Sathya Sai Education in Human Values UK Newsletter, February 2002 www.sathyasaiehv.org.uk

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LESSON PLAN EXERCISES

This month’s lesson plans are based around the theme of PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance - related values:

LOVE:

Acceptance, Dedication, Devotion, Forbearance, Forgiveness, Friendship, Generosity, Kindness,

Patience, Reverence, Sacrifice, Sharing, Sympathy, Thoughtfulness, Tolerance.

TRUTH:

Fearlessness, Integrity, Intuition, Justice, Optimism, Quest for knowledge, Reason, Trusting,

Truthfulness, Unity of thought, words and deed.

RIGHT CONDUCT:

Self-help Skills: Self-reliance.

Social Skills: Good relationships.

Ethical Skills: Code of Conduct, Courage, Dependability, Determination, Duty, Efficiency,

Initiative, Perseverance, Resourcefulness, Respect for all, Responsibility.

PEACE: Attention, Calm, Concentration, Dignity, Equanimity, Faithfulness, Focus, Gratitude,

Happiness, Harmony, Humility, Optimism, Patience, Reflection, Satisfaction, Self-control, Self-

discipline, Self-respect, Surrender, Understanding, Virtue, Inner silence.

NON-VIOLENCE:

Psychological: Benevolence, Compassion, Concern for Others, Consideration, Forbearance,

Loyalty,

Social: Citizenship.

Backround to Theme, by Zita Starkie, Primary School Teacher

According to the Webster’s Dictionary, to PERSEVERE means to persist in a state, enterprise,

or undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition, or discouragement. In the Chambers

Thesaurus PERSEVERANCE is defined as persistence, determination, resolution, doggedness,

tenacity, assiduity, dedication, commitment, constancy, steadfastness, stamina, endurance and

indefatigability. To PERSEVERE is described as to continue, carry on, stick at it (in formal),

keep going, soldier on, persist, plug away, (informal), remain, stand firm, stand fast, hold on and

hang on.

When we are PERSEVERING with something, it is difficult not to get frustrated and even angry

or sad because we cannot get what we want, when we want it. Often we become like little

children who stamp their feet or throw a tantrum because we are not getting our own way. We

may become very despondent and decide to give up. We tend to judge the obstacles that get in

the way of our personal game plan, as being bad; especially if we have spent a lot of time and

effort working towards a particular end. Sometimes we feel that our efforts are being wasted

because we may have to go over the same thing time and time again.

It is particularly useful if we remain aware that it is not just the product of our actions that is

important, but it is the process as well. In fact as we learn to let go of the fruit of all our actions