The Virtues Project

by Joyce O’Halloran

At recent Subud gatherings, I have offered a short workshop in which we practice speaking to other peoples’ inner selves. This workshop was developed by The Virtues Project™ (https://www.virtuesproject.com). Their work is based on over 30 years of research on virtues such as Respect, Integrity, Justice, and Joyfulness that are common to cultures and faith communities around the world. The people who created the Virtues Project are not Subud members, but their ideas align with a lot of Subud ideals.

From the Virtues Project website:

“Virtues are our inner strengths, the content of our character, and the truest expression of ourself. The mission of The Virtues Project is to inspire people of all cultures to remember who we really are and to live by our highest values.”

What distinguishes a virtue from another concept?

Certainly, there could be some darkness in our character and in our self-expression, but a true Inner Strength would not be a strength, if it were dark. Also, the virtues identified by the Virtues Project are nouns, not adjectives, because adjectives are labels and we want to avoid attaching labels to people, even labels that we consider “good”. I’d acknowledge someone for showing respect not by saying “You are a respectful person” but instead saying, “I appreciate how you showed respect in that situation”.

In the workshop I offer at Subud gatherings, we practice speaking the language of virtues and listening and speaking through the lens of virtues.

At the beginning of each workshop, I set boundaries and encourage deep listening in order to create a climate of peace, safety, and connection.

In the workshop, we respect the dignity of each person and we create an environment to promote wellness, reflection, reverence, and beauty.

We practice truly listening and being present to another person. In doing this, we speak to the other’s inner being. My hope is that you can use what you practice in the workshop in your everyday life.