Monthly Archives: June 2020

Enthusiasm

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Known as “Zest” within the VIA classification of character strengths, enthusiasm is an approach to life which is also known as vitality. People who are enthusiastic do everything with excitement and energy.

Exhibiting enthusiasm could involve:

-Actively participating by asking questions or listening closely

-Showing enthusiasm through smiles or excited comments

-Invigorating others around you

-Exercise is a great way to use the strength of zest.

“Olivia” is an example of someone who has zest for life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFU9suLL5Lw

 

Where the Hell is Matt?

Matt travels the world and records himself dancing in each place.

School children talking about “Zest”

What does it mean to be enthusiastic and have zest? What do you think of when you hear the words enthusiasm or zest?

Open-Mindedness

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Our Character Strength for next week is Open-Mindedness. This means, thinking things through and being open to people, cultures, situations and ideas that seem different to our own. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a concept that most of us understand with regard to Open-Mindedness. Once you learn more about someone or something that you had a preconcieved idea about, you develop an understanding and appreciation.

People who are open-minded love others despite AND because of their differences.

Also related to the concept of open mindedness is “perspective” which is about how we all look at things through our own eyes – this picture story book shows how we can all see things the same thing differently.

“The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon” by Aaron Blabey is essentially about a lady (ghost) who is lonely, but the townsfolk don’t realise this. They are scared of her until they change their perspective and develop an attitude of open mindedness.

The Mole and the Eagle – In this fable the eagle didn’t show open mindedness as he did not respect the mole’s perspective or ideas. The eagle ended up regretting this.

A lesson in perspective (for Grades 4+)

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence

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People who have the character strength “appreciation of beauty and excellence”  notice and enjoy the beauty, skill and excellence involved in things around me including nature, art and architecture.

There are three types of goodness for which individuals high in Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence are responsive to:

  • Physical beauty. This may be visual, auditory, tactile, or abstract. This type of goodness produces awe and wonder in the individual experiencing it.
  • Skill or talent (excellence). This is often energising, and makes the individual want to pursue their own goals. It produces admiration.
  • Virtue or moral goodness (moral beauty). Virtual goodness makes the individual want to be better, more loving, and produces feelings of elevation.

We have so much natural beauty to enjoy in Barwon Heads and every so often our wonderful sand artist makes art works on our beaches!

 

Thirteenth Beach

The Moonahs, riverwalks, mangroves, estuary and river

What do you appreciate most about where you live?