Life Management Skills

Welcome to the Life Management Skills Workshop, designed to equip individuals with essential tools and techniques for navigating modern life’s complexities. This program focuses on enhancing self-awareness, improving emotional intelligence, boosting productivity, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being. By participating, you’ll gain practical insights and skills to manage personal and professional challenges effectively, leading to a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling life. Join us on this journey to master life management and thrive in all areas of your life.

Program Duration: 12 Weeks

Week 1-2: Understanding the Self

Objective: Develop self-awareness and understand the nature of the self (Atman).

Week 1: Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita & The Nature of the Self

Session 1: Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita

• Reading: Participants read an overview of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on its historical context, central themes, and its relevance to contemporary life.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Key Themes: Discuss key themes such as Dharma (duty/righteousness), Yoga (paths to spiritual realization), and the nature of the self.
  • Application: Explore how these themes can be applied to personal growth, decision-making, and ethical living.
• Activity:
  • Icebreaker: Participants introduce themselves and share their motivations for joining the program. This activity sets a comfortable atmosphere and allows participants to connect on a personal level.
  • Group Discussion: Small group discussions on pre-assigned questions related to the introductory reading. Each group reports their findings to the whole class, encouraging active participation.

Session 2: The Nature of the Self (Atman)

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 2, Verses 12-30, focusing on the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna about the eternal nature of the self (Atman) and the distinction between the physical body and the soul.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Concept Exploration: Discuss the concept of Atman (soul) and its implications for understanding one’s true identity beyond the physical body.
  • Reflection: Participants share personal reflections on how the concept of Atman resonates with their own beliefs and experiences.
• Activity:
  • Guided Meditation: A guided meditation session where participants sit comfortably, focusing on their breath and visualizing their inner light or essence. This helps participants connect with their inner selves and experience a sense of peace.
  • Sharing Circle: After meditation, participants share their experiences and insights. This allows for a deeper exploration of individual experiences and collective learning.

Week 2: The Body and the Soul

Session 3: The Body and the Soul

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 2, Verses 31-40, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Identity and Attachment: Discuss how attachment to the physical body and material possessions can hinder spiritual growth and personal fulfillment.
  • Detachment: Explore the concept of detachment (Vairagya) as a means to cultivate inner peace and spiritual progress.
• Activity:
  • Reflective Journaling: Participants journal about a time when they felt deeply attached to something physical and how it affected their sense of self. Prompts include describing emotions, actions taken, and lessons learned.
  • Group Sharing: Small group discussions where participants share excerpts from their journals. This fosters a supportive environment for introspection and mutual understanding.

Week 3-4: Purpose and Dharma

Objective: Identify personal purpose and understand the concept of Dharma (duty).

Week 3: Discovering Your Dharma

Session 4: Discovering Your Dharma

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 3, Verses 1-9, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about duty (Dharma) and its significance in leading a meaningful life.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Defining Dharma: Discuss the meaning of Dharma and how it manifests in different roles and responsibilities (personal, professional, societal).
  • Self-Assessment: Techniques for self-assessment to identify personal strengths, values, and passions that align with one’s Dharma.
• Activity:
  • Strengths Assessment: Participants complete a strengths assessment tool (e.g., VIA Character Strengths) to identify their core strengths. This tool helps participants recognize their innate abilities and values.
  • Role-Playing: Small group role-playing exercises where participants enact scenarios that require decisions based on Dharma. This interactive activity allows participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Session 5: Living Your Dharma

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 3, Verses 10-16, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about performing actions in accordance with one’s Dharma without attachment to results.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Alignment with Dharma: Strategies for aligning daily actions with personal Dharma, emphasizing integrity and moral responsibility.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Identify common obstacles (e.g., societal expectations, personal desires) in living one’s Dharma and explore methods for overcoming them.
• Activity:
  • Vision Board Creation: Participants create vision boards that visually represent their life’s purpose and goals aligned with their understanding of Dharma. They use magazines, images, and words to express their aspirations.
  • Presentation: Each participant presents their vision board to the group, explaining how it reflects their interpretation of Dharma. This activity encourages creativity, self-expression, and peer feedback.

Week 5-6: Mind Management

Objective: Learn techniques for managing the mind and emotions.

Week 5: The Power of Thought

Session 6: The Power of Thought

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 6, Verses 5-9, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about the power of thoughts and the mind’s influence on emotions and actions.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Mind-Body Connection: Explore how thoughts influence emotions, behavior, and overall well-being.
  • Positive Thinking: Techniques for cultivating a positive mindset and overcoming negative thought patterns.
• Activity:
  • Mindfulness Practice: Guided mindfulness exercises where participants practice focusing on their breath and observing thoughts without judgment. This activity promotes present-moment awareness and emotional resilience.
  • Thought Awareness Journal: Participants maintain thought journals for a week, recording their predominant thoughts, emotions triggered, and reflections on how thoughts affect their daily experiences. This journaling exercise enhances self-awareness and insight into thought patterns.

Session 7: Overcoming Negative Emotions

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 6, Verses 10-17, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about overcoming negative emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Emotional Regulation: Strategies for managing and transforming negative emotions into constructive actions.
  • Inner Peace: Practices for cultivating inner peace and emotional resilience amidst life’s challenges.
• Activity:
  • Role-Playing Scenarios: Participants engage in role-playing exercises where they act out scenarios involving challenging emotions (e.g., conflict resolution, handling criticism). This experiential learning activity allows participants to practice emotional regulation skills in a safe environment.
  • Group Feedback: After role-playing, groups provide constructive feedback on each participant’s emotional responses and problem-solving approaches. This feedback fosters mutual learning and skill development.

Week 7-8: Action and Detachment

Objective: Understand the importance of action without attachment.

Week 7: The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga)

Session 8: The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga)

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 3, Verses 17-24, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about Karma Yoga and performing actions selflessly.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Selfless Service: Explore the concept of Karma Yoga and its significance in spiritual practice and personal development.
  • Impact of Actions: Discuss how actions shape personal growth, character development, and contribution to society.
• Activity:
  • Community Service Project: Participants engage in a collective service project (e.g., volunteering at a local charity, organizing a community clean-up). This practical application of Karma Yoga principles emphasizes selfless service and social responsibility.
  • Reflection Session: After completing the service project, participants gather for a reflection session where they share personal insights, challenges faced, and lessons learned. This session encourages gratitude, empathy, and collaboration among participants.

Session 9: Practicing Detachment

• Reading: Participants read Chapter 5, Verses 1-12, focusing on Krishna’s teachings about detachment from the fruits of actions (Karmaphala Tyaga).
• Discussion Topics:
  • Detachment and Inner Peace: Explore the benefits of detachment from outcomes and how it leads to inner peace and spiritual growth.
  • Practical Applications: Techniques for cultivating detachment in daily life, including decision-making, goal-setting, and relationships.
• Activity:
  • Personal Reflection Exercise: Participants journal about recent experiences where they practiced detachment from specific outcomes. They reflect on their emotional responses, lessons learned, and the impact of detachment on their well-being.
  • Sharing Circle: Small group discussions where participants share personal stories of detachment, highlighting key insights and transformational moments. This sharing promotes empathy, mutual support, and deeper understanding of spiritual principles.

This detailed curriculum structure provides a comprehensive framework for participants to explore and apply the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in their personal and professional lives. Each session combines theoretical learning with experiential activities, fostering deep introspection, skill development, and spiritual growth.