10 qualities!

Determination

Determination is the power of intent that drives our dreams. It is the strength of will to act with resolve. We focus our energy on a purpose and persevere until we meet our goal. Determination is the commitment to follow through, until we accomplish our purpose. We care about something so much that even when difficulties arises, and things don’t come easy, we keep on keeping on. If one path doesn’t work, we try another way. We don’t allow ourselves to get distracted or to go off track. We complete the tasks we choose to do. With determination we will succeed.

“The difference between determination and stubbornness is that one comes from a strong will and the other from a strong won’t.” ~ Unknown

The Practice of Determination:
* I am clear about what I want to accomplish.
* I am committed to meeting my goals.
* I focus my full attention on what is important.
* I do what it takes to follow through.
* I am flexible and persevering.
* I finish what I start.

I am thankful for the gift of Determination. It is the wind in my sails.

                                                                                       

                             Detachment

Detachment is experiencing our feelings without allowing them to control us. We step back and look at things objectively. We let go and accept what we cannot change. We detach from others’ choices, knowing that their spiritual work is not ours to do. We choose how we will act rather than just reacting. We step away from harmful cravings. Detachment is a deep breath of peace and patience in response to unexpected anger. With detachment, we see our mistakes honesty, make amends and start afresh. Detachment allows us be in the world but not of it. It frees us to lead our lives with grace.

“You always have the choice to take all things evenly, to hold on to nothing, to receive each irritation as if you had only fifteen minutes to live.” ~ Tolbert McCarroll

The Practice of Detachment:
* I recognize my feelings without letting them control me.
* I resist interfering with others’ spiritual lessons.
* I choose to act instead of react.
* I free myself from impulses and cravings.
* I listen in order to understand.
* I have the humility to amend my mistakes.
* I lead my life as my soul chooses.

I am thankful for the gift of Detachment. It lifts me up.

                                                                                             

Decisiveness

Decisiveness is firmness of mind in taking stand or making a decision. It requires us to be both courageous and discerning. At times, a choice appears and we must make it instantly, without hesitation, prompted by a deep knowing that it is right and timely. Decisiveness can also call us to hold a decision with patience, prayer and deep contemplation. We seek a pure intent, which guides us to a conclusion we can trust. Then one day, we reach the bedrock of truth and know it is time to act. We move forward with resolve and aconfidence. Being decisive, we are content with our decisions and do not second-guess ourselves. The timing of a good decision is just Divine.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller

The Practice of Decisiveness:
* I have the courage to decide.
* I have confidence in my choices.
* I am not afraid to act in the moment.
* I take the time I need to discern the wisest path.
* I trust my deepest truth.
* I carry my decisions into action.

I am thankful for the gift of Decisiveness. It is the solid ground on which I stand.

Courtesy

Courtesy is treating others with kindness and tact. We take the time to speak and act graciously, showing people that we value and respect them. We make requests, not demands. We remember our manners, greet others warmly, and listen closely when they speak. Courtesy is a way to honor others, showing them how much they matter to us by how we treat them. Those closest to us need our courtesy most of all. Courtesy is the mirror of their value.

“See ye not, Courtesy is the true Alchemy, turning to gold all it touches and tries?” ~ George Meredith “The Song of Courtesy”

The Practice of Courtesy:
* I remember my manners.
* I show others that I value and respect them.
* I treat others graciously.
* I make requests, not demands.
* I listen attentively.
* I treat my intimates with special care.

I am thankful for the gift of Courtesy. It sweetens my relationships.

Cooperation

Cooperation is working together for the good of all. It is the willingness to stand side by side and use the different gifts each of us has to offer. We seek common goals in service of a unified vision. We blend our abilities to create something none of us could achieve alone. Conflict and contention drain us. Cooperation can fuel our dreams. With cooperation, we help one another to share the load. We willingly do the tasks that others ask of us. We look for ways to be helpful and ask for help when we need it. We do not isolate or harbor our loneliness. Together we accomplish greater things.

“Though force can protect in emergencey, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace.” ~ Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President of the U.S.A.

The Practice of Cooperation:
* I invite partnership.
* I trust the power of unity.
* I offer help and ideas freely.
* I have the humility not to do it all myself.
* I know I don’t have to be alone.
* I work with enthusiasm for a common goal.

I am thankful for the gift of Cooperation. It brings me into the community.

Compassion

Compassion is deep empathy for another who is suffering or living with misfortune. It is understanding and caring, and a strong desire to ease their distress. Compassion flows freely from our hearts when we let go of judgments and seek to understand. Our compassionate presence helps people to know they are not alone. Sometimes they don’t need us to fix anything. They only need to be heard with compassion, so that they can connect to their own inner wisdom. We need our own compassion as much as others do. Whether a silent prayer or a gentle touch, compassion is a priceless gift.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ The Dalai Lama

The Practice of Compassion:
* I notice when someone is hurt or needs a friend.
* I feel empathy for the pain of others.
* I take the time to reach out to those who need help.
* I care for others by listening deeply.
* I refrain from judging.
* I have compassion for myself.

I am thankful for the gift of Compassion. It stirs my heart.

Commitment

Commitment is caring deeply about a person, a goal, or a belief. Once we discern a direction, we go for it wholeheartedly. We don’t hold back, second-guess our decision or hesitate to act on it fully. We set goals and achieve them. We make promises and keep them. We go the extra mile. We are faithful to our relationships and don’t allow problems to make us waver. Keeping our commitments strengthens our inner integrity. It deepens our capacity to carry responsibility with grace.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness… the moment one commits oneself, then Providence moves too.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Practice of Commitment:
* I am discerning about my decision.
* I give 100% to whatever I do.
* I am confident in my choices.
* I keep my agreements.
* I am loyal to those I care about.
* I have the strength to go the distance.

I am thankful for the gift of Commitment. It brings passion to my purpose.

Cheerfulness

Cheerfulness is seeing the bright side and looking for the good in whatever happens. It is maintaining a positive attitude of optimism and confidence. When we give cheerfully we are wholeheartedly helpful. Even when life is challenging, we make the best of it. We trust that all will be well. We nurture happiness. A cheerful smile can lighten up everyone’s day.

“There is one thing one has to have: either a soul that is cheerful by nature, or a soul made cheerful by work, love, art, and knowledge.” ~ Francois-Marie Voltair

The Practice of Cheerfulness:
* I keep a positive outlook.
* I look for ways to be helpful.
* I give wholeheartedly.
* I am optimistic amidst the currents of life.
* I feel confident and happy.
* I trust in the goodness of life.

I am thankful for the gift of Cheerfulness. 

Caring

Caring is giving tender attention to the people and things that matter to us. It is being a compassionate witness, listening to another wholeheartedly and without judgment. We show that we care with thoughtful acts and kind words. When we do a careful job, we give it our best effort. We are not indifferent to things that matter. We care deeply about the principles we believe in. Caring is a sign of love. When we care for others, we notice how they feel and what they need. When we care for ourselves, we have more to give to others. Caring is a gift from the heart.

“One who cares, listens.” ~ Paul Tillich

The Practice of Caring:
* I take an interest in others and listen deeply.
* I look for ways to be considerate and helpful.
* I am gentle and loving with anyone and anything placed in my care.
* I give excellence to whatever I do.
* I am passionate about my beliefs.
* I take good care of myself.

I am thankful for the gift of Caring. It helps me to express my love.

Beauty

Beauty is a sense of wonder and reverence for the harmony, color, and loveliness of the world. Beauty opens us to the deep pattern of life that inform and delight us. It allows us to feel our connectedness with all creation. It calls us to look beyond the superficial appearance to appreciate the gifts in each person. Our creativity brings forth beauty in music, art, dance, and language. We practice beauty by creating a space of grace and order around us. We can reflect beauty in the way we dress, move, and speak. Living beautifully is a unique expression of our divine nature.

“The human soul needs actual beauty more than bread” ~ D. H. Lawrence

The Practice of Beauty:
* I spend time in the beauty of nature.
* I am inspired by the mysteries of life.
* I look for the good within everyone.
* I express my own creativity.
* I create a space of beauty and order around me.
* I speak and act graciously.

I am thankful for the gift of Beauty.

with metta

Anu...