Bushido Virtues carry lessons that perhaps all people can learn from and apply. This month, my coven works on the Bushido Virtue of REI (Respect & Polite Courtesy.
There is no reason to be cruel, no need to prove strength. Be courteous to even your enemies. Without the outward show of respect, we are nothing more than animals. Be respected not for your strength in battle, but in how you deal respectfully with all people in all situations. True strength becomes apparent during difficult times.
---
REI – Politeness or Morality
The kanji for rei is a modern abbreviated form, which does not reveal
very much of the ancient character. The ancient symbol shows a
sacrificing vessel that evokes the rites and ceremonies conducted for
worshipping and offerings. The character actually means rite or ceremony
but in a broader sense it means respect. Rei too is essential to Confucianism: In society rei governs your
actions towards others, a fundamental politeness, very much related to
jin. It is often translated with morality, but as morality has other connotations I suggest politeness.
Rei is politeness, respect shown in social behavior.
http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/seven-virtues-of-bushido ---
Discerning the difference between obsequiousness and politeness can be
difficult for casual visitors to Japan, but for a true man, courtesy is
rooted in benevolence: Courtesy and good manners have been noticed
by every foreign tourist as distinctive Japanese traits. But Politeness
should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of
others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending
good taste. In its highest form Politeness approaches love.
Pagan elders and leaders, event and ritual organizers often suffer and are rushing downhill to this thing called BURNOUT that no one wants to look at or believe can happen, to the self or to others. There are not many leaders of anything and fewer willing to help or be fully prepared to step up to the plate and do for a leader who needs a break. So, leaders dare not take a break or go through tremendous feelings of guilt when they do.
But what IS burnout and what happens to someone suffering it?
BURNOUT: physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress, a state of chronic stress that leads to a number of symptoms (listed below)
Burnout causes a number of things, variable from person to person.
tiredness / unending exhaustion / chronic fatigue
irritability
frequent illness
feeling overwhelmed by even small things
odd bodily reactions
rashes
frequent illnesses
shutting people out
ranting and "overly dramatic reactions"
taking things far too personally
lashing out unexpectedly
forgetfulness
callousness / lack of emotional connection
insomnia
impaired concentration and attention
loss of appetite / overeating
dizziness, fainting, headaches
shortness of breath or heart palpitations
anxiety
depression
irrational anger
poor performance on various levels
That is a whole lot of scary stuff. It is good to have someone you trust who can be frank with you, and accept your moods without being easily hurt; someone who can watch for if you start to show signs of burning out and can address the issue with you. Ideally, this person can do this BEFORE you have burned bridges in the friend department or the professional world and BEFORE you ruin your own reputation.
