Positive Qualities – Placid & Wholehearted

Dear Folks,
Regard your neighbor’s gain as your won gain, and your neighbors loss as your won loss. — Taoism, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien
It is known: A Wholehearted dedication to the things that really matter does give a person a transcendently Placid temperament. We are all still battered with the vicissitudes of life, but it is possible to be in life and above it at the same time.
Peace,
Jim
            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”
            WHOLEHEARTED
Definition: showing devoted commitment, earnest enthusiasm, directed determination, or sincere and energetic focus
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Positive Qualities – Gentle & Affable

Dear Folks,
The Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance — Paul of Tarsus (c. 5-67) The Bible, Galatians 5:22
As the seasons change from the harsh days of winter to the Gentle days of spring, we have a physical reminder to approach life and others in an Affable manner.
Peace,
Jim
            GENTLE

Definitions: (1) refined or polite; (2) generous; kind; (3) serene; patient; (4) mild; moderate
Synonyms: meek, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, soft
Balancing Qualities: determined, strong
Saying: Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re (Latin): “Gently in manner, strongly in deed”
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)
            AFFABLE
Definitions: (1) easy to approach and talk to; courteous; (2) having effortless manners; gracious; (3) having a kindly countenance; benign
Synonyms: accessible, civil, complaisant, friendly, mild, polite, urbane
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Positive Qualities – Sisterly & Systematic

Dear Folks,
Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school. — Robert Fulghum (1937-) Author
If you have no female siblings, use the qualities mentioned in the definition under Sisterly with the women in your life.
Those of us who are naturally Systematic (or any other quality) need to see how difficult it is for others to first, grasp the concept and then, and especially, to made some headway with it.
Peace,
Jim
            SISTERLY
Definition: affectionate <as the intimate kindness of a sister>; characterizing congenial or loyal relationship with or among women
Familial Quality: brotherly
            SYSTEMATIC
Definitions: (1) precisely organized; having a logical plan; methodical; (2) having the need to order things, thoughts, ideas, or systems into an integrated whole; thorough
Advice: 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.
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Positive Qualities – Formal & Multidimensional

Dear Folks,
Every time we say, “Let there be!” in any form, something happens. — Stella Terrill Mann , Author
When we see details of the patterns of reality, whether in society, nature, or the connections within our own internal character, we are seeing a portion of the Multidimensionality of our complex environment. We are always expanding our view and sorting and sifting where this goes and that belongs. The better we are at fitting the pieces together, the more the Formal picture of reality comes into focus.
Peace,
Jim
            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
            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
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Positive Qualities – Qualified & Supple

Dear Folks,
Nothing endures but personal qualities. — Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Poet
Yes, as Judy says, we are all Qualifiedly Supple. I can still get up on the ladder and work on re-finishing the siding; and I am thankful for that, even if I feel creaky in the morning. And when I hear the opinions of others, I can at least try to see the truth in what they believe, no matter how much it contradicts my subjective reality.
Peace,
Jim
            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
Synonym: capable
Quote:

Sometimes it is more important to discover what one cannot do, than what one can do. — Lin Yutang (1895-1976) Chinese Writer and Inventor

            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

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Positive Qualities – Common Sense & Self-governing

Dear folks,
People say that what we are all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking or thinking. I think what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive. That the life experiences that we have on the purely physical plane will have resonances within … our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive. That’s what it’s all finally about and that’s what these clues help us to find within ourselves.
Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.
We’re having experiences all the time which … render some sense of this, a little intuition of where your joy is: grab it. No one can tell you what it’s going to be. You’ve got to learn to recognize your own depths.
— Interview with Bill Moyers, Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) Mythologist
We can develop a trust in our own gut. Common Sense is originally imparted to youth by adults. And one of the things we learn pretty early on is that adults do not have all of the answers. Nonetheless, we can accept their information as what they take to be the rules of life, and move on from their. Knowing what is expected in society is the beginning of self-governed behavior, for both the individual and for the society.
Peace,
Jim
            COMMON SENSE
Definitions: (1) practical understanding or intelligence; (2) sound and prudent judgmentDerivation: Originally, common sense was the faculty uniting and interpreting the impressions of the other five senses.
Quotes:
Today’s common sense is yesterday’s science. — Neils Bohr (1885-1962) Danish Physicist

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

             SELF‑GOVERNING
Definitions: (1) having control or rule over oneself; autonomous; (2) characterizes a state, community, or region that is governed by its own people; democratic
Quote:
That state is best which governs least. — Thomas Jefferson (1742-1826) American Statesman, 3rd President of the Unites States

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Positive Qualities – Improving & Radiant

Dear Folks,
Live what you believe with the highest light you have. — Steps Toward Inner Peace, Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981) Pacifist
Progress can be agonizingly slow, especially if the project is large or the individual is young. But time is on our side. Doing a little bit every day to Improve will make the difference. Making a point of seeking the light will result in the beginning of an understanding of Radiance.
Peace,
Jim
            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
Synonyms: enhancing, proficient
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.

            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 truth is inconcussible – forever exempt from all transient vicissitudes, albeit never dead and formal, always vibrant and adaptive – radiantly alive. — The Urantia Book (118:3.3)
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.

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Positive Qualities – Original & Poised

Dear Folks,
Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) Jurist
We are all Original; each a unique person with a singular history of choices and experiences. Poise is also unique, our manner of carrying the qualities we have attained in our human shaped envelope.
Peace,
Jim
            ORIGINAL
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 manner
Quote:
A mind that’s afraid to toy with the ridiculous will never come up with the brilliantly original. — David Brin (1950 – ) Brightness Reef
            POISED
Definitions: (1) composed, dignified, and self‑assured; (2) being in balance or equilibrium
Quote:
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… — The Urantia Book (110:6.4)

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Positive Qualities – Materful & Victorious

Dear Folks,
We can discover this meaning in life in three ways: 1) by doing a deed; 2) by experiencing a value; and 3) by suffering. — Man’s Search for Meaning (page 176) Dr. Victor Frankl (1905-1997) Psychologist
Our first impression of a word is often the one we hold as its only meaning. One can get the full flavor of a quality by seeing how it is used by many minds. We often think of this week’s qualities in their final stage of accomplishment. It is very rare to jump all the way to the end without going through the steps.
In order to Master our possibilities we must be Victorious in the small things. Progress is the real victory.
Peace,
Jim
            MASTERFUL
Definitions: (1) having the ability or power to control <self or others>; authoritative; (2) showing skill or knowledge proving one as an expert of a subject
            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
Symbol: the palm tree
Historic Figure: Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar [El Cid] (1040-1099) was victorious in every battle

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Positive Qualities – Explorative & Flair

Dear Folks,
The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire. — Socrates (470–399 B.C.) Philosopher
We are all blessed with certain fundamental qualities. We come in this world with innocence, curiosity, sweetness, and many others. These are our qualitative starting point. One of these gifts of grace is a knack, an ability, a Flair for something. We usually exhibit it as a child. Good parents notice this natural tendency. They allow and encourage their child to develop it. As we Explore our inner and external environments, we find new ways of being who we are, but also new ways of become who we can be.
Peace,
Jim
            EXPLORATIVE
Definitions: (1) 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
            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
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.

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