When we know our true worth, we'll not put down another
   Or envy the world of our sister or brother.

  When we know our true worth,  then we'll know we are one
   and radiate peace with the warmth of the sun.

  When we know our true worth,  we'll be quick to find joy
   And awake to a world no complaint will destroy.

  When we know our true worth, we'll find what we need,
  giving not taking extinguishes greed.

When we know our true worth,  we'll be mindful in eating
  And savor each taste of a world that is fleeting.

When we know our true worth, in sexual embrace
  we will know and be known and see our true face.   JGS

    PEA/S /A&P Gluttony  Lust  -- Peas -- get them at the old A&P (a grocery store)
            and overeat them (Gluttony)
            and then engage in lustful deeds.
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On the Terraces of Distortion [of Mature Loving]

     Pride with a capital "P"  -- PRIDE (superbia) in the generic sense --is a form of self-enclosure, self-absorption. Taking oneself as the center of the universe and treating others as simply one-dimensional things for our use. It is small-mindedness as a way of life. When in this extreme small-minded self-enclosure it is impossible for us to have true human relationships for that requires that we see ourself and others as centers of worth in our own right and as having the capacities to know (understand) and to love (to choose a larger good).
 
   HUMILITY understood as knowing one's true size is a remedy for three things --
        for not putting self above others (pride with a small "p");
        not putting self below others (through envy or jealousy,
        and not relating from a fundamental stance of opposition to others.

   For pride with a small "p" -- what the ancients called vainglory --  [ we put ourselves above others.] –
        the special virtue and antidote was humility.
   For envy [ we put ourselves below others.] --  the special virtue and antidote was generous sharing.
   For anger and resentment --  [ we put ourselves in opposition to others.] –
        the special virtue and antidote was becoming a Peace-maker.
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On the Terrace of Defect:

   For sloth, the special virtue and antidote was Enthusiasm.
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On the Terraces of Excess:

   For excessive attachment to wealth and power (A&P = avarice and prodagality),
                  the special virtues and antidotes were Noble Service and Simplicity of Life.

   For excessive attachment to food and drink (Gluttony),
                    the special virtues and antidotes were Mindful Eating, Drinking, Consuming.

   For excessive attachment to distorted sexuality (Lust),
                      the special virtues and antidotes were Sexual Responsibility and True Intimacy.

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                                                                                        (c) John G. Sullivan, Elon University, Octber 16, 2002