Life of Integrity

On Friday, July 17, 2009 Walter Cronkite, transitioned his life. Just the thought of his name and remembering his face on the television screen yields a singular feeling that I associate with his being. Integrity.

By my experience integrity is a result of various characteristics that are applied to ones life. Honesty, openmindedness, compassion, empathy, steadfastness, emotional and behavioral flexibility, courage, patience, determination and self-sacrifice are just a few of the principles involved.

Applying any of these principles, intersects quite nicely with the "Eightfold Path." In making an effort to embrace both the "Eightfold Path," and principles mentioned, I've sometimes felt like I've been traveling in circles. The journey's never been steady or even. For me it's not about being perfect, it's been about making progress, though continual effort. It's okay if it "just" one percent at a time, one day at a time, living within one moment at a time. That is the key lesson transmitted by Walter Cronkite.

Walter Cronkite, I read many times, loved boating. For that reason I use his actions that he learned from the sea. He never, ever gave up on following his principles or a destination, those he did at times adjust the sails to meet the given adversity or unpredictable circumstances which he faced well, It didn't matter, whether is was in foxholes in Vietnam or interviewing a President attempted to skillfully extract the truth to help health a Nation. It wasn't "all about him," and it not get "famous," it was to "serve all."

True is true. Integrity is frequently expressed in an individual, who is courageous, beyond everyday belief. But integrity does not just benefit that individual. It influences and makes us all better for it, because his actions, not his rhetoric served as a beacon that we could guide of life by.

Walter Cronkite's "Life of Integrity," is a legacy speaking to the better angles within ourselves. His life of integrity isn't about doing the easy things, but it is about *being* within the really real. That so many clearly see, it could and should encourage us to continue his work of Being Integrity, since it has such a capacity to heal us.

Love All - Serve All - Every Single Day,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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