Inner Development Goals: Being (Relationship to Self)
Inner Development Goals: Being (Relationship to Self)
#WCIW Post for 15 April 2022
Today’s post is on the Inner Development Goals category of ‘Being: Relationship to Self’.
The IDG website has this to say about the importance of being:
“Cultivating our inner life and deepening our thoughts, feelings and body help us to be present, intentional and non-reactive when we face complexity.”
As a creative practitioner myself, and also in conversation with other creative people, I am often struck by how important the qualities so beautifully articulated on the IDG website are when it comes to nurturing a creative mindset. Not just in making artwork, but also just (‘just’?) in ‘being’ in the world in a way that is responsive, joyful, resonant, and sincere. When discussing creative identity and process, I often find myself thinking ‘self-awareness’ is everything.
Emily Dickinson wrote “I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” So many of us look outwards for endorsement or certainty when we could find a sense of grace within. We need to cultivate the ability to shine our lanterns to find the pathway back into our inner selves.
A creative prompt:
“Most of the time the universe speaks to us very quietly in pockets of silence, in coincidences, in nature, in forgotten memories, in the shape of clouds, in moments of solitude, in small tugs at our hearts.” — Yumi Sakugawa.
How does the universe speak to you? In moments like these or in something else?
Which moments help you to ‘see’ yourself, and, simultaneously, to see your place within the universe?
More information on the category of ‘Being’:
According to the IDG website, the following qualities and skills are essential to cultivating the relationship with self that allows us the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and imaginative poise, equilibrium, and adaptability essential to dealing with life’s complexities (direct quotes below are from this webpage on the IDG website):
“Having an inner compass – Having a deeply felt sense of responsibility and commitment to values and purposes relating to the good of the whole
Integrity, authenticity – A commitment and ability to act with sincerity, honesty and integrity
Openness, Learning mindset – Having a basic mindset of curiosity and a willingness to be vulnerable and embrace change and grow
Self-awareness – Ability to be in reflective contact with our own thoughts, feelings and desires; having a realistic self-image and ability to regulate oneself
Presence – Ability to be in the here and now, without judgement and in a state of open-ended presence.”
Thank you for reading.
· Feel free to share these articles on social media but, if you do, I would love it if you could include the #WCIW and #IDGs hashtags.
· If you want to find out more about the IDGs, then check out the website here.
· The IDG Summit is on the 29 April 2022. Information and bookings here.
· If you have enjoyed this article, why not come to my free workshop to explore them further. It will be held on the 27 April 2022. Information and bookings here.
