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Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 Wednesday
...See more Values are fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making. They play a crucial role in shaping our identities and influencing the way we interact with the world. It's fascinating how these values can transform throughout our lives due to a variety of factors. Life experiences often serve as catalysts for changes in our values. These experiences can be both positive and negative. For instance, personal achievements, such as landing a dream job or achieving a long-term goal, can lead to a greater emphasis on values like ambition or perseverance. On the other hand, facing adversity, loss, or hardship can prompt a reevaluation of values, placing greater importance on qualities like resilience, empathy, or compassion. Cultural exposure and diversity also contribute to the evolution of our values. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and belief systems can broaden our perspectives and lead to a deeper appreciation for values like tolerance, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. Moreover, as we progress through various life stages, such as adolescence, adulthood, or parenthood, our priorities and values often shift to align with our evolving responsibilities and personal growth. Think of a value that you have now that you did not used to have, or one that has become more important to you. What life experiences led to this value changing? How does this change affect you now? Please share your thoughts and experiences on how your values have evolved. Reflecting on the evolution of our values can help us embrace change while cultivating the Being (Relationship to Self) Dimension of the Inner Developmental Goals.
Cognitive Skills Activity: Future Mental Health Scenario Analysis
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 September 2nd
...See more Ready to develop critical thinking, complexity awareness, perspective skills, and long-term orientation? We have an interesting activity for you! Scenario: Imagine a future where the prevalence of mental health challenges continues to rise due to various societal factors, such as increased stress, social isolation, and economic uncertainty. Instructions: 1. Research the Scenario: Gather information from credible sources on the factors contributing to the projected increase in mental health challenges. Explore different viewpoints and expert opinions on this issue. 2. Identify Key Factors: Identify the key factors and driving forces that contribute to the complexity of the scenario. Consider both short-term and long-term factors, such as the impact of technology, healthcare policies, and social support systems. 3. Create A Scenario: Develop 1 more future scenario that envisions how mental health challenges might evolve over the next 5 years. The scenario should cover a range of possibilities, from optimistic to pessimistic. 4. Analyze and Evaluate: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate each scenario. Assess the credibility of the evidence and assumptions underlying each scenario. 5. Complexity Mapping: Create a visual representation (e.g., a mind map or diagram) that illustrates the interconnectedness of factors and causes within each scenario. Highlight potential cause-and-effect relationships. 6. Perspective Consideration: During your analysis, actively seek and incorporate insights from diverse and contrasting viewpoints. Consider how different stakeholders, including individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers, might perceive and respond to each scenario. 7. Long-Term Vision: For each scenario, explore the long-term implications and potential outcomes for mental health and society as a whole. Formulate a vision or commitment that aligns with the broader context and takes into account the extended future. 8. Compare and Reflect: Compare and contrast the different scenarios, considering their complexity, credibility, and long-term implications. Reflect on what you've learned about the future of mental health and your ability to think critically and anticipate future developments. Share your brainstorming, analysis, or reflections in the comments to this post!
The Power of Self-awareness
by ChillingRain
Last post
 23 hours ago
...See more Self-awareness is a skill that has greatly impacted my personal growth. According to the Inner Development Goals (IDG) framework, self-awareness is defined as the ability to reflect on one's thoughts, feelings, and desires while maintaining a realistic self-image. This has allowed me to understand my strengths and weaknesses and, more importantly, recognize my emotional triggers.  For me, becoming more self-aware was not an overnight transformation. It took intentional effort and regular reflection. I started by journaling daily and paying close attention to my reactions in certain situations. By doing this, I was able to identify patterns in my behavior—especially moments when I became defensive or anxious. Over time, this helped me regulate my emotions more effectively, helping create a sense of calm and better decision-making. I found that the more self-aware I became, the better I was at aligning my actions with my values.  One thing I learned along the way is that self-awareness isn't about being critical of yourself but about accepting yourself for who you are. It opens the door to self-acceptance, which lays a solid foundation for personal growth. Discussion Prompt:  - How has self-awareness influenced your relationships and decision-making? Do you have any specific practices that help you develop this skill? - How can we cultivate self-awareness without becoming overly critical of ourselves?
The Importance of Critical Thinking in Decision-making
by ChillingRain
Last post
 1 day ago
...See more Critical thinking is a skill that has had a profound impact on how I approach problems and make decisions. In the IDG framework, critical thinking is described as the ability to review the validity of views, evidence, and plans. This means going beyond accepting information at face value and instead asking questions, analyzing the sources, and considering different perspectives.  One of the key moments when I realized the power of critical thinking was during a major life decision—choosing a career path. I felt overwhelmed by opinions from family, friends, and societal expectations. However, by applying critical thinking, I began evaluating the evidence behind the advice I was given. Was it based on current job market trends, or was it rooted in outdated beliefs? I also considered my own interests and long-term vision for my life. This process helped me feel more confident in my decision, knowing it was well-thought-out rather than influenced by external pressures. In today's world, where we are bombarded with information from various sources, critical thinking is essential. It allows us to navigate through misinformation and make informed choices, both in our personal and professional lives. Discussion Prompt: - How do you practice critical thinking when faced with important decisions or overwhelming amounts of information? - Have you ever applied critical thinking to challenge your own beliefs? What was the outcome?
What I've learnt about the inner compass
by violetdreamer07
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Hey Everyone! First of all I just want to say that I really enjoyed going through the IDG path. I think learning about the inner compass helped me realise that the things that really matter to you are what help to drive how you contribute to the world. I think this might determine the kind of career you choose because a specific career or vocation might correspond to a specific value/way of making a difference. I think the inner compass then is also what helps us to maintain integrity and authenticity because following values that we feel connected to allows us to live in a way that we feel is true to ourselves.  I feel that this really links to the significance of diversity. I've found that the different people in my live have different things that guide their inner compasses. Some enjoy helping people while other might want to spread a love for music and creativity. Because people have different things driving them and different purposes they are drawn towards doing different things. I think this is really important in a growing and developing world because we have people with different purposes contributing towards different forms of growth which makes development more holistic.  I hope that made sense but anyways here are the questions: 1) What do you think your purpose is/what drives you? 2) How important do you find the inner compass in your life?
One thing I have learned from this course is ___
by Hope
Last post
 Thursday
...See more One thing I have learned from this course is ___
"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks"
by Ivy229
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Hi fellow IDG members, In this post I would like to discussion one of my favorite music quotes and how it relates to inner development growth. Music is truly one of the most universal languages in the world and has the power to transcend across all barriers of communication.  The famous quote by Hans Christian Andersen, "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks" does just that in a simple yet powerful quote.                                                   Some of the ways music connects with inner development growth includes music can help express thoughts, feelings, emotions, bridges the gap where one person can connect with a person deep down in the most vulnerable parts of your soul, it can stimulate the mind, and even alter our mood. All these aspects can lead to increased self-awareness and personal growth.  Additionally, it makes sense why music therapy is a specialized form of treatment apart from the traditional method of talk therapy. Some of the reasons behind this is because it provides comfort during good moments just as well as the most challenging and darkest moments a person can go through. It motivates you to work out, to relax, to feel better when you are down, inspire and help contempt life decisions.  In essence, music can speak to us in ways that words sometimes cannot. ------------------------- Discussion Questions: Can you share a personal experience where music helped you express or understand your emotions when words fell short? How do you think music contributes to personal development and growth? Can you provide examples from your own life or observations? I look forward to seeing your answers and learning how this post and music helps you connect and your inner development growth. 
One value I cherish greatly is __
by Hope
Last post
 Thursday
...See more One value I cherish greatly is __
Making sense
by Maslow
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Sense-making is interesting because it involves noticing patterns, I am sure many of you have noticed a pattern and then once noticed it is impossible to unsee. So many things that seem random are patterns. What patterns do you notice in your life? Are the patterns good or bad and why?
Showing Empathy and Compassion
by BeesOnFlowers
Last post
 Thursday
...See more 🌼 Is Empathy and Compassion learned or innate? Recently, my mother told me about her encounter with my empathy when I was little. I was always a tearful child by her account, too sensitive for my own good.  One day, I came to her in a tizzy, babbling about something as I gestured to the garden. When she came to see, I had found a butterfly with a ripped and broken wing, my trembling baby finger gently petting it's back as I begged her to fix it. I'd found him hurt and wanted to help him, but upon realizing I couldn't, I was completely inconsolable. I think about this story when I feel insecure about my emotions, an overactive empathy engine running on tears.  For some, they lose this painful side of empathy as they grow, their compassion slowly becoming locked behind doors of uncertainty and insecurity. 'Tears are shameful,' 'Why do you care?' 'It's just a bug.' And yet there's an innate deepness to the child's heart, wanting to relate and help. Sometimes it's hard to relearn this trait as an adult. You want to have that bond and connection, but it's just not becoming of an adult who needs to be strong. What is a person to do when they want to share these painful feelings but they don't want to feel them? I think there are things we can learn from childhood. The capacity for Compassion is in everyone, Empathy is an active feeling we can express, and it's not learning how to have it, it's learning how to unlock it again. Now under safer hands where we can cast and reel as needed.  🌼 Is Empathy and Compassion learned or innate?
Optimism
by RainbowRosie
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Hi there fellow IDG folk 😀 I hope you’re all well. I’d like to talk about ‘Optimism’ = The ability to sustain and communicate a sense of hope, positive attitude and confidence In the possibility of meaningful change. I see myself as an optimistic person or at least try to be.  I know there have been times when my optimism has pulled me through some difficult situations but equally there have been other times when it’s …dipped 😕.  When this happens I can go quiet…take myself off somewhere …maybe just read a book…not want to talk about how I feel with anyone…other times I want to talk…I want to vent…(thanks to family and friends who have put up with my moaning 😆). Other times I’ve taken the dog out….he never complains about another walk 🐶 or even my moaning poor lad…Before long the fresh air gets into my lungs and it’s then when out and about…my head begins to feel lighter…I begin to feel less stressed. It’s then I see things for what they are and my mind begins to change. It’s like the sun has come out behind a cloud and I begin to feel more positive and optimistic ☀️. I also now journal, just for a couple of minutes each day. I’ve found it very therapeutic and quite look forward to putting my thoughts into paper.  Ok, question time; 1. What works for you when circumstances are such that you feel you don’t hold much optimism?  2. I love quotes especially positive quotes. Here’s some of mine below but please feel free to let me know one of yours?  🌹 ‘The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be’. 🌹 ‘The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me’. The next two always make me smile 😀 🌹 ‘Whatever you do, always give 100%, unless you’re donating blood’ 😂 🌹 ‘The key to happiness is a positive mindset, a great sense of humour..and a lot of chocolate’ 😂 On a more serious note; Please remember whatever you’re going through it’s important to feel our emotions…and tomorrow is another day… 🌹 Rosie 🌹
Building Resilience to Overcome Adversity
by Anooshay
Last post
 Thursday
...See more In my opinion, resilience is one of the most crucial traits to have, particularly while dealing with difficulties in one's personal or professional life. Although failures and unpredictability are unavoidable in life, resilience enables us to persevere through adversity with dignity and resolve. Resilience wasn't always a trait I possessed. It's something I developed gradually by going through numerous situations where I was forced to keep moving forward. My experience of being rejected from a job I truly wanted was a turning point in my life. I was initially discouraged, but after some thought, I saw it as a chance to improve in areas I hadn't previously given much thought to. I started to see failures as teaching opportunities and concentrated on keeping a good attitude. This mental change was crucial to my ability to recover stronger each time. Resilience, in my opinion, is a result of both personal strength and having a solid support network. Having supportive people around you can have a significant impact. In your life, how do you deal with failures? What techniques have you found useful in developing resilience? Could you describe a moment when you overcame a big obstacle thanks to resilience? What habits or ways of thinking support your resilience during trying times?
Be a new person with authenticity
by Feelfree667
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Integrity and authenticity have become central to my outlook on life. For a long time, I felt the pressure to fake things, to mold myself into something I wasn’t just to keep up in this race of life. It seemed like the only way to win was to fit into someone else's version of success, and I constantly found myself pretending, putting on a mask to meet expectations. But now, I've realized that none of this is necessary. I don’t need to compromise my values or who I am to get ahead. True integrity, to me, is staying committed to what I believe in, even when it's difficult or unpopular. It's about being honest, not just with others but with myself, too. Authenticity, on the other hand, is living in a way that reflects my true self, without fear of judgment or rejection. I'm learning that I can do things in my own way, at my own pace, and still achieve what I want in life. By being true to myself, I can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that I'm not sacrificing who I am just for temporary gains. Being authentic also means being willing to tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Whether it’s admitting my own vulnerabilities or being honest with others, I’ve come to see that honesty and openness lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. Integrity and authenticity now guide my actions and decisions, and it feels freeing to embrace my individuality. What do you all think is there is a importance of integrity and authenticity in life ? How you manage this in your life?
The external side of Ikigai
by FirmWind
Last post
 Thursday
...See more I spoke previously of ikigai and the path of living a fruitful life. Also, of the internal conversations we have with ourselves that help us navigate our way to goals as time progresses. Today I'd like to share my meditation on the interactions with others that shape our collective journeys. In terms found in the IDG framework, I focused on collaboration with respect to communication skills, trust, and co-creation skills. To start, achieving our goals means working with a community. Very little we do in large scale or long term involves just ourselves. So, to explore the potential for success, we try to find people who speak a common language that are aligned with our professional mission; often to share experiences. When it comes to communication, being supportive of others provides a good foundation for establishing trust and forms the basis of a common language. As a team effort, aligning ourselves with those on similar paths makes for healthy collaboration, and being supportive of each-other makes a strong foundation for continued success. Doing something once is often not enough to succeed, but repeated attempts at finding a solution often means a lot of adversity. It's about carrying through the hard parts, and I'm sure you can think of one person that has made a difference in your life by offering you support through a challenging time. The creation of a path to reach our goal often leads us to follow another's so long as it suits our mission, and doesn't contradict our way of being. So when we don't find a path that is entirely compatible, we often choose a hybrid path. In this we use our co-creation skills, adapting others experience and sharing our own to create a tailor-fit approach to our goal that other's can use in part or whole as well. In this way our goal becomes part of the a group's goal. I find these things especially true in the academic world and that of post-academic job searching. Often, the group already exists and it is simply a matter of joining and being a supporter.  Once we have determined what our goal is and how we feel about it, we move towards that goal while balancing our thoughts and feelings. Moving beyond ourselves, we find others to help us in achieving that goal. In providing compassionate, empathetic support to others on a similar journey we move forward together and gain insight and strength. As a team, we create custom paths suitable for ourselves and others. We build trust through strength raised by supporting each-other in the face of adversity. In the terms of Ikigai, we can take our passions, our missions, and develop them into successful professions as a community effort. Take a moment with me and reflect on the times someone has helped you get a job or offered you an opportunity, or even helped you find a partner. Or vice-versa, the times time you were able to help someone else get a job or find a partner. Does it seem to you that there is a natural, human force that tries to align people with their pursuits of happiness?
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