Virtues - The Gift of Character

The vision of The Virtues Project is to serve humanity by supporting the moral and spiritual development of people of all cultures. Our mission is to provide empowering strategies and programs of excellence and simplicity, to inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life.

The Virtues Project offers a wide range of programs and materials for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual practicies, parents raising morally responsible children, schools creating a culture of character, organizations enhancing corporate spirit, and for the development of safe and caring communities. While Voice For The Horse endorses and practices the use of the virtues throughout our programs, we encourage parents, teachers and all those who are leading our children to take the opportunity and learn more about how The Virtues Project may enhance your efforts in maintaining a positive and respectful place where children come together in your care.

Click on image above and visit The Virtues Project Web Site

 Defining the Virtues

Assertiveness   Caring   Cleanliness   Commitment   Compassion   Confidence   Consideration   Cooperation   Courage   Courtesy   Creativity   Detatchment   Determination  Diligence   Enthusiasm   Excellence   Flexibility   Forgiveness   Friendliness   Generosity   Gentleness  Helpfulness   Honesty   Honor   Humility   Idealism    Integrity   Joyfulness   Justice   Kindness   Love   Loyalty      Moderation   Modesty   Orderliness   Patience   Peacefulness   Perseverance  Purposefulness   Reliability   Respect   Responsibility   Self-Discipline   Service   Tact   Thankfulness   Tolerance   Trust   Trustworthiness   Truthfulness  Understanding  Unity

The Virtues listed above have been uploaded to the VFTH web site with the express permission of The Virtues Project.

Learn How To Do A Virtues Pick Activity!

There are several ways to use Virtues Cards as a Virtues Pick Activity. Establish confidentiality and trust that personal information will not be shared elsewhere. Remember to set clear boundaries and to be assertive - you may wish to skip your turn. Respect others and only offer silent attention and virtue acknowledgements - not advice.

For Individuals: As part of your reflection time, think about or journal a question such as "What virtue do I need today?" or "What virtue would help me solve this problem?" Then gently shuffle the cards, and without looking, pick one. Read and reflect on its meaning, then be mindful of practicing this virtue throughout the day.

Sharing Circle: In a circle of three to five people (or more), fan out the Virtues Cards and allow each person to pick one without looking. While others remain respectfully silent and present, each person takes a turn to 1) read the cared aloud, 2) share how this virtue applies to what is happening in their life, and 3) share whether the virtue feels like a confirmation of what they are already doing or an invitation to do something new. When each person finishes, others give one or two acknowledgements of virtues that they see in him or her. Then the next person shares, and so on. Alternate: People share something about their life first, then pick a Virtue Card.

Team Meetings: A Virtues Pick is a peaceful beginning to any meeting. Either do a Sharing Circle or pick one virtue for the group, and have each person briefly share how it applies to the purpose of the meeting or how it will help the work the group is doing together.