Rainn Wilson Loves Virtues

Actor and comedian Rainn Wilson loves virtues!

You may not know it from his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, but Rainn is compassionate, caring and committed to making a positive impact on the world to bring out the best in people. He founded SoulPancake, a media company that celebrates humanity and champions creativity; he raises funds for the Mona Foundation, a charity focused on education and raises the status of women and girls; and is the creative mind and host behind The Baha'i Blogcast, interviewing people members of the Baha'i faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts and minds and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick. (Virtues Matter co-founder, Dara will be a guest on an upcoming episode).

So what does he say about virtues? They are a practice or traits of character, leadership qualities, spiritual virtues such as forgiveness, joy love, flexibility , joyfulness and creativity that we all should cultivate.

Rainn suggests we think of someone we know and love, someone who has amazing qualities.  A grandparent, a teacher, a neighbor, maybe himself :) and think of the qualities they have. They are all listed in The Family Virtues Guide intended for parents and children to use together to nurture togetherness.  "Compassion, trustworthiness, reliability, unity, moderation, peacefulness, courtesy, helpfulness, service. All of these things are inherent in the people we love".

He adds "all of these things can be nurtured. These qualities can be cultivated - like little plants in your own little garden of your heart."

He also loves the Virtues Cards app. "I highly recommend those cards". 

Why does he bring this up during a global pandemic. Because so much is out of our control. We don't know when businesses will open, if there's a vaccine, if we can't pay rent.

So what is in within our control.

These virtues like generosity.  He soundly recommends "Just take a virtue a week like generosity and say, can I be more generous this week than I was last week. And then next week, can I be an inch more friendly than I was last week. You start noticing these qualities internally, in other people, and it can be a way to grow spiritually,in wisdom to a place to put your focus during these super difficult times.

Sound advice from someone who brings us much joy, wisdom, cheerfulness, and mindfulness - all virtues, all the time.