As I read these seven habits I could see how they interrelated and supported each other.

In an article for Spirituality and Health, Victor M. Parachin outlines qualities of people who have awakened.  Drawing on teachings from the Buddha, Parachin states that when we have an awakening to what can be we recognize that our “lives do not have to be an endless cycle of disappointment, discouragement, depression, and despair.” To reach that inner contentment/bliss/joy we must embrace seven interrelated habits.

1. Inquiry

• Rather than stumbling through life, Parachin suggests that awakened people ask probing questions of themselves that lead to a life direction of meaning. Authentic curiosity leads to a search for truth and compassion for ourselves and others. (See “Benefit” below.)

2. Gratitude

• “Gratitude,” Parachin says, “is a vital component of an enlightened life.” It requires inquiry (see above) as we seek to identify those people, things, and experiences for which we should not forget to give thanks.

3. Benefit

• When we do things—small and huge—to make life easier for another, we help to make life better, more enjoyable, and pleasant for others. We contribute to their wellbeing and resilience.

4. Mindfulness

• This goes beyond meditation (see below) and breathing exercises. The awakened ones pay attention to their surroundings as they move beyond false dichotomies toward a larger vista.

5. Meditation

• Parachin quotes Deepak Chopra saying that meditation can help “turn chaos into orderliness.” We take time to breathe and look inside ourselves. Who am I? To do this we need to set aside reflective time. (See “Inquiry” above.)

6 Optimistic

• The awakened have the ability to take most any situation and find the positive. They give gratitude (see above) when experiences (even traumatic) provide opportunities for growth. Like this person!

7. Silence

• The awakened understand that times of silence are within their making. Beyond meditation (see above), they choose to turn off distraction, move away from disruption, and seek to “shrink the noises and sounds that surround them.” We search for and make space for a reprieve from the constant chatter.

As I read these seven habits I could see how they interrelated and supported each other. I have engaged in all of them at different times during my journey.  They teach me…and I acknowledge I still have growing and learning to do.

How about you?

Video recommendation for the Week:

As I read the seven habits above, I see an interconnection and I see the importance of inquiry. We have to remain curious.

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Make it a great week and HTRB has needed.

My latest book can be found in
eBook ($2.99) and paperback ($9.99) format. Click here.

My dog Roxie gets top billing on the author page for this work. Without her, there would be no story.

Click here for more information about the book. In the meantime, check out her blog.

And you can still order:

• Community as a Safe Place to Land (2019, print and e-book). Available on Amazon. More information (including seven free podcast episodes that spotlight the seven core values highlighted in the book) at the above link.
• Stories about Teaching: No Need to be an Island (2017, print and e-book). Available on Amazon. One college’s new faculty onboarding program uses the scenarios in this book. Contact me if you and your team are interested in doing the same. The accompanying videos (see the link above) would serve to stimulate community-building conversations at the beginning of a meeting.

My podcasts (all 50 episodes) can be found here.

You will find more about me at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

©2021. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®