The 5 Strategies
The 5 Strategies, developed by The Virtues Project™ are a set of practices or tools we can use to develop the virtues in ourselves and others. These strategies help us raise children of integrity and kindness, create relationships of trust and respect, foster communities of peace and resilience, and heal from trauma and adversity. These 5 strategies can help enrich your spiritual life and help you find meaning and purpose through the practice of virtues.
1. Speak the Language of the Virtues
Language shapes character. The way we speak has the power to encourage and inspire, or to hurt and shame. How we speak to ourselves is just as important as how we speak to others. Using Virtues based language gives us a tool to inspire one another, to guide our children, and to acknowledge the virtues we see in one another. Do more than say "than-you." Use Virtues language to let someone know the virtues you see in them! Get your free poster on How to Speak the Language of the Virtues.
The Power of a Virtues Acknowledgment
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How do you feel when someone says "good job?" What if instead they said, "I want to acknowledge your excellence and discipline in accomplishing this task?" How did the second statement feel compared to the first?
This is the difference that a Virtues Acknowledgment can make. It is one of the 5 Strategies of The Virtues Project™ (www.vituesproject.com) and can make a powerful difference in how others feel. A Virtues Acknowledgment can inspire, build self-esteem and strengthen the virtues inside all of us. This video demonstrates the effect the Language of the Virtues can have. |
2. Recognizing Teachable Moments
Recognizing Teachable Moments gives us a way to learn from our mistakes, and call forth the virtues needed. With our children and ourselves, we move from shaming ("that's bad") to naming ("please be peaceful now"). By naming the virtues needed, we can learn from our challenges, instead of letting them defeat us. Recognizing Teachable Moments is a powerful way to transform how you parent and how you speak to yourself. You can begin simply with a Personal Values Reflection.
3. Setting Clear Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries honors both you and the other person. Boundaries keep us safe, and in that safety we have more freedom. Boundaries in our families and schools help us know our limits and give us a framework for respect and unity. Setting clear boundaries in our lives and relationships is a way of honoring both self and others as well as promoting harmony and unity. There are 10 guidelines for setting clear boundaries.
4. Honoring the Spirit
Honoring the Spirit means taking time to connect with what matters most. It can be creating a sacred time and space to connect to your source, having a weekly family event, listening deeply to a beautiful piece of music or taking a walk in nature. When honor the spirit in others when we listen deeply and compassionately. Here are some ideas on how you can Honor the Spirit.
5. The Art of Spiritual Companioning™
Spiritual Companioning is listening one another into our truths. It is a form of compassionate listening that gives the other person the space and respect to find their own solutions. We can also learn to companion ourselves, by asking question like "what is it that I really need? What virtue can I call upon for this situation?" We can use companioning to comfort our dying, creating a sacred space for them to share their wisdom. This guide provides an overview of Spiritual Companioning.
Download a List of Virtues
Virtues posters courtesy of The Virtues Project™.