Cultivating Virtues from My Vices *

At any present moment I can reframe my vices into virtues. If my mind can be filled with up to three quarters of negative thoughts, then I can transform my curses into blessings. Remembering to use many of the amazing “re” prefix such as “re-defining” is the key—a transformative one—to enter my world of virtue. Better than the three Rs in learning are three Re’s to best go forth with Relax, Reframe, and Rejoice.

I must remember “relax” so that I can exercise my full potential to be here and now. Relaxing with an intentional pause, or simply slowing down, lights my way. Once I lessen my stress, I can expand that other one quarter of my thoughts in positive white light by reframing my vices. Being mindful and remembering, I can rejoice a loving and kind intention that celebrates my whole being. It is only when I pay close attention to my own intention of virtue in relaxing, reframing and rejoicing, will I experience greater freedom from my vices.

Translating Another Five “Re”Words Into Deeds
Complimenting the three Re’s (Relax, Reframe, Rejoice) are another 5 Re’s that help in overcoming my vices and best actualizing my virtues.
Reword in order to speak with virtue. Re-teach the present teachable moment. Re-set clear boundaries. Re-honor through virtuous application. Re-solve by companioning with unity.

• Re-word and empower your virtue by reframing the language of discouragement into encouragement. Acknowledge, guide, correct and be grateful. Speak virtuously.
• Re-teach what is right instead of what is wrong in the present teachable moment.
• Re-set clear boundaries in order to differentiate the subject from the object, the observer from the judges. Reset boundaries.
• Re-honor by integrating virtue in all things through ART: Assertiveness, Respect and Trust. Re-honor by virtuous application.
• Re-solve by offering companionship with compassion and detachment. Understanding and caring can, at any moment, increase your own well being through detachment from negative emotions and cultivation of positive virtue. Re-solve by companioning with unity.

Re-wording can transform language that discourages into language that encourages. In the moment I can empower myself to truly respond, or I can deplete myself and react. Using virtue, I acknowledge, guide, identify needs, correct and thank--thus awakening the best qualities in myself. By changing my language I can perceive a shipwreck as a dream cruise. By diminishing my reactive language, I can increase my own joy. The key to doing that is to virtuously speak. By simply changing places from the judge to the observer, I can truly discern; by willing my inner critic to be my inner creator, and I benefit by becoming stronger, more powerful and more capable. By attributing positive power to my inner language, I transform the world around me. Re-word so to virtuously speak.

Re-teach that every moment offers me the opportunity to grow and learn. There is no greater way to access my full potential than to experience the virtue of peaceful mindfulness in the now. First, acknowledge the gift of being in the moment; second, correct any distraction through focus on the thoughts, words and actions in the present; and third, be grateful for the space to be in the now. Re-teach the present teachable moments.

I create a safe place and Re-set clear boundaries through asserting purity and order. This enables me to keep unwholesome words, thoughts and feeling outside the boundaries. My inner picture is of a safe haven wherein I find love and respect. This gives me a peaceful sense of well-being. Re-setting defined boundaries.

Each new breath invites me to mindfully Re-honor myself with the spirit of virtue in assertion, respect and trust. I strive to assert what is right and true for me in this moment. I recognize my reverence for all beings and all things. I trust in the possibility of what is to come, and I bring my full potential to that which will be. In doing so, I can counter doubt with determination and confidence. Re-honor the spirit of the virtues

Re-solve by offering companionship as I deepen my meditation to alter my vices. I see how all things are interrelated when I reach this point of compassionate detachment. As I deepen my concentration, I develop a profound sense of caring presence. Such understanding heightens my serenity. I empower my senses to become fully aware of what is happening.
When, I invite profound listening and silence in order to be fully receptive and show up to whatever arises, I go to the heart of what is happening. When I have fully emptied myself, this empty container can accept and receive without any judgment.

Further exploration as to all possible open-ended questions helps me best empathize and integrate my situation. What are my feelings, my sensations, my perceptions and other states to focus on?

I reflect on the virtuous answers in response to my feelings. This allows me to find closure and integrate my feelings and thoughts. Finally I acknowledge my virtues with a mirroring statement of affirmation. Re-solve offering companioning with unity.

Being relaxed revitalizes my well being by detaching me from negative emotions and so to cultivate greater virtue. Acknowledging, I reframe and correct my vices in any given moment resulting in an attitude of gratitude. Reflecting upon my virtues is a joyful activity that stimulates me to rejoice. For example when I seek joy rather than desire, I rejoice.
A deep focus on the here and now in the consciousness of virtues shifts me from being identified with my negative thoughts and vices. One scientist estimated that three quarters of our thoughts are unwholesome. For example, reflecting on enthusiasm, unity and the bountiful other virtues, I become free of my negative thoughts. Restlessness gives way to deep peacefulness.

In more difficult times, I may recite virtuous statements of aspirations to overcome adversity. Just saying “May I be filled with peace, love and unity,” or “May I celebrate harmony, possibility and purposefulness” gives me renewed confidence.

There are endless possibilities for me to apply the virtues whether walking, standing, speaking, or lying down. I commit myself to diligence and use of these gifts of character.
Relaxing, reframing and rejoicing allows me to open new doors to growth and learning. There is no greater way to access your full potential then to experience the present virtue of these 3 Re’s. First, acknowledge that any gift of relaxing enables you to best remain present in this moment. Next, I can correct any distraction or sense of being locked out by reframing my inner judge to observe this opportune moment. Finally, I am so grateful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness. I rejoice to my “now-ness.

The five other strategic Re’s will chart a course of triumph over disaster:
• Re-word so to virtuously speak
• Re-teach the present teachable moment
• Re-set clear boundaries
• Re-honor by integrating virtues; and
• Re-solve by companioning with unity.

ACT with the Re’s. First, I can Acknowledge that relaxing makes more present in this moment. Next, I can Correct any distraction by mindfully reframing these conscious thoughts, words, and actions as they appear. Finally, I can be Thankful for pausing, and rejoice in my “now-ness” and celebrate the loving kindness of this act.

*These words, phrases and ideas were adapted from the Virtues Project™