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.
Understanding
Understanding is having clear insight into ideas and feelings. We thoughtfully seek to comprehend the full truth. We are mindful of what is most important. We are deeply present to others with compassion and accuracy, helping them to discern their own clarity. We go the extra mile to put ourselves in another’s shoes in order to forgive. We treasure knowledge, and use our minds as tools to explore what is real and true. We cherish the ability to see the whole picture.
Quote: “If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things.” Vincent van Gogh
The Practice of Understanding
I reflect on the meaning of ideas.
I have empathy for others’ feelings.
I am mindful of meaning.
I am a discerning listener.
I call on empathy in order to forgive.
I value knowledge and perceptiveness.
I am thankful for the gift of Understanding. It enlightens my viewpoint.
- What is most important in our social justice work?
- How can empathy help us cultivate understanding?
- How is knowledge and perceptiveness celebrated in our community?
- How can being mindful of meaning help cultivate unity?
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
