Hello October! Q4 is in full swing, with MTO KPIs still at the forefront. It feels like I was saying "Happy New Year" just yesterday. Towards the end of June, I began the MTO Lean-in Series, which focuses on character strengths and virtues from the VIA Institute. I learned about the character strengths and virtues while completing my Positive Psychology Practitioner studies and found them intriguing, especially in relation to enhancing my mindfulness practice. So far, I've covered Temperance, Transcendence, Humanity, and Justice. This month, I'll be discussing the fifth virtue, Wisdom, as well as three character strengths: Judgment, Curiosity, and Perspective. I'll then conclude the series with the sixth virtue in the November blog post. For more information on VIA's character strengths, please visit the VIA Institute website at
https://www.viacharacter.org.
WISDOM
Let’s begin with I've coined the Wisdom Tightrope when discussing the virtue of Wisdom because it involves a balancing act depending on the situation. The first character strength, Judgment, is rooted in critical thinking to counteract faulty thinking and biased opinions. When overused, Judgment can lead to narrow-mindedness, and when underused, one isn't reflective enough. Ironically, it is often frowned upon to judge ourselves and others, yet our analytical mind somehow gets in the way, which allows us to debate whether something that is frowned upon should be up for discussion.
I challenge you to take a logical approach, like having an open mind and being present in the moment. Whether at work or at home, there is something about stopping to reflect in the moment. Suddenly, after a deep breath, it doesn’t seem so bad. How many times have you said, “In a few months, we will look back on this and laugh?” Why wait?
CURIOSITY
The second character strength is Curiosity, an openness to experiences. Curiosity is connected to life satisfaction, a life of engagement, meaning, and good relationships. Parents and pet lovers enjoy watching their children or pets be curious, or at least I enjoy the privilege of these moments—the curiosity from my dog. Almost every morning, I walk my dog. Most of the time, we walk the same route so she can run. Every time we walk the same path, she is just as curious as the day before, smelling the greenery, rolling in the grass, or even sniffing the fire hydrant like it wasn’t there the day before. Her curiosity helps me savor the beauty of nature and reminds me to be just as curious in my day. Now, don’t get it twisted; nosiness is the overuse of curiosity. Any day is an excellent day to mind your business.
PERSPECTIVE
The last virtue on the tightrope is Perspective. It is typically associated with integrating other viewpoints or seeing the bigger picture. My grandmother always told me that what I want for myself is always smaller than what God has planned for me. Whether it is God, the Universe, or nothing, perspective can be the buffer against the adverse effects of stress, haters, detractors, or SSH, secret self-hating. An SSH isn’t a mean or malicious person but someone who is unknowingly afraid of what’s in the forest and finds it easy to focus on the greenery that lines the start of the forest. Consider reframing the thoughts with reflection. I challenge you to ask yourself, “If not now, when?
WISDOM TIGHTROPE AROMATIC RECIPE
One (1) Nasal Atomizer
Lemon, Citrus limonum
3 drops
Vetiver, Vetivera zizanioides
2 drops
Ylang Ylang, Canaga odorata
1 drop
When using Canaga odorata, care must be taken with extremely low blood pressure. An alternative essential oil is Melissa officinalis (1 drop).
An inhalation method offers an immediate response within seconds following inhalation. A nasal atomizer is a great option because it is small and compact. One can easily use it without disturbing others, and it is a great brain break!. These scents will bring inner contentment to accept and lift your spirits while clearing the inner conflict of the overactive mind so you can better self-ground.
Wisdom Tightrope Affirmation
"I am a work in progress"
Elevate the scents and affirmation with this 40-second mindfulness exercise:
Close your eyes. Inhale the scent. 20 seconds of slow deep breaths respecting the inhale and exhale and the ability to do so. Then smile and state the affirmation: I am a work in progress.
Wisdom Tightrope Journal Theme
It is okay to be a work in progress (WIP)
Journal Prompt
"I give myself permission"
