Tag Archives: virtue

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Fun: From Frolic to Fulfillment.

List five things you do for fun.

Fun: that electric jolt of excitement that screams ‘I am alive!’ The thrill of conquering a treacherous off-road trail in my Mahindra Scorpio N is exhilarating, a symphony of adrenaline and mud. Gaming, with its competitive spirit and the thrill of victory, provides another layer of fun – a digital playground where cunning and strategy reign supreme. And let’s not forget the simple joys of animal companionship – the playful chaos of a dog, the enigmatic aloofness of a cat. These are the vibrant colors that paint the canvas of my life.

But beneath these surface pleasures lies a deeper, more profound kind of fun. The tranquility of nature, whether it’s the crashing waves on a stormy beach or the gentle rustling of leaves in a quiet forest, offers a profound sense of peace. It’s in these moments of stillness that I truly connect with something larger than myself, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

This deeper sense of fun, I believe, is inextricably linked to virtue. It’s about living authentically, striving for excellence in all that I do. The thrill of mastering a new skill, of overcoming a challenge, of demonstrating kindness and compassion – these are the true joys that endure. For even when the material pleasures fade, the satisfaction of living virtuously remains.

And then there’s the deepest level of fun: the joy of inward exploration. Meditation, for me, is a journey into the heart of myself, a voyage of self-discovery. It’s about connecting with the vastness of consciousness, the boundless energy that animates the universe. This inner exploration, coupled with the power of imagination, allows us to create new realities, to transform dreams into tangible experiences. This, I believe, is the ultimate form of fun – a life lived in alignment with one’s true self, a life where every moment, every experience, is an opportunity for growth and joy.

Fun is living a quality life
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Theseus’s lessons via Plutharch

Plutarch’s Parallel Lives offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Theseus, the legendary hero of Athens. More than just a collection of myths, Theseus’s story provides valuable insights into human nature and the complexities of leadership. By examining his triumphs and failures, we can glean timeless wisdom applicable to our own lives and the challenges we face today.


5 Key Lessons from Theseus:


* Embrace Courage and Action: Don’t just dream of goals; actively pursue them with courage and determination. Theseus faced challenges head-on, and that’s a valuable trait for anyone seeking to achieve something significant.
* Unite for a Common Good: Effective leadership involves inspiring others to work towards a shared vision. Theseus unified Attica, demonstrating the power of collaboration and collective action.
* Cultivate Humility and Self-Awareness: Success can easily lead to arrogance. Theseus’s later follies serve as a reminder to always remain grounded and aware of one’s limitations.
* Strive for Virtue, But Acknowledge Imperfections: No one is perfect. Even heroes have flaws. The important thing is to strive for a virtuous life while acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes.
* Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection: Don’t let the pursuit of perfection paralyze you. Focus on continuous improvement and strive to overcome challenges while making a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion:
Theseus’s journey, with its blend of heroic deeds and human flaws, serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies not in perfection, but in the courage to face challenges, the wisdom to learn from mistakes, and the dedication to strive for a better future for ourselves and those around us. Let us draw inspiration from Theseus’s example, embracing his courage, his vision, and his commitment to a life of purpose and meaning.

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Steps to Authentic Humility and Honor

I define humility as being true to myself—no more, no less. To achieve this, I follow four steps:


First, I settle into who I am, accepting myself fully without excuses.


Second, I strive for continuous improvement—not through a relentless pursuit of perfection, but by gradually addressing the gaps and weaknesses I observe.


Third, I reflect compassionately, avoiding harsh self-criticism. This reflection helps me evaluate my life and choices with kindness and clarity. Fourth, I align my actions with my values, ensuring that what I do and say reflects my truth.


Lastly, I strive to live with honor, understanding that my destiny is uniquely mine to follow and express.


By embracing these steps, I maintain my authentic self while growing and becoming more visible and recognized.

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~ The challenges of letting go ~

Letting go is a profound challenge, often arising from circumstances beyond our control or our own decisions to make radical life changes. As a child in a stable home, I faced the reality of limited resources, like when I yearned for a toy car at the barber shop. Though my father couldn’t fulfill that wish due to financial constraints, I found solace in cherishing the toys I did have, believing in my childhood imagination that they were the best and fastest in the world.

The most significant letting-go moment occurred in my professional life when I had to part with my Renault Megane due to unaffordable repayments amid rising interest rates. It was a personal setback, but I found peace in knowing I made the right decision at the right time, handling it without making a fuss.

However, the most emotionally challenging letting go was ending my first marriage. Despite societal expectations and my internal resistance to divorce, I knew it was the right choice as the love had faded. Letting go of my children’s respect and navigating a fair divorce settlement were difficult, but aligning with my inner compass, I made peace with the consequences, opting for what was ethically right over personal gain.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2023

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Living a Virtuous Life: Reflections on Personal Growth and Spiritual Aspirations



The rune AR symbolizes breakthrough, transformation, and enlightenment. It represents the dawning of a new day, a time of awakening and fresh beginnings. This rune places emphasis on personal growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of virtue. The Havamal charm of the rune AR is: “The tenth one I know when Ill wishing spirits fly high in the air, I make them all to turn back, back to their homes, unprotected and exposed, back to their roots. “

My morning was gorgeous, and I picked up some good life hacks from the course I did over the past eight days on how to live a purposeful life. I love it that I got practical suggestions I can apply immediately to my life. My reading, from my spiritual journal, today was on the principles of the Ma’at. I wish I could remember them all by heart. It sets the ideal for living a good life, irrespective of worth or capability. Every person is capable of expressing virtue in their lives.

Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. Regularly reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify areas for improvement.

I’m so grateful for the time I have to be still and contemplate my life and strive to be a better person on every level. Not all people have equal access to the knowledge and teachings perpetuated throughout the ages that have guided humanity. I still find new ways of improving myself and killing off my vices, or maybe I must say transforming my vices.

I’m newly aware that suppressing behavior, feelings, and thoughts is unproductive and often ineffective. It is better to transform and integrate the vices we have. It is like habit double-stacking. We slowly replace the negative with the positive and then engrain it further through visualization and practice. I will become better at this process of transformation as I engage in practices that promote inner peace, such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation. Connect with nature, engage in creative pursuits, and cultivate meaningful relationships that nourish my soul.

I know my time will come to an end, and my hope and desire are to improve my human nature with the jewels of virtue before my time comes. My rune practice is to be wise, grow, and feel well, but it is not just as an individual but within my social and community contexts. As I cultivate virtue within myself, I aim to extend a positive influence to those around me. Share my insights, offer support, and inspire others on their own journeys of self-improvement

My goal is to penetrate the mysteries of life as deeply as possible and to develop my inner psyche and soul to the highest level possible. This ever remains my goal, and I will remind myself daily of the same. Personal and spiritual growth is a lifelong process. I embrace the ups and downs, celebrate my progress, and never lose sight of my commitment to becoming the best version of myself.

Just as Rune AR represents the transition from darkness to light, my reflection, today, speaks to the process of transforming negative habits and thoughts into positive ones. The rune’s association with enlightenment mirrors my aspiration to penetrate the mysteries of life and develop my inner psyche and soul.

© Jurgens Pieterse, 2023, All rights reserved.