Virtue of the month: Kindness

“Kindness is caring that springs from compassion. We have genuine concern for the welfare of others. We are warm, friendly and ready to help. We listen for the needs beneath the words. We give tender attention in simple ways that bring others happiness… We are good stewards of the earth and all living things. We remember to be kind of ourselves”. Linda Kavelin Popov

Find Virtues Connection Portland, Oregon on FaceBook for inspiration and more information about local news of the Virtues Project. Invite Your Friends too!

Virtues Camp Allumni and friends met at Beaverton Baha’i Center on Feb.4th and made great connections, beautiful greeting cards as a service project for the Eleders in our midst and went home with full bellies and joyful hearts. (Next Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2012)

NEW: would you like to participate in a free book study this Spring? We will be reading A Pace of Grace, by Linda Kavelin Popov. Contact Delaram Hakiman-Adyani today! www.paceofgrace.net

New classes for 2012: A Gift for team building in business; Simple family strategies for life; Cultivating a Culture of Virtues for children and adults too—$199 CMBA Special, includes a full deck of Virtues Cards. Schedule your work/playshop today. 503-267-0202. mehdel@pacifier.com,

www.virtuesconnectionportland.com Share this link with your friends!

http://cedarmill.org/news/212/biznews.html#kind

Virtue of the Month: Zeal!

“Zeal is passion for a purpose we deeply value. We follow a vision of what is possible with enthusiasm and ardor. When we are zealous, we give our all… Zeal is being for something, not against anything. Zeal is the fire in our belly. It illumines even the smallest task with joy.”

“The Practice of Zeal: I have a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about what I value. I persevere in my enthusiasm. I am considerate of the perspective of others. I work with joyous energy.” Linda Kavelin-Popov.

Affirmation: I am thankful for the gift of Zeal. It ignites my idealism.

Contact me for your free 30 minutes consultation in January 2012.

Delaram Hakiman-Adyani, mehdel@pacifier.com or 503-267-0202, 

VCP on FB: http://www.facebook.com/groups/143085841889/

Also at Cedar Mill Business News, courtesy of Virginia Bruce: http://cedarmill.org/news/112/biznews.html#zeal 

This Janurary, I had a great pleasure of hearing Rev. Kathleen McKern Verigin [info@anamcaraconnections.com] of Anam Cara Connections. (we are now ‘soul friends’)

www.anamcaraconnections.com  at my Awakenings Group meeting and I chose a ‘guiding word’ for me this year! You guessed it! it is Zeal!

Feel free to send me a note via email- mehdel@pacifier.com and I will send you a list of 100 Virtues for your play and work! Love, Delaram

A great gift for you and your loved ones! ($30 for a deck of 100 cards; also available on audio CD: beautiful narration with peaceful background music.) www.virtuesconnectionportland.com 503-267-0202 for your free personal delivery in Beaverton area (until Dec.24, 2011).

The practice of Peacefulness:

I have a tranquil spirit.

I enter the peace of reflection.

I release my fears.

I move calmly without rush or hurry.

I choose justice instead or anger.

I choose unity over discord.

I am thankful for the gift of peacefulness. It allows me to be an instrument of grace.”

By Linda Kavelin Popov www.virtuesproject.com Do a  Free Virtues Pick on line!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/143085841889/ LIKE us on FaceBook and invite your friends!

PS Virtues Day Camp reunions are scheduled for Feb. 4 and May 12, 2012.

“Forgiveness is overlooking mistakes and letting go of resentments.

Forgiveness frees us from the needless pain of reliving hurt.

Forgiveness doesn’t make a wrong choice right; it brings the generosity of spirit to release it. It brings blessed opportunity for a clean start.

Forgiveness opens the door of hope.”

The Practice of Forgiveness: “I overlook mistakes. I free myself from pain and resentment. I am willing to heal the past. I find it in my heart to give others another chance. I use guilt only as a signal for change. I accept Divine redemption. I have the power to change for the better.” – Linda Kavelin-Popov

Join the Virtues Connection Portland, Oregon Face Book page for inspiration and more information about local news of Virtues Project. http://www.facebook.com/groups/143085841889/

Last month, we made more than 74 greeting cards and delivered love letters to seniors living at Holly Tree apartments and Laurel Park residents at our 5th year Virtues Camp reunion. Thanks to every parent and child and guest who participated!

As for forgiveness, I have had my own share of forgiving the past and being gentle with myself. I have also embarked on a new health and fitness program which reminds me that Every Day is a New Day!

Best wishes for a fabulous Thanks Giving season.  Remember your loved ones and tell them a virtue acknowledgment this month!

Love,

Delaram

PS If you are interested to join the Cedar Mill Business Association, please let ME know and I will get you in!   Here is the Cedar Mill News, courtesy of Virginia Bruce. http://www.cedarmill.org/news/1111/BusinessNews.html#virtue

I am reading ‘Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne with a generous and wise group of moms this Fall… http://www.simplicityparenting.com/ As I think about the reasons to ‘simplify’ our busy schedules and hectic lives, I am reminded that we are ‘human beings’ not ‘human doings’.

By allowing time and space for ’being’, we allow for our children’s complex individuality to slowly form and develop.  Our character is formed by experinces of life, but also in the quiet moments of reflection, art and music.

I am learning that the pauses in the music of life are just as important as the melody piece. We all need to have a rhythm that allows for pauses, celebrations, togetherness and alone time.

I am simplifying by clearing closets, decluttering open spaces, having a predictable and simple food menu, allowing time in nature,  and spending more time with ‘beautiful’ people and loved ones in my life!

If you wish to learn more, or to join us for future book discussions, send me a note via our Face Book Page: Virtues Connection Portland, Oregon http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1047112221#!/groups/143085841889/ and I will keep you posted!

Love,

Delaram

“Charity is a giving heart, a generous way of viewing others and caring for their needs… It springs from compassion for the suffering of others, even those we don’t know. Charity moves us, and we respond to their needs, giving help and kindness. We make a genuine difference in their lives. When we are charitable, we don’t judge others. We give them the benefit of the doubt. Charity is caring made manifest… Charity creates a circle of love.”

The Practice of Charity: I feel compassion for the suffering of others. I share what I have. I give generously. I withhold judgments. I give others room for mistakes. When I see a need, I take action to help.”

“Affirmation: I am thankful for the gift of Charity. It makes my life a blessing.”

Excerpt from Virtues Reflection Cards, written by Linda Kavelin Popov.

Read all about it at our local Cedar Mill News: Courtesy of Virgina Bruce. http://cedarmill.org/news/1011/Business.html#charity

Personally, I am taking this opportunity during the fall season to slow down, to simplify, to reconnect to what/who is important for me. For example, I am focuding on my commitment to mental and physical and spiritual health, to service in community building , and to deepening my connections with some family and friends.

As I think of the Virtue of Charity, I know the more I give, the more abundant I feel.  I remember that there is truly enough for all of us… To be content and give of our selves, as we are, we find our true joy, keeping moderation and gentleness in mind! Whether it is my Faith, or the School Parent TeacherO, This Fall,  I am truly thankful for the gift of Charity… It makes my life a blessing!

Warmly,

Delaram

Here are a few local resources : Hands On Greater Portland http://www.facebook.com/handsongreaterportland

http://www.handsonportland.org/

From my friend, Liz in a Beaverton School: Let’s not tolerate food waste and hunger in our community!

 Here is an easy opportunity to stop the wasting of food that occurs at the same time people are going hungry right here in the greater Beaverton area.  It’s called Fork It Over.

Here’s how it works:  School cafeteria food, which would otherwise be thrown out, is packaged by nutrition services staff at each school and made ready for delivery to local food pantries.  Fork It Over volunteers pick the food up and make the delivery.  How simple is that?

You can help by transporting food from schools to a food pantry.  Whether you volunteer once a month, or once a week, your help is greatly needed.  The commitment is about an hour of your time and the use of your own vehicle.  To volunteer or ask questions, send an email to forkitoverbsd@gmail.com.  This is one of the easiest volunteer opportunities you will ever have and the impact is huge!

More later!

Virtue  of the Month: Charity! READ All about it at

http://cedarmill.org/news

Dear Friends and Spiritual Virtues Camp Alumni,

You are invited to a Virtues Camp Reunion and Service Project Saturday Oct. 22, 2011 at the Beaverton Baha’i Center (Murray Blvd.) from 3 PM to 6 PM.

This is a whole family event where we will be working on a service project of “Cards for Seniors.”  We will be making cards and writing notes in them for residents at Holy Tree Apartments and Laurel Park at Bethany Village. The children have made cards in past Winter and Summer Camps and the residents love receiving them. We’ll have card making supplies, but if you have some card crafting supplies to share please feel free to bring them. We are happy to document Community Service Hours for students.

We’ll supply pizza and drinks, and families are welcome to bring a salad or dessert to share.

Please RSVP with the number of people planning to attend so that we can plan successfully.

We’re looking forward to a joyful connection with you!

Delaram and Bethany
503-267-0202

Virtue of the month of September: ORDERLINESS!

Remember the virtue of Orderliness and encourage it in our classrooms, bedrooms and boardrooms:

 “Orderliness is living in a way that creates harmony around us and within us. We have a place for the things we use, and keep them where they belong. Order and Beauty in our homes and work spaces bring a sense of peace and freedom….”

“The practice of Orderliness: I create a harmonious space that makes my soul peaceful. I keep only what is useful and beautiful. I put things in their place after I use them. I plan with purpose. I solve problems step by step. I trust in the presence of Divine order in my life. I am thankful for the gift of orderliness. It brings harmony to my life.” 

Virtues Reflection Cards, Linda Kavelin Popov

http://cedarmill.org/news/911/Business.html#virtue

Mention this Webpage to me and you can get your own Deck of 100 Virtues Cards for $25 in September, while supplies last!  Sweet! Delaram

“Unity is a powerful virtue and it brings great strength. Unity is inclusiveness. It brings people together. We see our commonality without devaluing our differences. We experience our connectedness with all people and all life. Unity frees us from the divisiveness of prejudice and heals our fears.”

“The Practice of Unity:

I am a lover of humanity.

I seek common ground.

I appreciate differences.

I resolve conflict peacefully.

I honor the value of each individual.

I am a unifier.”

Virtues Reflection Cards, Linda Kavelin Popov

Dear Friends and neighbouring communities,

We are in full gear in exciting preparations for a joyful, purposeful and memorable Virtues Summer Camp in Beaverton! SEE bottom of Camp Page for NEW 2011 registration forms… and send them in ASAP! ~~ Date of Camp: August 1-4, 2011

Kids, ranging from 4 to 12 will enjoy four days of Virtue Themed activities, games and learning (9:30am to 1pm).  The parents and grandparents are welcome to stay and attend a simultaneous Living and Parenting with Virtues Class (10am-12) for an additional $15. There is also a ‘parent help’ option where parents can assist with the Virtues Stations. (Please indicate your interest on the registration form and we will contact you).

Options include: Tie-Dye T Shirt, hand decorated Hula Hoops with a twist of color, Service projects and much more. We are so grateful and honored to have so many talented artists, youth, parents and community members who volunteer their time and energy to support the smooth running of the camp.  THANK YOU!

Our awesome guests on Tues and Wed. are Jennifer Russell of Remba Records http://songsforkidsonline.com/?ap_id=Delaram and Micheal Galye from CA… They have a family concert scheduled at the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living www.newthoughtcsl.org  (our co-sponsor) along with Jami Lua. 

TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS!  Thanks also to our other co-sponsor, the Baha’is of Beaverton who have welcomed us at the beautiful Baha’i Center on Murray Blvd. for the past 4 years with love and guidance. THANK YOU!

Unity in Diversity!! Powerful. Colorful. Beautiful.

See you at Camp!

Love,

Delaram and Bethany, Camp Coordinators

We see your Virtues!

What a great time to show Love and Appreciation to the teachers and leaders in our community.

Congratulations to all the staff and parent volunteers in the Career Center at Sunset HighSchool in Beaverton: We see the virtues you show by your everyday actions… We celebrate your Zeal, Joyfulness, Cooperation, Enthusiasm, Honesty, Justice and Generosity over yummi taco lunch, overlooking summer beach center pieces, and ‘digging for the gems of virtues’ in the sand!   The students know and value your mentorship and support.

Time to celebrate the first grade class at City View Charter School in Hillsboro, where teacher Andi has picked a ‘virtue’/character trait to focus, study and reflect on EVERY DAY during the school year.  All the students are proficient in the language of the virtues and are mastering the ‘art of’companioning’  and community building every day. Congratulations!

Finally, we honor a student who has consistently demonstrated the virtue of  ’integrity’ by presenting her/him the first  Annual Integrity Award to honor our loved late counselor, Mrs. Byrom at Jacob Wismer Elementary School.  It is good to ‘do the right thing’ even when no one is looking!

Thank you for spreading the Virtues!

Loving regards,

Delaram

PS Here is the Virtue of the month in the Cedar Mill News courtesy of Virgina Bruce. http://cedarmill.org/news/611/biznews0611.html#virtue

PPS Here is another Virtues Facilitator, Barry Green, andVirtues in Leadership from A-Z! Enjoy! http://www.theunityconnection.com/blog.html