Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Gentleness
Gentleness is an attitude of tenderness and love toward people and the world around us. Gentleness flows from a desire not to harm anyone or anything. In its presence all are safe. It takes strength to call on the self-control that gentleness requires, particularly when we feel hurt or angry. Being gentle with ourselves helps us to be more forgiving and kinder to others as well. Gentleness trades control for an embrace. Gentleness is moving wisely, touching softly, speaking quietly and thinking kindly. Taking time for gentle activities nurtures our souls.
Quote: “The spiritual warrior, discipline is gentleness. Asserting gentleness in all spheres of life, non-violence and peace are achieved.” – Radha Sahar
The Practice of Gentleness
I make it safe for others to be around me
I handle everything with care.
I speak with a kind voice.
I express my feeling peacefully.
I am gentle with myself’
I create time for gentle activity.
I am thankful for gentleness. It makes my soul serene.
Questions for Discussion
- What parameters can help us call on gentleness during our social justice work?
- How do we handle everything it care when we’re discussing harm in our community?
- How are we defining safe in our community? What do we need to achieve it?
- How can I personify gentleness in our social justice work?
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit www.virtuesmatter.org.
