Haralambos, thanks for re-stating what you want to discuss.

Many people seem to be so focussed on achieving success, of the material kind, that there is not much focus, or appreciation for that matter, on those things that do not cost any money. Being successful at relationships, for instance, with family, friends, work colleagues is probably not regarded in the same light as being financially or professionally successful.

Yet at the end of day, even somebody as hard headed and self reliant as ColRouge admits that successful relationships are vitally important.

Not only should children be taught meditation, they should also be taught about the value of virtues that educate on how we should treat each other and why.

Very many years ago I came across 'the Virtues Project'. My kids loved it and to this day have very fond memories of it. Even when very young they had marvelous things to say about such virtues as 'Tact', 'Respect','Courtesy' or 'Reliability', to name 4 of the 52.Why it is not compulsory in schools I don't know. Even for us adults it was good to think and talk about it, or to hear the opinions of our children on how we fared!

It really all starts with how we treat our children and how our children see we treat each other. Then we rear adults who care about others and not only themselves. And most importantly, we need to re-focus on what it means to be successful.

Well put yvonne. It is about raising our children properly. Good manners, mutual respect, and compassion are vital. I know such things should be taught at school. But as you say, parents need to lead by example. And yes, we should also re-define success. For if we don't, then its our most cherished relationships that suffer.

Just a quick post.

I think Yvonne's point about children is vital. Children are our future. What we value, how we react in various situations is as much nurture as it is nature.

Therefore, I put forward the problem of bullying. Children who are relentlessly bullied at school often go on to experience depression as adults. The other disturbing behaviour pattern is that children who are bullies frequently grow up to be adult bullies also. Workplace harassment is endemic and across both genders.

We need to give the best start possible to our children.

For further info please check:

http://www.bullying.com.au/

I have been unwell lately, hence my absence on a number of threads. As this topic is one I know only too well, I felt impelled to make this post. I just want to let Haralambos know that her topics are important and vital; these issues require more investigation and a whole lot less castigation.

I'll finish with my favourite quote from Buddha:

"We are formed and molded by our thoughts.
Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy will always follow them."

Peace

Hey there Fractelle,

Thanks for your support. I unfortunately know a fair bit about bullying, and its effects. Hopefully people are able to break out of that pattern that can lead to bullying at work.

Nice quote. I think its true.

Take care & peace to you.

One more thing. I'm a "he".

Great posts, Yvonne, Fractelle and Haralambos.

I am not familiar with 'the Virtues Project' but I did find out some things about it through google. I have a general idea about it- it looks like one of the most fantastic projects available so I must agree that this should be compulsory.
This is so much better than the confusing and vague talking about what Australian values are- out with that and in with the virtues project; the virtues are universal and clear.

Luckily, school staff become increasingly aware of bullying and I'd say all have an anti-bullying program. Not all work effectively, but it's relatively new so I hope the teething problems will be taken care of.

People are often so time-poor, so occupied with combining work and family and their own problems that they may not notice the suffering of others unless they see it on the news.

My Grandmother once told me that she experienced the closest community bond during the 2nd world war, when everybody was overwhelmed by stress and scarcity- yet people worked together and shared even their most meager food supplies and possessions.
Many neighbours used to sit together in one room all winter to share the light of a candle and some heating, if there was any at all. Wrapped in blankets they sat for hours every night, behind blackened windows, sharing stories, playing games, listening to and supporting each other.

People are able to be very supportive and caring- we have to remind ourselves to look around us and reach out when necessary.