These strategies help us to live more reverent, purposeful lives, to raise morally conscious children, create a culture of character in our schools and enhance integrity in the workplace. People use them worldwide to build safe and caring communities. To see a list of virtues found in the world's sacred traditions, click here. Language is the vehicle of our thoughts. The Language of Virtues awakens spirituality. It shapes character. The way we speak and the words we use have great power to discourage or to inspire. When the language of our thoughts and words is infused with virtues, it transforms our relationships. It helps us to replace shaming and blaming with personal responsibility and respect. It brings out the best in others and ourselves. It helps us to become the kind of people we want to be. Recognizing the gifts in our tests and challenges, and discerning the life lessons in the events of each day help us to cultivate character in our children, others, and ourselves. When we have the humility and confidence to accept accountability and learn from our mistakes, every stumbling block becomes a stepping-stone. Virtues-based boundaries, which focus on respect, restorative justice and reparation, create a climate of peace and safety. Personal boundaries help us to build healthy relationships and protect our time, our energy and our health. First, this means respecting the dignity of each person. This strategy also encourages us to make time for reflection, develop routines of reverence, experience natural beauty, and participate in the arts. Celebration and ceremony for special life events, and sharing our stories are also ways to help us connect with the meaning of our lives. By being deeply present, and listening with compassion and detachment, we connect spirit to spirit. This counseling tool uses “cup-emptying” questions to get to the heart of the matter. When receiving companioning, we are empowered to define our Teachable Moments and reflect on the virtues we need to call on. It supports us to make moral choices, and creates intimacy in relationships. It is a powerful tool for healing grief, anger, and trauma. ^ back to top