by Sarah Vigue

Created on: April 26, 2010   Last Updated: April 30, 2010

We love people who are gracious and humble: Mother Teresa, Frederick Douglass, Jesus Christ… The very fiber of these individuals echoes through time. How exactly is such resolute character built? The answer is to establish concrete actions that exercise the whole person. There are many activities and even categories of activities that do this. They concern the mental and emotional world, both the physical and the spiritual world, and even finances and how they are used.

MENTAL

Ask for help when it is needed

This is something everyone can do at any time. This involves facings fears which is the absolute, best way to build courage. For example, when jobless and broke, you need a soup kitchen and a food pantry. “Should a grown adult be able to save money? Charity is for other people.” Confronting the feeling of failure is crucial in order to provide for yourself. Eventually you understand that you are not a failure and that help is for everyone. The humility learned will come in handy when you return to prosperity and work.

Challenge thoughts and preconceived notions, both your and others’. There is growth in adversity and learning about new ways of thinking. Exchange programs and higher education are hot beds for this. Even taking a yoga or meditation class exposes you to a variety of ways to grow. Quieting the mind is almost like praying in reverse; a silent and open mind hears the voice of God much better than a noisy, distracted mind.

Study Art and Read

Art teaches perspective and looking at the world through different eyes. Art students look at the world as an enchanted place full of beauty and awe. Learning how to capture a cloud on canvas creates a feeling of creation and responsibility. The opportunity to transport someone to another world is a gift of gratitude bringing healing and relief. Plus, artists must learn to accept criticism and to deal it with a soft touch- this is vital to developing compassion.

Reading teaches reasoning and exposes you to concepts and characters that inspire you. African slaves were kept from reading because slave holders understood the value reading brought to education and freedom. Studying literature is comparable to studying psychology. Knowing about the types of characters in this world (victims, heroes, manipulators) and their motives provide wisdom and safety.

Make Choices and Make Good Ones

The most powerful tool we have as people is free will. It is scary and requires effort to make choices,

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