values for the yatra january 2013

‘Called to be ’Value Gurus’ for Today’s Young

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Happy New Year 2013

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less travelled by,

And that made all the difference” ‐ Robert Frost

M. Scott Peck, authored a best seller entitled, ‘The Road Less Travelled’ ‐ A New

Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth. All great religions speak of life as

a journey: ‘The Way’, ‘The Straight Path’, ‘The Narrow Way’.

The recent Ang Lee’s 3D Life of Pi (2012), besides its almost overwhelming cinematography

and artistic design that transcend the ordinary, is a story of a journey with new beginnings

centered around themes about life and death, about faith and miracles, about doubt and

belief, and the mythic hero’s journey. By the end of the film, the audience is left to ask mean‐

ingful questions. Questions about what it takes to believe, what is the value of our human

experience and if we can trust the information that comes to us through our senses and

ultimately where does it lead us. We often like to live a life of caution, calculation and

compromise. In risking the path less travelled, one has to be open to the irrational where intuition and intelligence

merge in mysterious ways. His very name Pi is a metaphor of an irrational number with no end!

Another year has gone by. Past resolutions were forgotten along the way. With

hindsight, we find ourselves lost, fatigued, broken, disillusioned, desolate and burnt

out. Our energies were wasted, our vision blurred, our journey without a destination.

Our goals, visions and dreams perhaps faded away by boredom, mediocrity and rou‐

tine. With more backsliding than progress, we throw up our hands in the air and ask,

“What is the use of another year? Why start all over again? What’s really new in a New

Year?” There is plenty in fact, if you are ready to see beyond the ordinary meaning!!!

AVEC wishes you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and our ‘Values for the Yatra’ are in fact like Value Maps that gives your

life an added meaning, direction and purpose to start afresh. But, you have to make that journey yourself! No one

else can make the journey for you. You cannot go through life journeying on someone else’s path or road...Everyone

is called to be a Trail‐blazer, a Path‐finder. Values are indicators, sign posts that guide you along the way. Being blind

to them will makes your journey unbearable and directionless. Let ‘Embrace Values, Enthuse Life’ be your new

mantra for the year ahead of you.

At the start of this New Year 2013, AVEC will also introduce the ‘30 day Peace Pledge’, an initiative by Mrs.

Kia Scherr, 26/11 survivor‐victim, as she embraces the path of peace and forgiveness and promotes ‘Oneness and

Sacredness of Life’ here in our city of Mumbai and across the globe.

Let the New Year 2013 find you making a new resolve, setting a new point of arrival ‐ a destination

with a purpose. There is Value in every ‘New Beginning’…. The old must give way to a new meaning.

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC ) E-Letter January 2013

ValuesValuesValues for the for the for the YatraYatraYatra

Value in New Beginnings

The Person I intend to Become? Value of SEEING ‘TIME’?



It is really important to have a personal perspective of TIME? Yes or No?

When it comes to TIME, there is one common ageless problem facing every‐

one. Time is the only resource given equally to every one….the question is about

how do I invest my Time well? 365 days gone bye never to return. Take a look

at how you Value Time… it determines everything you do, say and relate to.

The

Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life by

Stanford University psychologist Philip Zimbardo and John Boyd is a book that

invites us to understand our Perspective on Time. What is your Perspective on

Time? We are all defined by our Past, guided by our Present and directed towards

our Future. Time is not broken up into fragments of past, present or future.

Health, Wealth, Relationships are built when one has a right perspective on

Time. Check out these SIX MAJOR PERSPECTIVES on Time… Where do you stand?

View of TIME TYPE of Personality Strengths Weaknesses

HIGH PAST –POSITIVES: They often recall happy times

and like the ‘good old days’

They are seldom anxious

or depressed

May resist change to new

people and new ideas

HIGH PRESENT—

HEDONISTS:

They are sensual and

spontaneous. Their lives re‐

volve around short‐term fun.

Life is full of fun and

friends and are happy

externally

Spotty job record, risky sex,

too much alcohol. Emotion‐

ally backslide easily

when called to something

important

HIGH PRESENT –

FATALISTS:

They live in the present and

believe fate determines

everything.

Little, they become self‐

reliant because they don’t

trust others.

Hot‐temper. Depression

and less –conscientious

HIGH PAST—NEGATIVES: Painful past, regrets keep

replaying in their minds.

Little, but they are not

easily conned or falsely

optimistic.

Tend to be anxious, shy

and unhappy.

HIGH FUTURES: Planners who focus on goals,

delay gratification and keep

commitments.

Goalaholics, Ready to

make sacrifices for now

and Highly motivated

Forgo immediate pleasures

they may regret later. At

extremes, they view their

past as devoid of any fun.

HIGH TRANSCENDENTAL

FUTURES:

They believe in time

extension, that is, life after

death.

They are patient and

happy.

Less focused on the pre‐

sent; at the most extreme,

willing to kill selves or

others for future rewards.

Reflective ’ Value Moments’ for Teachers Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC ) E-Letter January 2013


“A nation as a society forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society” (Thomas Jefferson)

‘National Integration’ is the consciousness of a society that reduces social, economic and gender inequalities to unite all in one bond of ‘we’ and ‘us’ feeling irrespective of language, religion, ethnic, history, region, state etc. National integration finds its expression through patriotism and loyalty in a

feeling of brotherhood and goodwill for all to work in co‐operation and collaboration for the welfare of the country.

India is the seventh‐largest country by area, with a population of over 1.2 billion. India in spite of being a land of various races, religions and languages won freedom as one nation by the influence of common territory, common history and common fight for freedom against the foreign rule. All the major religions of the world are practiced here like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Jainism. Geographically, our land is diverse with extreme differences in climate, varieties in costume, food habits and social customs. Despite all these differences, India is a political entity governed under the same Constitution.

We are constitutionally committed to Secularism, Democracy and Social Equality that guarantee basic human rights and promotes national integration. The Constitution of India recognizes the various religions prevalent in India as ‘Secularism” declares that every citizen irrespective of the caste will enjoy equal rights to follow the religion of his choice. As a ‘Democracy’, all Indians are equal in every way under the law of the country and cannot be discriminated against on the basis of differences of caste, creed, culture, gender, language…

“Political Integration has already taken place but what I am after is something much deeper than that; an emotional integration of Indian people so that two may be welded into one strong national unity, maintaining at the same time all our wonderful diversity", said Pandit Nehru. The history of India presents a dismal record on our secular credentials marked by 1984 anti‐Sikh riots, 1992 post‐Ayodhya carnage, 2002 Post Godhra riots, 2008 Orissa Kandhamal riots, 2012 Assam riots each with target‐specific community. Recently the mass exodus of northeasterners instigated via social media, ongoing ‘khap panchayats honour killing’ over intercaste marriages, caste discrimination and injection of caste in Indian politics pose a major threat to national integration. Even in our digital age, the unrelenting violence perpetrated against the female gender right from womb to the tomb is unabated. The brutality of rapists who traumatize and degrade women is a national shame for “What begins with the failure to uphold the dignity of one life all too often ends with a calamity for entire nations” (Kofi Annan)

India has tested bombs and missiles that could be used in any external threat. But we have not resolved the threat of disintegration within the country. ‘National Integration cannot be built by bricks & mortar, chisel & hammer, but it silently grows in the minds of people through education’ (Dr. R. Krishnan). The school has a role to remind us of our common nationality through celebration of national festivals / conducting morning assemblies where students take the pledge to treat all Indians as brothers and sisters, peace rallies and human chains to promote unity for a worthy cause, field trips to significant places in the locality, patriotic plays / lectures on lives of national leaders for ‘a nation reveals itself not only by the men it pro‐duces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers’ (J.F. Kennedy). Our National Symbols like the National Flag, National Anthem, and the National Em‐blem act as strong unifying forces both in times of celebration & adversity. All forms of public media should make a conscious effort to avoid any inflamma‐tory news, views and programs. National integration coupled with national pride can ensure a prosperous and stable nation with a bright future for all generations to come. As India celebrates it’s Republic day, we all cherish the Value of National Integration. Sr. Vera Almeida

Value of ‘NATIONAL INTEGRATION’

Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC ) E-Letter December 2009

‘Sacredness of Life’ Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC ) E-Letter January 2013


Promoting Values through‘One Life Alliance’

One of the things that has emerged from my experience was my determination to create a positive outcome by

making a total commitment to honour the Sacredness of Life. One of the forms this has taken is what Master Charles

and I call the One Life Alliance Pledge. The book, is my personal invitation to you to take the One Life Alliance Pledge.

I’m inviting you, right here and right now, to join with me and so many others in transforming this heart‐wrenching

tragedy by taking a stand and making a personal commitment to honour the life we all share. The time has come to

join together as one. We, are one human family. Let us honour the sacredness of life in ourselves and in each other.

Together we can shift the scales of balance to a life affirmative focus. It begins with each one of us with the choices

we make moment to moment.

Forgiveness is the natural outcome of love and compassion, Compassion does not mean that the pain of loss some‐

how goes away. But I find when I choose love, understanding, acceptance, compassion and forgiveness as the basis

for all of my interactions, I feel uplifted and I notice the peace in me.

I hope that you will join me in taking the One Life Alliance Pledge. I’ve gathered 30 simple ways to assist you over the

next 30 days by giving you a focus for each day that will enrich this experience and draw out the best of who you are.

We strengthen anything to which we bring our attention. When we take the time to keep the ‘Sacredness of Life

Pledge’ by reminding ourselves, noting our challenges and acknowledging our insights, we can truly transform our

life experience.

As you access the sacred life within the shrine of your own heart, may you be enveloped in the love that is your very

essence.

Kia Scherr

May 2011

Life as I knew it changed on November 26, 2008 when my husband, Alan and 13 year old

daughter, Naomi, were among those who were shot and killed by terrorists at the Oberoi

Hotel in Mumbai, India.



DAY 1 Slowing Down Slow down and take the time to pay

attention to myself and others

DAY 2 Smile Smile with

Compassion and enjoy the smiles all

around me

DAY 3 Breathe Deeply

Appreciate the breath of life in myself and

others

DAY 4 Acceptance Accepting myself

as I am and others as they are.

DAY 5 Listening

By listening to myself, I can listen

more fully to the other

DAY 6 Speaking the

Truth Truth is sacred and I will express it in my

words

DAY 7 Understanding

Be open to understanding myself and others in the

world.

DAY 8 Forgiveness Forgiving heals

myself and helps me move ahead with love

DAY 9 Patience

Be Patient with myself and others. Be grateful when others are patient with me

DAY 10 Simplify

Remember, “less is more”. When Life is simple, I am balanced

and peaceful

DAY 11 Have Fun Take life less

seriously! Have fun it makes you more alive

DAY 12 Honouring Agreements

Keep my commitments with

integrity, honesty and authenticity

DAY 13 Sharing

Share from the heart, not just what I have, but also ‘who I am’

with others.

DAY 14 Receiving

Be open to receive from others and what life has to offer me from moment to

moment

DAY 15 Gratitude

Be grateful for the life I experience and

share with those in my world

DAY 16 Celebration Celebrate every

moment that come my way today

DAY 17 Inclusion

Open the doors to include everyone. Be

connected!

DAY 18 Flow

Let go of all resistance in me and

flow with life

DAY 19 Kindness

Put attention to being kind with myself and

others

DAY 20 Collaboration Collaborate with

others for connection and sharing

DAY 21 Inspiration

Be open to inspiration in myself and inspire

others too

DAY 22 Completion

Complete every task and agreement responsibly

DAY 23 Connections Be aware of being connected with self and with others

DAY 24 Creating Balance

Balance ‘body‐mind‐heart‐soul’ positively

DAY 25 Silence

Gift myself with silence between my thoughts and words

DAY 26 Selfless Service

Selflessly give of myself for others

DAY 27 Trust

Trust life itself and believe with all my

heart

DAY 28 Peace

Be at peace with myself and share this peace with others

DAY 29 Compassion

Be compassionate, it is a loving choice I

make

DAY 30 Love

Be love and live love every moment. It is my true nature

‘A Daily Commitment to Honour the Sacredness of Life - Kia Scherr

One Life Alliance—30 Day Pledge



NOTE: All schools interested in being a part of this project that aims to save

thousands of trees from being cut, will confirm their participation by calling

Mr. Sandeep Soni at 9029909426 / 9172885022 or by sending an e‐mail to

[email protected] Details have already been sent to your school. Thank you

Give back to Mother Earth !

SKIT COMPETITION

“Media: Cause of Decline in Values”

Skit for a Minimum 20 minutes

To be performed in the school itself. The Script must be typed and sent to us.

. Please send the best Three Entries in

each category (Juniors/Inters/ Seniors) to AVEC by the January 26, 2013.

To qualify, all entries must be signed by the Value Coordinator and sealed with a school stamp. Thank you!

AVEC COMPETITION



Archdiocesan Value Education Centre (AVEC) Mumbai

Diamond Values: Education to Becoming

AVEC E-Letter ‘Values for the Yatra’ is an initiative to provide Animation Resources for Teachers involved in Value Education in the ABE schools/ Jr. Colleges .Values for the Yatra will be published every month and is for Private Circulation. Your valuable suggestions are most welcome to assist us in making Values for the Yatra a useful tool of animation and bonding among the teachers and stu-dents of the ABE schools in Mumbai.

CONTACT: Fr. Glenford Lowe, SDB / Rochwyn Fernandes / Sr. Vera / Veronica D’lima AVEC—Don Bosco Youth Services, Matunga 400019 , MUMBAI Ph: 24154477 e-mail: [email protected] Blog: avecmumbaidbys.blogspot.com Facebook: avec mumbai

Results: Eco-friendly DiWali

ORDER OF MERIT

1. Don Bosco Senior Secondary– Nerul

2. St. Mary’s High School, Mazagaon

3. St. Anne’s High School, Orlem

4. St. Joseph's High School, Umerkhadi

5 . Divine Child High School, Andheri

6. St. Louis High School, Dahisar

7. Sacred Heart High School, Worli

AVEC Diamond Trophies will be awarded!

Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS) Matunga—

Together with AVEC invites all STUDENTS of

STD X & XII, together with their parents,

to a Eucharistic Celebration at 12.00 noon

on Sunday, February 10, 2013

at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna.

Fr. George Carlos, SDB Principal of Don Bosco High

School, Borivili will officiate and pray for God’s

blessings on all those appearing for their Exams



Congratulations

values for the yatra january 2013

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