Feature #4: “Marvelous Mavericks”By John Waterhouse pg 99

Waterhouse explains in the first paragraph that he has been labeled a maverick among other things. He defines a maverick by saying, “My unconventional instincts have served me well with fresh ideas and creative possibilities.”

Being a maverick according to Waterhouse comes intuitively from within. You can follow the rules and yet soar to great, creative heights by seeing things in a new way.

(Q1.) What is your definition of a maverick? Do you consider yourself one? Do you know one?

Among his descriptions, Waterhouse includes, “…People who did not follow the status quo yet made great achievements to the betterment of mankind.”

In the 3rd paragraph he recognizes lists of mavericks.

(Q2) Did any of his selections give you a hint of how he defines people who are mavericks? What characteristics would a maverick have? If you have identified any mavericks previously, what are their outstanding qualities?

In his list of contemporary mavericks and their contributions, we found Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Malala Yousafzai.

(Q3). Are there any other qualities that you recognize from the contemporary mavericks that were different than the past ones? What made the contemporary mavericks successful today?

Everyday Mavericks

John tells us that no one has to be a historical figure or famous to be a maverick. However, he does suggest that they will be breaking the rules or abandoning accepted procedures (ect) if necessary. Boldness comes to my mind.

“When preparing his students for standardized testing, he taught them to chant this mantra: “I always know the right answer,” writes Waterhouse. His students were taught to chant this together and at home. He did the same for us in school.

The result was phenomenal. Waterhouse reveals, “Posted test scores showed that his class tested at an eight-grade level, much higher than the other fifth-grade classes in his school. You’d think the school’s administrators would seek to offer his methods to all students, but instead they accused him of making his peers look bad, and his contract was not renewed.

(Q4) What are your thoughts on the results? Your thoughts on his punishment?

John comforts us: “In other schools, maverick school teachers have been acknowledged and rewarded for their out-of-the-box thinking.”

Guidance for Mavericks

John’s examples of mavericks had great successes. He also notes that even in success, the road was not easy.

His first suggestion is the imperative to believe in yourself. He shares this quote from Ernest Holmes: “Nothing is real unless we make it real. Nothing can touch us unless we let it touch us. Refuse to have the feelings hurt. Refuse to receive anyone’s condemnation. In the independence of your own mentality, believe and feel that you are wonderful. This is not conceit; it is the truth. What can be more wonderful than the manifestation of the Infinite Mind?”

Isn’t this wonderful news especially in these chaotic times? We need mavericks now. Is this a principle worth remembering?

(Q5) Cleary John wants us to believe in ourselves. How would that look like in your world? Explain. How do you make something real? Can you choose not to accept another’s criticism? Can you love yourself unconditionally?

Waterhouse considers patience to be a quality of the maverick, both with oneself and with others. He writes, “I define patience as the ability to withstand something difficult or irritating without loss of composure.” You could say that patience allows our peace to be undisturbed-even during ordinarily stressful circumstances.

Waterhouse states that patience is not passive: “It requires inner strength and focus to avoid falling into the trap of failure, self- pity or blaming. Patience prevents us from being discouraged or losing our courage when we need it most.”

(Q6). Has this article expanded your sense of what patience is and how to use it? Do you have triggers that can stop your focus? Focus and strength is required by a maverick. right?

John teaches, "Next, mavericks practice perseverance—the determination to stick with something and stay on course even in the face of obstacles or opposition.”"We may face frustration and a desire to quit.

He further explains, “Successful mavericks don’t have the luxury of feeling overwhelmed by opposition or giving in because someone disagrees with their intentions. Mavericks are people with deep desires to evolve through meaningful change.”

(Q7) What kind of perseverance do you have? Do you tend to give up easily or never give up? Is there a middle ground wherein it is sometimes prudent to make another choice? Can you choose powerfully without questioning yourself? Let’s talk about the art of choice.

Waterhouse considers being true to oneself—to one’s own nature—a requirement of the maverick. He reminds us, “Each one of us has come to bless the world in ways that no one else can.”

John urges all of us to see the blessings everywhere: “Mavericks find blessings in every situation. Divine Presence dwells everywhere, even in the challenges we face.” He offers another advantage in seeing blessings: “…When I see the value in a difficult situation, circumstances quickly change, and the challenge that seemed so insurmountable suddenly dissolves into nothingness.”

(Q8) How do you feel about the idea of being true to your own nature? Can you see that having that nature and mentality is an asset and not a liability? Have you even seen a difficult situation become a blessing?

Waterhouse guides us to develop a level of comfort with uncertainty. He suggests we re-imagine circumstances mentally as we would like to see them. In our Science of Mind teachings, we know this as creating a mental equivalent. Life conforms to our thinking, ALWAYS!

“Mavericks stay grounded and remember the truth if their being.” “We are keepers of divine intelligence and understanding. It is our responsibility to share our light no matter what is going on around us. The light of Spirit will always overcome any darkness;” instructs Waterhouse. Below is his list of qualities he says we must cultivate before we endeavor our next steps.

Qualities of a maverick

1. Follows intuition

2. Innovator

3. Creative

4. Belief in oneself

5. Patient

6. Persevering

7. True to your nature

8. Finds blessing…. turns lemons into lemonade attitude

9. Being comfortable in uncertainty

10. Stays grounded

11. Remembers the light of truth

12. Has a clear focus

13. Keeps an open heart

14. Committed to the outcome

15. Always moving forward

(Q9) Can you relate and claim any of these qualities. Are there any other qualities you would add to this list?

John refers us to a reminder from Ernest Holmes: “If everyday things are a little better, a little happier, a little more harmonious, a little more health-giving and joyous; if each day we are expressing more life, we are going in the right direction.”

Waterhouse invites us to be a free spirit, an innovator and a visionary, to allow our maverick nature to flourish. At the end of his featured article, he encourages us to: “Just keep going—and make the world a better place.”

What a great way to end the month. I know all of you were inspired as well as encouraged to live a life worth living. John is that kind of man. Being around him, you feel good. He ‘walks his talk’ and he has inspired me to do the same. I look forward to seeing you on Zoom next Tuesday to hear your contributions.

Love, Light, and Laughter;

Rev Lyssa