Just as I opened this window to write this month's blog the realization came to me that I started this blog 35 issues ago as a 'service' to folks that had come to workshops and wanted to continue their journey of self learning and changing the world, one heart at a time.
I've become aware that my entries have often gotten longer (okay - unbearably long) and have sometimes started to sound like I'm standing on a soapbox rather than humbly sharing my human journey as I try and walk the good red road of life.
For that I ask your forgiveness. As I've drawn on humility and reflected on that tendency, what's become clearer to me is the root of it is one of my core virtues - idealism. I so resonate with George Bernard Shaw's, "You see things and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were and I say, 'Why not?'"
Linda Kavelin Popov tells us that, "Idealism is having a vision of what is possible and wanting to make a difference. It is caring passionately about what is meaningful in life. Idealists see things as they could be and have faith in the power of change."
She goes on to tell us that idealists, "put our principles into action. We don't just accept things the way they are. We dare to have big dreams and then act as if they are possible.
"Idealism doesn't mean that we are idle dreamers. Idle dreamers just wish things were better. Idealists do something to make things better. We make the ideal real."
I've been sharing how I've been affected by what is happening in the world in deep and profound ways. How badly I want things to change in the world. Out of my concern and the realization that the best place to affect change is right in front of me, in my own family, neighbourhood and community -- I've decided to serve by standing for public office in my municipality this fall. This should give me an outlet for the idealism that wants to see the world change and allow me to get back to the purpose of this blog. To share my journey as a spiritual being having a human experience - and how calling on and cultivating the qualities of character help me to have a full and rich experience.
Using the gifts we've got and what we've learned in the service of our ideals is the fullest expression of our lives. "The quality of our own life comes from the quality of our contribution." LKP
It's time for me to get off the soap box, roll up my sleeves and offer what I can. Like you, I've served my community in many ways. My concerns about the state of the world and the amount of time I am spending fretting about them, makes this the next logical step for me. It's clear it's time to, 'put my money where my mouth is' so to speak. I'm both excited and scared. Will I have the stamina? Can I really make a difference? What if I'm unsuccessful, will it all be a waste of time?
For many years, I didn't have the time to make this kind of commitment. It was have been unwise to do so then. My family was too dependent and I was putting my all into raising them to be contributing, caring members of humanity. People who know and value the virtues in themselves and others. People who will make a difference.
It occurs to me that each of us who are 'recognizing our teachable moments' and learning to live lives of purpose through The Virtues Project are serving the world. No matter what else our lives allow us to do for others, just growing our own hearts and characters is a profound service. Sometimes we think we have to do something huge to make a difference. So often it's the small things that make the real difference.
"Everybody can be great ....because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve....You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Martin Luther King Jr.
So, this next step is my way of serving my community. The ideas I have about community building and communication are shared by many of my friends and neighbours. Just getting them on the table, in the public discourse is an act of service. My job, like yours, is to walk my talk. The outcome is up to fate.
As you enjoy the last half of summer -- wherever you are -- I invite you to ask what service your idealism calls you to at this time in your life? Remember it doesn't have to be big. It could be as simple as dropping in on an elderly neighbour once a week or volunteering at the local food bank once a month or even making a decision to consciously acknowledge people for their virtues. Saying to our partner, 'Honey, I so appreciate that you take responsibility for taking out the recycling week after week, month after month and I wanted you to know that. I love you." Or to the check out person at the grocery store, "Your cheerfulness really lifts my heart after a hard day. Thank you for being a bright light in the world."
Recycling, reusing, re-gifting, conserving. All these are ways of being of service. If we were to start a list, I'm sure we'd be surprised at all the ways we are serving our ideals.
Please take this month's newsletter as an affirmation of all the ways you already do serve the world, and an invitation to open up to new avenues of service as your interest and energy allow.
Thank you for all the wonderful ways, big and small that you serve humanity and our planet everyday.
Each of us only has to play a small part, nobody can do it all. And by playing our small part, the part our unique spirit calls us to at this time of our lives, we really can change the world, one day, one heart at a time.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Idealism
I have a dream.
I have a plan.
I have faith in the highest possible outcome.
I walk my talk.
I persevere.
I make a difference.
I am thankful for the gift of Idealism. It helps me to realize my dreams.
Reflection Questions
What is my dream?
What is my plan to achieve it?
What is most meaningful to me in my life?
How can I use my gifts to make a difference in the world?
I've become aware that my entries have often gotten longer (okay - unbearably long) and have sometimes started to sound like I'm standing on a soapbox rather than humbly sharing my human journey as I try and walk the good red road of life.
For that I ask your forgiveness. As I've drawn on humility and reflected on that tendency, what's become clearer to me is the root of it is one of my core virtues - idealism. I so resonate with George Bernard Shaw's, "You see things and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were and I say, 'Why not?'"
Linda Kavelin Popov tells us that, "Idealism is having a vision of what is possible and wanting to make a difference. It is caring passionately about what is meaningful in life. Idealists see things as they could be and have faith in the power of change."
She goes on to tell us that idealists, "put our principles into action. We don't just accept things the way they are. We dare to have big dreams and then act as if they are possible.
"Idealism doesn't mean that we are idle dreamers. Idle dreamers just wish things were better. Idealists do something to make things better. We make the ideal real."
I've been sharing how I've been affected by what is happening in the world in deep and profound ways. How badly I want things to change in the world. Out of my concern and the realization that the best place to affect change is right in front of me, in my own family, neighbourhood and community -- I've decided to serve by standing for public office in my municipality this fall. This should give me an outlet for the idealism that wants to see the world change and allow me to get back to the purpose of this blog. To share my journey as a spiritual being having a human experience - and how calling on and cultivating the qualities of character help me to have a full and rich experience.
Using the gifts we've got and what we've learned in the service of our ideals is the fullest expression of our lives. "The quality of our own life comes from the quality of our contribution." LKP
It's time for me to get off the soap box, roll up my sleeves and offer what I can. Like you, I've served my community in many ways. My concerns about the state of the world and the amount of time I am spending fretting about them, makes this the next logical step for me. It's clear it's time to, 'put my money where my mouth is' so to speak. I'm both excited and scared. Will I have the stamina? Can I really make a difference? What if I'm unsuccessful, will it all be a waste of time?
For many years, I didn't have the time to make this kind of commitment. It was have been unwise to do so then. My family was too dependent and I was putting my all into raising them to be contributing, caring members of humanity. People who know and value the virtues in themselves and others. People who will make a difference.
It occurs to me that each of us who are 'recognizing our teachable moments' and learning to live lives of purpose through The Virtues Project are serving the world. No matter what else our lives allow us to do for others, just growing our own hearts and characters is a profound service. Sometimes we think we have to do something huge to make a difference. So often it's the small things that make the real difference.
"Everybody can be great ....because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve....You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Martin Luther King Jr.
So, this next step is my way of serving my community. The ideas I have about community building and communication are shared by many of my friends and neighbours. Just getting them on the table, in the public discourse is an act of service. My job, like yours, is to walk my talk. The outcome is up to fate.
As you enjoy the last half of summer -- wherever you are -- I invite you to ask what service your idealism calls you to at this time in your life? Remember it doesn't have to be big. It could be as simple as dropping in on an elderly neighbour once a week or volunteering at the local food bank once a month or even making a decision to consciously acknowledge people for their virtues. Saying to our partner, 'Honey, I so appreciate that you take responsibility for taking out the recycling week after week, month after month and I wanted you to know that. I love you." Or to the check out person at the grocery store, "Your cheerfulness really lifts my heart after a hard day. Thank you for being a bright light in the world."
Recycling, reusing, re-gifting, conserving. All these are ways of being of service. If we were to start a list, I'm sure we'd be surprised at all the ways we are serving our ideals.
Please take this month's newsletter as an affirmation of all the ways you already do serve the world, and an invitation to open up to new avenues of service as your interest and energy allow.
Thank you for all the wonderful ways, big and small that you serve humanity and our planet everyday.
Each of us only has to play a small part, nobody can do it all. And by playing our small part, the part our unique spirit calls us to at this time of our lives, we really can change the world, one day, one heart at a time.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Idealism
I have a dream.
I have a plan.
I have faith in the highest possible outcome.
I walk my talk.
I persevere.
I make a difference.
I am thankful for the gift of Idealism. It helps me to realize my dreams.
Reflection Questions
What is my dream?
What is my plan to achieve it?
What is most meaningful to me in my life?
How can I use my gifts to make a difference in the world?
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