The Virtues Project: Moral and Spiritual Development and Education

I purchased the book The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves to learn more about how to raise my son to be a virtuous person without religious dogma. This book was my introduction to The Virtues Project. The founders of The Virtues Project found that a common theme across religions was the idea that our spirit is made of virtues.

The Virtues Project promotes 52 virtues in each of their books. Those virtues include: assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, compassion, confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, faithfulness, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, mercy, moderation, modesty, obedience, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, prayerfulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, steadfastness, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, understanding, unity, wisdom and wonder.

The Virtues Project's website describes their vision; "The Vision of The Virtues Project is to serve humanity by supporting the moral and spiritual development of people of all cultures, by helping them to remember who they really are and to live by their highest values."

Strategies of The Virtues Project

The Virtues Project has five strategies to use for personal and professional growth. These strategies can be used in raising virtuous children, cultivating a culture of kindness and respect, as well as changing the culture in a workplace. They can be used to bring out the best in yourself, your children, your staff, and your team.

The Virtues Project: Speak the Language of Virtues

We have all heard the childhood chant that sticks and stones can break our bones but words can never hurt us. I do not know one person who has not been hurt by words. The language we use is a very powerful tool and can be purposefully used to increase positive actions and feelings while decreasing negative actions and feelings.

The Virtues Project: Recognize Teachable Moments

Take bad situations and turn them into opportunities for personal or professional growth. This is a great strategy to use while raising children. We can all learn from our mistakes.

The Virtues Project: Set Clear Boundaries

Create a culture of peace and safety at home and at work by setting clear boundaries.

The Virtues Project: Honor the Spirit

Respect and dignity of all people are essential to this strategy. Take the time to appreciate what you have in life and share beautiful things with others. Create a vision statement for your home, job, or team to enhance unity and morale.

The Virtues Project: Offer Spiritual Companioning

Be available and compassionate to others. Empower them to be virtuous in their own lives.

Sources:

The Virtues Project. Retrieved August 3, 2010 from http://www.virtuesproject.com

Popov, Linda Kavenlin., Popov, Dan., & Kavelin, John. (1997) The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves. New York: Plume.