I CAN NOTICE WHAT SUITS ME
without being judgmental

PREVIOUS: Character: Traits & Contrasts

SITE: “Brave New Kitty” blog – re FoO, Recovery….

◉ ATTENTIVENESS
 a. Indicates the worth of a task or situation by being alert, interested, observant & giving it undivided concentration
b. Recognizes the value of others by giving them listening ears, respect, courtesy & focus – not just about our own needs & wants.
Paying attention to what’s really important to ourselves, and others, by noticing details

c. The trait of being cautious – appropriately alert to possible danger (not paranoia) for ourselves & our loved ones
d. Staying in the ‘now’, listening to the ‘still small voice’ in ourselves & from H.P.
EXP:
• ask questions if we don’t understand  • don’t distract from a situation by shifting attention to ourself • don’t drift off • look at people when they speak to us • sit or stand upright

◉ CREATIVITY (originality, ingenuity)
Approach a need, task or idea from a new perspective. Create something new (a product, a solution, a work of art, a novel, a joke…) that has some kind of value.  A love for putting disparate things together that at first don’t seem to fit – but later the connections are obvious. Always being curious about the physical world & relationships, as well as about the inner world of ideas & emotions.

Being playful, childlike & full of wonder, not rushing to solve a problem, taking time to imagine & dream. Not being run of the mill, not afraid to be different or have to play by the rules.
EXP:
• always look for alternative ways of doing things • have novel solutions to tricky problems  •  look for a better way to live
• the mind constantly challenges the status quo • see things from more than one perspective • use sound principles to solve puzzles • use ones talents for good to self & others

◉ CURIOSITY (novelty–seeking, openness to experience)
A drive to know new things, finding many subjects & topics fascinating, always exploring & discovering. Having wonder & admiration for a wide range of info.  Able to access the Healthy Inner Child, who has wonder & admiration for everything – even when it doesn’t like something.

Curiosity helps to shed light on personal issues & troubles by motivating us to uncover big truths & subtle nuances of our inner & outer life. It makes us want to discover things for ourselves, not just take someone’s word for it. It is helped by self-control, perseverance & emotional security
EXP:
• ask more questions and trust fewer assumptions • be open to new possibilities  • only stop asking Qs when we’ve gotten the info we need or want  • can tolerate difficulties or injuries from trying out something new

◉ DISCERNMENT / JUDGMENT (objective thinking, NOT being judgmental)
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Able to see the deeper reasons behind situations & events. Think shrewdly, sift through conflicting or confusing facts, & choose the best alternative.
Examine things from all sides and not jump to conclusions. Able to change one’s mind in light of new & appropriate evidence, weighing all info fairly. Form the best opinion of a person or situation.

Question things that don’t make sense, ask for the source of info & explore it in more depth. Grasp & understand what is obscure. NOT be critical (discernment is noticing things, while critical is being unkind).
Moral wisdom includes the ability:
➤ to evaluate a situation or person (putting a value on it) by observing attitudes, communications, & repeated patterns

➤ to judge / choose the healthiest option available, reaching an appropriate decision about what to do or not do – given the desire for a good outcome.
EXP: • ask questions  • consider possible outcomes   • don’t judge hastily  • don’t repeat mistakes  • know what is helpful vs. harmful  • learn from experience • search for value  • trace problems to their cause.

NEXT: Character – Knowledge #2