Seeds of Virtue

We need to know that we have all the seeds within us

We are capable of all types of actions, skillful and unskillful

Seeds need water, soil, and sunlight to grow

They need attention

We water our seeds by paying attention

Most actions are habitual

We wear grooves in our minds

Neural pathways

The more we travel one pathway

The easier it gets to go that way

Traveling down a new path can feel unnatural

Because we’re not used to it

It becomes more natural with practice and integration

Practice being quiet and calm in meditation

And it will come more easily in real life

Reactions happen quickly, following well-worn pathways

It takes willingness and exertion to forge new pathways

You have to pause and breathe

Breathing helps us get in touch with our ever present body

And brings body and mind together

Breathing creates spaces for something new

Forging new pathways is like watering the seeds of virtue

Kindness, honesty, and compassion are virtues we want to strengthen