Weekly ideas to stimulate reflection, inspire new possibilities and encourage new ways of doing and being.
1. Test the water
This week’s word is: Expression
The word "expression" refers to the act of conveying or communicating thoughts, feelings, or ideas, often through words, actions, facial expressions, or other forms of communication. It can also mean the manifestation or representation of something, such as artistic expression (e.g., in painting, sculpture, music) where artists convey emotions, ideas, or concepts through their creative work.
The word "expression" originates from the Latin word "expressio”, which itself is derived from the verb "exprimere” (composed of "ex-" (out) and "primere" (to press). It originally meant to press out or squeeze out, which metaphorically extended to mean bringing something out or making something known.
What is your definition of expression and how do you relate to it? Discuss the question here.
2. Experience the initial wave
To broaden your perspective, take a few minutes to read the following thoughts and notice what comes up for you.
I.
“Learn to express, not impress”. Jim Rohn
II.
"Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own". Bruce Lee
III.
Self-expression theory in psychology explores how individuals assert their unique identities and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and values. In Western societies, self-expression is highly regarded, reflecting a cultural emphasis on individualism and personal autonomy. On the other hand, cultures with strong collectivist values prioritize communal harmony over individual expression. This cultural variation is captured by political scientist Ronald Inglehart in a framework which compares traditional versus secular-rational values and survival versus self-expression values across different countries. Western nations generally lean towards secular-rational and self-expression values that promote uniqueness and diversity as essentials for personal fulfillment and societal progress. On the other hand, East Asian countries often prioritize economic stability and physical security over individualistic expressions and may view excessive individualism as detrimental to social cohesion and collective wellbeing.
3. Dive deep
To gain a deeper understanding and spark new discoveries, this week I invite you to reflect on the following questions:
How do you typically feel when you express yourself openly versus when you suppress your thoughts or feelings and hold back?
What are the barriers or fears that prevent you from fully expressing yourself?
How has your ability to express yourself evolved over time? What have been the significant factors influencing this change?
4. Ride your radiant wave
This week I invite you to practice how to express yourself more fully. Below are some ideas on how to do just that:
Character Dialogues: Write dialogues between imaginary characters that represent different aspects of yourself. Explore how each character expresses themselves and what they reveal about your own thoughts and emotions.
Object Poetry: Collect random objects or items from your surroundings and arrange them in a way that inspires a poem or a short story. Use these objects as metaphors or prompts to explore various themes about yourself.
Speak out loud: Practice speaking in front of a mirror or record yourself talking about a topic you're passionate about. This builds confidence and clarity in expressing yourself verbally.
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