Re: More on values - Testament to committed action and values

[Guest guest]

Subject: More on values - Testament to committed action and valuesTo: ACT_for_the_Public Date: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 1:29 PM

Hi Group,What a crazy, mixed and diverse week this was. I must have gone through dozens of modes, each as intense as the next. I experienced elated excitement, pure joy and satisfaction as well as rampaging anger and chronic self-doubt. (He, he, adjectives are such colourful WORDS...right Dr. :-). Throughout those moments I continued to act in accordance to my values (with the exception of swearing at Steve because I find it hard to understand him...damn it) and this week I reaped the benefits of that committed action. For example, in the career domain, I worked a lot and faced multiple challenges. My core value for work is to be useful and to achieve that end, my goal is to be productive. Productivity in my job involves enabling (via opportunities and education) a positive change or experience in peoples' lives. Often meeting that goal is hit and miss, it can go any way or nowhere at all. Given the instability of my emotions and

stumble with my identity, I felt pressed to be mindful of being MINDFUL of the way I projected myself to others, the way I listen and respond to them and of the way they are projecting themselves to me (as an observer..ie. without judgement). I came back to them (and myself) over and over again (thanks for the nudge there TC). "Yeh, yeh, yeh, get on with it", I hear you say...so how did I benefit? Well, my colleagues acknowledged my efforts (it's always nice when people say thanks, no need for validation because I'm following my values ;-), that was pretty neat. I was given the opportunity to showcase my skills and knowledge in a meeting and I DID IT, whew...that one was hit and miss for sure. And the cream on the cake was the privilege of being witness to the movements forward of more than one of the people I work with. As a part of a team, I have contributed to the long-term quality of life of other human beings.I can't think

of anything (except parenting) that makes me feel more useful. I sit in wonder at this unpredictable, diverse and constantly changing journey. Developing a conscious awareness is life changing and limitlessly empowering. For me constant practice is everything, it takes time and effort for sure. (I wonder how developing awareness further will alter my life in the future, something to look forward to I guess). Learning and practicing the skills of ACT continues to be a transforming component within my daily life. Thanks to the developers and contributors, particularly those who take the time to be with us on this list. I feel incredibly (last adjective,:-P) grateful.