Welcome back to another session of the Navigate Programme blog series! Our journey of self-discovery, growth, and personal transformation continues as we explore the depths of our unique gifts and the profound impact they can have on the world around us. In our previous session, we embarked on a quest to understand the essence of belonging, trust, and vulnerability. We learned that belonging is a journey marked by authenticity and trust, and it’s a foundation that propels us towards personal growth and lasting connections. This content was first written as sessions that were intended to be done in groups within organisations, charities and churches. You can read more about the history and beginnings of Navigate here. Each session is written to equip individuals and groups to navigate life’s complex journey. This blog series is our way of giving you a taster of this content and an insight into what Navigate is all about. If you think Navigate might be useful in your context, do let us know.
In this post, we march forward, navigating the terrain of preparing for future challenges, seeking assistance, and nurturing a supportive community. As we delve into the heart of today’s session, imagine you’re painting a picture of your journey, capturing the colours of reflection and growth. Note: This session contains a large amount of practical group work. Please see the notes in italics throughout for ways to engage with this session as a reader.
Signpost 8: I Can Ask for Help
Throughout our expedition, these signposts illuminate our path. Today’s truth, “I Can Ask for Help,” is a reminder that our journey isn’t solitary—reaching out and supporting one another is part of the adventure. Now, let’s embark on this leg with a thought-provoking question: When you buy flat-pack furniture, how do you construct it? Do you tackle it solo, or do you seek assistance and follow the instructions?
As we navigate toward the future, it’s vital to equip ourselves with tools that guide our responses, fostering thoughtful reactions. One of the ways we do this is to use a reflective cycle to aid our responses. This cycle works like this, and at each stage we ask important questions:
- Noticing our experience : What is going on? How do I feel? What is my story? Who was present in this experience?
- Exploring : What are the facts? Who decided it was going to happen? Who benefitted? Why did it happen?
- Analysing : What is the truth? Who can help me understand what has happened? What have I noticed?
- Responding : What shall I do about what I have noticed and learnt?
Within this cycle lies an importantfacet: asking for help. Just as we seek assistance for physical tasks, reaching out for support during reflective journeys is equally essential. Reflecting isn’t about knowing more—it’s about trusting someone to guide us. Just as we seek a friend’s help to lift a heavy object, we can seek their guidance to navigate our emotions and experiences.
Now, pause and reflect on the concept of asking for help. How do you feel about it? Take a moment to jot down your thoughts and feelings. If you would like a little more direction, explore these questions:
- How do you feel about asking for help?
- Where do you envision seeking help on your journey?
- How might the reflective cycle assist you in facing future challenges?
The activity here is to partner up with someone from the Navigate Programme group. In this, one participant will ask the questions while the other shares an experience, reflecting on each stage of the cycle using the questions from the cycle above. As a reader, it may be useful to still have a space to explore these questions with someone else. You could share them with a friend or mentor, or you could book a coaching session with Colab.
As we conclude this leg of our journey, consider what resonates with you most from today’s session? What will you carry forward? What steps will you take before our next gathering? Reflect on these questions, for they hold the keys to your continued growth.
As you leave this session, remember that you’re not alone on this voyage. Asking for help, embracing growth, and nurturing support are the keystones of our journey. Until we gather again, let your steps be guided by your willingness to seek assistance, your courage to explore, and your commitment to growth.
As we embark on this leg of the journey, remember that every bump in the road is an opportunity for growth, every twist and turn a chance to uncover new perspectives. We’ll continue to explore the depths of our stories, acknowledging our past while focusing on the transformational road ahead. In the next session we explore the importance of recognising that we aren’t alone on the journey, and it’s okay to ask for help. Stay tuned!
