information to round out our limited view.Suggestion: The particularly touchy beliefs are the ones considered to be historic or theological “facts.” Examples: The earth is the center of the universe. The earth was created in its full and current state five thousand years ago. Christ was born of a virgin. My sacred book is the only word of God, etc.
There is room for truth to be different from “facts.” If you find you are relying on your perception of the facts and there is a conflict, it is wise to move up a level or two into meanings and values. Ask yourself, “What is the... - Behaved
Definitions: (1) conducting oneself well or properly; doing the right things; (2) follower of the rules; obedient
Saying: She acquitted herself self with grace.
Quotes:
• Pick a behavior that works. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• Basically, Aristotle believed that every time you behaved unkind and immorally - performing actions your soul was not proud of - you tarnished your soul. The worst shape your soul became in, the worst shape your mood and spirit. — Karen Salmansohn, American behavioral change expertComment: Respect for the game means you know what the rules are, and that you are willing to compete as it has been designed – so far. Once you get a feel for the range of the system, then you may see a way to modify or extend the scope, to push the boundaries; but you should also expect some pushback.
- Becoming
Definitions: (1) receiving or acquiring new properties or qualities; growing; (2) giving a pleasing effect; possessing an attractive appearance; graceful; (3) displaying appropriate manners or character; exhibiting proper behavior
Synonyms: civil, decent, fitting, suitable
Quotes:
• Don’t let what you’re being get in the way of what you might become. — Harry Palmer (1930-) Canadian photographer
• 'To be or not to be?' That is not the question. What is the question? The question is not one of being, but of becoming. 'To become more or not to become more' This is the question faced by each intelligence in our universe. — Truman Grant Madsen (1926–2009) American professor of religion & philosophyVisualization: Man finding God and God finding man—the creature becoming perfect as is the Creator—that is the supernal achievement of the supremely beautiful, the attainment of the apex of cosmic art. (56:10.3) — The Urantia Book {1955}
- Beauty!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) the quality or combination of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses, exalts the mind, and/or elevates the spirit by their harmony, pattern, excellence, or truth; loveliness; (2) any particularly attractive, graceful, ornamental, or excellent characteristic; (3) a special grace or charm; delightful; (4) generally pleasing; very fine
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: adornment, embellishment, exquisite, fair, picturesque, seemly
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Beaux yeux (French): “beautiful eyes” [beauty of face]
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.
— William Shakespeare (1564–1616) King John {1623}Quotes:
• Beauty, like music, lives inside you, and you impress its qualities on whatever you choose. — Victor L. Wooten (1964-) American Bassist & author, The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music {2008}
• Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher
• Beauty is built into every jot and tittle of creation – into every atomic brick! Beauty soaks reality like water fills a rag. — Chet Raymo (1936 -) American naturalist
• Beauty is a living reality that must be practiced to be fully realized. And the receiving and giving rhythm of appreciation and expression is how beauty is acted out and embodied. Steve McIntosh (1960 -) American author
• The world in which we live needs beauty if it is not to fall into despair. Beauty, like truth ... is a precious fruit which withstands the ravages of time, which unites generations and which prompts them to communicate. — Second Vatican... - Balanced!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) mental and emotional steadiness; in proportion; (2) possessing mental or physical poise; (3) in a state or position of equilibrium equipoise; (4) in harmony or equal relationship; (5) the ability to weigh opposing issues; deliberating or pondering ideas and coming to an overview position
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: SymmetricalSynonyms: adjusted, counterpoised, equalized, on the level
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Admonition: If you are more introverted than extroverted, you may not find it easy to present yourself to the outside world. Conversely, the people who are extroverted can sometimes get lost in others, thus they may have a hard time knowing themselves. Strive for a balance. Introverted, share your inner world. Extroverted, meditate.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Balance doesn’t necessarily mean attaining an opposite quality. The opposite of freedom is slavery, but the balance to freedom includes both self-respect and respect for others. It does mean being integrated with compatible qualities.
• If your life is completely peaceful, you certainly should appreciate it while you can. Yet, if life gets too sedate, you should choose to challenge yourself. Get out into the world. Help somebody. This will give you a little something to push against.
Conversely, if you’ve got too much tension and pressure, you have to reduce it. You can be too overwhelmed to properly grow in a manner appropriate to your nature and character.Exercises:
• Learn to ride a unicycle. It’s good for a change in your concept of what you can do. In order to feel a positive equilibrium while riding, you must stay in motion.
• Also try roller-skating, ice-skating, skiing, skateboarding, and bongo-boarding. Physical manifestations of balance can translate to emotional and spiritual revelations.
• Practice Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art of... - Balance!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) mental and emotional steadiness; in proportion; (2) possessing mental or physical poise; (3) in a state or position of equilibrium; equipoise; (4) in harmony or equal relationship; (5) the ability to weigh opposing issues; deliberating or pondering ideas and coming to an overview position
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
See also: SymmetricalSynonyms: adjusted, counterpoised, equalized, on the level
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Admonition: If you are more introverted than extroverted, you may not find it easy to present yourself to the outside world. Conversely, the people who are extroverted can sometimes get lost in others, thus they may have a hard time knowing themselves. Strive for a balance. Introverted, share your inner world. Extroverted, meditate.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Balance doesn’t necessarily mean attaining an opposite quality. The opposite of freedom is slavery, but the balance to freedom includes both self-respect and respect for others. It does mean being integrated with compatible qualities.
• If your life is completely peaceful, you certainly should appreciate it while you can. Yet, if life gets too sedate, you should choose to challenge yourself. Get out into the world. Help somebody. This will give you a little something to deal with. Conversely, if you’ve got too much tension and pressure, you have to reduce it. You can be too overwhelmed to properly grow in a manner appropriate to your nature and character.Exercises:
• Learn to ride a unicycle. It’s good for a change in your concept of what you can do. In order to feel a positive equilibrium while riding, you must stay in motion.
• Also try roller-skating, ice-skating, skiing, skateboarding, and bongo-boarding. Physical manifestations of balance can translate to emotional and spiritual revelations.
• Practice Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art of gentle... - Backbone
Definitions: (1) having a firm and resolute character; stability of purpose; (2) the most substantial or sturdiest part; the foundation
Synonyms: courage, determination
Idiom: Keep a stiff upper lip.
Quotes:
• To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. — Reba Nell McEntire (1955) American singer
• You are the age of your spine. You are as flexible as your spine. That transfers to other areas of your life. — Diane Colleen Lane (1965-) American actress - Awareness
Definitions: (1) having knowledge or realization; conscious; cognizant; (2) informed; alert; (3) keenly perceptive
Synonyms: apprised, sensible
Quotes:
• The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• The more decisions that you are forced to make alone, the more you are aware of your freedom to choose. — Thornton Niven Wilder (1897–1975) American playwrightReflection: We travel through life no matter what; the clock only moves in one direction. No matter how momentous a moment is, your whole life has led up to this now. We boost the value of each moment by being aware of its actual and potential worth.
- Aware
Definitions: (1) having knowledge or realization; conscious; cognizant; (2) informed; alert; (3) keenly perceptive
Synonyms: apprised, sensible
Quotes:
• The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• The more decisions that you are forced to make alone, the more you are aware of your freedom to choose. — Thornton Niven Wilder (1897–1975) American playwrightReflection: We travel through life no matter what; the clock only moves in one direction. No matter how momentous a moment is, your whole life has led up to this now. We boost the value of each moment by being aware of its actual and potential worth.
- Awake
Definitions: (1) aroused or active; (2) conscious or aware; (3) to stir up; excite; invigorated with new life
Synonyms: animated, incited, provoked, stimulated
Quotes:
• The sleeper must awaken. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Dune {1965}
• Every time a cell becomes more awake within us, God becomes fuller. — Linda Ohlson Graham (1947-) American poetAdmonition: Take conscious, positive steps to be awake in each moment.
- Available
Definitions: (1) one who is willing or qualified to do something or to assume a responsibility <available for service>; (2) suitable or prepared for use; at hand; (3) readily obtainable; accessible
Quotes:
• When the preferable is not available, the available becomes preferable. — Israelmore Ayivor (1989-) Ghanaian youth leadership coach
• Common sense is one of the most unused commodities available to man. — Craig D. Lounsbrough (1963-) American author & Professional counselor - Autonomous
Definitions: (1) undertaken or carried on without outside control; self-contained; self-guided; self-taught; (2) independent; self-governing; self-ruling; (3) acting in accordance with one's moral duty rather than one's desires; a self-starter
Derivation: Greek, "having its own laws"
Quotes:
• Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their own decision. — Denis E. Waitley (1933-) American motivational speaker
• Without free, self-respecting, and autonomous citizens there can be no free and independent nations. Without internal peace, that is, peace among citizens and between the citizens and the state, there can be no guarantee of external peace. — Vaclav Havel (1936-2011) Last President of Czechoslovakia & First President of the Czech Republic - Authoritative
Definitions: (1) having or proceeding from accurate knowledge; (2) asserting control; commanding
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Parents
Too Far: dictatorial
Quotes:
• We all dream dreams of unity, of purity; we all dream that there's an authoritative voice out there that will explain things, including ourselves. — Junot Diaz (1968-) Dominican-American writer
• You can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate responsibility. — Byron Leslie Dorgan (1942-) American author, politician, & businessmanSymbols: 1) the fist; 2) the hand
- Authentic
Definitions: (1) worthy of acceptance or belief <an authentic idea>; genuine; real; (2) approved by authority; trustworthy; reliable; (3) true to one's own personality, spirit, or character; unique
Synonyms: credible, faithful, official, original
Quote:
• The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering. — Ben Okri (1959-) Nigerian-British poet
• That inner voice has both gentleness and clarity. So to get to authenticity, you really keep going down to the bone, to the honesty, and the inevitability of something. — Meredith Jane Monk (1942-) American vocal innovator - Auspicious
Definitions: (1) a high-minded attitude; (2) a promise of good fortune; encouraging activity; prosperous opportunity
Derivation: Sanskrit, “kind,” “gracious”
Synonyms: advantageous, favorable, lucky, propitious, successful
Quote: Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. — Siddhartha Gautama “The Buddha” (c. 563-483 bc) Nepalese holly man
Theological Figure: Shiva {The Auspicious One} [the “transformer” of the Hindu Trimurti]
- Attractive
Definitions: (1) appealing to a natural interest; exciting one’s emotional or aesthetic sense; (2) arousing interest or pleasure; alluring; charming; inviting
Synonyms: engaging, fascinating, heart-stirring, prepossessive, winning
Too Far: egotistical
Quotes:
• If you focus more on the inside, you'll feel just as great about the outside. I feel attractive when I’m doing good and helping people. — Lauren Keyana "Keke" Palmer (1993-) American actress
• There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you. — Paramabansa Yogananda [born Mukunda Lal Ghosh] (1893-1952) Indian Hindu monk, yogi, & guruComment: One’s physical attributes help form one’s other qualities. Because the outside world responds to physical beauty, a pretty or handsome person will react to that stimulus. If they get caught up in the attention paid them, without balancing it with charm and humility, they may end up with an inflated sense of self-worth.
- Attentive!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) a person who hears what is said with careful interest; a good listener; (2) characterized by thoughtful regard or focus; mindful; observant; (3) heedful of the comfort of others; courteous; polite
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: intent, watchful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Compatible Qualities: curiosity, stick-to-itive
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parental Quality: conscious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: alert, awake, aware, concentration, motivated
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consequential Quality: fair
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Saying: Arrectis auribus (Latin): “with ears pricked up”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Dictum: Where attention goes, energy flows. — James Redfield (1950-) American author
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. — Epictetus (55-135 bc) Greek Stoic philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Admonition: To “pay attention” often means to listen. If we are concerned with only those things which we want to hear, or the things we want to respond to from our point of view, then we are not giving the speaker the full measure of our attention.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: The key to all reality is love; so when you’re driving, pay attention to where you’re going.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Exercise: How good is your attention span? How long can you stare at an inanimate object? What does your mind do while you are looking at it? Do you think of its various aspects: size, shape, color, texture, taste, memory of use?
On the other hand, how long can you be interested in an animate scene? Witness how long you can sit in front of an electronic screen. The degree to which you are absorbed in the action has a lot to do with your interest in the subject, the... - Astute
Definition: insightful and penetrating; keen and discerning; exhibiting combined shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomacy
Derivation: Latin, “crafty”
Synonyms: critical, sagacious, subtle
Consequential Qualities: artful, tactful
Quote:
• When you have an elephant by the hind legs and it is trying to run away, it is best to let it run. — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President of the United States
• As soon as we step beyond the established boundaries of pure thermodynamic theory, we enter a trackless region confronting us with obstacles which even the most astute of us are almost at a loss to tackle. — Wilhelm Carl Werner Otto Fritz Franz Wien (1864–1928) German physicist - Astounding
Definition: (1) overwhelming with wonder; shocking; (2) gobsmacked
Quotes:
• If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor
• The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy. — Florence Scovel Shinn (1871–1940) American artist & book illustrator - Astonishing
Definition: wonderfully surprising; amazing; flabbergasted; stupefy
Quotes:
• All that we don't know is astonishing. Even more astonishing is what passes for knowing. — Philip Milton Roth (1933-2018) American novelist
• Isn't it astonishing that all these secrets have been preserved for so many years just so we could discover them! — Orville Wright (1871-1912) American aviationist - Assured
Definitions: (1) self-satisfied; self-possessed; bold; (2) convinced of the certainty or truth of a matter; confident; authoritative; self-assured; (3) relieved that things are okay again; reassured of a positive outcome
Derivation: Latin, “toward security”
Note: The original Latin indicates there is always a bit of uncertainty in most certainties.
It is valuable to put a little (but only a little) bit of doubt in your spiritual practice. There is always a lot more to learn, grow into, and become.Quote: Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all. — Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471) The Imitation of Christ {1418}
Observation: The relative integrity of matter is assured by the fact that energy can be absorbed or released only in those exact amounts which have been designated as “quanta.” This provision in the material realms serves to maintain the universe as an ongoing concern.
Note: the word quantum can be found in the formulation of the first law of thermodynamics in 1841 by Julius Robert von Mayer (1814–1878) German physicist. - Assiduous
Definitions: (1) performed with constant attention; persevering; industrious; (2) constant in application; diligent; devoted; persistent
Synonyms: sedulous, unremitting, zealous
Quotes:
• The first key to wisdom is assiduous and frequent questioning. — Peter Abelard (1709-1142) French philosopher
• Because truth is exceedingly subtle and serene, the bliss of the Self can manifest only in a mind rendered subtle and steady by assiduous meditation. — Ramana Maharshi [born Venkataraman Iyer] (1879-1950) Indian Hindu sage - Assertive
Definitions: (1) stating positively; affirming; declaring with assurance; (2) bold; confident; (3) demonstrating the existence of <asserting his rights>
Synonyms: aggressive, aver, avow
Balancing Qualities: Gentleness, Understanding
Too Far: intrusive, obnoxious, rude
Quotes:
• The university is our culture's assertion that what is made by the mind has value and can convey values. — Angelo Bartlett “Bart” Giamatti (1938–1989) American English Renaissance professor
• To suppose more than one Supreme Source of infinite wisdom, power, and all perfections, is to assert that there is no Supreme Being in existence. — Adam Clarke (1762–1832) British theologianSymbol: a flag [raised above on a pole]
- Aspiring
Definitions: (1) to aim, long, or seek ambitiously <especially for something great or of high value>; (2) ascending; soaring
Derivation: Latin, “ to breathe”
Quotes:
• Heaven and God are not high above us - far away; they are deep within us. Seekers of the eternal Truth will realize [it is] within their aspiring hearts. — Chinmoy Kumar Ghose [Sri Chinmoy] (1931-2007) Indian spiritual leader
• In so far as [the] soul becomes permeated by truth, beauty, and goodness as the value-realization of God-consciousness, such a resultant being becomes indestructible. If there is no survival of eternal values in the evolving soul of man, then mortal existence is without meaning, and life itself is a tragic illusion. … What you begin in time you will assuredly finish in eternity – if it is worth finishing. (111:3.7) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Ascending
Definition: moving upward; rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Quotes:
• We live in an ascending scale when we live happily, one thing leading to another in an endless series. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet
• Truth cannot be brought down; rather, the individual must make the effort to ascend to it. If you would attain to the mountaintop, you must pass through the valley, climb the steeps, unafraid of the dangerous precipices. — Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) Indian inspirational speakerReflection: Death is a cobweb we brush though; not the last thing, but the least thing. — Morgan Llywelyn (1937-) DRUIDS {1992}
Comment: Some believe, after awakening on the other side of death, we are automatically given all virtue; that our career is over. I believe the struggle of progressive learning, continuing to become better, is the standard throughout our universal life. The wisdom of the evolutionary program becomes more evident as we continue to live and grow.
- Artistic
Definitions: (1) done skillfully; aesthetically satisfying; (2) appreciative of art and beauty; sensitive to the arts
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French Artist
Proverb: Ars longa, vita brevis (Latin): “Art is long, life is short.”
Quotes:
• Art is the demonstration that the ordinary is extraordinary. — Amedee Ozenfant (1866-1966) French Cubist Painter
• Art reveals the artist’s inner self. Art reveals a man’s ideals, what he values. — Terry Goodkind (1948-) American author
• Be responsive to your audience. Art is making an interpretation of an experience. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist. — Arthur Eric Gill (1882-1940) British sculptor
• The high mission of any art is, by its illusions, to foreshadow a higher universe reality, to crystallize the emotions of time into the thought of eternity. (48:7.23) — The Urantia Book {1955} - Articulate
Definitions: (1) clearly and effectively presented or expressed <an articulate argument>; lucid; (2) a well formulated thought particularly well stated <no doubt of the meaning in another mind>; perspicuous; (3) a precise ability to put all of the appropriate pieces together in their correct positions
Synonyms: eloquent, oratorical
Quotes:
• When articulation is impossible, gesticulation comes to the rescue. — William Lewis Safire (1929–2009) American author & journalist
• The man who can articulate the movements of his inner life need no longer be a victim of himself, but is able slowly and consistently to remove the obstacles that prevent the spirit from entering. — Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (1932–1996) Dutch Catholic theologianSymbol: an orator
- Arresting
Definition: attracting wanted attention or interest; striking; impressive
Derivation: Latin, “to remain or stop”
Quotes:
• Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. — Greg David Anderson (1961-) Australian Anglican bishop
• I can think of no other experience quite like that of being 20 or so pages into a book and realizing that this is the real thing: a book that is going to offer the delicious promise of a riveting story, arresting language, and characters that will haunt me for days. — Anita Hale Shreve (1946–2018) American novelist - Ardent
Definitions: (1) emotional warmth <he pursues his study with ardor>; (2) intense feeling; fervent; (3) deeply devoted; zealous; (4) a bright spirit
Derivation: Latin, “to burn”
Quote: Virtue demands the active employment of an ardent mind in the promotion of the general good. No man can be eminently virtuous who is not accustomed to an extensive range of reflection. — William Godwin (1756–1836) English philosopher & novelist
Prayer: God forgive me if I do wrong in following with ardor the strongest instincts of my nature. — Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) American author and poet
- Approving
Definitions: (1) to have <and particularly express> a favorable attitude or opinion; (2) to be pleased with; to think or declare something or someone to be good or satisfactory; (3) to commend; endorse; sanction
Synonyms: accrediting, admiring, authorizing, certifying, consenting, promoting, ratifying, supportive
Quotes:
• What is a kiss? Why this, as some approve: The sure, sweet cement, glue, and lime of love. — Robert Herrick (1591-1674) English poet & cleric
• What do you call love, hate, charity, revenge, humanity, magnanimity, forgiveness … different results of the one master impulse, the necessity of securing one’s self-approval. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Clemens] (1835-1910) American humorist - Appropriate
Definitions: (1) to do exactly what is required under the circumstances; (2) especially suitable or relevant to a situation; (3) fit or proper; compatible <particularly with relationships>
Synonyms: adapted, apt, becoming, congruous, , pertinent, particular
Quote: I shall now recall to mind that the motion of the heavenly bodies is circular, since the motion appropriate to a sphere is rotation in a circle. — Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) Polish Renaissance polymath [eight disciplines]
Comment: “To do exactly what is required under the circumstances” may be something very bizarre if you’re a prisoner in a concentration camp, a kid in the ghetto, or even a housewife in the suburbs. But as long as you are sincere and conscious of doing the best thing, then you are making a choice, and you are acting in your right mind.
- Appreciative
Definitions: (1) value or esteem for others; (2) conscious of the significance, desirability, or quality of a person or their deeds; (3) discriminating perception and enjoyment of aesthetic values; (4) expressing admiration, approval, or grateful acknowledgment; (5) keenly sensible of or sensitive to; intuitive awareness; (6) exercising wise judgment, delicate discernment, or keen insight in recognizing worth
See also: GivingSynonyms: cherished, prized, relished, treasured, understood
Balancing Quality: Respectable
Quotes:
• Be prepared to appreciate what you meet. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Dune
• By appreciation, we make excellence in others our property. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French philosopherTips:
• Tell the people you love, you appreciate them.
• Recognize the compliment your friends give you by including you in their lives.Admonition: Appreciate the plants and animals. They share and give up their lives so you can live. Respect the living energy sustaining you.
Comments:
• Appreciation enhances experience. One feels an experience all the more deeply when one appreciates it, especially when shared with a friend.
• If you appreciate something, it is likely someone else does too. Keep that in mind if you like a clean park and are wondering what to do with your trash.Exercise: Make a list of those things you appreciate: the smell of clean air, the beauty of a flower, the diversity of nature, the good people in your life, and the sunrise and sunset on the walls of the Grand Canyon.
- Appreciation
Definitions: (1) value or esteem for others; (2) conscious of the significance, desirability, or quality of a person or their deeds; (3) discriminating perception and enjoyment of aesthetic values; (4) expressing admiration, approval, or grateful acknowledgment; (5) keenly sensible of or sensitive to; intuitive awareness; (6) exercising wise judgment, delicate discernment, or keen insight in recognizing worth
See also: GivingSynonyms: cherished, prized, relished, treasured, understood
Balancing Quality: Respectable
Quotes:
• Be prepared to appreciate what you meet. — Frank Patrick Herbert Jr. (1920-1986) Dune {1965}
• By appreciation, we make excellence in others our property. — François-Marie Arouet de Voltaire (1694-1778) French philosopherTips:
• Tell the people you love, you appreciate them.
• Recognize the compliment your friends give you by including you in their lives.Admonition: Appreciate the plants and animals. They share and give up their lives so you can live. Respect the living energy sustaining you.
Comments:
• Appreciation enhances experience. One feels an experience all the more deeply when one appreciates it, especially when shared with a friend.
• If you appreciate something, it is likely someone else does too. Keep that in mind if you like a clean park and are wondering what to do with your trash.Exercise: Make a list of those things you appreciate: the smell of clean air, the beauty of a flower, the diversity of nature, the good people in your life, and the sunrise and sunset on the walls of the Grand Canyon.
- Appetizing
Definition: stimulating or tempting to the [physical, mental, or spiritual] appetite; tasty
Quotes:
• Our plans never turn out as tasty as reality. — Baba Ram Dass [born Richard Alpert] (1931-) American spiritual teacher
• The soul that journeys to God, but doesn't shake off it's cares and quiet it's appetites, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill. — Juan de Yepes y Álvarez [Saint John of the Cross] (1542-1591) Spanish priest & mystic - Appeasing
Definitions: (1) to make quiet or calm; to pacify or soothe; (2) to conciliate <especially by giving in to demands>
Derivation: Latin, "at peace"
Quote: You cannot appease fascism by meeting it in the middle; you cannot beat racism by indulging or excusing it. — Mehdi Raza Hasan (1979-) British-American broadcaster
Reflection: There are various appropriate ways to appease a baby or a small child. All parents learn this the hard way. A fussy child is a harsh teacher. But however the child is treated they bring those lessons on into their adult life.Consideration: One cannot appease a wrathful God simply because there is no wrath in God.
- Appealing
Definition: a pleasing attraction; interesting; charming
Derivation: Latin, “to address” based on ‘to drive.’
Quotes:
• Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress us or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part. — Achille Claude Debussy (1862-1918) French composer
• We have eyes, and we're looking at stuff all the time, all day long. I just think that whatever our eyes touch should be beautiful, tasteful, appealing, and important. — Eric Carle (1929–2021) American children's books author - Aplomb
Definitions: (1) imperturbable self-possession; poise; (2) complete and certain composure; self-confidence; (3) grace under pressure; (4) upright
Quote:
• Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people. — The Bible; Amos 7:8
>Note: This symbolic plumb line is the standard of justice and righteousness with which God will judge people.
• When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. — Ralph Pierre LaCock (1926-) [aka: Peter Marshall] American game show host & actor - Animated
Definitions: (1) endowed with the qualities of life; alive; (2) full of movement and activity; lively; (3) full of spirit; vigorous; ; (4) A sparkplug <a person who leas, inspires or initiates something or others>; (5) con anima <musical instruction: play in a spirited manner>
Quotes:
• True friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports. — Richard Burton [born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr.] (1925–1984) Welsh actor
• How great is the mystery of the first cells which were one day animated by the breath of our souls! How impossible to decipher the welding of successive influences in which we are forever incorporated! In each one of us, through matter, the whole history of the world is in part reflected. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit priest - Amusing
Definitions: (1) pleasantly entertaining or diverting; (2) arousing laughter or mirth; (3) a person with the natural or acquired ability to entertain; (4) hilarious <extremely amusing>
Quote:
• At first, I only laughed at myself. Then I noticed that life itself is amusing. I've been in a generally good mood ever since. Marilyn vos Savant [born Marilyn Mach] (1946-) American "Ask Marilyn" columnist
• Be simple in words, manners, and gestures. Amuse as well as instruct. If you can make a man laugh, you can make him think and make him like and believe you. — Alfred “Al” Emanuel Smith (1873–1944) American politician 42nd governor of New York - Amorous
Definitions: (1) inclined to be loving; fond; (2) enamored with <of a person or thing>; (3) pertaining to, produced by, or indicating love <amorous delight>; (4) sexual love or lovemaking
Synonym: affectionate
Quotes:
• Love is better than chocolate, but sometimes chocolate is easier to find. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
• I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things—then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati: let that be my love from henceforth! — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German philosopher
Note: Amor fati: "love of one's fate" describes an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one's life, including suffering and loss, as good or, at the very least, necessary. - Amicable
Definition: mutual friendship; social or communal peacefulness; characterized by shared good will; harmonious
Derivation: Old Latin, “to love;” Latin, “a friend”
Synonyms:
Amicable always supposes two or more peaceful parties with a desire not to resort to quarreling; a single individual would not be described as amicable, though he or she may be called friendly which stresses warmth, personal cordiality, and possibly intimacy; neighborly implies a disposition to be on good terms with others even to the point of helpfulness.Quote: All politeness is owing to liberty. We polish one another, and rub off our corners and rough sides by a sort of amicable collision. To restrain this, is inevitably to bring a rust upon men’s understandings. — Anthony Nils Christian Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury (1938–2004) British conservationist
- Amiable
Definitions: (1) possessing sweetness of temper; kindly; (2) having a pleasant disposition; friendly
Synonyms: charming, complaisant, congenial, good-natured, lovable, sociable
Quotes:
• For certainly there cannot be a higher pleasure than to think that we love and are beloved by the most amiable and best Being. — Mary Astell (1666–1731) English philosopher
• The sweet quality is set opposite to the bitter, and is a gracious, amiable, blessed, and pleasant quality, a refreshing of life, an allaying of the fierceness. — Jakob Bohme (1575–1624) German philosopher, theologian, & mysticColor: red
- Amenable
Definitions: (1) willing to follow advice; open to suggestion; (2) responsible or answerable; accountable
Derivations: Latin, “to drive (animals).” By late 16th century morphed into “liable to answer truthfully.”
Synonyms: obedient, responsive, submissive, subservient, tractable
Quote: It's worth noting that invoking God as the entity who set our universe in motion isn't contradicted by the data. Of course, scientists would say the Supreme Being hypothesis is faith, and outside the realm of science - that it's not amenable to experiment. But we currently have the same problem with the notion of parallel universes. — Seth Shostak (1943-) American astronomer
Comment: When you ask a question, you learn very early that you may not like the answer. Later in life you may not want to ask the question if you are not amenable to the answer. But if you are genuinely honest and curious you just may ask another question.
- Ameliorative
Definitions: (1) to make better, to make progress; (2) to bring nearer to an ideal; (3) to improve, or make more tolerable a difficult situation <Providing food and water to the refugees ameliorated their suffering a bit.>; (4) able to soften sorrow with kindness; (5) able to staunch pain
Quotes:
• Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best. — St. Jerome (c. 342-420) Christian priest and historian
• Any fool can see the planets and stars are circling around the earth; therefore we must admit the earth is the center of the universe. (paraphrase of the geocentric model) Eudoxus of Cnidus (c. 390–340 BC)
Note: Progress is made with more information.Comment: My mother said, “I had to make myself do it,” when she was talking about writing an article or speaking in public. We literally make our better self. The basics are all there: body, mind, options, personality, spirit, physical environment, revelation, identity, challenge, and - most of all - free will. We actually fashion our soul with our decisions, actions, and experiences. We have the power to become better than we are.
- Ambitious
Definitions: (1) an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, <as wealth, fame, or spiritual enlightenment> and the willingness to strive for it; aspiring; (2) requiring exceptional effort or ability; challenging; difficult <an ambitious project>; (3) strong yearning; eager <ambitious love>
Derivation: Latin, “to go about” from the practice of Roman candidates for political office going around the city soliciting votes
Quotes:
• To be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and incentive of virtue. — Sir Walter Scott (1771– 1832) Scottish historian, poet, & playwright
• We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. — Cesario Estrada “Cesar” Chavez (1927–1993) American labor & civil right leaderColor: orange
- Amazing
Definitions: (1) confounded with great surprise; astounding; (2) full of <often sudden> wonder; mystifying
Synonyms: awesome, incredible, marvelous
Quotes:
• God sure thunk up some stuff! — John Preston Downs (1913-2004) American father and businessman
• Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people? — Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) South African Anglican bishop and theologian - Altruistic
Definition: selfless regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
People Who Exemplify This Quality: In the spring of 1991 a six-year-old girl found a bottle on a New Jersey beach. It contained two dollars. It also held a note: “Do something good with this.” She decided to give it to the homeless by giving somebody a meal. With the community’s help and her altruistic attitude, she was able to provide sixty homeless people lunch for one day.
Quote: The individual can take initiatives without anyone’s permission. ... You do not belong to you. You belong to the universe. The significance of you will forever remain obscure to you, but you may assume that you are fulfilling your significance if you apply yourself to converting all your experience to the highest advantage of others. — Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) American futurist
Comment: In order to acquire altruism, and to experience altruistic behavior, submit yourself to the difficulty of recognizing the needs of other people. You may have to expose yourself to injustice or prejudice. There is opportunity to turn any “unfortunate” situation into a fortunate one. Each struggle blesses you with good qualities.
Color: red
- Altruism
Definition: selfless regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
People Who Exemplify This Quality: In the spring of 1991 a six-year-old girl found a bottle on a New Jersey beach. It contained two dollars. It also held a note: “Do something good with this.” She decided to give it to the homeless by giving somebody a meal. With the community’s help and her altruistic attitude, she was able to provide sixty homeless people lunch for one day.
Quote: The individual can take initiatives without anyone’s permission. ... You do not belong to you. You belong to the universe. The significance of you will forever remain obscure to you, but you may assume that you are fulfilling your significance if you apply yourself to converting all your experience to the highest advantage of others. — Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) American futurist
Comment: In order to acquire altruism, and to experience altruistic behavior, submit yourself to the difficulty of recognizing the needs of other people. You may have to expose yourself to injustice or prejudice. There is opportunity to turn any “unfortunate” situation into a fortunate one. Each struggle blesses you with good qualities.
Color: red
- Alluring
Definitions: (1) very attractive or enticingly tempting; seductive; (2) fascinating; charming
Quotes:
• As a kid, I loved to climb trees. The distant, upper branches, especially, were celestial and alluring. ― Ian Frazier (1951-) American writer and humorist
• I find the world with its inequities and injustices to be messy, unfair, and complicated. The cosmos, on the other hand, is orderly and beautiful - this I find terribly alluring and captivating. ― Priyamvada "Priya" Natarajan; India-American physicist and astronomer - Alive
Definitions: (1) in a functioning status; animated; (2) in a state of motion; in force or operation; ongoing attention <“keep hope alive”>; (3) marked by a cheerful demeanor; sprightly; (4) acting clearly and vigorously; vibrant; vivid; (5) acute sensitivity to something <alive to the thrill of accomplishment>
Idiom: Live and let live. Love all. Serve all. — Jainism (Origin: 322–298 BC)
Quotes:
• Life is being on the wire; everything else is just waiting. — Karl Wallenda (1905-1978) German high-wire walker
• We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget that the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it's all about. — Joseph John Campbell (1904-1987) American mythologistSymbols: 1) air: the breath of life; 2) bread; 3) daffodil flowers; 4) fire [must consume something to stay alive.]; 5) the fountain; 6) the vine
Mythological Figure: Merodach. In Babylonian mythology, Merodach is the god of life and the benefactor of humans. And later, in Semitic mythology, the sun god and lord of all gods.
- Alert
Definitions: (1) fully aware and attentive; wide awake; (2) quick to understand or respond; perceptive; (3) ready to act; watchful; vigilant; (4) moving with promptness; nimble; active; lively
Quotes:
• Opportunities present themselves every day - to everyone. You just have to be alert and ready to act. — Marc Ostrofsky (1961-) American entrepreneur
• When you wash your hands, when you make a cup of coffee, when you're waiting for the elevator - instead of indulging in thinking, these are all opportunities for being there as a still, alert presence. — Eckhart Tolle [born Ulrich Leonard Tölle] (1948-) German-English spiritual teacherObservation: One can train oneself to be alert to almost anything. It may, of necessity, be danger. It may, of lack, be attention. Or it may be any positive quality.
Symbol: an arrowhead (Native American)
- Alacritous
Definitions: (1) ready or prompt to act or serve; cheerful willingness; (2) gaiety; sprightliness; (3) denotes physical quickness coupled with enthusiasm
Derivation: Latin, "lively" or "eager."
Quote: There are, indeed, few merrier spectacles than that of many windmills bickering together in a fresh breeze over a woody country; their halting alacrity of movement, their pleasant business, making bread all day with uncouth gesticulation; their air, gigantically human, as of a creature half alive, put a spirit of romance into the tamest landscape. ― Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894 ) Scottish novelist and poet
- Agreeable
Definitions: (1) pleasant to the mind or senses; (2) willing or ready to concur or consent; (3) being in harmony; consonant
Synonyms: acceptable, grateful, placable
Quote: The concept of serendipity often crops up in research. Serendipity is the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things that were not being sought. — Akira Suzuki (1930-) Japanese Nobel prize chemist
Comment: You can always find something to disagree with. It is just as easy to find something to agree with. We have all met a few who are happiest in the midst of an argument. It can be a real challenge to douse their fires of discontent with the cool, patient waters of positive gentleness. On the other hand, maybe we should just get into it with them and make their day – with, of course, kindness and civility.
- Agile
Definitions: (1) well-coordinated in movement; nimble; (2) active; lively; brisk; (3) mentally acute or aware; an ability to think quickly; resourceful
Synonyms: alert, spry
Quotes:
• Irony is a clear consciousness of an eternal agility, of the infinitely abundant chaos. ― Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel (1772–1829) German poet & philosopher
• At least once every human should have to run for his life. He might learn how his ancestors lived and that he himself is no different--in the crunch, his life depends on his agility, alertness, and personal resourcefulness. — Robert Anson Heinlein (1907–1988) American science fiction author & aeronautical engineer
Comment: There are many types of agility. Animals - including the human animal - have had to be agile enough to survive under dangerous situations. Jesus was very agile in countering the pharisee’s attempts to trick him up.Symbols: 1) the stag; 2) the rabbit
Fictional Figure: Tarzan, a man raised in the jungle, became as agile as his ape family. — Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) Tarzan of the Apes
- Agape
Definitions: (1) the highest love <God loves humankind as a whole, but also each individual>; (2) human adoration for God
Quotes:
• When you know how much God is in love with you then you can only live your life radiating that love. ― Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu [aka: Mother Teresa] (1910-1997) Albanian-Indian Catholic nun
• Agape doesn't love somebody because they're worthy. Agape makes them worthy by the strength and power of its love. Agape doesn't love somebody because they're beautiful. Agape loves in such a way that it makes them beautiful. ― Robert Holmes Bell (1970-) American author and speaker - Affirming!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) asserting conclusively; (2) confirming with reasonable proof; (3) making a positive statement; validating
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: asseverative, assuring, attest, aver, avouching, declarative, ratifying
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: thankful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I will act as if I make a difference. — William James (1842-1910) American psychologist and philosopher
• An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so. — Shakti Gawain (1948-) American inspirational authorAffirmations:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• I am (name your desired quality), and I am growing in understanding of (this quality) as I continue to live it.
• I am a lovable person. I have the right to say “no” to people without losing their love. — Leonard Orr (1938-) American teacherObservation: You can read your environment, it is giving you feedback. I used to think that Native Americans used to think <Oh, there goes a crow. That means something.> Now, I know, from my own experience, that when I’m thinking something, what I see - the crow - shows up to affirm my thought while I’m thinking about it. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Tips:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Affirmations help you stay focused on the positive.
• The key to affirmations is to let your higher self, your cosmic identity, do the talking. Transfer the seat of consciousness from the ego-self to your soul-self.Suggestions:
Applying the technique of autosuggestion to affirmations:
1. Write each affirmation ten to twenty times.
2. Work with one or more affirmation every day until they become part of your consciousness: at the start of the day, just before bed, whenever you feel the need.
3. Record your affirmations on tape multiple... - Affectionate
Definitions: (1) having great love or friendliness; fondness; (2) proceeding from or indicating love; benevolent; (3) tender feeling; warm regard
Synonyms: ardent, devoted, earnest, kind
Quotes:
• A correct answer is like an affectionate kiss. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
• Son, brother, father, and friend – there is room in the heart for all the affections, as there is room in heaven for all the stars. — Victor Hugo (1802-1885) French playwrightSymbols: 1) a hug; 2) a kiss
- Affable
Definitions: (1) easy to approach and talk to; courteous; (2) having effortless manners; gracious; (3) having a kindly countenance; benign
Derivation: Latin, "to speak"
Compatible Qualities: friendly, perspicuous
Synonyms: accessible, civil, complaisant, friendly, mild, polite, urbane
Quote: Two persons who have chosen each other out of all the species with a design to be each other's mutual comfort and entertainment have, in that action, bound themselves to be good-humored, affable, discreet, forgiving, patient, and joyful, with respect to each other's frailties and perfections, to the end of their lives. — Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist
Note: Just like a snowflake has six spikes, so to do positive qualities have a set of companion qualities that grow with them. - Aesthetic
Definitions: (1) appreciative of and responsive to beauty; (2) sensitive to art and attractiveness; artistic; (3) an authority in matters of good taste; (4) prone to cultivate and indulge in the beautiful
Quote: Beyond the logical standards, there were aesthetic questions. New developments in physics always gave you, first, a logical structure that was more elegant. Second, once you understood it, the structure was not only elegant, it was simpler. Third, from the structure came consequences that were more complex than before. There was not choice between beauty and truth, really. You had to wind up with both. — Gregory Benford (1941-) American astrophysicist and author, Timescape {1980}
- Adventuresome
Definitions: (1) bold; daring; inclined to take risks; (2) courageous; enterprising
Synonyms: audacious, brave, daring, daredevil, swashbuckler
Too Far: foolhardy, rash, reckless
Quotes:
• Adventure is not in the guidebook and beauty is not on the map. — Terry Russell (~1960's)) and Renny Russell (1946-) On the Loose {1966}
• The principle difference between an adventurer and a suicide is that the adventurer leaves himself a margin of escape (the narrower the margin the greater the adventure), the margin whose width and length may be determined by unknown factors but whose successful navigation is determined by the measure of the adventurer’s nerve and wits. It is always exhilarating to live by one’s nerves or toward the summit of one’s wits. — Thomas “Tom” Eugene Robbins (1936-) Another Roadside Attraction {1971}Symbol: a ship
- Advancing
Definitions: (1) improving or making better; benefiting; (2) promoting or furthering the good; (3) making progress; developing; (4) moving forward; proceeding
Synonyms: accelerating, elevating, exalting, heightening, raising
Quotes:
• No one has a monopoly on truth, and science continues to advance. Yesterday's heresies may be tomorrow's conventional wisdom. — Dean Michael Ornish (1953-) American researcher
• The scientific man does not aim at an immediate result. He does not expect that his advanced ideas will be readily taken up. His work is like that of the planter - for the future. His duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come, and point the way. — Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) Serbian-American inventor, futurist, electrical & mechanical engineer - Adroit
Definitions: (1) expert in using the body or mind; nimble; (2) cleverly skillful; resourcefully inventive; ingenious
Synonyms: artful, dexterous, proficient
Derivation: Latin, “to set in a straight line”
Quote: The adroit man profits by everything, neglects nothing which can increase his chances; the less adroit, by sometimes disregarding a single chance, fails in everything. — Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) French military commander & political leader
Observation: Proverbs aims to show a person how to become adroit at the greatest skill of all, the skill of living. — Unknown
- Adorable
Definitions: (1) worthy of or one who is receiving worship; worthy of divine honors; (2) worthy of the utmost love or respect; (3) delightful; charming
Quote: Playing with my daughter, I sat down because I couldn't chase her anymore and she said, 'Please, Daddy. I love playing with you' and I couldn't catch my breath. I just couldn't. I was heaving, trying to catch my breath and looking at my adorable little girl with her puppy dog eyes pleading with her father to play. — Joseph Anthony Gatto Jr. (1976-) American comedian
Comment: It would be presumptuous to believe you are worthy of adoration. But is is entirely within the right of every individual who is striving for perfection to know they can be loved by other humans. Love from God is assured.
- Admirable
Definition: (1) deserving of the highest esteem; a person who inspires approval or respect; (2) worthy of emulation in character or quality
Synonyms: approving, excellent, magnificent, pleasing, worthy
Derivation: Latin, “to wonder”
Quotes:
• To be one's self, and unafraid whether right or wrong, is more admirable than the easy cowardice of surrender to conformity. — Irving Wallace (1919-1990) American author
• There is only one admirable form of the imagination: the imagination that is so intense that it creates a new reality, that it makes things happen. — Sean Proinsias O'Faolain (1900-1991) Irish short-story writerComment: Definition number (2) may need some explanation. This is hero worship. When someone appreciates another person to the point of wanting to be like them, they often mimic their behavior. By attempting to copy the admired person’s positive qualities; they are personalizing those values bringing them into their own soul.
- Adjusted
Definitions: (1) having achieved a harmonious relationship with the environment; (2) person to person(s) accord; (3) accommodated to suit a particular set of circumstances or requirements
Synonym: adaptable
Quotes:
• Beauty: the adjustment of all parts proportionately so that one cannot add or subtract or change without impairing the harmony of the whole. — Leon Battista Alberti (1404–1472) Italian artist & architect
• If you're in the middle of the ocean with no flippers and no life preserver and you hear a helicopter, this is music. You have to adjust to your needs at the moment. — Thomas Alan Waits (1949-) American musician - Adept
Definitions: (1) highly skilled; thoroughly proficient; expert; (2) one fully accomplished or well versed in any art; a master
Synonym: dexterous
Derivation: The term adept was originally used to describe alchemists who claimed to have found the philosopher’s stone or a panacea.
Quote: Success follows those adept at preserving the substance of the past by clothing it in the forms of the future. — Dee Ward Hock (1929-2022) American businessman
Comment: One might have a natural aptitude or inclination for a certain talent, but to become adept at anything one needs to spend quality time pursuing its practical details – often for a very long time.
- Adaptable!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) able to adjust to a new situation or environment <by changing one’s behavior or attitudes>; (2) made to fit <a new use>; (3) suitable for a specific situation; (4) to bring one thing into correspondence with another
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Adaptable implies a personal modification according to changing circumstances; accommodate suggests yielding to effect a correspondence of view; adjust suggests bringing parts or ideas into close harmonious accord; conform applies to bringing patterns, examples, or principles into agreement with some standard; reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible; versatile is the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities.Familial Qualities: flexible, multifunctional, obedient
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Life is adaptable, ubiquitous, and tenacious. Evolution passes on the traits that are valuable, useful, and increasingly serviceable. — Judith Mary Kain (1948-) American empath
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Reflection: As we experience our lives, actively and passively, we also become more adaptable. Expansion comes when we look beyond the confines of the circumscribed environment: from the self, to the family, to the community, to the state, to the nation, to the planet, to the universe.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Observation: In evolution, when change occurs in the environment, the species that adapt to the change have become more flexible and more complex; they have expanded their survival boundaries to more than a single environment.
The more successful mechanisms (or qualities) are those built on a sturdy foundation. They eventually become stable enough to live on their own.
Just as physical evolution follows how well a species functions in increasingly complex environments, so too do we... - Acumen
Definition: (1) quickness of perception; keenness of mind; accurate discrimination; (2) the ability to make good judgments
See also: sagacityDeviation: Latin, “sharpen to a point”
Quotes:
• We can accelerate our acumen, performance, and success by leveraging our associations and spending time with people better than us. — Robin S. Sharma (1964-) Canadian author
• Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. — Emanuel James “Jim” Rohn (1930-2009) American motivational speaker - Actualized
Definition: to make tangible; to realize a possibility; self-actualized
Quote:
• The choices we make lead up to actual experiences. It is one thing to decide to climb a mountain. It is quite another to be on top of it. — Herbert Alexander Simon (1916–2001) American political scientist
• To fall in love is easy, even to remain in it is not difficult; our human loneliness is cause enough. But it is a hard quest worth making to find a comrade through whose steady presence one becomes steadily the person one desires to be. — Anna Louise Strong (1885–1970) American journalistSymbol: a golden rose
- Active
Definitions: (1) productive movement; (2) causing or promoting change; (3) agile, quick, nimble, lively; (4) constantly engaged; (5) characterized by energetic motion; busy; (6) requiring vigorous exertion
Synonyms: alert, assiduous, brisk, diligent, industrious, spirited, sprightly
Balancing Quality: Relaxed
Parental Quality: decisiveness
Familial Qualities: participative, progressive
Consequential Quality: appreciation
Quotes:
• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German polymath [eight disciplines]
• When man decides, and when he consummates this decision in action, man experiences, and the meanings and the values of this experience are forever a part of his eternal character on all levels, from the finite to the final. (117:5.13) — The Urantia Book {1955}Analogy: An automobile has to be moving in order for there to be some direction. God can’t help you move in the right direction if you are parked. On the other hand, there has to be a road of some sort. God bless the road builders. You can’t go driving your car into a swamp, you’d get stuck. But if you change to a hydroplane you can continue your journey.
Tip: If you’re worried or unhappy, do something about it. Take a walk, put on some happy music and dance, go to sleep, watch TV – anything. Just do something, and do it consciously.
Comment: Whether we get an idea from something we heard or read, from prayer, or from a random thought; any action taken as a result is the engine of that thought. Action gives thought life. It gives it value. The original thought, combined with our current reality, is a new framework for a new reality. Action is the completion of decision.
Color: red
Symbols: 1) Mars; 2) the sail; 3) the spur; 4) children playing
- Accurate
Definitions: (1) free from error or mistake <especially as the result of careful study or meticulous procedure>; (2) precise
Synonyms: correct, exact
Quotes:
• Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe. — Claudia Black (1972-) Australian actress
• Science cannot progress without reliable and accurate measurement of what it is you are trying to study. — Robert D. Hare (1934-) Canadian forensic psychologistTip: Be as accurate as necessary, but not less than needed.
Symbol: a bull’s-eye
- Accountable
Definition: liable to be called to report; responsible; answerable
Synonym: amenable
Quotes:
• A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case, he is justly accountable to them for the injury. — John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) English philosopher & economist
• Forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed? — Gloria Jean Watkins [aka: Bell Hooks] (1952–2021) American author, theorist, & educator - Accomplished!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) well-endowed with good qualities and manners; (2) complete in acquirements; educated and polished; cultured; (3) possessing a special skill or ability acquired by training which constitutes excellence of mind; educated; (4) proficient as the result of physical exercise; (5) having achieved a goal; (6) completed; finished; fulfilled; executed; effected
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: realized, refined
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: The only way around is through. — Robert Lee Frost (1874-1963) American poet
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Parable: They stood together resting, contemplating the future, remembering with wonder their past. They viewed this place. None had been here before, but it was familiar. They knew they were safe, and they were at peace. There was an effortless familiarity. They were all kindred spirits. This group had reached this present moment with an eye on their individual path; yet none were loners. They knew there were other groups with similar accomplishments who had made it this far by knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and had committed to teamwork. They realized the future goal may be interesting, but they also knew now was forever unique. They all realized there is always more of value to choose from, and to recognize its worth is the first step in making it a part of themselves; only then is it a tool to be used.
They moved easily here knowing this was the time to recharge, relax, rest, rejuvenate, recreate, and receive new information. The next step was study and preparation for the stage of action soon to follow. They knew the pattern well. They had learned what pace was possible as long as they were aligned with their flow. It was still a temptation to observe those in a different flow, and go too fast or too slow. But it was getting easier to move with confidence into another stream if it was a continuation of their perfect... - Accommodating
Definitions: (1) obliging; disposed to make adjustments in order to comply; (2) able to adapt to varying conditions; (3) staying in line with another’s expectations; (4) adjusting differences; bringing into agreement or accord; reconciling; (5) giving consideration to; satisfying a need; (6) making <an attitude or some thing> fit, suitable, or comfortable; (7) furnishing with something desired, needed, or suited
Synonyms: helpful, serving, yielding
Balancing Qualities: Free, Independent
Quote: If you treat people with respect, they will go out of their way to accommodate you. — Mohamed Mostafa ElBaradei (1942-) Egyptian law scholar & diplomat
Comment: We could use the seed as a metaphor. We, as the seed, need to have good soil, water, & light in order to grow out of the shell. But if it is not a gentle growth, there are plenty of crises, accidents, & problems that accommodate the need to grow.
Observation: The universe will accommodate your version of reality – to the extent that it can.
Suggestion: While being accommodating, be encouraging, supportive, and tolerant as well. If the person you are accommodating refuses to grow or is, in your opinion, growing too slowly, you may get frustrated. But as long as the person is moving, even a little, be patient and helpful.
Comparison to your expected rate of progress is inevitable, yet it may be best to disregard that judgment in favor of assessing their development in relation to their own methods and measurements. - Accessible
Definitions: (1) approachable; (2) easy to get along with; (3) open
Synonyms: attainable, complaisant, courteous, friendly, sociable
Quote:
• Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. — Charles William Eliot (1834–1926) American President of Harvard
• Empathy is the most mysterious transaction that the human soul can have, and it's accessible to all of us, but we have to give ourselves the opportunity to identify, to plunge ourselves in a story where we see the world from the bottom up or through another's eyes or heart. — Sue Monk Kidd (1948-) American writer - Accepting
Definitions: (1) receiving <especially compliments> with good grace and a gracious demeanor; (2) receiving with a consenting mind or willing satisfaction; (3) accepting with gratifying pleasure; (4) submitting or agreeing to an idea or a proposal; (5) understanding as true; (6) a pleasing person; agreeably civil; (7) admittance or approval <accepted as part of the group>
Synonyms: admit, grateful, welcome, unobjectionable
Familial Quality: popular
Quote: When you really know somebody, you can’t hate them. Or maybe it’s just that you can’t really know them until you stop hating them. — Orson Scott Card (1951-) Speaker for the Dead {1986}
Reflection: They say in order to receive God’s grace all one has to do is accept it. This is true, but the manner of acceptance is not passive; it is active. What you are receiving is love, and to continue the current you must let it flow through you. You are not just a vessel but a conduit.
Tip: The giver can also think about helping the accepter accept, usually by understanding how to explain or emote acceptance.
Advice: Even though it is often a sign of acceptance, silence is usually a sign of thoughtfulness – or reluctance to express an opinion. Elicit a response. Verbal declaration is important.
- Abundant
Definitions: (1) marked by great plenty, ample supply; (2) fully sufficient; abounding; (3) brimming; overflowing
Synonyms: affluent, copious, exuberant, prodigious, rich, wealth
Parental Quality: faith
Quote: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD) The Bible, Matthew 6:28–29
Affirmation: All financial doors are open; all financial channels are free, and endless bounty now comes to me. — Catherine Ponder (1927-) American Minister, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
Advice: Forgive yourself and others in order to move forward with confidence. Blame and malice are burdens holding a place in your mind and heart that could be filled with the expectant openness necessary for abundance.
Symbols: 1) vegetation; 2) a big mountain (Native American); 3) fuchsia flowers
Mythological Place: The Land of Cockaigne: An imaginary country where all good things are to be had for the taking.
Mythological Figure: Amalthea, the “tender goddess” [foster-mother of Zeus]
Mythological Object: Cornucopia – the horn of plenty. Zeus, grateful for Amalthea’s nursing, broke off the horn of a goat and endowed it with the power to be filled with whatever the possessor desires.
- Aboveboard
Definition: straightforward, honest; without deception; not concealed, in open sight
Derivation: From the difficulty of cheating at cards when the hands are above the table.
Saying: above suspicion
Quotes:
• We aim above the mark to hit the mark. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American philosopher
• Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me. — Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Prussian philosopher - Able
Definitions: (1) having sufficient power, strength, or skill to accomplish something; (2) having or exhibiting superior abilities, intelligence, knowledge, talent, or competence; (3) having sufficient fortitude, vigor, or qualifications to proceed with a project or toward a goal
Synonyms: apt, capable, effective, efficient, qualified
Compatible Quality: bedazzle (with outstanding ability)
Quotes:
• It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. — Aristotle (384-322 bc) Greek philosopher
• Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. — Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) South African Anglican bishop and theologianVisualization: When you are able to call to mind all good things, you will more likely be
able to allay your fear,
able to assuage your distress,
able to ask for what is needed,
able to endure until times are better,
able to buck up under harsh conditions,
able to discern poetry in common existence.Questions:
• What can I do?
• What are my talents?
• What are my dreams?
• What do I appreciate?
• What do I know instinctively? - Abiding
Definitions: (1) bearing patiently; tolerant; (2) enduring or sustaining; withstanding; (3) stable <an abiding love>; (4) prepared; (5) compliant
Synonyms: changeless, continuing, durable, enduring, lasting, steadfast
Quote: Remember that life's length is not measured by its hours and days, but by that which we have done therein. A useless life is short if it lasts a century. There are greater and better things in us all, if we would find them out. … The day will come when light and truth, and the just and the good shall be victorious; and evil will be no more forever. — Walter Breuning (1896-2011) Oldest American-born man [as of 2023] <114 years, 205 days>
Symbol: the elephant {Long-lived}
- UPHOLDER
Divine Definitions: (1) The supporter and sustainer of all reality; the conservator; (2) The protector and preserver of life; the maintainer; (3) Ever watchful; vigilant and alert; (4) Able to give undivided attention to every atom, person, idea, system, and relationship in the universe; (5) The one who lifts up; the one who prevents falling or failing; (6) Willing to stand with us against all odds
Comment: Having given us free will, He will not prevent our slipping if we so choose. But He, and all of His friends and agents, are supportive until we understand His way is the right way.
UPSTANDING
Human Definition: having integrity; upright; honorable; straightforwardQuotes:
• Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight. — Bob Marley (1945–1981) Jamaican songwriter
• Always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone. — Claudette Colvin (1939-) American Civil rights pioneerSymbol: a tall tree
- UNIVERSAL!-- wp:paragraph --
Definitions: (1) All of the whole; cosmic; (2) All-reaching; (3) Related to all; the Universal Solus; (4) Covering all space, mind, time, influence, and personalities completely; (5) Adaptable to all situations; applicable to all beings; (6) Intended to be used by everyone; comprehensive; (7) Differential infinity unified; the Universal Absolute
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Men are forced into strange fancies by attempting to measure the whole universe by means of their own scale. We should thereby suffer … the fact that we are always becoming something new. — Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: The attitude of love is universally true.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --ECUMENICAL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) the desire of an individual to give other points of view a respectful hearing; (2) cooperative unity <especially among churches and religious denominations>; (3) finding the universality within the diversity of an organization; cooperation among divergent groupsDerivation: Greek, “inhabiting the earth”
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
•In the fellowship of the kingdom there shall be neither Jew nor gentile, rich nor poor, free nor bond, man nor woman. — Jesus of Nazareth (7 BC-30 AD)
• To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. — John Burroughs (1837–1921) American naturalist
Comment: This quality is often misunderstood as proselytizing your religion to others. When it is used that way, the other person feels like they are being forced into accepting something which they have not digested yet. The more... - UNITY
Divine Definitions: (1) Perfect integration and continuity of the original plan and singular Divine purpose; holistic; (2) In complete agreement; of one sentiment; (3) In accord; having one objective: loving service; (4) Changelessness of intent; versatility and unanimity in action; (5) The total greater than the sum of its parts; (6) Exceptionally well thought out; inclusive of all for all time; (7) Unable to be improved upon; undiluted; undivided
Comments:
• When God assesses Himself in His infinite realm, He recognizes One Being. Think of a giant clear bubble made of a series of perfectly incorporated inner-spheres. Each one is a different aspect of Deity. From the inside we look out and up and see many phases. From the outside He experiences Himself, with all of His facets, as Unity.
• We know God is a single and unified Being. Yet when we look at Him from our finite state, we see Him expressing Himself in all of His differing manifestations. There is simply too much God for us to take into mind as an infinite whole; we see only some of His parts. It will take a long time for us to investigate, and try to integrate, them all. The key to this integration is our personal incorporation of qualitative values. We have to be more valuable in order to see more value.UNIFIED
Human Definitions: (1) to act as one; in concert; (2) being in agreement; in harmony; (3) the totality of components; a person who has brought together their complex parts into a systematic wholeQuotes:
• He who experiences the unity of life, sees his own self in all beings, and all beings in his own self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye. — The Bhagavad-Gita, VI,29 (Written ~ 400 BC-400 AD) {Published 1944}
• Even if there is only one possible unified theory, it is just a set of rules and equations. What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe? — Stephen William Hawking (1942–2018) English theoretical physicist - UNCAUSED
Divine Definitions: (1) Reality without prior source; self-existent; (2) The primal being in existence before the beginning; not created; (3) Self-caused reality; the initiator; (4) Never beginning but lasting forever; self-perpetuated; (5) The genesis of reality; self-generative; (6) The first cause producing original (and consequently all subsequent) effects
Quote: The concept of the I AM is a philosophic concession which we make to the time-bound, space-fettered, finite mind of man, to the impossibility of creature comprehension of eternity existences—nonbeginning, nonending realities and relationships. To the time-space creature, all things must have a beginning save only the ONE UNCAUSED—the primeval cause of causes. (0:3,23) — The Urantia Book {1995}
Comment: There is great value in pondering the unponderable when it has to do with God because something is always revealed, some new insight is realized. The deepest mysteries remain hidden but the act of seeking is the key to discovery. Since what is to be discovered is limitless and because the source is extravagantly generous, the revelation of some piece of the puzzle is always forthcoming.
ORIGINAL
Human Definitions: (1) first in order; preceding all others; the beginning; (2) arising or proceeding independently; inventive; novel; (3) thinking or acting in an individual or creative mannerQuotes:
• A mind that’s afraid to toy with the ridiculous will never come up with the brilliantly original.— Glen David Brin (1950 -) Brightness Reef {1995}
• The story of man’s ascent from seaweed to the lordship of earthly creation is indeed a romance of biologic struggle and mind survival. Man’s primordial ancestors were literally the slime and ooze of the ocean bed in the sluggish and warm-water bays and lagoons of the vast shore lines of the ancient inland seas. (65:2.1) — The Urantia Book {1955} - SOVEREIGN!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The Manager of all cosmic forces; controller; (2) The ruling authority over all others; all-prevailing; omniprevalent; (3) Holding the reins of power; in charge; (4) Responsible for His followers; master; lord; (5) Influential in the hearts of His subjects; tactful; (6) Possessing overshadowing virtue; minister; (7) Uninfluenced by bargaining; indomitable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: commander, governor, leader, master, monarch, overcontroller, supervisor
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: We are sovereign over our own (God given) free will choices. God is sovereign over all else.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --SELF-CONTROLLED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) mental or emotional restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires especially in the face of self-described negative temptations; (2) able to curtail one’s own appetites <especially restraint in order to keep within (social or moral) bounds>; (3) exercising authority over one’s self or others; in commandCompatible Quality: self-forgetful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Poetry:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet {1603}Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales. — Byron Joseph Langenfeld (1909-1996) American humorist
• Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control. — Steven Arthur Pinker (1954-) Canadian-American cognitive psychologist & psycholinguistReflections:
• You cannot control the facts of the past. But you can control your attitude toward the facts of the past. You can control your attitude and judgment about the... - SOURCE
Divine Definitions: (1) The cause of causes; (2) The antecedent of energy and matter; (3) The origin of personality; the I AM; (4) The ancestral spirit; (5) The progenitor of mind; (6) The font of love; (7) The heart of goodness; (8) The foremost authority and distributor of truth; (9) The basis and pattern of beauty; (10) The initiator of life; (11) The spark of light; (12) The inaugurator of service; (13) The Father of all brothers and sisters
Comment: All things, meanings, values, and persons are traced back to The Source of all reality. The way is broad enough to carry all of us back to Him no matter what route we decide to take. Each of us is unique. The predictable ways make us feel safe; the unpredictable ways make things interesting.
RESOURCEFUL
Human Definition: (1) able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations or old difficulties; (2) clever in finding assets; ingenious at discovering new uses for the materials at hand; inventiveDerivation: Old French, “to rise again”
Quotes:
• The courage to imagine the otherwise is our greatest resource, adding color and suspense to all our life. — Daniel Joseph Boorstin (1914–2004) American historian
• The great majority of people are calm, resourceful, altruistic or even beyond altruistic, as they risk themselves for others. We improvise the conditions of survival beautifully. — Rebecca Solnit (1961-) American writer - SELF-REVEALING
Divine Definitions: (1) Willing to disclose His attributes to His creatures; (2) Willing to make known His will to His creation; (3) Willing to speak of His nature to the universe; (4) The assurance and dissemination of truth as reality
Quote: Divinity is creature comprehensible as truth, beauty, and goodness; correlated in personality as love, mercy, and ministry; disclosed on impersonal levels as justice, power, and sovereignty. — The Urantia Book (0:1.17) {1995}
Comment: God is willing and able to impart fact, meaning, and value whenever the doors of the mind and heart are open. Revelation takes many forms depending on the ability and the willingness of the listener. One form is inspiration: auto-inspiration (just between you and God) or public inspiration, as with inspired writings. Another form is science. By study we discover more and more about the marvelous nature of our surroundings, and with that the nature of The Maker of those things, systems, and forms. Revelation is often by association - the putting of two and two together. We are constantly integrating what we know and coming up with fresh insights. And maybe the most revealing of all is figuring out how to have loving relationships with others.
REVELATION
Definitions: (1) making known the truth; (2) a clear, coherent, often creative, and imaginative presentation through any mediumQuotes:
• No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create, or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit. — Ansel Easton Adams (1902–1984) American nature photographer
• The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs. — Charles Pierre Baudelaire (1821–1867) French poet - SELF-AWARE
Divine Definitions: (1) Acknowledging the self-evident fact of His own Divinity; autotheistic; (2) Aware of His own existence; self-realizing; (3) Aware of His own personality and individuality; self-knowing; (4) Sensitive to His own mind; self-possessed; (5) Cognizant of His own actions; self-accepting; (6) Conscious of His own attributes and character; self-respecting
Comment: No quality or characteristic lives in a vacuum. Since God is personal, He is, at least, conscious. Since we are also personal and conscious, we understand the feeling. Our consciousness is ever advancing. God’s consciousness is ever-aware.
AWARENESS
Human Definitions: (1) having knowledge or realization; conscious; cognizant; (2) informed; alert; (3) keenly perceptiveSynonyms: apprised, sensible
Quotes:
• The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. — Lao-tse (6th Century BC) Chinese mystic philosopher
• The more decisions that you are forced to make alone, the more you are aware of your freedom to choose. — Thornton Niven Wilder (1897–1975) American playwrightReflection: We travel through life no matter what; the clock only moves in one direction. No matter how momentous a moment is, your whole life has led up to this now. We boost the value of each moment by being aware of its actual and potential worth.
- PRIME
Divine Definitions: (1) The first; the original Being; (2) Not deriving from something or someone else; authentic; (3) The ruling authority; (4) The most important one; standing alone; prominent; (5) The highest and best value; premier; (6) The source; the beginning; the first cause; (7) The one who prepares the stage; (8) Unspoiled; pristine; beautiful
Comment: The First Source and Center is primal in all domains: finite and infinite, personal and impersonal, actual and potential, static and dynamic. Everything and everyone in existence is dependent upon the Prime Reality.
IMMACULATE
Human Definitions: (1) perfectly correct; pure; innocent; (2) spotless; unstained; without flaw, blemish, fault, or errorDerivation: Late Middle English, “free from moral stain”
Quotes:
• Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war. It demands greater fidelity to the truth and a much more perfect purity of conscience. — Thomas Merton (1915–1968) American Trappist monk
• The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous. — Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (1469-1527) Italian cynical philosopher
Note: Jesus could see, and therefore show, the person aspiring to be virtuous what immaculate virtue looked like by living it every day to the end.Comment: Although it would be impossible for an adult to honestly consider themselves to be immaculate, it is none-the-less a worthy ambition.
- PERSONAL
Divine Definitions: (1) The original conscious, volitional being; (2) The source and destiny of all subsequent personalities; omnipersonal; (3) The being who is designing, deciding, and directing creation; (4) Agreeable; good-natured; friendly
Comment: Personality is not simply an attribute of God; it is the co-ordination of a unified will, an infinite nature, and His universally revealed expression. We can have a (limited) idea of a supreme force but we can only have a relationship with a person. Each and every person is unique. Only a person can love and be loved, and if that person is God, then the love coming in our direction is immense.
PERSONABLE
Human Definitions: (1) having an agreeable or pleasing personality; good-natured; (2) having a well-formed body; graceful; attractiveFamilial Qualities: friendly, well-groomed
People Who Exemplify This Quality: “He was able to drop the bucket down the well of his personality and bring up what was needed in the moment.” said of Sir Michael Gambon (1941-2023) Irish actor
Quotes:
• To say that a being is personal is to recognize the relative individuation of such a being within the cosmic organism. … [T]hose who are personal have been endowed with the actual choice of destiny acceptance or destiny rejection. (112:5.1) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. — Confucius [Born Kǒng Qiū] (c. 551-479 BC) Chinese ethical philosopher
• In our personal and professional lives, we are constantly hit with one adversity after the other, most of which we have no control over. But the four things we have total control over are how we react, how we adapt, how we breathe, and how we take action. — Diamond Dallas Page (1956-) American actor - PATTERN
Divine Definitions: (1) The discernible, coherent design upon which to base the total system; (2) The original arrangement and example of form; (3) The primary, discrete set of priorities from which all things are derived; (4) The fundamental model for all subsequent reality; (5) The physical, personal, mindal, and spiritual guide showing the way; (6) The ideal worthy of imitation and copying; (7) Generosity sufficient to create all that divine design requires
Quote: God is everything, moving through everything, is the pattern that everything makes. — Jo Walton, (1964-) Among Others {2011}
Comment: God is the original pattern. The idea of a tree existed before the first seed took root. Form follows function. Function follows intention. His intention is Love. We think of the physical world as the most real of things, yet matter is the slow energy pattern of pure substantive Reality. DNA is the simple structural pattern; adding life to it is the source of the real skill. Light contains the rainbow. Vibration contains the symphony. Love contains the baby’s giggle, the helping hand, and the answers.
PARAGON
Human Definition: a model or pattern of excellence or perfection <a paragon of virtue>Derivation: Greek, "to test good from bad"
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Anyone who lives a high standard is a paragon. Anyone can be an example of goodness simply by being good.
Quote: The Spirit brings order out of chaos and beauty out of ugliness. He can transform a sin-blistered man into a paragon of virtue. The Spirit changes people. The Author of life is also the Transformer of life. — Robert Charles Sproul (1939-2017) American theologian
- ONE
Divine Definitions: (1) The singular preeminent Being; (2) Individual autonomy; distinct; (3) Exclusively what He Is; unique; unequaled; (4) Indissoluble and indivisible; whole; (5) The zenith; incomparable; matchless; paramount; peerless
Comment: The human idea of One God evolved first out of fear of the unknown, through reverence for the ghost spirits of the dead, then through nature spirits to pantheism, and on to henotheism (the few top gods), and finally to monotheism.
Inspiration: God set you up with a unique personality to freely choose your experiences. God is a parent and loves you as if you are the only person in the universe.
UNIQUE
Human Definitions: (1) existing as the only one or as the sole example; solitary in type or characteristics; (2) having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable; (3) singular; unusual; extraordinaryQuotes:
• When strangers meet, great allowance should be made for differences of custom and training. — Frank Herbert (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune {1984}
• If we live truly, we shall see truly – insist on yourself; never imitate – nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind, nothing can bring you peace but yourself, nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American poetPoetry:
I am now who never was.
I am becoming who never was.
I am always unique.Comment: Everybody is different; everyone needs something different.
Visualization: Each one of us is a seed beginning to grow into a unique plant in an infinite forest.
Observation: Parents soon see each of their children’s personalities as unique and wonderfully lovable.
- OMNISCIENT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Able to comprehend all deep and diverse reality; all-knowing; prescient; (2) Capable of beholding everything; (3) Able to see from every perspective all at once, omnispective; (4) Able to hear all needs and respond to all thoughts; (5) Possessing an infinite mind; intelligent; logical; rational; incisive; (6) Aware of all things and able to synthesize them into a cohesive whole; cognizant; (7) Having a complete and coherent perspective of everything; omnipercipient.; (8) Easily inventing new options and new realities; ingenious; (9) Able to comprehend all incongruities and harmonize them; (10) Able to commune with every person in the universe; perspicacious
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Synonyms: all-seeing, farsighted, foresighted, insightful, observant, watchful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: We tend to think of intelligence in terms of human abilities. The smartest of us can hold several ideas at a time, can parse several lines of thought, and can do quick intuitive calculations. But we are like a single point compared to God. Everything has its existence in God. If God, for a split second, was not conscious of something (even a single atom) it would cease to exist. How much more precious is a single soul? We can feel blessed and secure knowing God is always looking out for us.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --KNOWLEDGEABLE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) mentally understood as fact or truth; well-informed; (2) keen to perceive; intelligent; (3) possessing appreciative insight; apprehending with clarity and certainty; (4) having a memory of or an experience with; solid recognition; (5) aware of or familiar with; having information about; (6) practicedSynonyms: comprehension, erudite, learned, skillful
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Balancing Quality: Interested
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Familial Qualities: Incisive:...
- OMNIPRESENT!-- wp:paragraph --
DIVINE definitions: (1) Located anywhere and everywhere at all times; ever-present; (2) Omnitemporal; (3) Serving within creation; ubiquitous; (4) Having infinite range; far-reaching; far-flung; boundless
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: All of the Omni’s work together to hold all things and beings within the divine plan. God has to be everywhere (omnipresent) so His all-powerfulness (omnipotence) can work with his absolute knowingness (omniscience). It is in our power to push the boundaries of our ideas about these attributes: within time-space to beyond time and space, from all actuals to all potentials, from human persons to ultimate personalities, from consciousness to superconsciousness.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --PRESENT
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Definition: being, existing, or occurring at this time; now; currentProverb: Look to this day for tomorrow is but a vision and yesterday a dream. — Sanskrit
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• Consider that this day will never dawn again. — Dante [born Durante degli Alighieri] (c. 1265-1321) Italian poet
• The past and the future are the gift wrapping for the present. — Gerard “Jerry” Vincent Hubert Downs (1949-) American photographer & writer
• I shall tell you a great secret, my friend. Do not wait for the last judgment, it takes place every day. — Albert Camus (1913-1960) French-Algerian philosopher
• [Dorothy:] If you can’t find what you are looking for right where you are then you can’t find it anywhere. — Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz {1900}
• What you do in the present creates the future. So, keep your thoughts on the positive side, think about the best that could happen, think about the good things you want to happen. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Remember, be here now. — Baba Ram Das [born Richard Alpert] (1931-) American spiritual... - OMNIPOTENT!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Possessing unlimited power; almighty; (2) Containing all actuals and potentials; (3) Having infinite authority and influence; (4) Maintaining total control; invincible; invulnerable; irrepressible; (5) Able and competent to act with perfect correctness; (6) Vigorous; lively
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God’s power was the first great quality man understood – and feared. With the addition of wonder this fear was later replaced by awe. It was then advanced into reverence by the addition of respect for His power. Now that we also have a greater appreciation of His good and merciful nature, we are motivated to regard Him with affection and worship.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --POWERFUL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having great physical prowess; strong; able to exert intense force; mighty; (2) being a brilliant moral influence; (3) able to persuade or convince the minds of others; (4) possessing great energy; producing enormous effectsBalancing Qualities: An overabundance of the desire for safety and security leads people to focus on the qualities of power and strength. These, if not balanced with the qualities of compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and gentleness, lead to violence.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Too Far: The positive qualities of desire and power taken too far end in greed.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Motto: Cedant arma togae (Latin): “Let arms yield to the toga” [Let military power give way to civil power]. — Wyoming state motto
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
• It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, it is the cleaving to life and wealth and power. — Siddhartha Gautama [The Buddha] (c. 563-483 BC) Nepali-Indian guru
• Non-violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of... - MYSTERIOUS!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Stimulating wonder; inspiring fascination; hypnotic; (2) Exciting curiosity; intriguing; (3) Beyond our most appealing dreams; unfathomable; (4) So awesomely sacred as to cause speechlessness; ineffable
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Mysterium fascinans (fascinating mystery): a sense of something fascinating, desirable, good, caring, and comforting which invites us into its fullness, fulfills us, and in so doing produces a unique kind of spiritual joy (bliss). — Rudolf Otto (1869-1937) German theologist & philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• In human spiritual experience, the fact of God and the love of God are not a mystery. Mystery appears when we begin to fathom the details of the spirit realm. The finite mind can know only what is in its frame, albeit this limited frame is ever expanding with experience and revelation. The soul can know more.
• God has no reason to use magic. He knows all of the tricks but resorts to none of them. His primary motive is to share Himself. The desire to discover is fascinating to all personalities and is hardwired into every mind. We naturally seek to learn more, not only about ourselves but also about the habits (laws) of God and the universe. All things are discoverable with His help; progress is inevitable.
• Once the current mysteries are unveiled there will be intriguingly new ones to hold our awe.PROFOUND
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) marked by intellectual depth; (2) seriously or intensely felt; (3) thoroughgoing <profound judgments>Synonyms: humble, mysterious, penetrating
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: The first function, one might say, of every mythology has always been a mystical, metaphysical function: that of awaking in the mind and spirit of the individual a sense of awe before the mystery of “being” itself. This is the mystery...
- MOTHER!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The co-head of the universe; devoted to the care, welfare, and rearing of the family; (2) The second person of the Trinity; (3) The nurturing aspect of God; (4) The source of abundance and plenty; (5) The Eternal Mother
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: God is not male or female, those are human biological designations. Yet God has been referred to as both Father and Mother from time immemorial. Even though there is only one God, there are many facets, many personalities, and many positive aspects we can differentiate and appreciate from our finite point of view.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --MATERNAL
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definition: characteristic of a mother or motherhood <as loyal, supportive, protective, loving, giving, and generous>
See also: PaternalQuote: Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. — Chief Si'ahl [Seattle] (c. 1780-1866) Native American peacemaker
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Prayer:
!--...
Gratitude to Mother Earth – sailing through night and day and to her soul, rich, rare, and sweet.
Gratitude to plants – facing light, changing leaf, and fine root hairs, standing still through wind and rain.
Gratitude to air – bearing the soaring, the swift, and the silent owl at dawn.
Gratitude to wild beings – our brothers, teaching secret ways of freedom; who share with us their milk, their self – complete, brave, and aware.
Gratitude to water, clouds, lakes, and glaciers – holding or releasing, streaming through all our bodies salty seas.
Gratitude to the sun – blinding pulsing light through trunks of trees, through mists, warming caves where bears and snakes sleep.
Gratitude to the great sky – holding billions of stars – and yet goes beyond, beyond all powers and thoughts – and yet is within us.
— Mohawk, The People of the Shards of Light - LIFE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Animation of pattern and energy by Divine Spirit upon matter; (2) That vital spark which allows an organism to absorb energy, associate with mind, grow, adapt, and reproduce; (3) The vitalizer and revivifier; (4) The essential element of continued existence; the soul; élan vital; (5) The gift of consciousness
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: The loss of (physical) life has always been, and continues to be, the most fearsome and mysterious of facts. The first fact – the existence of a loving God – frees us from this greatest of worries. Our restored (heavenly) life is assured if we assimilate the indestructible substances of the universe: values.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Jesus calls men, not to a new religion, but to life. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) German Lutheran theologian
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --ANIMATED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) endowed with the qualities of life; alive; (2) full of movement and activity; lively; (3) full of spirit; vigorousQuotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• True friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports. Richard Burton [born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr.] (1925–1984) Welsh actor
• How great is the mystery of the first cells which were one day animated by the breath of our souls! How impossible to decipher the welding of successive influences in which we are forever incorporated! In each one of us, through matter, the whole history of the world is in part reflected. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) French Jesuit priestLIVELY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) vigorous; active; (2) cheerful; airy; (3) spirited; exciting; stimulating; (4) strong; intense; stirring; (5) brilliant; fresh; (6) quick to rebound, to spring back; resilientSynonyms: Lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy; animated applies to what is...
- LAW!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The giver of the innate ability to know fact from fiction and right from wrong; (2) The giver of the divine command: “Be you perfect” from which all other law is derived; indisputable fixed clarity; (3) The instigator of the principles of the actions of nature; (4) In harmony with foreknowledge and wisdom; dutiful; (5) Efficient; exact; (6) dharma <the eternal and inherent nature of reality, cosmic law>
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• Since God’s actions are so well considered, they are often the same from one circumstance to the next. Thus, His actions have been codified into the immutable laws of nature, physics, and all other branches of reality. But, since God is first a loving Person, consistency does not imply reality has a slavish hold on Him, but rather a continual reaffirmation of His all-wise overcare. All of His actions show His volitional free will.
• Law is the foundation of the mercy ladder. Without law there would be no balanced justice; without justice, no insightful fairness; without fairness, no trusting patience; without patience, no unselfish kindness; without kindness, no genuine mercy; and mercy points to its source and destiny: abiding love.LAW-ABIDING
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) foreknowledge of, and in harmony with, obeying the law; respectful of the law; dutiful; licit; (2) the ability to know fact from fiction and right from wrongQuotes:
• Only outer peace can be had through law. The way to inner peace is through love. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• Mere obedience to the law does not measure the greatness of a nation. … The true test is the extent to which the individuals composing the nation can be trusted to obey self-imposed law. — Lord John Fletcher Moulton (1844-1921) English barrister and judge
• The laws of man may bind him in... - INVITING
Divine Definitions: (1) Courteously requesting participation; attracting; (2) Opening the way; showing the course; alluring; (3) Eliciting wholesome desire; satisfying, (4) The essence of tact, finesse, and subtlety; (5) The most magnetic personality; charismatic; charming; (6) Able to make Himself evident to us; (7) Engaging; likable
Comment: God asks us to allow ourselves to be enticed with the final grand adventure: the discovery of his unending qualities of divinity. Through us He becomes both found and finder.
WELCOMING
Human Definitions: (1) having easy and open access to; approachable; friendly; intimate; (2) receiving with gladness or delight <you are always welcome>; courteous, cordial; (3) able to be contacted, appreciated, or discoveredQuote: Nature promotes mutualism. The flower nourishes the bee. The river waters quench the thirst of all living beings. And trees provide a welcoming home to so many birds and animals. There is a rhythm to this togetherness. — Ram Nath Kovind (1945-) Indian politician, 14th president of India
Observation: A welcoming person projects an air of friendliness by putting others at ease.
INVITING
Human Definitions: (1) offering the promise of an attractive or enjoyable experience; (2) polite urging; a welcome requestQuote: Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired. — Martha Graham (1894–1991) American dancer and choreographer
- INFINITE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Beginningless and endless; ageless; (2) Impenetrable; possessing mysteries beyond number; (3) Existing before time; pre-existent; superfinite; (4) Unable to be exhausted; undiminished; tireless
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comments:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• God has given us the precious gift of time.
• Even if creation should continue indefinitely, God would still possess the same infinite potential.
• No matter how long it takes the finite universe to progress to its final perfect purpose it will be as a split second in the measurelessness of The Infinite.Quote: There is in the short course of life naught which is so long coming that an Immortal Mind can think it has long to wait for it. — Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (480-524) Roman senator & philosopher
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --TIMELY
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) happening, done, or said at a suitable moment, especially in order to achieve a desired effect; opportune; (2) arriving at the appointed time; well-timed; (3) appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion; (4) a lifesaverBalancing Quality: Prepared
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Sayings:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• There is no time like the present.
• Take the time to do it right, or you’ll find the time to do it over.Quotes:
• For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under heaven. — The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1
• Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American polymath [eight disciplines]
• Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. — Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) American artist
• God … does not recognize earth-time. To the universe, four days is no different than four billion light years. — Robert James... - ILLUMINATOR!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The creator of light; luminous; (2) The giver of physical, mental, and spiritual light; (3) Spiritually enlightening; resplendent; (4) To brighten with grace; (5) The giver of perspective; (6) The one who makes things clear; elucidating and uplifting; (7) Mentally brilliant; illustrious; cogent; (8) Shedding light on each detail; interpreter; (9) Filling the universe with color
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quotes:
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
• He shines; everything shines. — Hinduism, Katha Upanishad 5.15 {5th-1st century BC}
• The universe is illuminated by three kinds of light: material light, intellectual insight, and spirit luminosity. — The Urantia Book, 0:6.8 {1955}ENLIGHTENED
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) having arrived at a more objective view; able to see or comprehend truth; illuminated; (2) clear as to facts, meanings, values, or intentions; informed; (3) free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstitionQuote: I am not the first Buddha who came upon Earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time, another Buddha will arise in the world - a Holy One, a Supremely Enlightened One, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious, knowing the universe, an incomparable leader of men, a master of angels and mortals. — Siddhartha Gautama “The Buddha” (c. 563-483 BC) Nepalese holy man
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Tip: Enlightenment is relative. For instance: One may experience a sudden coalescing of pieces of the puzzle into a cohesive whole. All the while knowing this new “whole” is yet just another piece.Colors: violet, yellow
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Symbols: 1) the crown; 2) lotus flowers
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --ILLUSTRATIVE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) making clear what is obscure; elucidating; (2) serving as an honorable exampleDerivation: Latin, “clear,” “bright,” “lustrous”
!--... - IDENTITY
Divine Definitions: (1) The objective reality, the source of all singular things; (2) The first thought, the source of all individual minds; (3) The original Person, the source of all unique personalities; (4) The creative value, the source of all differentiated ideals
Comment: We are dependent during this physical time upon the human body being healthy and alive, particularly the brain/mind connection. After our first physical body dies our essential cosmic identity (Spirit, personality, mind, soul, and valuable experiences) is preserved and continues to thrive.
SELF-RESPECT
Human Definition: a proper respect for oneself or for one’s own character and reputationBalancing Qualities: Humility, Willfulness
Note: Lack of, or loss of, self-respect results in inaction due to the diminution of will - or selfish action due to lack of respect for others.Too Far: There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. ‘Good pride’ represents our dignity and self-respect. ‘Bad pride’ is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance. — John Calvin Maxwell (1947-) American author & pastor
Quote: Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners. — Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) Irish-born English author
Reflection: Would that there were an award for people who come to understand the concept of enough. Good enough. Successful enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Socially responsible enough. When you have self-respect, you have enough. — Gail Sheehy (1936–2020) American author & lecturer
Advice: Idleness weakens self-respect. Therefore, stay busy with something constructive you love to do, or have a duty to do. Then turn that duty into an act of love. Self-respect begins with knowing what is worthy of respect; and is gained by loving and serving that value in others.
- GLORIOUS
Divine Definitions: (1) Deserving praise; adorable; (2) Controlling the highest degree of excellence; (3) Possessing sublime beauty and awesome splendor; magnificent; (4) Better, by far, than can be imagined
Synonyms: There are hundreds, of superlatives used to describe God. And, of course, He deserves to be thought of in the loftiest of concepts. I have chosen only a few, but others would be: astonishing, breathtaking, dazzling, entrancing, grandeurous, lustrous, stunning, terrific, wonderful, and so on.
Quote: Not in achievement, but in endurance, of the human soul, does it show its divine grandeur and its alliance with the infinite. — Edwin Hubbel Chapin (1814–1880) American preacher
Comment: It is difficult to believe in a Being who cannot be seen and touched with the normal physical means as proof. But experience is deeper than the five senses. Intelligent belief may be necessary at first. Faith, however, is a genuine experience of a living relationship between you and God.
GRAND
Human Definitions: (1) conceived or expressed with great dignity; (2) illustrious; powerful; (3) splendid; magnificent; (4) noble; sublime; lofty; (5) important; distinguishedSynonyms: elevated, exalted, majestic, superb
Quotes:
• Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal. — George Fredrick Will (1941-) American journalist
• You have to have a big vision and take very small steps to get there. You have to be humble as you execute but visionary and gigantic in terms of your aspiration. It's not about grand innovation, it's about a lot of little innovations: every day, every week, every month, making something a little bit better. — Jason McCabe Calacanis (1970-) American Internet entrepreneurColor: green
- ETERNAL
Divine Definitions: (1) Without beginning or end; everlasting; unbounded; (2) Changeless; always true; (3) Perpetual; timeless; ceaseless; (4) Forever in existence; immortal; enduring beyond time; (5) Existing beyond eternity; imperishable; (6) Indefatigable
Quote: What we do in life echoes in eternity. — Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121-180) Roman Emperor and philosopher
Inspiration: Finite time contains within itself the seeds of eternity. God knows what He planted.
Comment: It is impossible to imagine a continuous eternity but it is worth trying just as an exercise in expanding our comprehension of the Primal Cause and our final destiny. God is the Absolute Infinite.
ASPIRING
Human Definitions: (1) to long, aim, or seek ambitiously <especially for something great or of high value>; (2) ascending; soaringDerivation: Latin, “to breathe”
Quotes:
• Heaven and God are not high above us - far away; they are deep within us. Seekers of the eternal Truth will realize [it is] within their aspiring hearts. — Chinmoy Kumar Ghose [Sri Chinmoy] (1931-2007) Indian spiritual leader
• In so far as [the] soul becomes permeated by truth, beauty, and goodness as the value-realization of God-consciousness, such a resultant being becomes indestructible. If there is no survival of eternal values in the evolving soul of man, then mortal existence is without meaning, and life itself is a tragic illusion. … What you begin in time you will assuredly finish in eternity – if it is worth finishing. — The Urantia Book (111:3.7) - EMULABLE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Worthy of being a paragon; hero; (2) inspiring others to imitate the divine nature and qualities, <love and all of its derivatives; (3) the Person of such outstanding high regard as to compel imitation
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: Be you perfect, even as I am perfect. — The Heavenly Father (∞ - ∞) The Perfect One
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Note: The key word in this quote is “as.” We are commanded by our Loving Parent to be as perfect in our sphere of finite reality as the Father is in his sphere of infinity and eternity. Since He is perfect, He is asking us (and promising it is possible) to be like Him. His goodness is worthy of imitation and we are offered a way (the Divine Plan) to share eternal life with Him. The eternal quest is the search for perfection. The desire to be better than we are is part of our nature for a good reason. If we follow His lead we will, bit by bit, find the answers to immortality. The search for God is the final great pursuit.IMITABLE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definition: worthy of being copied or imitated; emulable; illustrativeSaying: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. — Charles Caleb Colton (1777-1832) English cleric & writer
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Comment on Saying: Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. — Joyce Diane Brothers (1927-3013) American psychologist & advice columnistQuote: Our best selves tell us that 'there but for the grace of God... ' and that, in the end, there is no distance, really, between us and them. It is just us. Our best and noble hope is to imitate the God we believe in. The God who has abundant room in His heart for us all. — Gregory Joseph Boyle, S.J. (1954-) American Roman Catholic priest
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Question: Would you want someone to follow your example and carry on your work?
!-- /wp:paragraph... - ALL-ENCOMPASSING!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) The whole of everything; totally inclusive; replete; (2) Going completely around, enveloping; nothing outside the embrace of; self-contained; (3) Exerting utter control over all domains; (4) Total accomplishment of objectives; (5) All-pervasive
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Within a system there are parts. Each system is enclosed by the extents of its domain. Every part is encompassed within the system. The All-encompassing Being includes all of the individual parts, all of the separate systems, and all of the systems together in a single harmony. In order for there to be a harmony of parts, there has to be parts. Without parts a thing is simply itself, whole and complete. God is both.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Quote: The span of a God’s love can hold within its vision the existences of all individuals at one time in an infinite loving glance, seeing each with all his or her peculiar characteristics and tendencies.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Such a God’s glance would delight in each person’s difference from each other person. This would not be a blanket love, a soupy porridge of a glance in which individuality melted, but a love based on a full understanding of each individual.
The emotion of love brings you closest to an understanding of the nature of All-That-Is [God]. — Dorothy Jane Roberts (1929–1984) The Seth Material {1970}Historical Reference: The concept of Purusha refers to pure unbounded consciousness, the indwelling God-essence of the self, and the Universal Principle that is eternal, indestructible, and all-pervasive. (c. 1500–c. 500 BCE) — Hinduism
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --WHOLE
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Human Definitions: (1) in sound health; not diseased or injured; (2) intact; not broken, damaged, or defective; (3) containing all elements or parts; entire; completeQuote: An act is not, as young men think, like...
- ABSOLUTE!-- wp:paragraph --
Divine Definitions: (1) Relative to no other; all others dependent on Him/Her (See Notes:); (2) Free from, and above, any extraneous influence; self-sufficient; (3) Independent in and of Himself; (4) Unconditioned by any standards, causes, or outside circumstances; (5) Not limited or restricted by any other force or control; (6) Pure; perfect; (7) The embodiment of ideal love; (8) Complete; whole; (9) The ultimate actual and potential reality; (10) Unqualified; fundamental; (11) The supreme authority; super-ultimate; (12) Infinitely beyond any other thing or being; unsurpassed
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --
Notes:
• God is not male or female; those are human biological designations. I will be using “Him/He.”
• "God" is the formal [English) word we use to describe the source of all reality.Reflection: It is appropriate for Absolute to be the first in the alphabetical list of God’s qualities. It can and should be used as a modifier for all other qualities: absolute love, absolute perfection, absolute generosity, etc. Since God is absolute, all of His qualities are also absolute. This means no quality can have any more value than any other: absolute justice has exactly the same value as absolute mercy. No matter how difficult we may think a choice is, to God it is easy. It is beyond us to understand His absolute nature, but He has no difficulty melding and perfectly coordinating anything with any and all other things — no matter if they are material things, mental meanings, spiritual values, persons, or any combination thereof.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Consideration: We may think we know what the word Absolute means, but every time we contemplate it in depth, we find ourselves looking to the only Person who actually is absolute and the meaning expands. Therefore, we grow every time we think of God’s absolute nature and attributes.
!-- /wp:paragraph -- !-- wp:paragraph --Comment: Although God Himself is...