Projecting Integrity

Exploring why virtues actually are 'virtuous,' and how they serve the 'self'

While listening to the smooth sounds of

Jacqueline Rendell

on the YouTube machine this evening, I was busy extracting another ‘Page’ from the upcoming book for a post. The one I chose is another one of those very straight-forward entries, yet one of the more challenging pages to write.

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The reason that was the case is due to two elements: the subject matter, and the desire for brevity.

Regarding the former, with this ‘Page’ I discuss the weighty subject of ‘virtues’… or, at least the four I find most critical to personal evolution. It has been my experience that, while there have been lengthy volumes dedicated to each of these, seldom does anyone explain how they are beneficial, to both the person who practices them AND to those around them.

We get, ‘Well, this-or-that book tells you to,’ or ‘It’s the right thing to do,’ or ‘Because - that’s why,’ but there is either little attempt to flesh out how they work in a practical sense, or the content is so overwritten virtually nothing of value can be gleaned from it. I try to tackle those issues here.

Which brings us to the second element: How can one encapsulate such lofty ideas in a manner which could inspire yet inform, while so doing in under one paragraph each? I made that effort here, using my usual terse style to set a simple foundation while still leaving room for personal interpretation.

Now you know the challenges I had writing this ‘Page,’ along with what I want to achieve with it; of course, only you can judge the success of those efforts.

Before getting to it, the usual reminder: Being that it is one of the ‘Pages,’ it is vital for my overall spiritual outlook, and thus part of my personal canon.

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PAGE OF DEMEANORS

There are four Demeanors which should be practiced in daily life, for they bring peace and harmony to you and those around you. Adding to the richness of temporal existence, they provide a means to balance and process all manner of emotion; engage them, within the best of your abilities, for the good of others, and of self.

Gratitude -- Be grateful to (Providence) for what you have at this very moment, and in every moment you exist, be your circumstances luxurious or simple. The people in your life and the health of your body, the food that you eat and the beauty which surrounds you, the objects which bring you joy and even the very air you breathe… be grateful. Indeed, honoring gratitude truly is the catalyst to a complete life, for one can only receive that which they give; as such, revere even the simplest of blessings, that you may be awed when the greater blessings arrive.

Humility -- Be humble as a necessity, for with it comes the strengthening of Koa (soul) and the removal of insecurity. They of humility project themselves as calm, focused, and dauntless to those around them, for only they truly understand their place in the All. It demands not low esteem of self, but instead stokes a tranquil pride - a pride which smolders as confidence silent and deep, one which suffocates the toxic pride of hubris and jealousy and avarice.

Forgiveness -- Be forgiving toward others and self, banishing negative influences past and future so you may be. Difficult though it oft is, forgiveness of others empowers you to expel any capacity a transgressor has to adversely affect you, while forgiving self provides you the strength to rectify your own lapses. Release anger and vendetta and regret that you are made free, serenely in control of your own actions and emotions.

Patience -- Be patient in all things, that your awareness of the moment and your control of self remains sharp and relentless. The impatient are oft so recklessly driven to reach their destination, they miss out on what is gained from the journey itself. By abiding patience, however, you truly exist in the moment, never overlooking immediate prospects for positive associations, kernels of personal growth, or the joys of new adventures. Never an excuse for idle dormancy, patience advises when it is wise to act, that said-acts ever bear savory fruit.

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New feature! A complete list of the available ‘Pages’ - feel free to explore as you desire!

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After-Thoughts

I… don’t really have any. I kind of front-loaded the items I usually discuss here in the beginning, so I will just once again thank you for visiting, and remind you I will continue to drop more ‘pages’ over the weeks ahead.

For now, however, we shall return to regularly-scheduled shenanigans, with the TDT coming this Saturday night.

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Notes…
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were generated using Substack’s AI tool.