On the move

VIP has decided to combine character development and art into one program as a way to provide a safe environment where young people can explore their inner artist. Under 21 is an amazing art program where young people are given the opportunity to connect to their innate intelligence by discovering their creativity and voice through art and community service. The purpose is to give children an outlet to exhibit their passion for the arts, a voice to speak their truth and an avenue to express it.

Local artists from the South Florida region volunteer their time to teach their craft using one of the seven virtues from the VIP curriculum.  They assist the youth in maximizing their fullest potential by owning their abilities as an artist, do the work that is required and have anything they put their minds to. 

On December 17^th Under 21 Art Exhibition will be held at the Village Gallery Studio in Delray Beach, Florida.  Come have a walk through and see what we’ve been up to.

FORGIVENESS

Historically, we, as a nation have struggled with prejudice, segregation, slavery, death, pain, anger and revenge.   We also experienced love, laughter, gratitude and joy.   Our children have learned behaviorally how to adapt to certain situations where they have felt wronged by someone.    Perhaps in some instances they have learned to harbor resentment and in other cases forgiven the person.  What is forgiveness?  How can we teach our children to forgive?

Virtue In A Pocket is designed to focus on seven virtues.   Each virtue was thoughtfully selected based on classroom observation and best teaching practices.   Each virtue has a set of tools that are designed to catapult a child into his or her authentic state of being.   To date,  forgiveness has been one of the most challenging virtues to teach and yet the most rewarding.  

While on my journey in discovering the missing component of what forgiveness is,  I have found ownership is the root of letting it all go.

 A course in Miracles states:   “ I am responsible for everything I see.  I choose the feelings I experience, and I decide upon the goal I would achieve.  And everything that seems to happen to me I ask for, and receive as I have asked.”  

Currently in my classroom there are students who come to school without the tools they need to function as a learner.  They often asks a friend to borrow paper and or a pen.  In response to their request the giver at times becomes angry and annoyed.   One day I decided to  ask a student the following question:  “why do you get so angry when he asked you for paper?” she responded, “because, he is never prepared.”  My follow-up question to her was “how are you supporting him in taking ownership for being unprepared for class?”  She responded by saying “I am not.”  Later on in the day she exhibited resentment toward him for drawing attention to the situation.   So I asked her how is she responsible for the experience.   With much hesitation and discomfort she said, “because I always give him paper."   Once she realized she was the cause and took ownership of the situation she was playing around and laughing with him once again.  

Forgiveness is taking ownership for one’s actions and letting go of the guilt, shame, resentment, bitterness, or any negative thought that is causing the thinker pain.  The thinker is you.  Some researchers believe that holding on to grudges can be harmful to the body.  There have been studies on the value of forgiveness and health.  Some studies reveal that forgiving people are less likely to have high blood pressure.  Others say it affects your mood. 

I have another student in my class who is one of the most sweetest, kind- hearted, generous individuals I know.   Last week she came to school angry.   I thought it was odd and at the same time normal teenage behavior so I ignored it for a few minutes to see if it would pass.  Fifteen minutes into the class she began to have small outbursts of anger toward herself and others.  Her dear friends were hesitant to ask her anything for fear of her response.  I walked up to her and asked her if I could support her in any way, she said no.  So I left her alone 

Two days later I asked the class to line up outside the classroom door. They were talking to each other in high pitched voices. The noise became louder than usual so I exited the room to observe what was going on.  There she was standing on line with worry written all over her face.   Her forehead was dripping wet and she complained about how hot it was.  I asked everyone to go inside  except for her.  I asked her what is wrong, she said nothing.  She said "my dad has been asking me the same question and I really don’t know the answer."  I had to attend to the class so I asked her if she was feeling o.k.   She complained about cramps and refused to tell me what was happening.  I asked her one simple question:  What can you do to change the way you are feeling right now?  Before she could respond I invited her to get a drink of water before she entered the class. 

She returned to class in wonderment.   I could see her brain in motion as she thought about what could be done to change her mood.  As she left the classroom I whispered to her “you are responsible for everything you experience.”  She appeared to be annoyed with the statement or me,  but continued her journey of self-discovery.  By the end of the week she sat quietly.  She never gave me a answer and I didn’t ask for one.   Forgiveness is awareness of the inner pain and the willingness to give it forth.  It is a decision on whether to remain in the experience of pain or surrender to the desired feelings and emotions.

Sometimes we allow ourselves to become puppets of the past, controlled by the memory of pain and hurt.   We could teach our children to become puppeteers.   As a puppeteer they have the ability to create the audience, the stage and characters.   So the next time your child is bothered by something and is too afraid to tell you what it is create a puppet show.  It is a way to give them a voice on a stage. 

Thich Nhat Hanh said “forgiveness will not be possible until compassion is born in your heart.”   Teach kids to be compassionate.  My children have observed my personal struggle with forgiveness  and have opened their hearts to feel the feelings and experience the loss I once felt.   They share their personal stories with me as a way to open my own heart to forgiveness. 

Robert Elright at the University of Wisconsin said in the movie The Power of Forgiveness “we pass on the injustices to our children."  In my opinion we also pass on the knowledge of forgiveness, like the Amish people who forgave Charles Roberts for entering their community with a shot gun, killed 10 young girls in a small school house and then killed himself.

I am convinced my children and I are one.  There is never an experience I endure that they are not a part of cosmically.   They are my biggest teachers in everything, especially forgiveness.  Whenever I think about discussing their own past behaviors with them, or if I attempt to make a decision in the present based on something they did in the past they address it right away.   My children have taught me that  forgiveness is not pretending that something never happened.   Forgiveness is expressing the emotions without attack.   Forgiveness is within.

Listen to your children with an open heart and a willingness to learn.  They are always right. Like the Amish people, let us all strive to be compassionate.  It is the medicine for pain.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BULLIES

Statistics

Bullying is an epidemic.  The research and statistics on this issues is quite startling.  According to MBNBD (Make a sound for a voice unheard) 

- “1 in 7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying.

- 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.

- 15% of all school absenteeism is directly related to fears of being bullied at school.

- 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.

- 1 out of 20 students has seen a student with a gun at school.

- 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.

- Those in the lower grades reported being in twice as many fights as those in the higher grades. However, there is a lower rate of serious violent crimes in the elementary level than in the middle or high schools.

- 90% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying

- Among students, homicide perpetrators were more than twice as likely as homicide victims to have been bullied by peers.

- Bullying statistics say revenge is the strongest motivation for school shootings.

- 87% of students said shootings are motivated by a desire to “get back at those who have hurt them.”

Scenerios

I have been asking my self a few questions like:  Why some children are so angry?  What is the cause of their pain?  What can I do to solve this problem?  Based on the information I’ve gathered I believe bullying is the repetition of negative actions toward self, projected onto another, with the intent to gain power or control over an internal battle.  The internal battle is usually caused by experiences created at home, which is where initial learning takes place.  To explore such a theory let's look at three different cases below.

1.     Parents, have you ever told your child no he/she can’t do something without a reason behind it other than, “because I said so,” or “I am the parent?” From a child’s perspective, no is a rejection from the person/people he/she admires and loves the most.  No means, I am not good enough (to receive an explanation), no means, I am not worthy, no means, I must protect myself from the world because if I don’t I will get hurt, no means, "every man for himself," no means, I cannot be trusted.  When that child reaches adulthood, asking or requesting for what he wants becomes problematic all because of one thing, FEAR of rejection. 

2.     In other cases children who are told, “yes go ahead mom has

to… “ These children are left alone to explore the world through art, music, luxury, free will and good fortune.  They usually have a similar experience to the children above in the form of lack of love, self-esteem, worth, commitment, etc.  While the parents are out drinking, having fun with their friends, working, starting new businesses, educating themselves, or just plain 'ole' busy, these children are searching for attention elsewhere.  In doing so, they become co-dependent.  They cling to the first person who shows them love, adoration, and affection. Their biggest fear is lost or abandonment.  Therefore, they are hardly ever alone for long periods of time.  They move from one relationship to the next in hope to find the right one.  When they do, their biggest fear is abandonment.

3.     Then you have children who appear to be intelligent beyond their years, may feel out of place in the classroom environment and even at home, partake in conversations about the world on a higher level, their intuitive minds are extremely powerful,  they are the bearers of the truth, and believe in world peace and harmony.  They show up as isolated, anti-social or extremely social, emotionally sensitive and misunderstood.  They often feel dis-empowered.  Their purpose is to bring forth memory that will catapult our thinking to the next level.  However, parents who are unconscious about who these children are consider them to be rude, disrespectful, dark and rebellious.  They are attention seekers mostly in the form of dress, at times behavior, mood and emotional outbursts. 

In all three cases the one thing that is missing is SELF LOVE.   What can we do to teach our kids how to love themselves? We could start by accepting ourselves as divine, accepting our children as healers on this planet, and finally taking ownership for everything we experience.  Each and every day of their lives our children reveal information to us for our ascension.  And yes, at times it isn't presented to us in a pretty little box with a bow on  top.  Therefore, instead of looking at the behavior, focus on the theme, the message, or the result.

For example: If you find yourself constantly and consistently discussing the same issue with your child ask your self two simple questions: What is the lesson?   Where am I doing the same or similar thing in my life?  How can I use this information to transform the relationship I have with myself and family?

Have you ever dealt with the following situation at home?  If so, consider the questions that follows.

Broken dishes: Where do I break my word? How often do I break my word? Do I honor or respect my word?

Lying: Where am I not being honest with my self?  What are the lies I tell myself?

Stealing: What are my conversations about lack? What are my limited beliefs?

Sneaking around: What am I afraid to reveal?

The Bully

Who is the bully?  The bully we see outside of ourselves is the bully we have within.  If you are triggered or get upset at a bully or a victim just ask yourself: where am I bullying or have bullied?  Do I truly love my neighbor (or brother) for who he is, or am I trying to change or mold him to fit inside a box?  Do I give forth the things that really don’t serve me or the planet, or do I justify them by manifesting people in my life to support my beliefs just to be right?  Do I judge others (myself) harshly?

Look around you!  Children are duplicating what they experience through their senses.  Can we truly, authentically and honesty tell a child to “stop being a bully” when as adults we’ve mastered the art of manipulation by being a silent, under cover, back door bully ourselves?  Yes, there are areas in our lives that are working for the goodness of everyone around us, but not as a whole (planet), how do I know, look at the results.   We are still having internal battles that are projected onto our children, friends, family, and the world at large.  How many times have you beaten yourself up for something you “think you did wrong?”  How often do you kill ideas that are not your own in fear of becoming "second best?"  When was the last time you mentored someone or supported someone in fulfilling a life long dream?  Have you ever disliked someone because your friend is having a problem or issue with that person?  When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?

Our children are crying out for help and the inner child in us understand what it feels like to be alone, frightened, lost and worse of all misunderstood. We could all make a difference by first healing the inner bully and give it forth. You are not your story.  Stop being victims of our own damnation.  We are truly all here to serve one another in a way that will have us all be winners.  No one is left behind.  The next step is to stand firmly in our individual greatness.  And finally live love, be love and give love to everyone no matter what.   Love unconditionally.  Love because love is.   Love like it is the last time you will ever love.  Lets support our youth today by loving their process of mastering this game called LIFE.

Facts on  bullying http://www.makebeatsnotbeatdowns.org?facts_new.html

GENERATION NOW

I woke up this morning feeling excited and exhilarated knowing and believing I AM EVERYTHING.   This of course isn’t the first time I’ve experience this type of joy, however, I am noticing my comprehension level has increased and is increasing as I experience life lessons. 

I AM A POWERFUL, AUTHENTIC WOMAN, who is intelligent, witty, driven, determined, courageous passionate, with integrity, and committed to make a significant change in the way our children think about themselves.  EVERYBODY it is time to empower our youth to take a stand in their lives right now. 

Last night I had a conversation with my children about a very close friend I once had in my life.  I told them I miss the moments I shared with this person and, I know the possibilities for our relationship to grow into a union that is strong enough to move this planet in a direction where ALL relationships will flourish.  My oldest daughter replied, “Why don’t you just call her and tell her that.”  What a concept!!!!  Our children have all the answers to everything.  As educators we are in service to them, drawing out what is already there.  Sometimes we think when children are acting out in class they are not as smart so we label them, medicate them, talk about them to other teachers, and the most shameful of all we diminish their self worth. 

Our children deserve the very best because they are the best.  This week I will partake in a discussion about the result and effects of character development.  I will also discuss the new curriculum I wrote called Virtue In A Pocket.  If you live in the West Palm Beach area, or close by I encourage you to come and learn about what we CAN do as a country to LOVE and NURTURE our children by developing their character, building up their confidence and worth through love and empowermenr.

Come join me and two other AMAZING women Jeanne Dexter – Owner of The Talking Jars Series and Tyra Sartor Brown - Managing Director, Coaching Associates, LLC - The Mommy Coach in a discussion that will alter the way you think about educating our Generation NOW.

Hilton Hotel - West Palm Beach

150 Australian Avenue

West Palm Beach, FL

on

August 12^th, 2011

11:30-1:30

Thank you for your support in TAS4 our youth.

TAS4Me Week Three: Trust Yourself

For the past month or so I have been experiencing the fullness of love and trust.  In doing so I have decided to fall in love with EVERY bit of me.  To get there, I made a mental list of all the things I didn’t enjoy about myself.  Upon reviewing the list I found everything written on the page was from the past, which has nothing to do with who I am today.  However, my past was dictating my life and I was determined to do something about it.  So, I began to take note of my behavioral patterns from as early as I could remember to the present day.  Funny enough, not much has changed.  

Here is what I noticed:

1.     i needed validation for everything and from everyone 

2.     i sought love and attention from my friends

3.     i became complacent or comfortable in certain situations

4.     Biggest of all co-dependency was my "middle name"

5.     i judged myself and others

6.     i continued to do the same things over and over again, expecting a different result (insanity to the highest degree)

In looking at the above list I realize how clever i am.  All i ever wanted was to prove how powerful i am.  The questions "what are you trying to prove and to whom" continued to pop into my head.   It was time for me to let go of my past fully and live in gratitude, praise and love consistently.  A belief i struggled with is one that says "a person must get far down the rabbit hole before the white flag is raised.”  i felt the need to hit rock bottom in order to ascend.   I attracted people in my space who validated my theory.  For the first time in my life I allowed myself to experience the pain and emptiness of getting in my own way. 

Have you ever consulted in a friend in hope to find the answers you’re looking for?  Have you ever found yourself in constant question about your purpose? Are you saddened by situations and experiences in life? At some point in our lives could all say yes to the questions above.  After building an empire down the rabbit hole, i grew weary and bored.  My scientific mind was on a mission to gather all the data i needed to prove the power of intention is real; anything is possible no matter how difficult things may seem and most importantly, the truth of who I am.  The only way i could let go of the pain and struggle was to go through it and surrender. 

The fact is I have a strong and “very” big ego that thrives on small mundane things.   The TRUTH is my higher self (authentic self, the I AM) is even more powerful and is always right.  Therefore, there was never a need to look for anything outside of myself.  All the answers to my questions were already within me.  Once I got out of my own way

I learned…

1.     That judgment on myself is an injustice

2.     Forgiveness in its entirety is the root to happiness

3.     Thoughts come and go like day and night so why get stuck on just one

4.     Trust my higher self and rely only on that

5.     My day is not at random, it is set by how I choose to live it and whose counsel I seek (ego or high self)

6.     Decisions are never made in isolation and they are continuous

7.     Above all else LOVE conquers all things

I am here to tell you there is another way of looking at all situations.  Never give up.  It is very difficult to be in conflict when you are in total trust.  We were all made by love, created with love, and most importantly, we are love so why not extend it.  The beliefs that keeps you stagnant or in fear, let them go.  I no longer have to go deep down the hole to know that I have the power to change my mind, it happens in an instant. Try it, you’ll see how simple it is to just be.  It is time to live in trust and believe that your higher self has everything handled.  Get out your own way.  Live your dream today.  You're worth it.

Note:

(i)              Ego

 I          Higher Self

TAS4Me Week Two: HONESTY

The mission of VIP is to empower young people and everyone in their communities to take a stand for what they believe.  Most of the time we live in a story that is dictated by our past.  Many of us are unaware of this because we live in a dream.  In this dream we create experiences that drives our way of thinking.   Our thoughts are projected out of our minds and into the hearts of those around us.  In doing so, we witness illusions of fear, pain, distress, anger, resentment, animosity, depression and illnesses that causes us to be frail and weak.  None of this is true.

The Matrix reveals to us that we are in control of our own thoughts.  A Course in Miracles (ACIM) states that "it is your thoughts alone that cause you pain (lesson 190, pg 361)." If that is the case, then everyone around you are characters you single handed chose to support what ever it is you want to accept in your life.  Last week we focused on responsibility which is taking ownership for the results in our lives.  This week we will focus on the second virtue: HONESTY.

Honesty is the ability to accept the truth about who we really are and to let go of all illusions.  The truth is nothing but LOVE is real.  Your identity will never change.  You are guaranteed to live a life of success because you said so.  You are capable of having whatever you want in life.  If you want love then love yourself and everyone around.  This week we are going to focus on freeing ourselves from the past, living an honest life (in the moment) and accepting our true identity.

The steps below are a way for you to keep tract of your daily practices.  You will notice steps 1-3 are repetitive from the previous virtue.  They are the most important steps in this process. 

Steps 1: Each morning as soon as you awake ask yourself: Who am I today? You will know if the answer is coming from your true identity.  It will be natural, easy and loving.

Step 2: Go into a meditative state (10 minutes or more).  Envision yourself being who you say you are.

Step 3: Journal about the actions you took to support steps 1 and 2 (this can be done later in the evening).

Step 4: Any thoughts that enter into your mind about the past ask yourself: How is this serving the person I am today? Is this what I want? If the answer is no, then focus your mind on what it is you really want and be honest about it.

Step 5: You are going to be tested every second, minute and hour of the day. Be honest about your willingness to free yourself from the past.  Freedom takes courage.  I know you are courageous and strong.  We were all created from strength.  Remember you have the power within to do all things.  At times you may think the "world" is against you.  Be honest and take responsibility for where the initial thought came from (you).  Finally, if the thought isn't serving the greater YOU,  it is not real and choose something else.

Step 6: Speak the language of love.  Often times when we are having an experience of something 'negative' we tend to want to share it with others through story telling.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  However, sometimes we could get caught up in the story, which then becomes who we think we are.  Give yourself five minutes to wallow in your story.  Once you're complete, shift or choose again.  Choose the identity of LOVE because that is who you are. 

Step 7: Celebrate.  Always take time to celebrate the wonderful, juicy, flavor of life.  You are reading my blog for various reasons and I believe one reason is to be awakened to your authentic self.  I recently wrote on my Facebook status, 'you never know how far you could go until you run.'  Lets run together with LOVE and HONESTY.

Have fun and know whatever you do it is perfect!

TAS4Me (Take A Stand For Me) Week One: Responsibility

Virtue in a pocket (VIP) is dedicated to providing approaches that will uplift the planet one child, one family, one community at a time.  The seven virtues is a tool in which we use to monitor our thinking by taking responsibility for the outcome of our thoughts.  On July 7th, we will begin a new journey called TAS4Me (Take A Stand For Me).    The purpose of this mission is to stay awake to the beliefs that are driving our thoughts and actions throughout day.  In doing so we will take responsibility or ownership for everything in order to make a shift or change in our lives.

Every seed thought stems from a belief which grows with actions.  Today we are committed to growing a life filled with LOVE and responsibility.  To do so we will practice four simple steps (see below).

Week one: Be Responsible in your life and for your life.

1. As soon as you open your eyes in the morning ask yourself this question: Who am I today?
Remember your answer will dictate the course of your day, therefore, know that whatever you decide every thought and action thereafter will support who you say you are.  You will be tested throughout the day to be certain of your commitment.  Remain steadfast in the original thought.  Remain courageous and strong. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

2. Take a moment  to meditate for 10 minutes.  Create an environment that is comfortable and relaxing.  Light a candle or incense.  Sit up straight on the floor or in a chair.  Envision the person you declared to be, observe her actions, explore her dreams, observe how she relate to others, the things she is most passionate about, the people she serves or is in service to, etc.

3. Once the meditation process is complete write down 10 things you are grateful for and one thing you would like to do each day this week that will make a profound difference in your life. It could be as simple as going through the pile of junk mail on your desk, paying pass due bills, serving food at a shelter, read the book that has been sitting on your night stand for months, calling your parents or a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, etc.

4. Share your story.  It can make a difference in another person's life.

Suggestions:

To complete the practices you will need to set aside a half hour each day. 

Do not be discouraged.  If you miss a day journal about it and ask yourself what was more important than taking a stand for yourself.

If for any reason you oversleep and you have to rush to work to a schedule appointment become inventive and do the practices in a way that will work for you. Stick to the commitment you made to your self by doing the practices daily.  You deserve it!!

HAVE FUN!!!!!

Can we use PAL to transform the way we think?

Introduction

Virtue In A Pocket is a guide built on a solid foundation or principle called PAL (Practice, Apply and Live).  PAL is a way to organize information.  Everything we learn is stored, recalled or ciphered in various parts of our brain.  The brain acts like a tape recorder. All information is accessible and attainable if we so choose to listen.  Information is never lost.

As educators it is our duty to draw out the knowledge that is already there in our youngsters by creating a safe environment for them to be who they are authentically.  To do so we must first understand, memory is a choice. We decipher information based on experiences and beliefs.  PAL is a tool we can use to help our youngsters retain, recall, and apply information from their memories in a way that will serve their higher purpose and function in life.  It is a way to disconnect them from the illusions they believe to be real by tapping into their true, unlimited potential.


How does our brain work?

In grade school we learn that our brain gathers information through various processes.  Information is stored in categories for specific uses.  Each time we choose to utilize information that is stored we enter into a recording much like an audio tape.  The recordings are kept in three categories called sensory, short term or long term memories.  Sensory memories are captured though our senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste.  This memory is obtained in the moment and can last for any amount of time depending on the experience. 

Short term memory (S.T.M) which is our "working" memory is constantly flowing.  According to research our S.T.M can only last just a few seconds.    Thereafter the memory is gone unless the information is repeated several times (much like a practice) for it to be stored.
 
Long term memory (L.T.M) is the ability to retain information for an extended period of time.  Information can be restored, retrieved and encoded into your L.T.M.  Information is stored in a temporary part of the brain called the hyppocampus, then later moved to a more permanent storage space called the neocortex.  Here we learn procedures such as driving a car, riding a bike, recalling facts, dates, names, events, experiences, etc.

How do we choose our information?

Every thought or action is judged through our filters.  Our filters are devices we use to discern information.  These filters are developed by the experiences we encounter during our early childhood.  Information gathered after the age of seven is evidence of what we filtered into our brain earlier on.  This information is used to develop an identity for ourselves. A child may store in her hyppocampus something like: "Good friends are hard to come by" based on something she saw, heard or experienced over the years.  The data she collects are moved to her neocortex ( her long time memory). 

How can we transform information we have in our filters to something that works?

1. Practice: Information is stored in our L.T.M through practice.  Practice developing new theories. 

Ask yourself this: Are my choices serving my greater purpose and function in life?  If the answer is yes, then don't change anything. Keep what is already working.  If the answer is no, choose again. Lets take a look at the same theory that says "Good friends are hard to come by," if so, then there must be another theory that says "Good friends are easy to come by." Collect evidence for the latter theory by creating a list qualities you want in a "good friend."

Look around you,  make a list of names of people in your life and/or in the media who exhibit great, lasting friendships. Use them as mentors.  Ask powerful questions like: Who do I get to be today to attract the friend of my dreams? Be patient and wait to hear the answer to your questions.

2. Apply: One thing we all know for sure is "application" is the key to mastery.  Become a master in the things you seek.

Now that you have made a list of qualities explore them by applying them in your own life. To have it, you must be it.  If you are seeking a friend who is honest, be honest, its that simple!

3. Live: To be able to practice and apply the things we seek is a great honor.  It allows our brains to remember what we know to be the truth. The truth about our authentic selves.   Everything we do, say and experience is a choice. 

Choosing to apply information in our lives require an agreement between its usefulness and validity.  The usefulness of any information answers a very simple question: in this moment how is this serving "me."   Once the question is answered the information gets broken down into meaningful chunks to ensure that it is indeed valid for the purpose in which it is being used.  Once the agreement is made we move through life practicing and applying experiences that are recorded and stored into our memories. 

VIP is on a mission to give children and their families an opportunity to harness great results in their lives by transforming their thought patterns.  Through daily practice and application our lives can be filled with endless possibilities of joy, abundance and gratitude for having  a CHOICE.   Let us choose to transform our thought patterns into positive, uplifting, loving energy that will shift our lives and the lives of our families, friends and loved ones into pure potentiality 100% of the time.  Why not?

Virtue in a pocket

What is Virtue in a Pocket (VIP)?

VIP is a character education curriculum based on seven virtues: Responsibility, Respect, Forgiveness, Honesty/Trust, Integrity, In Service and Gratitude.  Each virtue is designed as a daily practice through a program called PAL (Practice, Apply and Live).  PAL incorporates games, arts, music, service projects, meditation, yoga and healthy eating habits as a way for children to practice, apply and live each virtue daily.  VIP's  aim is to deliver effective approaches that will transform the way children think and feel about themselves and everyone around them.  Our desire is to unlock their innate powers through self discovery, infinite possibilities and partnership (with their peers, family, friends and community at large).

What are the benefits of VIP?

Through the daily virtue practice children will learn how to communicate effectively, they will become aware and responsible for their actions as well as exploring the opportunity to take risks.  Each virtue is a shared expression of gratitude and appreciation for who they are authentically.  Therefore, they will experience a shift and improvement in self love and motivation.

How can parents get involved?

1. Communicate with your child/children about their daily virtue practice 
2. Ask open ended questions
3. Listen to what they have to say without judgment
4. Ask for permission to give feedback (opinions)
5. Find every opportunity to praise them
6. Celebrate their accomplishments

July 7th Movement

VIP is proud to begin a seven-week crusade called TAS4ME (take a stand for me) starting July 7th.  Every week we will focus on a virtue.  Each virtue will represent TAS4ME.  It could be as simple as speaking up in class or as difficult as standing up to a bully.  What ever that looks like we are here to help you. Get your friends and family involved in the crusade.  Details to follow.