Purity

Description

Purity is living in a state of physical and spiritual health. We experience well-being by keeping our bodies and living spaces clean and fresh. Purification is a process. We free ourselves day by day from unwanted influences and addictive desires. We let go of what no longer fits our lives. We replace negativity with virtues practices. We clean up our mistakes, choosing responsibility instead of guilt. Like a mirror kept free of dust, we purify our intentions. Purity gives us a clear conscience and a peaceful soul. Purity frees us to be who we are meant to be .

 The Practice of Purity

• I keep my body clean and my space orderly.
• I purify my life of negativity.
• I replace unwanted habits by cultivating virtues.
• I take responsibility for clearing up my mistakes.
• I act from pure intentions.
• I live as I truly choose to live.

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

In Family Life

In a family, the virtue of purity radiates through the harmonious blend of physical and spiritual well-being. It manifests in the diligent upkeep of a clean and refreshing environment, ensuring that the home serves as a sanctuary for all its members. This virtue is exemplified through a continuous journey of freeing oneself from undesirable influences and breaking free from the bonds of addictive desires, enabling each family member to undergo personal development and flourish.

It means letting go of what no longer aligns with the family’s values and replacing negativity with virtuous practices like empathy, forgiveness, and understanding. In the face of mistakes, purity encourages taking responsibility instead of dwelling on guilt, fostering open communication and growth.

Ultimately, purity empowers members to embrace their authentic selves and contribute to the family’s well-being, promoting a peaceful and nurturing environment for everyone to thrive.

Balancing Purity

A balanced virtue of purity embodies a state of physical and spiritual health.

• • • Moderation: Moderation balances an overdeveloped sense of purity by promoting a healthy approach to cleanliness and self-improvement without becoming obsessed. Moderation encourages a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes well-being without fixating on unattainable ideals.
    • Compassion: Compassion counteracts judgmental attitudes that may arise from overemphasizing purity. Compassion fosters understanding and acceptance, allowing individuals to extend grace to themselves and others as they navigate imperfections and mistakes.
    • Flexibility: Flexibility helps mitigate the rigidity associated with an overdeveloped sense of purity by encouraging adaptability and openness to change. Flexibility allows individuals to adjust their standards and expectations in response to evolving circumstances, promoting resilience and growth.
    • Compassion: Self-compassion addresses the tendency towards guilt and self-criticism in pursuing purity. Self-compassion emphasizes kindness and forgiveness towards oneself, fostering resilience and promoting a healthy sense of self-worth.

Striving for purity in moderation, compassion, and flexibility allows us to navigate life’s complexities with grace and authenticity.