Quote No. 23 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
I’m feeling very grateful to have had the opportunity yesterday to take part in an Adler Cafe with the Adlerian Society UK Institute for Individual Psychology (ASIIP).
The topic we discussed was that of Encouragement asking how and why people might be discouraged at the moment?
We spoke about the importance of not going inwards in ourselves but to keep outward looking, showing concern for others and also showing ourselves empathy.
We noted the need to care for ourselves first in order to be able to care for others. Caring for others can have an uplifting effect on our own mental wellbeing. A sense of belonging keeps us connected.
We also considered how we can nurture encouragement and help people flourish during the challenges of Covid19.
Some responses included,
Tapping into our strengths
Reinforcing the strengths we see in others
Giving people space
Keeping focused on our priorities
Focusing on what’s within our control
Talking in positive ways about fear
Acknowledging those fears and accepting them, helping to normalises them
Finding ways to defuse fear and lead back to encouragement
Volunteering where possible
And of course the important role of humour.
We also discussed the importance of taking responsibility, facing up to the possibility of our own mortality or that of close relatives by having the difficult conversations about death. Putting a plan in place so other family members know our health care and/or funeral wishes. This can save a lot of upset when somebody becomes critically ill.
How and why might you be discouraged at the moment?
How can you Encourage Yourself Encourage Others?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
