Virtue #3: Vision

 

 When I began work on this Virtue, I had just watched Grove of the Midnight Flame announce live on Google+ that they had purchased 94 acres of property.  That prompted me to reread the article written by Rev. Isaac Bonewits that laid out the vision for ADF.   What was the difference between a vision and a goal, I asked myself?  A vision, in my definition encompasses the entire big picture, whereas a goal or goals are the steps we take to get there—the individual pieces that eventually complete the puzzle.  I ventured online to get add some clarification to my own thoughts:

“When you have a vision, you know where you want to go and you can see your next steps – but you won’t be able to see the entire path.

Vision is not about the path, it’s about the destination. As you take each step, the next step becomes clear as long as you stay focused on your vision.

Goals are important.  Goals quantify and define the steps you must take. They are the signposts that let you know you are moving in the right direction. They are measurable and answer questions like When? and How much? (rather than Why? which is addressed by your vision).”   (http://seapointcenter.com/vision-and-goals)

I have my own vision as it pertains to my membership in ADF.  A vision that includes one day expanding beyond my solitary practice and worshiping with other members.  After I complete the Dedicant Path, I want to start a Protogrove on my 13-acre property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (as of now, I’m the only member in a 16,452 square mile area with a population of over 300,000 people--but what better movie quote is there than, "If you build it, they will come?" to help motivate a gal?)  I have already started work on building a Sacred Grove/Nemeton in my beautiful woods.  There are steps I have to take and goals I need to accomplish before my vision can become a reality. 

Virtue #2: Piety

Some thoughts on Piety…

I was raised Catholic but not in a religious household.   I can count on two hands the number of times we attended church as a family outside of weddings and funerals—it was such a rare occurrence that they tend to stand out.  I attended a parochial grade school for two years, received my first communion, and graduated from a four-year, all-girl Catholic high school.  I knew all the prayers, what happened when and where during mass, and when to stand and when to kneel.  Catholic was what was stamped on my dog tags when I joined the Air Force.  I loved the beauty and general concept  surrounding the rosary but found the prayers associated with it dull and uninspiring—spirituality by rote never appealed to me.     Catholic was more of a family identity than a religion I practiced.  “I’m Catholic” was just as automatic of a response as “I’m Norwegian and German” growing up.

It’s been difficult to create a regular devotional life.  It was a foreign concept to me and a habit I never cultivated in my life.   The word piety conjures up memories of dull masses, monotone prayers recited in unison, and stories of ancient saints that lived such austere existences that I couldn’t even begin to relate to them, much less muster up the desire to imitate them.  

I’ve had to pretty much start over from scratch—to throw away a narrow, lifelong held definition of piety and transform it into a beautiful and positive expression of my faith instead.   My new and improved definition includes two words:  relationship and practice.   I approach my altar every morning and evening, not from a place of resentment or forced obligation, but from a desire to nurture my relationship with the kindred—something as simple as saying  “good morning” and “good-night” helps us stay connected.  Every relationship in my life requires constant attention and nurturing—why would those relationships be any different?   I haven't kept my best friend for over 31 years by ignoring her phone calls.   

And my devotional life improves with practice.  Just like my first love -- the piano, I never would have progressed beyond "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to performing Grieg's "Concerto in A Minor" without making a commitment to learning music theory and practicing every day. 

Virtue #1: Wisdom

(Rough Draft of Virtue Essay)

    

Dictionary Definition:  www.dictionary.com

wis·dom

1. the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

2. scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.

3. wise sayings or teachings; precepts.

4. a wise act or saying. 

      I believe that wisdom is gained through experience and observation, and as very small children, we begin gathering pieces here and there that will influence our choices and behaviors for the rest of our lives.   

      First we are taught right from wrong, proper manners, and how to treat others with decency and respect.  Then we go out into that big world and put those teachings to the test.  As kids we observe:  our parents, our peers, our extended families and communities.  We  benefit not only from the wisdom of those who attempt to steer us down the right path in life, but even from those who seem to habitually make the worst judgment calls—haven’t we all had the friend or family member whose messy and chaotic life was far from one we’d choose to emulate?  

     Wisdom is not limited to age or intelligence (I’ve met some very smart people who lacked any real world common sense).  Wisdom is choosing the right course of action and understanding that the consequences of any decision we make will affect other people besides just ourselves.   Wisdom is knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent.   

     It is being able to discern the truth from the lies.  Wisdom comes from making mistakes and sometimes in the process of starting all over again, we begin to break the cycle of self-defeating and negative behavior that only keeps us spinning our wheels.

     After writing this essay, I went on-line and did an internet search for “wisdom quotes” and found this one that resonates with what I wrote: 

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: 

             First, by reflection, which is noblest; 

             Second, by imitation, which is easiest; 

             and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

                                                       (~ Confucius~) 

Word Count:  238