In interactive workshops, based on moral philosophy and psychology, we present, discuss and analyze the factors that contribute to well-being, such as meaning and purpose in life, personal goals, living in the now, positive emotions, and true relationships. These factors are resources we can use to lead a full and productive life.
Well-being begins with questions, the seeds that each of us can plant. Our unique answers are the fertilizers that will help the seeds to grow and support us to flourish.
Each workshop lasts for 3 hours and is organized for 16 participants.
Also, we organize personal mentoring sessions which help individuals embark on self-reflection towards a meaningful and happy life.
E
udaimonia
What is Eudaimonia? How can we experience it? In this 3-hour workshop, we analyze the concept of eudaimonia as not one good among others, but as the perfect good. Eudaimonia is the end of all human action which makes life worth living. It presupposes good intentions and the right actions. The human good is the energy of the soul which is in accordance with the best and highest of virtues. We have to act in a virtuous way all our life, not only on one day, or on one occasion. Eudaimonia is the experience of a whole life with good action, not only the sum of our actions. It comprises actions that are meaningful and valuable to ourselves and others. A fulfilled life is practical. We have the ability to reflect on our life, see ourselves in the world, and understand why things happen, which is the meaning and purpose behind them. Deep reflection and understanding is essential throughout life. This is the ultimate expression of our human existence.
V
irtue
Are we born virtuous? Can virtue be taught? Is virtue any good?
This workshop focuses on virtue ethics. To practice virtue, we need to know what it is. Virtue is acquired, it represents steady dispositions and reliable character traits. We are born with the potential to develop virtue and, through the repetition of noble actions, we make virtue a habit. Virtue is exercised consciously and with a firm disposition. We know that we are truly virtuous through the pleasure or the pain we feel from our actions. Virtue is based on free will, in other words, we choose to be virtuous; it should be exercised according to the mean which, always based on prudence, represents the ideal situation between two vices, excess and deficiency; it is not absolute, but is always related to our own reality. More than everything, virtue adds to our self-esteem and to the value we give to our relationships.
O
ptimism
How can we be optimistic for the future? Is optimism the same as positive thinking? This workshop is designed to shed light into the following issues. Optimism helps us see a problem we face as temporary; limit causes and consequences to a specific event; and understand that we may not be the only ones to blame in a situation. It enables us to observe and evaluate, whether and to what extent, other people, other factors, the circumstances or luck had a share. Optimism protects us from disappointment, and motivates us to try and face a situation. It is more than positive thinking because it prompts us to take action and change a situation we are not satisfied with. However, being optimistic in every situation can end up in over optimism. We need to find a mean and exercise our judgment. Flexible and realistic optimism supports a positive attitude to life which we evaluate within our circumstances, focusing on the good aspects of our subjective experience. An optimistic attitude allows us to expect and work towards positive outcomes, while we recognize and accept what we can’t change everything.
If you are interested to engage in self-reflection about well-being, we can arrange personal mentoring sessions with the experts of our team.
Through the sessions, you can identify what is important in your personal and professional life, what you can and want to change in order to feel more satisfied and productive.
We organize open dialogues on the topics of eudaimonia, virtue, optimism, and many others related to self-assurance and self-esteem. After reading seminal texts, we discuss and analyze the factors that can support and empower us to lead a meaningful life and flourish in our everyday activities. It is simple things in life that are worth our attention, and through the open dialogues, we don’t forget them.