The combination of Truth, Love, and Courage, Spirituality is the first and last of the Eight Virtues.

 

Spirituality is the foundation we stand on as we begin our journey up the mountain, and it is the distant peak we aim towards. It is the star that guides our way.

 

Fundamentally, it may be the only Virtue. Each of the other Virtues is an aspect of Spirituality, focused on one or another thread in the weave; each of the Eight is a tailored medicine for specific circumstances.

 

At its core, Spirituality asks us to make things better. Reality exists, and we exist, and reality demands of us that we respond to it, every moment. It is impossible for our existence to be passive or uninvolved. We can name our responses differently, things like “doing” or “trying” or “thinking” or “listening” or “waiting” or such, but fundamentally our existence itself is a response. You and I are facets of reality, not separate, and our lives are reality responding to itself.

 

We exist, and our existence has an impact on our inner and outer worlds. Every action, every thought, every breath, has consequence. As long as we can make choices, our choices will have different mixes of benefit and harm. Whether we want to or not, we are choosing which futures become reality.

 

To begin as a Paladin, in every moment, in every place and situation you find yourself, look closely and ask, “How can I help this future be better than it would have been?”

 

You usually cannot decide how things will turn out. You may not be able to turn ignorance into wisdom, defeat into victory, trauma into health, or agony into joy. When you can, do so! But even when you cannot, you can always make the future better than it was going to be without you. Defeat can lead to the learning of hard lessons. Trauma can lead to compassion. Agony can be transformed into determination. If you’re unable to save someone, you might still spend a moment with them. Touch them. See them. Smile. Be a bridge for them, between the difficulties of their life and the Good that loves them. Be a gentle breeze that holds a hint of something beautiful. There are no limits to this. See the greater picture while present in this moment. Live within the Truth.

 

And, sometimes, you can do more. Spirituality asks us to join together to help fill reality with Light. Every hidden corner, every darkened soul, every tragic circumstance, we strive to weave into the fabric of Good. Heal wounds, comfort the hurt, protect the vulnerable, and stand firm. Win the battles which can be won. When you cannot win, hold the line. When you cannot hold, withdraw with determination. Have Courage.

 

And the places that are filled with Light already? Help them to shine, too. Rejoice when you find Good! No matter where you find yourself, make it a little brighter. Share joy, encourage growth, teach and learn. Love.

 

You, yourself, are part of the future you’re working to improve. Help the life that you will live through. Rest and heal when it’s time. Study, meditate, and train, so that your ability continues to grow.

 

You are a shard of reality, a facet and a servant, and you are forced to choose your battles. All of reality is asking for you, and you must both listen for and choose where and how to respond.

 

As a Paladin, your duty is to make things better. Seeing this is the first step, the foundation of all future development, and the goal of all future battles. Everything you do, in one way or another, is this.

 

Serve the Light.

 

Do well.