Every Brenau woman has heard the Brenau Ideal, and we all hold it near and dear to our hearts. But what does it really mean to live the Brenau Ideal?
To find satisfaction in being rather than in seeming
Knowing how to be, rather than how to just seem to be. It is often all too easy to pass ourselves off as something that we are not, something that we want to be but have not yet achieved. Brenau teaches us to actually become that which we want to be.
To find joy in doing rather than in dreaming
Making things happen, instead of daydreaming about what could be. As Albus Dumbledore said, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and to forget to live, remember that."
To be prepared for service, thereby earning the right to be served.
Putting others first without expecting the favor to be returned. Every child has had the Golden Rule drilled into their heads, and this is essentially an extension of that: Treat others as you want to be treated.
To be pure in heart, vigorous in mind, discreet in action
Making each day a goal to be a better person than you were the day before without being asked or seeking recognition and not making bogus excuses for yourself.
To love deeply, fear nothing, hate never
Whole-heartedly dedicated to everything we do, big or small. Never allowing discouragement to guide our path, and letting go of all negativity we may cross.
To enjoy that freedom which comes from knowledge of the "Truth"
Striving to know the truth and let it set us free. In turn, being honest with others and ourselves.
To be modestly conscious of the limitations of human knowledge
Realizing that we will never know everything and staying humble in what we do know, never feeling superior to others.
And serenely confident of the limitless reaches of human endeavor
Knowing that we can do anything if we try, and that others can expect great things from us.
This is the ideal of Brenau.
We all are.
-- H. J. Pearce