In an era where the relentless pursuit of social change may leave changemakers feeling burnt out, disoriented, and isolated, the Wellbeing Learning Series emerged as a beacon of support. This initiative was designed to foster a culture of wellbeing and advancement in harmony with the inner development work necessary to support social entrepreneurs and innovators. Embracing a collaborative learning model, the series delves into the transformative roles of music, nature, and visual and moving art, alongside strategies for enhancing both organisational and personal wellbeing. Through peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, the sessions nurture an environment where participants enthusiastically share insights and experiences, drawing on the wisdom of social innovators within and beyond the Catalyst 2030 network. By cultivating a continuous learning environment, the Wellbeing Learning Series aims to promote holistic wellbeing, empowering individuals and organisations to thrive in their mission-driven endeavours.
Nurturing inner development through collaborative learning
The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) serve as the cornerstone for fostering personal and organisational growth, highlighting the significance of our inner transformation for achieving outer impact. In the session, Daniel Hires shared the IDGs framework that simplifies the complex field of human development, enabling us to more effectively identify, understand, communicate, develop, and integrate the inner skills necessary for sustainable development.
Source: Inner Development Goals Framework
The IDG Framework consists of five dimensions: Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting, with a total of 23 skills. Together with participants, Therese von Blixen-Finecke from Catalyst Co-Labs and Daniel analysed how these five dimensions unite as a catalyst for global change. Multiple questions were raised including: Where do we see the potential for IDGs in our systems change work? Can we truly transform our mindsets and behaviours without experiencing some level of challenge or disruption, whether on a personal or organisational level? What would happen if we co-created a collaborative ecosystem bringing together IDGs, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)? These inquiries create new avenues for future exploration and collaborative efforts, paving the way for initiatives that combine the intersection of IDGs and SDGs.
The synergy of personal and organisational wellbeing in driving change
To drive change, it is crucial to link the exploration of inner development with both organisational and personal well-being. This alignment fosters environments that support both individual growth and collective change, as stated in SDG Goal 3, “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Wellbeing can be defined in various ways, from peace, calmness, contentment, and a growth mindset to diversity, equity and opportunities to thrive. The need for holistic approaches to well-being, including emotional empathy, a sense of community, and capacity building for fostering sustainability within organisations was discussed by the speakers, Kavita Anand (Adhyayan Quality Education Foundation), Paco Briseño (action4.earth), Mireya Vargas Lavado and Debasmita Sinha (Manah Wellness).
The speakers asked: What would the world look like if organisational wellbeing became the norm? Imagine a world where there is free-flowing exchange and connection, where individuals and communities come together and fill each other’s cups while working towards a common purpose. This receiving and giving spirit, along with balanced physical and mental health, creates a sense of wellbeing in people and organisations.
The five P’s framework was introduced to maintain wellbeing in a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) and include:
- Purpose integrates wellbeing into the organisation’s mission.
- Policy involves having a formal policy in place.
- Practice incorporates wellbeing practices into workflows.
- People empower employees to advocate for personal wellbeing.
- Process implements data-driven initiatives and measures outcomes.
By combining these five Ps, a new level of consciousness about both individual and organisational wellbeing is essential to tackle the high potential levels of anxiety, exhaustion, and low wellbeing among changemakers and social entrepreneurs. How can we achieve them? Valuing personal capacities, fostering employee engagement, accommodating individuality, implementing shared governance models for collective decision-making, and creating space for self-awareness are essential. For example, Manah Wellness’s Champions of Wellbeing initiative celebrates individuals who drive healthier and more resilient communities. Workplace wellbeing is often defined by the support employees receive from co-workers, providing a source of positivity and creating a “ring of support” or “ring of encouragement.”
Creating and maintaining a supportive, inclusive organisational culture that prioritises mental and emotional health presents significant challenges. Additionally, accurately measuring the impact of wellbeing initiatives is complex as it involves quantifying intangible benefits. Addressing these challenges requires personal commitment and collective efforts across the organisation to create a sustainable environment for well-being.
Nurturing the soul: music, nature, visual and moving art for mental health
In addition to personal and organisational health, it is equally important to consider how music, nature and art can profoundly nurture the soul and enhance mental well-being. Asha Murphy (Edu-fy) moderated the session that provided enriching activities with an opportunity for profound reflection. Barbara Nussbaum, founder of Finding Us in Music provided an exercise to select a piece of music that takes us down to the deepest layers of our soul. This approach resonates with the sentiments expressed in Yanni’s song “In the Mirror” which explores profound emotional and inner experiences. Wellbeing is about giving to others, loving others, reaching out to others, and feeling the inner wellspring. Additionally, Luis Camargo (OpEPA) posed a question “in one word, what deeply connects us to ourselves, others & nature?” and the reminder that the crisis in wellbeing is a crisis of relations between Self, Others and Nature.
Source: Quotefancy
The power of nature enhances stress relief and mental health, boosts cognitive function, improves physical health and vitality, reduces burnout, and promotes social wellbeing and community. At the same time, music is a powerful source connecting with our personal narratives and enriching our mind, body and spirit. Barbara recognised that through music, we cultivate the ability to listen non-judgmentally and empathetically, which enhances our skill in providing thoughtful feedback. This approach embodies the spirit of Ubuntu—”I am because we are”—highlighting the interconnectedness of our experiences. By valuing the wholeness and humanity of others as expressed through their music, we gain deeper insights into their sources of well-being, which in turn enriches our own sense of connection and fulfilment.
Enhancing wellbeing through the transformative power of visual and performing arts
To beautifully conclude the series, an inspiring session on the transformative effects of visual and performing arts on enhancing wellbeing was moderated by Anna Shvets (TAtchers’ Art Management). Elizabeth Markevitch (Ikonotv) and Joe Orrach (Joe Orrach Performance Project) examined how visual and performing arts can significantly influence emotions and promote mindfulness through visual stimuli. Speakers shared valuable insights on leveraging art and movement to enhance mental and emotional health, including the calming effects of art in healthcare settings and its role in complementing scientific understanding. They emphasised the importance of arts education and its therapeutic benefits. Personal stories highlighted the healing power of art, encouraging viewers to use it as a means of expression and coping with pain. For instance, Joe helps young people discover their voice through movement and rhythm, Anna finds art helpful for our moral situations against a war or diseases, and Elizabeth is convinced that art should be part of a society.
To further underscore the importance of these insights, the session briefly referenced a WHO report, “What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review.” This report highlights that the positive effects of the arts can be enhanced by recognising and utilising the growing body of evidence, encouraging arts participation at personal, community, and national levels, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Weaving wellbeing: integrating insights for holistic growth
The intersection of wellbeing, inner development, and creative expression offers a powerful framework for personal and collective transformation. The insightful sessions featuring changemakers in the arts and wellbeing have further illuminated the impact these elements can have on our lives. As we move forward, let us embrace these lessons and continue to champion a culture that values holistic wellbeing, creativity, and collaborative growth. May we all find inspiration and strength in these insights, nurturing our journeys towards greater resilience and harmony.
Enjoy lasting health, joy, and inner peace!
Videos of Wellbeing sessions:
- Nurturing Inner Development Through Collaborative Learning and the IDGs
- Drawing Inspiration and Wellbeing from Music and Nature
- Organisational and Personal Wellbeing for Collective Change
- Visual and Moving Art in Wellbeing
Reference:
Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67).