Old habits die hard

I was raised in the Roman Catholic church. The sign of the cross was something I performed at least twice a day every day for 20 years. Though I no longer am a devote Catholic, the sign of the cross is still engrained in my brain... why repurpose it for my own purposes?  

Now when I use it when I need to pause and reflect on the cardinal virtues. 

Instead of "in the name of the father, son and holy spirit",  I touch my forehead and say 

  • Wisdom: Even though the ancients thought we thought with our hearts, there is sufficient evidence these days that the brain is the source of our consciousness. 
  • Justice: When I touch my chest over my heart I remind myself of this virtue. Justice requires us to treat others fairly, to do our part in society. 
  • Temperance: When I touch my left shoulder (which is my weak arm) I think of constraint and  self control. 
  • Courage: When I touch my right shoulder (my strong arm) I think of fortitude and strength of resolve. 

  



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