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 author

Observation: Only an advanced civilization recognizes a consistently even-tempered and benevolent God.

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

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 philosopher

Symbol: periwinkle flowers

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 & congressman

Comment: Allowing a cherished beloved person into your heart transforms your heart into one they can hold with the same tenderness in their heart.

Definitions: (1) being trusted by another; (2) certainty in the existence, reliability, truth, or value of something; (3) axiopisty <worthy of being believed>

Idiom: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

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

Comments:
• 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 overlaying truth?” In order to “prove” a belief we should embrace not only the long-established scientific facts but also be willing to use our mind (meanings, logic, and philosophy) and our spirit (values) to see those facts from all sides.

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 (1980’s-) American behavioral change expert

Comment: 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.

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 & philosophy

Visualization: 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}

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

Synonyms: adornment, embellishment, exquisite, fair, picturesque, seemly

Saying: Beaux yeux (French): “beautiful eyes” [beauty of face]

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 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 Council {1962} Message to Artists

Comments:
• Even if the physics of optics could explain a rainbow to the mind, the beauty of the experience must also be appreciated, and is even more important to the spirit.
• Is it necessary to experience ugliness in order to appreciate beauty? Do you think of the beautiful when you’re watching a movie about the holocaust? Do you think about the grotesque when you’re standing in awe over the Grand Canyon? Beauty stands in awe of itself. It is complete unto itself.
• Nature is the ultimate example of beauty on the material level. With nature, beauty is delicate and powerful, and easy to identify. The human being is the ultimate example of beauty on the personal level. Our first experience of another person is their physical manifestation, but that skin-deep attractiveness must soon be backed up with the qualities of real inner beauty, or the outer beauty soon becomes a sham. And if a person’s outer manifestation is not so handsome or pretty, then one must be open to experiencing their inner qualities to see their true nature.

Experience: My experience while hiking in the Grand Canyon combines varying aspects of beauty: the life-giving element of water, the juxtaposition of rough and sculpted rock, the play of light, the overcoming of the obstacles, being able to share it all with friends, and the deep appreciation of it all. It is truly a divine gift.

Colors: white [within which all color is contained], yellow

Symbols: 1) the eagle; 2) the rose

Legendary Figure: Helen of Troy, whose beauty was said to be able to launch a thousand ships

Mythological Figures: 1) Frigga, wife of Odin, is the supreme Scandinavian goddess; 2) Venus is the Roman goddess of love and beauty, who was also the goddess of spring and blossoms; 3) Blouwedd, the Scottish goddess of youth, spring, and beauty, was a maiden who was formed of flowers and miraculously came to life.

Definitions: (1) mental and emotional steadiness; in proportion; (2) possessing mental or physical poise; (3) in a state or position of equilibrium; equipoise <parity in distribution>; (4) in harmony or equal relationship; (5) the ability to weigh opposing issues; deliberating or pondering ideas and coming to an overview position
     See also: Symmetrical

Synonyms: adjusted, counterpoised, equalized, on the level

Quotes:
• You perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance. — Brian Tracy (1944-) Canadian-American motivational speaker
• Balance, peace, and joy are the fruits of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. — William Thomas Kinkade III (1958-2012) American painter

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.

Comments:
• 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 gentle exercise and moving meditation practiced for self-defense and as an exercise to balance energies.

Symbols: 1) Libra (The Zodiac); 2) the number two; 3) the scales of justice; 4) the Wheel of Fortune (Tarot)

Yin                               Yang
Feminine                     Masculine
Passive                        Active
Receptive                    Giving
Dark                            Light
Withdrawing              Advancing
Inhale                         Exhale
Heart                          Head

Definitions: (1) mental and emotional steadiness; in proportion; (2) possessing mental or physical poise; (3) in a state or position of equilibrium; equipoise <parity in distribution>; (4) in harmony or equal relationship; (5) the ability to weigh opposing issues; deliberating or pondering ideas and coming to an overview position
     See also: Symmetrical

Synonyms: adjusted, counterpoised, equalized, on the level

Quotes:
• You perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance. — Brian Tracy (1944-) Canadian-American motivational speaker
• Balance, peace, and joy are the fruits of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. — William Thomas Kinkade III (1958-2012) American painter

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.

Comments:
• 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 exercise and moving meditation practiced for self-defense and as an exercise to balance energies.

Symbols: 1) Libra (The Zodiac); 2) the number two; 3) the scales of justice; 4) the Wheel of Fortune (Tarot)

Yin                               Yang
Feminine                     Masculine
Passive                        Active
Receptive                    Giving
Dark                            Light
Withdrawing              Advancing
Inhale                         Exhale
Heart                          Head