The winds of change and uncertainty seem ever-present. But what if, instead of fearing or worrying about change, we shift our thinking to see it as an opportunity for growth and wellbeing?
Recently, Maverick Minds had the privilege of working with the Engagement team at the University of Southern Queensland. Our invitation? To explore how we create a sense of wellbeing during times of transition and change and when things feel outside of our control.
We kicked things off with taking time to connect as people, sharing what brings people joy and how we feel about change. We utilised a couple of change frameworks designed to give some structure and help the team reflect on their personal experiences with change and understand the shifts happening around them.
We experimented with Jonathan Fields’ buckets from How to Live a Good Life. These are the areas that Field’s proposes need our attention to help us flourish. People mapped and identified the things that bring them joy, the areas where they have influence and where they can direct their energy and efforts to make the most impact. It was a simple yet powerful way to help them reconnect with their sense of agency and purpose.
To spark further creativity, we used imagery as a tool for reflection and how that resonated with their own sense of wellbeing. The images sparked deep conversations and fresh perspectives, reminding everyone that sometimes, the answers aren’t in the words we speak, but in the emotions and connections we feel, and that’s where Beethoven’s Ode to Joy chimed in. It was a beautiful reminder that in the middle of difficulty we can find moments of joy and meaning that can inspire and lift us up. I think it’s an imperative to do so as we know life is ultimately a rich tapestry of experiences both within and outside of our control.
At Maverick Minds, we know that wellbeing isn’t found in one-size-fits-all solutions. It starts with small, personal intentional steps. Moments of reflection, connection, and action. During times of uncertainty, it’s often the small steps that help us traverse change and transition with resilience and grace.
Maverick Minds provided the Engagement team with some helpful theories around change and a few practical tools. From our time together there was a renewed sense of perspective, and appreciation for how they can support themselves and each other through the ebbs and flows of change. Perhaps most importantly, they gained the understanding that, even in the most uncertain of times, wellbeing is something we can always cultivate one step at a time.
As Shawn Walker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement), at UniSQ said,
Cathryn’s facilitation style, which is with compassion and warmth, was gratefully received by my colleagues and I. Cathryn created an interactive environment to connect and collaborate in a meaningful way, providing practical tools for us to take away not only in our professional lives but in our personal lives as well.
Contact
Dr Cathryn Lloyd
cathryn@maverickminds.com.au
+61 406 007 753