CENTER POINT THE CENTER FOR SELF-CHANGE NEWSLETTER
Vol. 2, No. 9 - SEPTEMBER, 2008
THE PRACTICE OF POWER: PART 2
J. Kingston Cowart "The Change Maker"
Power is something we often think of in relation to influence.
As we saw last month, we all have the power to influence those around us in one way or another - whether we wish to or not.
For that reason, we also have an obligation to use that power as positively as possible.
Rather than just influencing others in haphazard, thoughtless (or even harmful) ways, we need to attend to the proper practice of power in our daily affairs.
There is a time-honored way to do that - a path to follow.
It is the path of virtue.
Traditionally, the term virtue has come to mean a settled disposition to do good and to avoid evil.
In my studies over the years, however, I have realized that there is more to it than that.
Virtue, which comes to us from the Latin word virtus has some interesting connotations. One is "virility" or "manliness," and another is "strength." We can easily see the connection between the two, especially when we recognize that the ancient Romans who created the word thought of men, in particular, as strong by nature.
The most comprehensive meaning, however, is "power."
In Chinese, virtue is de - which also means power, as in the title of the great classic Dao de Jing (Tao te Ching), the "Book of the Way and Its Power."
In each of these great civilizations, representing East and West, the greatest power one can possess is the power of moral character.
Given that virtue can mean power, then the traditional virtues which lead to the development of moral character can be thought of - and practiced - as powers in themselves.
Since virtue can mean strength as well, we may also think of these virtues as powers which strengthen us.
The classical virtues fall into three different categories.
Although they have a religious historical context, they are actually more generally psychological and spiritual than specifically religious.
And don't worry, their traditional names don't necessarily mean what they sound like today. Chastity, for instance, doesn't mean sexual abstinence nor does temperance mean abstinence from alcohol.
The Four Cardinal Virtues (or Powers) are: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Courage.
Historically, many philosophers have referred to prudence (which means good judgment) as the Mother of Virtues.
Winston Churchill, a man of action and not a philosopher, preferred to put courage at the head of the list - calling it the Queen of Virtues without which one had no chance of living up to the challenges of the others.
The Three Heavenly Virtues are: Faith, Hope, and Love.
The Seven Capital Virtues are: Humility, Liberality, Brotherly Love, Meekness, Chastity, Temperance, and Diligence.
By practicing these "strengtheners" we can each become the kind of person whose inevitable power to influence others works in the best possible way in every situation.
This is the practice of power to which we are all called - whether as presidents or postmen, judges or janitors, employers or employees.
Obviously, when thought of his way, the practice of power can take a lifetime to master.
The best idea is to choose one or two virtues (powers, strengtheners) which best fit your own situation now - and get really good at them.
You'll be surprised where that can take you.
Then undertake the practice of other virtues as you go along.
To get a sense of what this is all about, simply imagine that your boss took a few of these ideas seriously and treated you and your coworkers accordingly. Or, if you are the boss, think of how your employees would respond if you made it a point to practice the powers of both love and justice at the same time.
You may also wish to think about such choices in terms of your family.
There is not enough room here for a full discussion of the individual virtues mentioned above. For more information on The Great Virtues you might begin with a visit to:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_virtues> .
J. Kingston Cowart
JOIN THE CENTER CIRCLE
It's easy. Every Wednesday for a few minutes between 10:00 and Noon sit down and turn inward - through prayer, meditation, self-hypnosis or any modality you choose - and send out good thoughts to everyone else in the circle.
I'll be there. How about you?
J. Kingston Cowart www.self-change.com 619.561.9012 Post Office Box 19005 San Diego CA 92159
==================================== If you like Center Point, consider forwarding this issue to friends, family and coworkers.
Or send them this url so they can visit the archive: http://www.self-change.com/ctrpoint_archive.htm ====================================
Visit the Center Point Archive
Subscribe to Center Point
Email Us Your Comments
Home Page
