Answers: What’s in the ‘Plus’ column?
Why Experiencing Goodness is Important to Resilience
Transcendental Goodness is bigger than the idea of doing something “good” for someone or being “good” in terms of adhering to rules. At this higher level, Goodness is related to the perfection of being – “A thing is good to the degree that it enacts and perfects those powers, activities, and capacities appropriate to its nature and purpose.” (Guernsey). In a practical sense, this ties Goodness closely to motivation, understanding and fulfillment of our sense of purpose. The more in line we are with our own purpose, the stronger and more resilient our Inner Core. As one seeks to perfect Goodness, quality is evident and there will be signs of virtue, including morality (often expressed as decency and dignity), compassion and authentic caring, heart-felt kindness, respect, and in its purest form mercy – all of which contribute to strength of character, depth of fortitude, and personal resilience in adversity.
Wisdom has its root in goodness. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Without a Strong Appreciation of Goodness …
Without strong, positive fidelity with Goodness … there may be behavior that is inconsistent and insufficiently grounded in purpose or virtue. Internally, this may result in a sense of conflict, greater hurt, heightened feelings of isolation, loneliness, and sadness or, externally, in hurtful acts in nature, acts of violence, and greater despair.
Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold. -Zelda Fitzgerald
Action Planning
If you want to develop your qualities of Goodness further … deepen your understanding about the nature of goodness and take a realistic inventory of your life and your pursuit of goodness.
Possible Actions – Perceive & Ponder
- Examine your own conscience, look at your intentions, identify times in your life’s story where goodness strengthened your resilience.
- Consider your purpose and ask yourself if your beliefs, values, and actions are aligned with this purpose.
Possible Actions – Engage & Connect
- Recognize and affirm the goodness you see in the people and circumstances around you.
- Make a list or start a journal to document your gratitude and awareness of the goodness in your life.
Possible Actions – Plan & Pursue
- Practice random acts of kindness.
- Engage/get involved in ‘good works,’ volunteer your time, talent, or treasure.
