Systemic Virtue: PRUDENCE MONDAY 12/30/24
Prudence: Self governance through reason and discipline.
As the weekend plays out, I ponder the two virtues that are on Saturday and Sunday. For various reasons, I have yet to post these ponderings on Justice (Just Right Saturday) and Faith (FaithDay Sunday). I assure you, I am diligently tumbling thought-cogs and will be publishing something soon on these two gems.
Then the clock & calendar turn and I find myself once again, on Prudence Monday.
When we dive into the origins and roots of the language we choose to use, we bring clarity to our thoughts and choice of words. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like a choice, as the words flow out before the filter turns on. Thus begins the internal conflict courtesy of this uncontrolled thought-burst. This is a perfect example of faltering prudence.
“Oh boy, I shouldn’t have said that. I feel like such a jerk.”
Or we might think
“I can’t believe I just said that, but hey, why not? They deserved to hear it.”
Ouch. Did they? Who was I to decide what this person needed to hear? How was my delivery? Did I help or hurt?
Conflict. Chaos. Anger.
“Govern YourSelf”
Written on a post-it note on a wall in my home. When my boys were little, I’d put little notes and cards all over their mirrors. The phrases and sayings offering….what I now understand…. breadcrumbs to systemic virtue. It was and is pretty clear that I was also helping myself.
“If you wish to converse with me, define your terms” - Voltaire
Prudence is the act of searching out and following Divine guidance. Prudence is the practice of Providence.
Providence: Foresight, Divine Direction.
As a human, we have an obligation to follow Natural Law (God’s Law). And when we don’t, chaos and conflict ensue. Oftentimes, the fire of chaos is a slow and messy burn on its way toward the bonfire.
An example of a collective of Humans laying out the accordance of Natural Law is The US Constitution. Pretty clearly Divinely directed language.
Applying Providence individually, we begin to take a view of our self from a Higher Perspective with Clarity. (Forgiveness, compassion, wisdom are important ingredients at the apex of observation, lest we turn into false gods and fold back into chaos.)
So what does governing oneself look like on a day to day basis?
I think you know what I’m going to say here. Systemic Virtue!
It becomes clear how what is perceived as an insult “Don’t be such a prude!” Is actually a complement . Yet, it’s wrapped in the temptation to veer from the laws and rules that maintain inner peace and individual growth.
Yes, I am a prude. I go to bed early and wake up early. There are lots of things I do and do not do as I take agency of my own inner government and adjust my inner compass to the lessons I learn each day. Why oh Why did I not practice Provident Prudence sooner!? Well, that’s a whole other series of stories.
I’m not doing that anymore.
This is my clarifying statement. “I am not doing that anymore.” It is acknowledgement - to myself and toward anyone I am saying it - of past actions/habits. This is a verbal act and ask of forgiveness. It is a gentle reminder, like a snap of a band on my wrist, to avoid temptation. Whether its a toxic food product, toxic habit, or toxic word. It is a phrase that clearly sets necessary boundaries in place both for myself and to whomever I am speaking it.
And in a perfect world, this statement allows a child the opportunity to experience empathy in observance of their parent, like them, still growing, learning, expressing humility and being the First Cause of their own redirection, regardless of age.
Providently Practical Prudence
But how do you even get THERE, where you know where you want to go and what you want to say?
Begin on Monday. Prudently:
Wake up early.
Sit quietly and call for Divine Guidance.
Peer into the life of that Admirable Future Self that I invited you to go in search of (in the Intro to Systemic Virtue).
With disciplined practice, you will find yourself seated at the helm of your internal moral compass, and a strong and Light sense that you are not alone in this. Divine Guidance is Constant.
(Sense it in your heart, listen to the drumbeat calling you and feel its breath lift you)
Put the ladder in place:
What is one small thing you can accomplish this day that will ease you closer toward that future.
Then map out your day - insert tidbits of actions, the smaller the better to begin with. They’ll grow, trust me.
-Maybe it is simply to drink more water.
-Or go to bed early..
-Or to write a letter to someone.
-Or to choose to make a salad instead of microwaving a frozen food-thing.
The practice of disciplined prudence bears the gift of foresight with Divine direction throughout the day.
This is the practice of systemic virtuous infusion: TEMPERANCE (Tuesday, coming soon) will keep the toxins off your tongue, HOPE & FORTITUDE point your actions toward the meetup with that Future Self. And LOVE is the fuel. And soon, I will get my words on digital paper, to introduce how JUSTICE and FAITH weave in. (Though I sort of already did that here, didn’t I?)
A Prized Prude!
Where can you be the biggest prude in your day today?
Love,
Mom (Carly)
Thank you friends for your messages and comments to me (mostly in person!). I am humbled and honored that you are reading these love letters to my boys (and obviously to you). Please comment, share, and LIVE IT.