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SoulfullyAButterfly profile picture
Cognitive Skills Activity: Future Mental Health Scenario Analysis
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 Friday
...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!
SoulfullyAButterfly profile picture
Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 November 21st, 2024
...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.
JustSophia profile picture
The meaning behind my profile picture - thoughts for today
by JustSophia
Last post
 2 hours ago
...See more My profile picture represents something important to me: connectedness. We are connected to those around us and we have a responsibility to one another to honor those connections. When we affirm each other, we strengthen community. It doesn’t matter if we are different. Our differences can enrich us if we let them. What tears us apart is when we allow differences to feed division. Hatred. That gets us nowhere. On this day I wish to express support for those around me. It doesn’t matter to me what you look like, or where you come from, or what language you speak, or what you think of God or the universe, or how you think of yourself, or who you love and how. What matters to me is that you are a human being with a good heart. If you are struggling, reach out your hands to the people next to you. We need each other. Affirm them as they affirm you. Send your acceptance and respect to them, and to the next people down the line, and the next, and the next, etc. For those who feel like they are isolated, look around. There are many outstretched hands waiting for you. Take them.   - Sophia
BeesOnFlowers profile picture
Showing Empathy and Compassion
by BeesOnFlowers
Last post
 3 hours ago
...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?
vanshikap12 profile picture
Empathy and Compassion
by vanshikap12
Last post
 18 hours ago
...See more Empathy and Compassion ❤️🤗 * Empathy and compassion are two values that resonate deeply with me. For a long time, I struggled to understand the feelings of others, often caught up in my own experiences. However, as I grew older, I recognized the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level. * In the growth path, it defines empathy as “the ability to relate to others, oneself, and nature with kindness, empathy, and compassion while addressing suffering.” I never fully appreciated how empathy could transform my relationships until I began to actively practice it. * * If you’re wondering how my journey toward empathy and compassion began, here are some crucial steps that helped me along the way: * First, I committed to listening more actively to those around me. 🦻 * Second, I sought to understand the stories and struggles of others, which broadened my perspective. 📖 * Third, I made a habit of performing small acts of kindness daily, reminding myself that every gesture counts. Each morning, I would set an intention: “Today, I am willing to practice empathy by putting myself in someone else's shoes.” At the end of the day, I would acknowledge moments when I showed compassion, such as helping a friend in need or simply being there to listen. This consistent practice helped cultivate a more empathetic mindset. 🌟  * Can you recall a time when someone showed you compassion? How did it affect you? 💞 * What strategies can you implement to enhance your empathy in daily interactions? 🌍 ------------------------- Empathy and Compassion are part of the values taught in the Inner Development Goals Course, you can learn more about more such values in the course here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademyPrograms_2311/InnerDevelopmentGoalsCourse_318284/] 📚
patientShell1003 profile picture
Empathy and compassion
by patientShell1003
Last post
 18 hours ago
...See more Empathy and compassion are important skills for me. I think that these skills are important because we can use them to take care of the others. For example, in my life, I like to help the others. I need to be empathic and have compassion for others. One day, I tried to do active listening to help the others. By doing that, I learned to be non-judgmental. It helped me to feel better in life because I know that what I am doing can change the world. On 7 cups, we change the world one chat at the time. Also, members can have a fast service to be listened to without judgment. I also think that empathy and compassion can help to make you friends. For example, the people you will help with anything will like what you did for him/her. So, these people will like you in return. You will probably have more friends if you take the time to listen to others or do anything else. Everybody can change the world. In my life, I know that I can have compassion for others. When my mom is angry, she always tells me that I do not have compassion and empathy for others. It happens just because I did not want to help my father because I was not able to take up the stationary bike. I just told her the number of hours of active listening I do and that I have compassion for others. I think that even if someone tells you that you are not empathic or that you are not able to help others because of your disability, you can always prove the opposite.   Now it is your turn to think:  1- What do you do in life to help the others?  2-What do you bring to others by helping them?   3- If you do not help the others, how does the world will be changed? 
CharisB21 profile picture
Empathy and Compassion
by CharisB21
Last post
 18 hours ago
...See more Empathy and compassion are the backbone of meaningful relationships. The IDG course defines empathy as “the ability to relate to others with kindness and the intention to address suffering”. I’ve found that cultivating empathy has transformed how I communicate and connect with people. Recently, a close friend was going through a tough time. In the past, I might have rushed to offer advice or solutions. Instead, I focused on being present and truly listening. This shift allowed my friend to feel heard and validated, which was far more impactful than any advice I could have given. A tool I’ve been practicing is active listening—paying attention not just to words but to tone, body language, and emotions. This has helped me understand others’ experiences on a deeper level. How do you practice empathy in your interactions? What challenges have you faced in being compassionate when others are struggling? 
Phoenixthepoised profile picture
💞Appreciation: Cultivating Joy in Our Connections!💞
by Phoenixthepoised
Last post
 1 day ago
...See more Greetings, Amazing Humans! 💫  Appreciation is the magic of connecting with others and the world around us through gratitude and joy! It helps us see the little things that often go unnoticed and strengthens our bonds with others. When we express gratitude, we not only uplift ourselves but also create a ripple effect of positivity in our communities.  Ready to sprinkle some appreciation into your life? Here are some fun ideas to try: Gratitude Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to jot down three things you appreciate whether it’s a kind word from a friend, a beautiful sunset, or a favorite song. This simple practice can shift your mindset and help you notice the positives around you! 📓✨ Thank-You Notes: Grab some cute stationery and write spontaneous thank-you notes to people who make your life brighter—your barista, a coworker, or a friend. Hand them out with a smile! It’s like giving a little piece of happiness. 💌 Create an Appreciation Wall: Find a space at home or in your community where people can post sticky notes of what they appreciate about others. Watch as the wall fills up with positivity and love! It’s a visual reminder of all the goodness around us. 📝💕 Discussion Questions: * Can you recall a time when someone’s appreciation left a lasting impact on you? What did they say or do, and how did it change your perspective? * If you could write a thank-you note to your future self, what would you say? 
listeningneighbor profile picture
Presence & the Struggle of Being
by listeningneighbor
Last post
 Saturday
...See more I’ve been thinking recently about what it means to be a human being. Not just a human, but a human who is being. Each of us have been through so much in life: we’ve held different roles, felt different feelings, and worked hard to get closer to the version of ourselves we’ve been dreaming of. I’ve held many roles too but often I feel that I live this life passively. I’ll be sitting with friends or watching television, being inactive and time passes quickly. Like I’m sitting strapped in a Tesla that's self-driving through time, and me along with it. Autopilot mode, you could say. When these moments happen and I feel I'm mentally absent, it helps me to observe what's around me and let myself feel the feelings.  I remember that I don’t just want to be a human, I want to be a human being - to exist in this present fully and intentionally and take control of the time around me. Our ability to “be” - to be alive, to be present, to be grateful, to be breathing, and infinitely anything else - is a testament to the miracle of each of us.  What does being a human being mean to you? How do you remind yourself to live each moment with intentionally and take control of time?
listeningneighbor profile picture
Optimism and Hope
by listeningneighbor
Last post
 Saturday
...See more I used to be afraid of optimism. Many times I’ve held onto this specific future for myself and when I didn’t get there, I consequently felt the burden of expectation and loss pull me down. Having been conditioned by these experiences, I learned to “be practical” and not hope for anything. More recently, however, I’ve learned that there is a power in just having hope, even if our ambitions are not fulfilled. Hope drives us when discipline and motivation fail, it gives our journeys meaning and fuels our lives in the darkest times.  I’ve learned that it’s okay to not achieve the goals we have for ourselves because sometimes things are out of our control. Instead, focus on what you can control and strive courageously towards your ambitions in life, whatever they may be. And it’s okay to hope along the way. Let hope be your companion on your journey. What’s your relationship with hope? What are the sources of hope in your life?
Frankie111 profile picture
Taking ACTION when you don't feel like it
by Frankie111
Last post
 Friday
...See more To make change in ones life, actually ACTING on what one desires is such an important concept. In my experience, it’s true that it does take courage, resilience, hope, and optimism. I’ve recently found that I shouldn’t wait for my feelings to change before taking action, but rather that by taking the action that my feelings end up changing positively.   I was recently unmotivated to work out. I set a goal that first thing in the morning I was going to do a short 15 to 20 min hitt workout 4 days a week, while listening to fun music. Now that I’ve been doing it for a few weeks, it’s turned into a habit and I’m actually feeling really good about it. Have you ever taken ACTION on something, despite not feeling totally ready/motivated? How did it work out for you?
searchingSoul01 profile picture
Choosing animals over humans
by searchingSoul01
Last post
 Friday
...See more I read something last year, or maybe earlier, that said: 'We never push away pets or animals but only humans when we are very low. The reason is that we feel they won’t judge us or maybe because they feel like a safe place.' To some extent, I feel this reflects the reality of our time.   I don’t personally feel this way, but I understand it. The world may not always seem like a good place—it’s a place where many people appear "bad." Still, I truly believe that nobody is inherently bad. Often, it’s just that people are selfish, or maybe overly selfish, as they try to protect themselves, their interests, or those they care about.   But then, there are people who genuinely care—people who offer their help with good intentions. Isn’t it a bit strange that, in our vulnerability, we often choose animals over humans? I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that—animals are incredible companions, and I feel that too. But from the perspective of someone who genuinely wants to help, it might sting. They may wonder:Is that animal better than me? This isn’t about saying one choice is right or wrong; it’s just something I’ve been reflecting on.
BeesOnFlowers profile picture
Identifying and Remembering Self
by BeesOnFlowers
Last post
 Friday
...See more Self acceptance has always been such a difficult subject for me. I tend to get into relationships where I'm the fixer, whether it's romantic, platonic, or just peer. I want to help someone and I often don the white scrubs of a clinical therapist and sit with one knee hooked over the other (even if it hurts after an hour). That's all to say that I often meet problems with being stifled. It's easy to nod and accept others, but recognizing your own boundaries can be difficult. My values and beliefs take such a back seat, I don't even look at them half the time! But it's not healthy to forget yourself so often. To ignore your feelings for the sake of others.  It comes as second nature to so many of us, but sometimes we treat ourselves so dismissively. This is a behavior I had to recognize and actively dwell over. After a long day of listening to my family's struggles and woes, I sit down and journal. I made myself a rule to never journal about any one else's problems- to leave that for their own journals. Mine is for me. How do I feel? What are my goals? Did I have fun today? What did I succeed at? What are my plans tomorrow?     That's a form of mindfulness! It helps strengthen your relationship with yourself. It's not selfish to say 'I'.    That's a hard fact to learn.  When you put your feelings on the back burner, we run the risk of it boiling over out of eyesight.    Don't forget to tend to them too. 🌼 What ways have you found to help you stay mindful and accepting of your own feelings?
awesomeForever34 profile picture
Long term orientation and visioning
by awesomeForever34
Last post
 Friday
...See more Long-term orientation means thinking about our long term goals and the consequences of our current actions. This can help us decide on our short term goals AND make us more aware of our current behavior. It encourages us to change habits and avoid letting short-term benefits outweigh long-term consequences.  One goal setting method I've loved learning about on here has been the SMART goal setting. And also the idea of needing to be ready to set goals for ourselves which can require some inner work first. Visioning is one of the ways we can achieve long term orientation by picturing our ideal future so we can then figure out what steps we need to take to get there. One actionable way to do this could be through making a vision board or simply writing down your goals. An important piece of advice for this I'd recommend is researching! This can be a pain but honestly will (hopefully) make things easier in the long run as you can make informed choice AND can even discover options you'd never previously considered (which is something that I experienced in regards to my future career path).  I think that two main challenges I had with these skills are:  * The need for patience * The fact that it can be very overwhelming to the point of procrastination and/or avoidance. What helped me deal with this was turning to my support system  I think these skills really help teach being purposeful i.e. taking control and responsibility which in itself is very empowering.  How do you like to envision your future? Vision boards, writing down goals? Do you follow any goal setting methods like SMART? What's an everyday habit you've started to help achieve your long term goals?
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