Doing a Virtues Pick gives us an opportunity to choose a virtues card randomly (100 virtues cards to choose from), read it out loud and reflect on that virtue. We can reflect on how it might resonate or speak to us, how it might invite us to action, how we are challenged or how we have been using this virtue.
Everyone else listens to the person who selected a virtue with respective silence and full attention. The listeners do not interrupt, give advice, or tell their own story. When
the speaker finishes speaking, the listeners give the person a virtues
acknowledgment, based on what they have talked about. Then the next person
picks a virtues card and the process goes on.
Participants of the Virtues Pick group often remark on how much
“lighter” they feel after listening, sharing
and learning. They also enjoy the sense of unity they experience in the welcoming atmosphere. Here is what some of the members of the Virtues Pick group have to say about it:
- I have enjoyed the Virtue Pick sessions. Focusing on the virtue has helped me look for the good in others even more. It was positive and uplifting to have others recognize a virtue in me because I have low self-esteem. Our society often seems to pull others down. How wonderful it is to build others up in the Virtue Pick group.
- Going to a Virtue Pick is an opportunity to give and receive reinforcement of positive goals with like-minded people. It is a calm and quiet hour in our busy days that restores our virtue goals.
- Participating in a Virtues Pick group is a positive and uplifting occasion. It is a way to share and discuss ideals and values that make it possible for individuals and society to live in harmony. Whatever the faith, the Virtues Project is a way to encourage and promote admirable qualities. The world would be a better place if everyone were so trained and I recommend it without reservation.
- Awareness is how I would describe the sessions, awareness that there is a way to better oneself, a better understanding and a certain type of healing that can be achieved.
- These virtues pick evenings help me to keep acquainted with the language of virtues and to recognize virtues when people are talking. One of the things I use it for is to encourage myself to speak in front of others and particularly to have to think of something on the spot - much as they would do in toastmasters.
- I like to attend the Virtues Pick sessions as:
- it provides a safe and supportive environment for reflecting on ways to appreciate others and improve myself
- it helps me become more familiar with the language of the virtues and the language provides the foundation for integrating virtues into the way one lives
- it is a chance to be with other people who believe that a person’s character is their most important asset
- it calms me and inspires hope
- Virtues is a safe and positive time and space to meet and just stop for at least one hour and focus on the positive virtues in the world and the people in our community. It is a great opportunity for anyone who is needing to feel a stronger connection to the community. I look forward to it every week.