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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!
Compassion: The healing light.
by QueenAsphodel17
Last post
 1 day ago
...See more “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama In the current state of the world, with so much violence and stress - compassion is the healing medicine that we as a collective need the most. When we cultivate compassion, not only do we learn how to empathize with others, but we also learn to pour kindness and understanding on ourselves.  ✨ What is compassion?  According to a research, Compassion entails five elements that apply to the self or others:  1) recognising suffering,  2) understanding the universality of suffering in human experience,  3) feeling for the person suffering and emotionally connecting with their distress,  4) tolerating any uncomfortable feelings aroused (e.g., fear, disgust, distress, anger) so that we remain accepting and open to the person in their suffering, and  5) acting or being motivated to act to alleviate the suffering  (Link [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5315311/#:~:text=They%20concluded%20that%20compassion%20entails,any%20uncomfortable%20feelings%20aroused%20(e.g.%2C])  ✨ How do I practice compassion?  - Every morning I set an intention to be understanding, to be accepting and to be attentive to my inner self. Compassion starts with you. When you fill your cup, you can pour on other's cups too. Here's a intention prayer that Dalai Lama used to make every morning: “Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”  - Meet more people, make more connections with others. The more you learn about the diversity of human lives the more you'll find yourself opening up to new perspective. Meeting people will help you understand that despite all the differences in identities and opinion, at the root of it all, we are all human beings. We need food, and shelter, and love. We crave attention, and recognition, and affection, and above all, happiness. .- Another practice I’ve found helpful is loving-kindness meditation. It encourages sending thoughts of goodwill and care to myself and others, helping me build a more compassionate mindset.  🪞 Reflection:  🖋️ Tell us about a time when compassion from someone has deeply impacted you?  🖋️ Share two ways you can show compassion to someone today.
💞Appreciation: Cultivating Joy in Our Connections!💞
by Phoenixthepoised
Last post
 3 days 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? 
optimism. for those who want happiness
by Hermionetps
Last post
 October 15th
...See more As a child, I was always jumping with joy here and there. I had this radiance about me gosh, you wouldn't believe the joy. my outlook on life tainted by nothing but the brightest of hues. I remember one particular incident that might help you guys realise my never endind everylasting joy. I must have been roughly 7 or 8 years old when I found a stray dog wandering the streets near my home. Without a moment's hesitation, I scooped up the pup, determined to provide it with food, shelter and a loving home. Despite my limited means as a child, I refused to give in to the notion that I couldn't make a difference. You wouldn't believe what i did. i found a card board Amazon box which had just come in with a delivery and made it that sweet puppies home. i even shared my food with it. though i knew not to give him chocalates. In the end, my mom and i were able to connect the dog with a nearby animal rescue, overjoyed that I had played a role in giving the creature a second chance. Somewhere along the way, however, that unwavering optimism began to fade. The daily grind of adult responsibilities, the discouraging news cycles, and the general negativity that can surf into our lives all took a toll. I found myself becoming more rude, asserive, always afraid of  betrayal and what not also,less willing to believe that positive change was possible. This course has been a revelation, reminding me of the reality of optimism. Through reflection exercises , I've rediscovered the child-like wonder that used to be my default setting. Now, I approach each day with a new sense of hope, believing that I can make a genuine impact, no matter how small the gesture. Discussion Questions: What are some of the key factors that can was away our natural optimism as we grow older? How can we consciously work to maintain a more hopeful outlook? Describe a time when your own optimism and determination helped you overcome a challenge or make a positive difference. What did you learn from that experience? How can we cultivate a culture of optimism within our communities, workplaces, and society at large? What are some concrete steps we can take?
Empathy and Compassion
by hopefulDew435
Last post
 October 9th
...See more Empathy is the ability to imagine oneself in the place of others to gain a sense of what they're feeling. When you are empathetic, it is easy to accumulate and demonstrate compassion. For instance, if someone is feeling upset and frustrated, you may empathize and feel the same. You may even take it one step further in being compassionate towards them by offering to listen and being a comforting presence.  In a world that consists of hardships and pain, the application of empathy and compassion can facilitate significant change and heal so many hearts. When experiencing a difficult time, it's natural to have the desire to want to feel and be understood. I think of empathy and compassion as a warm hug that cultivates that feeling, as well as the feeling of safety. When implemented together, they produce an inner sense of calmness and peace. Empathy and compassion also allow us to build a sense of rapport and trust with others. They communicate the message that you're not alone and make room for an external perspective that's fresh and inspiring.  Empathy and compassion are traits that come naturally to me as I was led by example and taught as such whilst growing up. Both traits enable me to establish and develop strong connections with others and hold a space in which they feel heard and supported. It brings me immense joy to have that ability. In addition, empathy and compassion encourage personal growth, in consideration that they increase my self-awareness and ability to manage conflict.  It is important however, to bear in mind, that empathy and compassion aren't solely reserved for others; displaying empathy and compassion towards yourself is equally as important. In fact, when you apply them towards yourself, it becomes easier to extend the same courtesy to others.  Here are some questions for consideration:  * Do you think that you can have empathy without compassion or vice versa? Feel free to explain your reason.  * In what ways can you cultivate empathy and compassion towards others?  * How does empathy and compassion impact your life? Please share any personal experiences, if you are comfortable and would like to. 
Showing Empathy and Compassion
by BeesOnFlowers
Last post
 October 8th
...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?
Compassion & Empathy
by TheGirlWhoFeltTooMuch
Last post
 September 29th
...See more As mentioned in my previous post, I really loved the Inner Goals Development Framework. Inner development, to put simply, is transformation through an exploration and further enhancement of our personal life, knowledge, abilities, and behaviors. As I often used to tell my students, “Life is about taking the things in the past, present, and future that affect us (or will affect us), sitting with those things, and learning from (or about) them and how they affect(ed)/will affect us, and then releasing them; either leaving them in the past, working with them in the present, or preparing them for the future. But you won’t grow standing still.” Whether you call it inner development, soul growth, journey of self, or purpose searching, this inner growth is about transformational changes. It is not just about setting goals or future success, but about cultivating cognitive and transformational skills, creating a more profound sense of purpose and agency, and mastering a deep understanding of one’s heart, mind, and spirit holistically.  In a time where change occurs quickly and frequently, and challenges demand innovation and an ability to adapt, our inner development is not merely about fulfillment in life, it is necessary for communication, our relationships, and social health as well. Inner development is not a solitary journey, but a tribal pursuit where we share experiences and insights that lead to the growth of the collective. When we gain inner peace, we learn to embrace many different perspectives, foster a growth mindset, understand the strength in vulnerability, and find a compassionate and empathetic understanding of others. In my last post, I discussed openness and a growth mindset, and when we gain the ability to maintain that mindset and allow openness, we often find it much easier to treat ourselves and others with compassion and empathy.  In the IDG’s third category, relating, it tells us that relating is how we care for others and the world. It discusses how appreciating, caring for and feeling connected to those around us helps us to create more systems and societies that include justice and are much more sustainable. This can be connection to neighbors, future generations of the course itself, or nature. The course defines the skill of empathy and compassion as “the ability to relate to others, oneself, and nature with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and address related suffering”.  I think of empathy as a deep understanding of others’ emotions or an ability to embody yourself in someone else’s shoes and share their feelings. I honestly believe this to be one of the most important abilities we can have as individuals, so it makes sense that ths section includes this skill. Compassion goes right along with empathy, in my opinion, but they really are not the same things. Compassion is a feeling of sympathy that causes you to want to take action to help someone, which comes about when you become confronted with someone elses’s emotions, particularly their distress or suffering.  We can learn about our ability with this skill by practicing deep listening, which encourages us to engage in attentive and empathetic listening to foster genuine curiosity and compassion in our responses.  It enables one to identify and transform unproductive patterns into more constructive interactions; particularly in situations that lack immediate or clear solutions. We can learn to recognize these circumstances in order to assist in building trust by valuing and taking others’ words seriously, clarifying the underlying issues, and uncovering new possibilities. It’s important to refrain from judgment and remain receptive to information to allow ample space to put our thoughts and feelings into words, which creates a secure environment for free expression.  In self-reflection, you can think about if you try to communicate your understanding of what others have said before stating your opinion or perspective or if you fail to acknowledge what they say and simply state your own perspective. What about the times you disagree? Do you try to reflect back your understanding of their position or fail to acknowledge any validity in the other person’s point of view?   For those who have exerienced or given empathy,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  you might notice that people go to you  with their feelings and concerns.  Who and what helps you move into action when you perceive the suffering of others? Are you working on your ability to feel empathy and compassion even towards people who are very different from yourself and who may act in ways you disapprove of? 
Appreciation
by luffyisthekingofthepirates
Last post
 September 27th
...See more Appreciation: The Key to a Better Relationship with Yourself and Others One of the most transformative practices I've tried to adopt in my journey towards personal growth is the art of appreciation. It’s more than just saying “thank you”—it’s a deep, heartfelt acknowledgement of the good in our lives and the people around us. When I reflect on my past, I realize that I often overlooked the value of appreciating the small, everyday moments. I was so focused on what was missing or what needed to change that I rarely paused to truly appreciate what was already there. It wasn’t until I intentionally started to practice appreciation that I noticed huge shifts in my perspective and relationships. Here’s how I integrated appreciation into my life: Start with Self-Appreciation: It begins with being kind to yourself. I made it a daily practice to recognize my own efforts and achievements, no matter how small. I made an achievements list to see what all I had achieved in the past year and acknowledging the progress i have made however small it may seem. Express Gratitude Regularly: I made it a habit to express genuine gratitude to those around me. Whether it was a note, a verbal thank you, or a small act of kindness, acknowledging the efforts and qualities of others helped strengthen my relationships and foster a positive environment. I also started using an app that acts as a gratitude journal (app name- GRATITUDE- self-care journal). Reflect on Positive Moments: At the end of each day, I took time to reflect on the moments I felt thankful for. This practice shifted my focus from what went wrong to what went right, helping me maintain a balanced perspective. It takes a lot of time to learn to focus on the positive instead of the negative, but it will eventually happen and make your life all the more better Celebrate Small Wins: I learned to appreciate the small victories and milestones, both in my personal life and in my interactions with others. This helped me build a habit of recognizing progress and effort, not just results. Since I have always just viewed my achievements as common or something that was just supposed to happen, this step was a big one. Okay, now its time for you to look upon your lives and see how you can fit appreciation into it. * What does your foundation look like, and how does appreciation fit into your life? * How can appreciating others more deeply transform your relationships and perspective? ------------------------- Appreciation is one of the values taught in the Inner Goals Development course, you can learn more about it here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademyPrograms_2311/InnerDevelopmentGoalsCourse_318284/].
🌱 Recipe for Growth: Appreciation 🌱
by plop
Last post
 September 11th
...See more Happy Wednesday (my dudes)! Today we'll think about appreciation. What is appreciation? It is relating to the world around you with a deep, full sense of joy and gratitude, being genuinely thankful, and not being afraid to express it. Benefits of everyday appreciation: * Improved social relationships * Reduced depression * Consistent positive thinking * Improve sleep quality * Lasting joy * Reduce stress * Increase general wellbeing Activity: * Practise showing appreciation every day, drop it into conversations and watch the mood lift!  * Keeping a gratitude diary is also shown to increase wellbeing and positive thinking. Before you go to bed write 1-3 things you were grateful for during that day. (bonus points if your gratitude diary is super cute!) Reflection: What could you say to the next person you see to show appreciation? How do you feel when others express appreciation for you?
Relating: How Communities have Changed in the Modern World
by reginalistener18
Last post
 September 8th
...See more This path course provided valuable insights, teaching us the various qualities and skills needed for personal growth and effective leadership. One dimension I found the most compelling was the dimension of relating- caring for others and the world. Before reading this, I’ve already recognized the importance of strong emotional bonds and social connections. Particularly, with people in our community. Without this, the quality of life for each individual and the community as a whole will be diminished. But this course also reminded me that the actions we take today shape the foundation for the future generations to come. If we live in a world so isolated from one another, in the future, that gap will be even wider.  This reminded me of something I saw on social media. It was a long time ago and I can’t remember the full context but I remember one mom asking if “things have always been like this?” regarding stories of children who were put in danger and had no one to help them. An older woman responded to her question “No. Back then we took care of each other”. This relates to the relating dimension. Back then, it seems that there was a greater sense of community between neighbors. Families would get together for dinner, children would go hang out in the park together, block parties and community picnics, etc. Neighbors would check on other neighbors and ask for favors or perform some acts of kindness because they’ve built that relationship where people felt safe and supported.  I think this is what is missing in our world today. We lost the skill of connectedness. We are so focused on our own lives that we fail to see the bigger picture: our relationships with others, with humanity, and with the global ecosystem. This disconnect has also impacted our capacity for empathy, making it challenging to understand and extend kindness to others. When we fail to relate to one another, we lose our ability to foster compassion and understanding. This can be dangerous. It’s what can lead to inequalities, social injustice, environmental problems, etc.  What do you guys think? Do you agree that our neighbors and communities are less connected than in the past? Is this something you see in your own neighborhood or communities? What are some tips on fostering connections and empathy that you can used to address these issues?  *
Relating - Caring for others in the world
by ScorpiaD
Last post
 September 4th
...See more This pretty much explains itself. We know that to relate means to appreciate others, have emphathy and compassion for others, have a certain type of connection to others and have humility for others.  What are some ways that show how you relate or can relate to others?
: "Leading with Heart: How Empathy Can Transform Your Leadership Style"
by CrescentSkylar
Last post
 September 4th
...See more Hey everyone, As leaders, we often focus on developing skills like strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving. However, I want to highlight the importance of empathy in leadership. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it's a game-changer in building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and driving positive change. When leaders demonstrate empathy, they create a safe and supportive environment where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated. Empathy helps us understand different perspectives, address unconscious biases, and make more informed decisions. In my experience, empathy has been a key factor in resolving team conflicts and improving collaboration. By actively listening and seeking to understand others' concerns, I've been able to address issues before they escalate and build trust with my team. What are your experiences with empathy in leadership? How have you seen it impact your team or organization? Share your stories and insights
Empathy and Compassion
by Admirablerainbow2825
Last post
 August 4th
...See more Empathy is the ability to put yourself in others shoes. It is the ability to understand the feelings and emotions of the other person. Compassion is the emotional response to sympathy or empathy and creates a desire to help. Where empathy creates understanding, compassion is more likely to inspire feelings of concern, worry, or sympathy. Compassion is related to taking action whereas empathy is related to feeling. Some of the ways we can be compassionate are as follows: ·       Forgiveness: Forgive someone who has wronged you. ·       Help someone in need: For example, helping an old person cross the road, helping a person carry the groceries to the car, etc. Even the simplest of such acts matter. ·       Listening and being patient with others: For example, actively listening to a person who is facing a challenge in their life. Some of the ways we can show empathy are as follows: ·       Actively listening to others: It involves asking questions or restating what the other person has shared. ·       Being able to sense the other person’s emotions: The ability to identify and detect the emotion the other person is facing ·       Feeling what the other person is feeling: It may seem like you are absorbing their emotions.
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