The Secret Compass

Chapter 1

Introduction

Once upon a time, there was a secret path that lived right inside your heart. Many people forget it’s there because the world gets very loud and very busy—like a sky full of honking birds or a room full of clatter. But this path is the most special one you will ever walk. It is a pilgrimage, which is just a fancy word for a journey to find the deeper meaning of our lives.

In this book, we are going to rush together down this path. We aren’t hiking up a rocky mountain or sailing across a deep blue sea. Instead, we are looking for the sources of strength, wisdom, and joy that are already inside of you and your community. We are opening a magical door to understand what it truly means to be a “better person”—even when the world feels a little bit scary or confusing.

What is a Virtue? Think of a virtue like a bright, glowing lantern you carry inside you. Some people say it is a power of the mind, and others say it is a special way of always choosing to do what is good. When your lantern is bright, it helps you see the right way to go and makes the world a warmer place for everyone else.

Sometimes the world is full of struggle, but we are going to learn how to fight against “shadows” (sins) and keep our lanterns shining. We share this journey with you, our readers, because we hope that together we can find empowerment. We want to encourage you in your own search and awakening.