Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Community /

IDG 7 Cups Community Hub

Info
186 Friends
Filter by Topic
Community calendar
Group chat
Ask questions, get support and make friends
Find a group chat
My communities
Considering Therapy?
Talk to an expert therapist
New subscribers
Create a New Thread
Gif Photo Link
Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 4 hours ago
...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!
"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks"
by Ivy229
Last post
 3 hours ago
...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. 
Presence and Appreciation
by EventHorizons
Last post
 4 hours ago
...See more While reading through the IDG Course, it came to my attention that there are a few qualities I need to focus more on — a couple of those being presence and appreciation. On a daily basis I try to remind myself to bring attention back to the present and to the body or whatever I might be feeling at any given moment, but this doesn’t always “work.” Often it can be a struggle, especially when emotions are intense or heightened and the body is in a state of tension and restlessness. There’s the urge to distract yourself from the experience and do something else. For me, this isn’t always helpful and the presence of those feelings and sensations frequently becomes more noticeable and influencing when I try to distract myself from them.  Appreciation for life, the universe and everything within it is also something I think on each day, but it’s easy to forget exactly how to appreciate things, especially when it’s difficult to feel such appreciation — as it is for me.  How can you remain present, appreciative and aware of the beauty in life; in yourself and others? Daily gratitude, searching for inspiration and feelings of awe, practicing active listening and empathy, exposing myself to different kinds of art, media, books and other forms of potential inspiration. Journaling and talking about experiences that help me feel closer to the self, universe and nature.
Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 4 hours ago
...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.
Inner Compass and Self-awareness
by MarinaLexi
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more While completing the IDG pathway, I was struck by the interconnectedness of the five dimensions and the skills underpinning them.  I found that although I do consider myself a values-based individual… I didn't actually have a full grasp of my values or which had priority over others, I was deeply lacking self-awareness and had never taken the time to delve and discover what I actually valued. So I really valued the opportunity to undertake the VIA Character strengths survey!  As I was reading down the list, I was nodding along, thinking, "Ok, this makes sense. Kindness, love of learning, curiosity, perspective…. Wait, what's this?", I discovered 'Judgement' on my list, which was something I had not considered as a value! In fact, I'd always believed it to be a negative characteristic that should be quashing as soon as it arose. According to Dictionary . Com (n.d.), one definition of judgement is "Making or expressing a negative assessment of someone or something; condemning," which is how I had previously understood it. However my VIA survey assessment results defined it as "Thinking things through and examining from all sides; not jumping to conclusions, weighing evidence fairly, and the ability to change one's mind." This has completely changed how I view judgement. But, I also noticed other strengths I had never considered; zest, humour, spirituality, all were lesser skills for me, but I had also never had the opportunity to develop them either. Without honing self-awareness, you can never take stock of where you are, and if you don't know where you are, how do you know where you are going? It transformed my perception of my strengths and skills and has provided me with a different, more accurate view of myself than I had before and offered insights that I can carry into my work, volunteering, and other endeavours. So now, I'm curious!  How has your perception of your values and inner compass changed since undertaking this pathway?  Did you learn something new about them and about yourself? What shocked you? (Hopefully my post is along the right lines.)
The things you tell yourself
by zealousRose5745
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more I've been thinking about how we practice self-acceptance and compassion in order to allow ourselves to remain fully present and engaged.  Lately, I've observed that I could use a little tuneup when it comes to practicing compassion toward myself. I've even scheduled times at the beginning and end of each day for some affirmations.  I know in the past, some affirmations don't quite feel authentic for me.  I've learned that when I craft or edit affirmations to speak with extra context, they feel more true for me. For example, when I am feeling ineffective at my job and lacking confidence, instead of simply, "I am worthy of being confident," I might tell myself, "I have the training, compassion, and experience to make a positive difference in the lives of others."   What affirmations have you written for yourself that have been powerful in allowing you to feel safe in your vulnerability.  
Finding Inner Compass: A Journey of Self-Discovery
by searchingSoul01
Last post
 November 13th
...See more The Inner Compass represents our core values and guiding principles. Understanding it is essential for making decisions that align with our true self. 🌟 Steps to Discover Your Inner Compass: * Reflect on Core Values: What principles matter most to you? List them out. * Identify Influential Experiences: Think about moments that shaped your beliefs. * Visualize Your Future: What kind of life do you want to lead? Align your goals with your values. 💬 Engagement Question: What are some of your core values, and how do they guide your daily decisions? P.S. If you still find it difficult to pinpoint your Inner Compass, think about a time when you felt mad or sad beyond your control. Reflect on the underlying reason—what boundary was crossed or what was compromised? That may reveal the values that guide you. ✨ Share your thoughts or experiences in the below !
Openness and Learning Mindset
by hopefulDew435
Last post
 November 13th
...See more As a kid, it's typical of us to be curious about the world. We'd frequently ask questions and look at things in wonder of how they came to be or what they are. It was because of that curiousity, that we were able to learn and grow. As an adult, having an openness and learning mindset entails being vulnerable and accepting of change; it's how we evolve overtime. When we challenge ourselves beyond our abilities and skills, only then can we truly learn.  Imagine you have a lock inside your mind, holding your abilities hostage. Eventually, you find a key and unlock it, thereby leaving those abilities vulnerable. Well, what if that lock and key was actually you? You can either be the lock that considers your abilities to be unchangeable or fixed, or you can be the key that leaves yourself open to experience and growth.  Let's think about this as two distinct concepts: a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, you believe your intelligence and capabilities are set in stone. As a result, you avoid challenges, give up easily when faced with problems, view positive feedback as criticism, etcetera.  Conversely, when you believe that your intelligence and capabilities can be improved and/or developed, you're able to adopt a growth mindset, which results in being receptive to feedback and challenges, viewing the success of others as inspiration, accepting problems as opportunities to persist and learn, and more.  I used to be scared of challenging myself, as I would consider it as leaving myself open to judgement and criticism. Additionally, I had a fear of failure. It wasn't until I intentionally embarked on a self-development journey, that I realized the importance of moving beyond my comfort zone. I discovered that when I challenged myself, I was able to leave myself open to new experiences, and even if I had failed, it was not a setback, but rather a stepping stone to either try a different approach or move towards a new direction. Consequently, I was able attain self-improvement and increase my self-confidence and skills. When I find myself resistant to change, I use the affirmation, "I embrace challenges because they allow me to grow". It reinforces the idea that continuous learning and growth is possible.  I now invite you to reflect and share your thoughts on the following:  * What makes an openness and learning mindset essential to your growth?  * What are some barriers that prevent you from having an openness and learning mindset?  * How can you practice having an openness and learning mindset? 
IDG
by TheGirlWhoFeltTooMuch
Last post
 November 13th
...See more The Inner Development Goals framework is like a blueprint that educates and inspires individuals to look inward to pinpoint our specific opportunities for inner growth which help us to enhance our abilities for, not just personal growth, but also societal growth. They assist us in our ability to collaborate with others positively and effectively as we work our way through the framework in hopes of achieving the sustainable development goals. Essentially, this is a blueprint that helps us use inner growth for outer change.  The entire framework is fantastic, and as I went through the growth path here on 7 cups, it inspired me to take IDG classes outside of the community here. Throughout my deep dive into the world of IDG, I found myself saying in my head, over and over again, “I really wish this would have been available to me back when I was teaching health education in the public school system!” I know I would have fought hard to get this added to the curriculum because this framework contains information that everyone should learn. The IDG covers 23 skills that include skills such as inner compass, openness, learning mindset, self-awareness, presence, connecteness, empathy, kindness, humility, co-creation, trust, and perseverance.  These skills are divided into 5 different categories: Being, Thinking, Relating, collaborating, and acting. However, don’t let the separation of the categories fool you-they are all interrelated and intricatly weave together to create a marvelous, life-changing, and empowering tapestry of growth and development.  One of my favorite areas of inner growth found in the framework is one that helps us to approach transitions with a focus on our learning and development opportunities, rather than just looking at the challenges and obstacles. It is a skill that helps us adapt to change and navigate challenges and opportunities that occur during life’s transitions with success and positivity, and it is essential to our growth. In the IDG framework, this skill is referred to as “Openness and Growth Mindset”, and is found in the first category called “being”, which relates to the “relationship to self”.  When you think about it, inner growth can only occur when individuals are open and able to be vulnerable, able to accept advice from others, and willing to view things from other perspectives. The best way to evaluate openness and a growth mindset is through evaluation, and this can be done by self-evaluation or even through others’ constructive feedback. Through evaluation, one can then create, or add to, their inner development plan.  So what is openness and a growth mindset? To me, “openness and a growth mindset” encompasses many things, such as a desire to learn, being more open to change, to show vulnerability without anxiety, reflecting on and learning from the pains in our past, embracing feedback from others by focussing on growth opportunities, being accessible, and being receptive of and willing to explore new ideas, experiences, and perspectives, belief that your abilities can grow through dedication and hard work, and belief that success depends on time and effort.  The course defines it as “having a basic mindset of curiosity and a willingness to be vulnerable, embrace change, and grow.”    They involve having “a natural sense of curiosity, a readiness to embrace vulnerability, and a willingness to adapt, evolve, and expand”. Openness and a Learning Mindset are fundamental in making those inner changes. Openness within oneself means being open to new experiences, feelings, and discovery of self. Having a mind and heart that are open allows us to withhold fear and judgment when we dive deep into our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs.  While a learning mindset involves “adopting a stance of continuous self-improvement and personal growth”. It means seeing and understanding that we can evolve, make changes, and get better over time. When we embrace a learning mindset, we are able to seek knowledge, meet obstacles, and adapt to our ever-changing lives. These skills encourage a connection to our inner self that is enriching and in sync with your inner world and outer world, which really helps build our ability to be resilient and accepting of who we are at our core. So, how do you stay open when you have a different opinion from another? Also, are you serious about having an inquiring mindset when you encounter views that are very different from your own?
My Journey Relearning The Meaning of Self Awareness
by fruityCherry7666
Last post
 November 5th
...See more One idea that struck me in the Inner Development Goals training was the idea that self-awareness is multifaceted and multifunctional. Before I started this course, I was under the impression that self-awareness meant knowing yourself on a basic level, like understanding why you would do certain things or react in a specific way when facing confrontation, but that was about it. There was nothing more you could do with the things that self-awareness shows you. I thought of the idea and skill of being self-aware as a helpful insight but not a functional tool used for major self-growth.  Self-awareness being the foundation for better self-regulation is a basic idea in hindsight, but before this training, I had not thought that the two were connected. It makes perfect sense now that I have learned that these two skills rely on each other. Of course, I must know myself to be able to regulate. How would I know what helps me regulate if I don’t know what “makes me tick”?  After mulling over the idea that self-regulation relies on self-awareness, I have started to build a “tool kit” of things that could grow both skills in tandem. Some of my ideas are meditation, mindful self-care, and journaling with my nightly cup of tea. I plan to watch how I feel when I do these activities to understand my self-regulation better, and I hope that grows my self-awareness!  Now, my question is, what do you do for self-awareness and self-regulation? Do you practice both of these skills in tandem like me or separately? Why or why not?  
Key Inner Development Goal: Self-Awareness
by QueenAsphodel17
Last post
 November 4th
...See more Growing up, we are molded by the society and other external influences into being someone who might survive well in the particular societal structure - but it makes us forget who are truly are inside. Once we start being aware, the process of finding internal gold mine within each of us gets started. Being aware of ourselves, internally and externally can help us notice our buried emotions, our motives, strengths and flaws. As we become more aware of our thoughts and action through frequent reflection, so much about how we interact with the world changes. Our ability to make more deliberate decision rather than reactive ones is increased. We make more choices in life that are aligned with our values, increasing our life satisfaction. We consciously surround ourselves with better friends, choose better environment that would help us thrive and can design and eventually live the life we are truly happy living.  ✨ How I've been able to cultive self awareness:  - I've used the help of ChatGPT and other AIchatbots with appropriate prompts to provide me insights based on my vent. I'd say it skyrocketed my self awareness.  - Being very attentive to what makes you feel bad or good or any sort of emotion when you interact with life everyday. All these emotions are the language of your body, informing you more about yourself.  - Book an appointment with a therapist or a coach or mental health support person! Or even reflect on your day and your life with a listener in 7 cups of team. Sometimes a second person perspective can help us see what we might miss.  - Meditate.  - Journal - Follow more paths available in 7 cups of tea and complete the exercises!  🪞 Reflection:  I'd love to hear about your strategies for enhancing self-awareness!  🖋️Which methods or techniques have you found to be effective? 🖋️ How has self-awareness improved the quality of your life and choices?
Identifying and Remembering Self
by BeesOnFlowers
Last post
 November 4th
...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?
Self awareness
by Meenakshi29
Last post
 October 8th
...See more Self awareness  This term self awareness which simple means being aware of your own self....  Self which is you... So how well we are aware of ourselves.....  Our behavior  Our thoughts  Our needs and desires  Our strength and weakness  Our triggers and coping method  These are just few aspects of ourselves.... And many of us are so unaware of these.. We don't know actually ourselves completely and sad part is we don't try and even if we somehow got  little aware of our own self we avoid it.... Because being aware of your own self comes with accepting and improving and it's difficult for many us to do that.....  But being aware of your own self can actually help us in our life because we know what works for us and what's not..... So we should include things which helps us to know ourselves....  So i would love to know how many of you are actually aware of your own true self and there are few activities which can help us to know oneself in a better way.. For me journaling works best 😌 ...  Let me know yours 😁 Have a great week 😌
Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
@Hope
@SoulfullyAButterfly