Discussion 1: Introduction to Group Support
Hi everyone! This is the first post of the course. Before we embark on the leadership and development aspects of groups, let's step back and immerse ourselves in the heart of 7Cups: Group Support.
Group support transcends the dictionary definition of a mere collection of individuals. It's a dynamic arena where attitudes, behaviors, and growth intertwine to create a powerful tapestry of connection and transformation.
At 7Cups, we started with personalized 1-on-1 support, but our community yearned for more. Recognizing the unique power of collective interaction, we nurtured group support as a safe haven for learning, sharing, and collective growth. We meticulously crafted chat rooms – not just as communication channels, but as embraceable spaces where diverse needs and aspirations blossom.
Today, over 150 dedicated chat rooms cater to a spectrum of purposes, catering to both adults and teens, listeners and members. From finding solace and navigating challenges to celebrating milestones and forging vibrant bonds, these rooms ignite the magic of belonging.
Moving forward, we identified the needs of moderating these rooms, so we introduced the chat room moderator role, figured out we need facilitators to lead different sessions in the chat rooms, so added Support Session Leader and On-spot Host as the recent addition to it. We figured out the safety issues in the chat rooms, and we badge locked the rooms. So as we learned more about the needs and demands, we kept iterating and evolving group support for better experiences and support for everyone. We are on a journey to build the best group support. And, we will continue to progress …
Remember, active participation in these discussions and activities is your stepping stone to implementing your learnings within the chat rooms, actively contributing to the vibrant landscape of group support.
Let's embark on this collaborative journey, where growth happens not just individually, but in the pulsating heart of our empowered community!
Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why?
@Hope
I prefer spending time in the LSR because it provides an opportunity for mutual learning and support. By engaging with others' doubts and providing support, I get chance to enhance my understanding.
@Hope I like to spend my time in the happy room when it's open. My answer is simple-- Positivity Corner has the atmosphere that I love the most. I know it's because of the beautiful people in there but when the room is just vibing well, it's my happy place. People are kind and welcoming in there and, when the room is open, I know it makes many people happy. The happy room has one of the best mods ever. We all know who it is. ♡ So hands down, this is my favorite room. Other rooms/sessions I enjoy is LSR, Mindfulness, and Listener Sharing Circle.
@Hope
Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why? My favorite group room is the Mindfulness room. In this room, there are informative and interactive discussions led by @soulsings @amiablePeace77 and @adventorousBranch3786. It's a pity I didn't learn about the practice of mindfulness as a child. I believe it would have helped me during many stressful and traumatic times. However, since joining the site in 2019, I have been able to use mindfulness in my day to day life; and most of the times it has been effective in calming the mind. I am greatful for Ami, Soul and Branch in facilitating these discussions for our community. Mindfulness helps us to relax the body and mind, which in turn may reduce stress. Stress can lead to many physical, emotional and mental health problems. Participating in mindfulness discussions helps me to relax the mind and body. Ironically, I dont spend most of my time in this room, however this room has been the most impactful during my time spent on cups. I would encourage everyone to attend one of the mindfulness discussions and truly be present while participating in it.
✨❤︎✨♡ ✨❤︎✨♡✨❤︎✨♡✨❤︎✨
@PetiteSouris thanks for the shoutout. Great to have you in those discussions.
@Hope Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why?
I spend most of my time in a few rooms. My favorite 'fun' room is of course the Hobby Zone Room, we have lots of interesting and fun discussions on different hobbies from cooking pizzas to gardening and painting.
The other room is the Disability Support Room, I have started afternoon 'catch-ups' and gradually I am building up a discussion schedule there, of course, the other one is Teen Listener Room. :)
Listening - One Step At A Time!
I tend to pop in and out of the Listener Support room, although I haven't needed to respond or post in there. I seem to have gravitated and stayed with the Anxiety Support Group. I found that they have a journaling and one-line-a-day prompt that gets me excited. I enjoy writing and being about people who need to journal or use written words to convey their feelings. I like the anxiety group because that is where I feel most of my MHI and often times need to connect and group myself in practice self-care.
@Hope
Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why?
I am still very new to 7 Cups but so far I've got to say I have enjoyed the Motivational.
For me the teen rooms and lsr
1 listener support room since so welcoming and I seen so much growth in that rooms.
2 teenie rooms teenie town have unique vribe to it that makes it special.
3. 50+ and mindfulness is how well the discussions are hosted , how supportive every is and the hosts.
Newbie hub On the 18+ side have a very unique dynamic that you have to like to help those rooms out.
@Hope Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why?
@Hope
I would go with LSR, TL, and anxiety support. The first two since I'd like the interaction and exchanging experience there. And the anxiety room since I have personal experience with and I'd love to improve the less anxiety quality.
