Sumina Maharjan, Assistant MLRC
Stepping into the workshop room, I was a face amongst 26 others, all complete strangers. A nervous excitement buzzed in the air. Dr. Chandani Mam and Parshant Sir from Vaav Well beings greeted us warmly, and the focus of the next five days became clear: developing our emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
The first day was a plunge into introspection. We were instructed to create a “river of life,” a visual journey depicting the highs and lows, the twists and turns that had shaped who we were. As I drew obstacles I’d overcome, defining moments that had molded me, and even the nagging self-doubts that lingered, a sense of self-discovery began to bloom.
Day two shifted the focus to how our own thinking can sometimes trick us. We learned about “cognitive distortions,” biases that warp our perception of situations and lead to inaccurate beliefs. Through interactive exercises, we explored these distortions and gained the tools to identify them lurking within our own thought processes. This newfound awareness was a revelation. It allowed me to revisit past experiences and see how these distortions might have influenced my limiting beliefs, ultimately shaping my emotional responses.
The workshop progressed, introducing us to powerful frameworks. The ABC model, with its focus on Activating Events, Beliefs, and Consequences, sheds light on the cause-and-effect relationship between external stimuli and our emotional responses. It highlighted how our beliefs act as a bridge, interpreting situations and shaping how we feel and behave. This understanding empowered me to potentially influence my emotional well-being by examining and potentially adjusting my belief systems.
Day four brought the CIA model into play, a concept that resonated deeply. It stood for Control, Influence, and Acceptance. The model emphasized the importance of differentiating between what we can directly control, what we can influence, and what we simply need to accept. By recognizing these distinctions, I felt equipped to reduce frustration and avoid wasting energy on circumstances beyond my control.
The final day was dedicated to self-exploration. Through guided reflection, we delved deeper into our strengths and weaknesses. We identified limiting beliefs that might be holding us back and pinpointed areas in our lives that craved focused attention. Most importantly, we contemplated our future aspirations and assessed the clarity of our paths forward.
Leaving the workshop, I wasn’t the same person who had walked in. Armed with valuable frameworks like the ABC and CIA models, I had gained a deeper understanding of my emotional responses and the power of my belief systems. Perhaps the most significant takeaway was the realization that while I cannot control the behavior of others, I have immense influence over my own. The workshop served as a powerful reminder that by focusing on what I can control, particularly my belief system, I have the power to shape the person I will become.
