There are 7 principles I believe in which were remembered yesterday by my distinguished alumni on the occasion of the golden jubilee. In this one the focus is on
Each person and community is worthwhile
This is fundamental to wellbeing as both common sense and scientific studies have affirmed. Every one deep inside feel so, want and try hard to get it in their life so there is peace in them. Personal attitudes or social conditions that support such a perspective have led to healthy growth of persons during their entire lifespan. A lot of persons taking professional counseling realize they are inherently worthwhile and experience change in their way of dealing with themselves.
When a girl baby is valued as equal to male baby and vice versa in the attitudes of society and families, there is an affirmation of worth. Similarly, when the haves and have not’s, the high and low status persons, majority or minority tribal or non-tribal, the able and the differently able experience respect and equality of worth they deserve and long for a deeper emotional healing, transformation and harmony develops.
If they experience such unconditional acceptance from parents, peers, teachers and bosses there will be great enhancement of wellbeing. If people live by these values, ponder over them, it can be exciting growth in quality human relationships. At a social level, all this can lead to greater tolerance, acceptance and inclusion that will promote a marvelous sense of harmony, cooperation.
A couple of important skills that I have found very help to promote the above idea are
- Skills of welcoming people, making them feel at ease in our presence.
- The tidally next one is attentive listening to the person, their experiences, feelings, concerns, strengths and struggles nonjudgmentally and with commitment to confidentiality.
- The third one is called Empathy which is to understand people from their perspective and to be a mirror of what they are feeling and their situation which is conveyed to them and confirmed by them as substantially accurately understood.
Many people find this experience whether informally or formally very supportive allowing them chance to ventilate in a safe environment. This can bring out some relief and strength b itself. Others may find the strength to explore more of their real strengths and use them to discover and address their weaknesses and find growth in being a more balanced person as they wish. Thus, ordinary human relationships and informal and formal counseling can enhance human potentials of all people and in all circumstances as we will see in subsequent blogs.
Do feel free to write your comments and questions. I will read and respond as best as I can.
Sincerely
Dr. B. J. Prashantham