I have also been working with this virtue. Thinking about Integrity opened up a new way of looking at Sincerity. For instance, in any relationship, if one does not, in as kindly a manner as possible, with discrimination, express one’s true thought, is that being Sincere? How can a partner react appropriately if kept in the dark? I had always believed it was a virtue to “tough it out” when misunderstood. Now I find that ignoring one’s own desire, need, or even preference, is unfair, and hints toward a lack of integrity!
Often I wonder if I’ve said too much or too little in meetings at work, or with individuals I’m excited to be with. I recently was visited by an old friend from college who came to a meeting in my area. I hadn’t seen him in over 20 years. We had a great visit, but afterwards as I was reflecting on it, I wondered if I had expressed my opinion too much on some topics and about some people.
As one of the Masters assures us, “the errors of commission are easily forgiven,” so it seems likely your friend would appreciate all you shared with him. Of course, there are always cosmic implications of what we may say about others to consider, and we’re sure you would revisit this conversation for whatever may be your own learning in that respect.
Being honest and sincere entails the use of discrimination and humility. There is sometimes the doubt of saying too much or too little, and it takes humble courage to be who we really are. I find myself being as sincere as my building character will allow, as I learn more of this important virtue.
I have also been working with this virtue. Thinking about Integrity opened up a new way of looking at Sincerity. For instance, in any relationship, if one does not, in as kindly a manner as possible, with discrimination, express one’s true thought, is that being Sincere? How can a partner react appropriately if kept in the dark? I had always believed it was a virtue to “tough it out” when misunderstood. Now I find that ignoring one’s own desire, need, or even preference, is unfair, and hints toward a lack of integrity!
Often I wonder if I’ve said too much or too little in meetings at work, or with individuals I’m excited to be with. I recently was visited by an old friend from college who came to a meeting in my area. I hadn’t seen him in over 20 years. We had a great visit, but afterwards as I was reflecting on it, I wondered if I had expressed my opinion too much on some topics and about some people.
As one of the Masters assures us, “the errors of commission are easily forgiven,” so it seems likely your friend would appreciate all you shared with him. Of course, there are always cosmic implications of what we may say about others to consider, and we’re sure you would revisit this conversation for whatever may be your own learning in that respect.
Being honest and sincere entails the use of discrimination and humility. There is sometimes the doubt of saying too much or too little, and it takes humble courage to be who we really are. I find myself being as sincere as my building character will allow, as I learn more of this important virtue.