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Evolution of Values: Embracing Change
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 October 28th
...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!
How to communicate effectively in different situations
by ThoughtsBubbleExpress
Last post
 October 16th
...See more Dimension: Collaboration - Social Skills Communication skills are the abilities you use to exchange information with others in various ways. They are important for success in any field, as they help you express yourself and understand others better. To communicate effectively in different situations, you need to follow some tips and suggestions, such as: - Know your purpose and audience. Choose the right tone, style, and channel for your communication. - Be clear and concise. Use simple and direct language, and avoid confusion and misunderstanding. - Be respectful and empathetic. Show interest and appreciation for the other person's point of view, feelings, and needs. Use polite and positive words, and avoid conflict. - Be attentive and responsive. Listen actively and attentively, and use non-verbal cues to show your feedback. Ask questions and paraphrase to check your understanding. - Be adaptable and flexible. Adjust your communication style and strategy according to the situation, context, and feedback. Be open to different opinions and perspectives, and willing to change your mind or approach if needed. Discussion questions: - What are the benefits and challenges of communicating effectively in different situations? - How will you practice and improve your communication skills in different situations?
Teamwork and Inclusion in Collaborative Environments
by KatePersephone
Last post
 October 9th
...See more Teamwork is the collective effort of individuals working together towards a common goal. It involves a combination of diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. Successful collaboration requires effective communication, trust, and a shared commitment to the objectives. Teams that prioritize teamwork benefit from enhanced problem-solving capabilities, increased productivity, and a more dynamic and adaptive approach to challenges. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that all team members feel valued, respected, and have a sense of belonging. It goes beyond mere diversity, emphasizing the active involvement and contribution of every team member, regardless of differences. Inclusive collaboration harnesses the power of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints, creating an environment where creativity flourishes, and innovative solutions emerge. Teamwork and inclusion are mutually reinforcing concepts. In a truly inclusive environment, team members are more likely to feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas, leading to a richer pool of perspectives. This diversity of thought, when combined through effective teamwork, results in comprehensive problem-solving and innovative approaches. Despite the numerous benefits, challenges can arise in fostering teamwork and inclusion. Communication barriers, lack of awareness about diverse perspectives, and unconscious biases may hinder collaboration. To address these challenges, organizations and teams should invest in training programs, promote open communication channels, and create a culture that values and celebrates differences. Individuals involved in inclusive teamwork often experience personal growth, increased job satisfaction, and a greater sense of purpose. From an organizational perspective, diverse and inclusive teams are more adaptable, resilient, and better equipped to navigate an ever-evolving global landscape. Teamwork and inclusion are essential elements of successful collaboration. When individuals come together, appreciate diversity, and work toward common goals, the resulting synergy can lead to remarkable achievements. Fostering an inclusive culture within collaborative environments not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the team or organization. As we continue to navigate complex challenges, prioritizing teamwork and inclusion remains a key strategy for building strong, dynamic, and innovative collaborative efforts. ------------------------- Question prompts to reflect upon: 1. How do you believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds contribute to the overall effectiveness of a team, and what strategies would you implement to ensure these diverse voices are actively included in collaborative decision-making processes? 2. In your experience, how has the presence of a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity within a team impacted the team's ability to overcome challenges and achieve collective goals? Can you share specific examples of inclusive practices that have positively influenced teamwork and collaboration in your work or academic environment? this post has been written by me :3
“I” statements for better collaborating/social skills
by Frankie111
Last post
 October 9th
...See more I think the concept of collaborating and improving social skills with assertive/mindful communication is so important because ones language matters. It has a huge impact on ones relationships. I really like the idea of “I” statements to help change out accusing language for assertive language. I recently changed “can you stop being so annoyingly loud” to “I have a hard time concentrating when there’s loud noises”. It felt a lot less combative and felt like it was better received. Has anyone else tried using “I” statements to help change out accusing language for assertive language? How did it work out for you?
The external side of Ikigai
by FirmWind
Last post
 September 12th
...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?
Non Violent Communication (NVC) for IDG 4th dimension: social skills
by IagoParis
Last post
 September 8th
...See more Related to the sub-dimension of Social Skills: communication skills and following the ideas of the "I statements" in the IDG growth path, I have found the Non Violent Communication (NVC) framework, which I think is very promising. NVC was developed by Marshall Rosenberg, an American psychologist, in the 1960s. It proposes 4 steps to express a petition: * Talk objectively about what happened "When you went with our friends without telling me" instead of "When you betrayed me". * Talk about what you felt: "I felt sad". There are some feeling words like betrayed, rejected or abandoned that NVC tags as false feelings. NVC says that because these words put the responsibility of the emotion outside oneself, and they should be avoided, "sad", "angry", "lonely" or "pained" are good substitutes. * NVC states that behind an emotion, there is a need. Talk about that underlying need. "I feel like that because I need connection/company/transparency". * Finally, make a petition. This should not be a threat nor a demand, but a request. The difference is that when you make a request, you accept the possibility of denial. "I ask you to tell me when you plan to hang out with our friends". Let's join all parts of the example. "Hello John. I want to tell you something. When you went with our friends without telling me, I feel sad and pained. I wish for connection with you all, and I want to ask you to tell me when you plan to hang out with our friends, would you do that for me?" So this is an example of a NVC petition. Since I don't have a lot of experience with NVC, please, don't take it literally. It can probably be improved. Did you know NVC? What do you think about it? I think it is very promising to focus conflict resolution to feelings and needs, do you agree?
Communication Skills
by luffyisthekingofthepirates
Last post
 August 25th
...See more Communication Communication is more than just exchanging words; it’s the very bridge that connects us to ourselves and to others. It’s the cornerstone of personal growth, allowing us to build relationships, foster understanding, and express our true selves. Without effective communication, authenticity remains just out of reach.  As a self-proclaimed introvert, I have always had a hard time with any form of social skill. I used to hold back my opinions, worried about judgment or rejection. I preferred wallowing in my own sadness if something upset me, in a disagreement I would get angry and never try to resolve the problem, and I always expected the other person to know what was on my mind. However, due to a recent journey of self-growth, I have started to see the wrong in my ways and have tried incorporating effective communication skills. How Communication Helps Self-Awareness: Engaging in open and honest dialogue with myself is important for understanding my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations as well as long-term goals. Through this internal conversation, I uncover my deepest desires, fears, and values, which is obviously difficult and conflicting but it paves the way for self-awareness. Empathy: Truly listening to others helps me build stronger connections and nurture mutual understanding. By seeing the world from another’s perspective, I enhance my own view, get rid of stereotypes and biases and become a more all-rounded person. Since I always focused on my own problems truly understanding what others are going through was a big achievement. It improved my listening skills and made me a better listener and person Assertiveness: Clearly and respectfully expressing my thoughts and feelings is essential for trust and healthy relationships. Assertiveness bridges the gap between vulnerability and strength, allowing me to communicate my needs while honouring others. Boundaries are an important aspect as well, clear and stable boundaries help to create stronger bonds. Active Listening: Hearing what others are saying without judgment is important for effective communication (as well as being a 7 cups listener). It enables me to fully grasp their perspective and respond in a way that is thoughtful and considerate. Communication is more than just a tool; it’s a combination of understanding and connection. By mastering this skill, we lay a strong foundation for personal growth, build meaningful relationships, and live more authentic lives. Okay, now time to self-reflect- * How does communication play a role in your personal growth, and what steps are you taking to enhance it in your life? * How can improving your communication skills lead to more genuine interactions and deeper connections with others?
Social skills in other cultures
by CreativeKombucha
Last post
 July 31st
...See more In a typical developing brain of a child, studies have proven that the orbital pre-frontal cortex is responsible for learning and developing social skills.  On the contrary, studies have suggested that damage to the pre-frontal cortex plays a role in the last of social skills in autistic individuals.    Whereas typically developing children are able to mature and pick on up social skills, studies suggest that autistic children required to learn social skills.    When it comes to teaching social skills to autistic individuals, these social skills are not universal.  What one social cue may mean in one culture may mean something else in another culture.  According to Dr. Temple Grandin, pointing to a rest room may is okay in the united states.  Whereas, if you visit China, you are required to use your whole hand.   Additionally, learning social skill can also come with language barriers as well.    While one culture might thing that a certain word is phrase is ok, another might think that the word or phrase is offensive.   Sometimes, it’s not always to easy to help an individual understand what is appropriate and what isn’t. However, you don’t have to necessarily deal with barriers from another ethnic group from yourself.  Rather, I have found that different cultures can be from different classes. -For instance, I attended the same black-tie event a few years in a row and happened to remember a dress that the executive director was wearing.  Then when I went another year, I mentioned it to her in front of her friends.  At that point, she called me out and said my comments were not appropriate and grabbed the behavior specialist.  They both explained to me that an unwritten rule is not to mention when a gown is borrowed. 1.Whether you were autistic or not, what similar scenarios have you run into? 2. Have you ever been to other cultures where the social skills and cues were different than your own? 
Embracing Openness: Your Ticket to Lifelong Learning
by wishfulForest1871
Last post
 July 27th
...See more Hello Cupsers 😀, Let's talk about something super important: openness. Having an open mindset means you're ready to accept new ideas, try out different experiences, and see things from other perspectives. It's all about challenging what you think you know and diving into the unknown with curiosity. So, why does openness matter? Picture this: I used to think yoga was just stretching and breathing, nothing special. 😮‍💨 But one day, a friend dragged me to a class. 🫣 I was skeptical, but I decided to be open-minded and give it a shot. To my surprise, not only did I enjoy it, but it also helped me with stress management and improved my flexibility. If I had stayed closed off, I would have missed out on something that became a crucial part of my routine! 🤩🥳 Discussion Questions: * How do you stay open-minded in your everyday life? Share your tips and tricks for embracing new ideas and experiences. * Can you share a time when being open to something new made a big difference in your life? What was it, and how did it impact you? Openness isn't just about trying new activities—it's also about listening to and learning from different viewpoints. Being open in a constantly changing world can help us adapt and grow. So, what are some ways you practice openness? Maybe it's trying a new hobby, exploring a different genre of music, or even having conversations with people who have different opinions. Let’s hear your stories and insights! What has openness brought into your life?  🐾 wishfulForest1871🐾
Collaborating- Social Skills
by ScorpiaD
Last post
 July 21st
...See more Developing social skills is crucial for the navigation of various aspects of your life whether it is from personal relationships to professional environments. Reflecting on our social skill interactions can significantly enhance our ability to connect with others and understand ourselves for the better. Consider a recent social interaction that you had. What went well during the interaction? Did you actively listen and show empathy? How important was it to use your social skills? Reflect on any challenges you encountered. Were there moments where you could have communicated more clearly or effectively? Think about your body language and your non-verbal cues. How did they contribute to the interaction? Were you aware of how others were responding to you? Improving social skills often involves stepping outside our comfort zones. Have you recently challenged yourself to initiate a conversation with someone new? How did it feel, and what did you learn from the experience? By regularly reflecting on these questions, we can refine our social skills, deepen our connections with others, and build more active and fulfilling relationships. What strategies do you use to enhance your social skills? How do you incorporate feedback from others into your personal growth in this area?
The magic of active listening
by Renjik8013
Last post
 June 29th
...See more Hello, everyone, and I hope you have had a good day so far! I've been reflecting on the importance of active listening as a social skill and how it plays a vital role in our interactions. Before I learned such skills, I thought I was an excellent listener, with friends constantly sharing their concerns, but there seem to be better ways to support and let others feel heard.  I realised that I was used to hearing the words someone was saying and acknowledging them with sympathy instead of empathy. I've come to notice that the proper way to listen to others is to understand their messages and respond thoughtfully, the main purpose of which is to let others feel like they are being heard.  Here are some key aspects of active listening that I noticed: * presence: being fully present in the conversation without engaging in other activities. * empathy: understand the speaker's perspective and emotions instead of saying things like "That's too bad." * telling them you're listening: offering responses like "yep", "umm hmm" Mastering active listening could help support members in Cups and enhance my connections and interactions with others!  - Discussion questions -  * How does utilising active listening affect your relationship in the real world? * What challenges do you face when trying to practice active listening, and how do you overcome them? Would love to hear your insights ❤️
A Blanket For The World: Empathy and Compassion
by fireflyyv
Last post
 June 17th
...See more Empathy is defined as the ability to put yourself in the shoes of others and be able to view the situation and their feelings from their view. Meanwhile, compassion can be defined as a "sympathetic pity" for the difficult things that others may be going through. As simple as they may sound, these words are often lacking in certain people. Some see it as a weakness, because why would you feel sorry for something bad that didn't happen to you, right? However, this mindset can be a roadway to misery and isolation, as empathy and compassion are traits that connects us to other human beings. Though some people feel lower levels of empathy due to neurological reasons, what matters a lot is how people can approach the suffering of others through acts of mercy. It doesn't always have to be something that monumental or life-changing. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to feel as if their woes are shared and understood by another living, breathing human being that is going through life like they are. "A problem shared is a problem halved" This cannot be stressed enough especially for advocates, listeners, and professionals in the realm of mental health. We must offer a safe space full of empathy and compassion to others for the world can be a dark place full of uncertainty. The least (and sometimes best) we could do is to provide comfort to these people.  For the reflection for this discussion, I would like to pose the question: "Do you believe in the kindness of strangers? Why?" This is to see if empathy and compassion is something that you believe strangers can provide to other people who they also see as strangers. It's also to reflect if you believe that these traits could be expressed by strangers in whatever scenario, as well as your optimism in humanity. Thanks for reading. Always remember to be kind not only to other people but to yourself as well.  
The Beauty of I-Statements
by delicateMonkey
Last post
 June 2nd
...See more ~tell me how you feel~ Many people struggle with effective communication and look for ways to improve their social skills. One excellent way to greatly enhance your social skills by promoting clearer, non-confrontational, and empathetic interactions is by using I-Statements. Using I-Statements helps to focus on your feelings instead of blaming or criticizing the other person. This can help prevent the other person from becoming defensive and be more open to understanding another perspective. I-Statements can also improve the way your relationship with yourself. I-Statements help you become more aware of your feelings and emotions, as well as being able to identify the reason why you are feeling the way that you do. •─────────•°•discussion•°•─────────• How can you remind yourself to use I-Statements in conversation? How do you feel when you notice other people using I-Statements in your conversations?
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