Cleanliness

Description

Cleanliness is treating our bodies with respect and care by keeping ourselves fresh and healthy, eating pure foods, and breathing fresh air. We strive to keep our spirits clean and our minds clear. We rid ourselves of habits that do not serve our dignity. We think and speak in ways that honor others and ourselves. Cleaning up our mistakes gives us a fresh start. We forgive, and we cleanse our hearts of negativity. We do our part to care for the earth. Cleanliness around us makes our souls peaceful. Cleanliness within us brings more peace to the world.

 The Practice of Cleanliness

• I keep myself fresh and clean.
• I put only healthful things in my body.
• I cleanse myself of harmful habits.
• I am willing and able to clear up my mistakes.
• I forgive others and I forgive myself.
• I am a responsible stewart of the earth.
• I keep my environment clean and beautiful.

Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

The virtue of cleanliness within a family is not merely a reflection of tidy living spaces but a testament to the integrity of respect, responsibility, and consideration for one another. It is demonstrated through shared efforts to maintain a neat and organized home environment where each family member takes pride in their contributions. This might involve daily chores, like cleaning up after meals or keeping personal spaces tidy, but it extends beyond the physical realm.

Cleanliness in a family also means fostering open communication, addressing conflicts with empathy and understanding, and nurturing an atmosphere of emotional well-being. Ultimately, it’s the collective commitment to creating a harmonious, clean, and supportive family environment that genuinely embodies the virtue of cleanliness.

Balancing Cleanliness

To balance Cleanliness, the following virtues can be cultivated:

• • • Moderation: Moderation encourages us to strike a balance in our pursuit of cleanliness, understanding that excessive efforts may not always lead to better results.
    • Compassion: Developing compassion allows us to be more forgiving and understanding, softening our hearts and fostering healthier relationships.
    • Acceptance: Embracing life’s imperfections and recognizing that a certain level of messiness and unpredictability is part of being human.
    • Respect for the Environment: Cultivating a sense of environmental responsibility by reducing waste and maintaining a clean and sustainable living space.
    • Discernment: Developing the ability to recognize and remove toxic influences from our lives, ensuring healthier and more balanced relationships.

By balancing the virtue of cleanliness, we can maintain a healthy and harmonious approach to cleanliness in our lives, fostering our well-being and the peace of the world around us.