Chapter One:
Courage, compassion, and Connection are the Gifts of imperfection.
Courage is doing what is necessary despite your fear of it-- it ripples throughout your life to those around you. Compassion is defined by the boundaries set-- it must be stalwart against abuse and expansive in scope. Connection is twofold--connection with one’s self and connection with those around you it must be given and received free of judgment.
In what ways have you been witness to acts of compassion?
Chapter Two:
Humans are predisposed toward loving and being loved. The most important love, however, is that which we give ourselves. We must learn to first accept ourselves and project that onto those around us.
How do you define love?
Chapter Three:
Prince Zuko: But I don't feel any shame at all. I'm as proud as ever.
Uncle Iroh: Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.
-Avatar: The Last Airbender
How would you differentiate shame and guilt?
Chapter Four:
Authenticity is being able to “let go of who we think we are and embracing who we are.” You must cultivate a sense of self-worth and understanding.
How do you define authenticity?
Chapter Five:
“Perfectionism is not the same as striving to be your best” it is instead a poison which seek to destroy self-worth and grow shame. Self-compassion is the antidote to this poison, this compassion will be able to thrive in ourselves and can eventually be a pool from which to draw on in order to show compassion to others.
How have you been able to combat rampant perfectionism?
Chapter Six:
Resilience is helped by spirituality- “recognizing that we are all...connected by a power greater than all of us”. This spirituality is a foundation of building hope which takes statements of “I’m not good at it” transform to “This is tough, but i can do it”.
How do you define and foster hope and hopeful living?
Chapter Seven:
Happiness and joy are not the same thing, one being a temporary construct and the other a way of life. Gratitude is those none material possessions you have is the path to a joyful life.
What are sources of joy to you?
Chapter Eight:
Intuition embraces uncertainty as faith is the ability to courageously embrace the unknown.
How has faith impacted decisions in your life?
Chapter Nine:
Make time for creativity, it is the expression of the soul.
In what ways do you express creativity?
Chapter Ten:
Play is a requirement for wholehearted living--without it, life is a spiral of depression and anxiety.
How do you find time to play, even while working?
Chapter Eleven:
Make time for calming meditation and introspective stillness.
How and where do you practice calm?
Chapter Twelve:
Utilize your talents and gifts and enjoy the work you do.
What are some of your gifts and talents?
Chapter Thirteen:
Being cool is an overrated choice, let go of the idea of being always in control and embrace who you are.
In what ways do you embrace who you are?
*This discussion guide was created by Schreiner student and Mountaineer Mentor Carlo Martinez
