The Five M Areas form the foundation of The Human Curriculum™ (HC). The Human Curriculum is a therapeutic journey through our own life experiences as they relate to the art and science of being human. Individuals and organizations who participate in courses, classes, or workshops based on the HC learn about these five core areas as a necessity for well-being. Judy defines mental well-being as a state, not only absent from illness, but one present with life, love, connection, and happiness. Wholehearted well-being is founded in purposeful attention to each of the following areas. Each area is delivered through a process known as aware ~ care ~ cope (ACC). Coping involves its own cycle: cope ~ manage ~ heal. The final cycle is lifelong, as ones ability to manage life, hardships and all, strengthens through the cultivation of essential skills.
We will unpack these essential skills – The Four R Areas – in another post!
Meaning
Meaning: a sense of meaning can free us from overwhelming dread. It solidifies our purpose, focuses us wisely on what’s important and what we can do – intentionally – to gain strength and power in work, play, or life.
Meaning asks: Who am I? What do I value? What do I believe? What do I care about, but more importantly, what is within my power to control, change.
Meaning comes from a sense of self; time with self; the search for self and place. Meaning is developed from within (worth), not given to us (esteem).
The essential question for those with a sense of meaning and purpose is: How can I help my students, clients, co-workers, family, friends (others I care about, lead, work with) develop a sense of meaning?
Mindset
Mindset: is our perspective; and an understanding that we have power over that perspective at any moment we choose. The mind is always set to something – either we are in charge or the default setting is running the show.
Mindset asks: What thoughts are driving the system? Who is in charge? What is the evidence? What matters? What can “I” do?
The essential question for those with power over their mindset (a growth orientation) is: How can I help my students, clients, co-workers, family, friends (others I care about, lead, work with) ‘notice’ – acquire a sense of being in-tune with self, other, and experience; to re-gain control (drivers seat); and steer the mind in the direction they want (one of well-being)?
Mental Health
Mental health is a construct: it is used to define well-being. Our health is a state of being from ill to well. We have power to learn about, actualize, and apply skills to support our mental health. We can seek help from others if we are stuck.
Mental Health asks: Do I understand the role of stress and emotions? Do I have balance and boundaries in my life? What do my feelings say about my needs, fears, connections? Who can help me?
The essential question for those who understand or have a sense of power over their mental health is: How can I help my students, clients, co-workers, family, friends (others I care about, lead, work with) regulate emotions and re-frame experiences to enhance their overall wellbeing?
Mentorship
Mentorship is essential to well-being, and we are mentors whether we are purposeful about it or not. Accessing the help of others or being there for others as a guide is fundamental to human thriving.
Mentorship asks: Do I see the importance of relationships, collaboration, camaraderie, and connection? Do I seek help from and support others? Can I help to foster resilience in self and others? Do I equally lead and learn? Do I listen and guide when I am needed?
The essential question for those who understand or have a sense of power in mentorship is: How can I help my students, clients, co-workers, family, friends (or others I care about, lead, work with) see the role of mentorship as a key to enhancing and maintaining overall wellbeing?
Management
Management is a process of understanding power and control. Management is knowing, I have the power to be or change anything in myself that I want; while at the same time, knowing the only person I control is myself.
Management asks: Can I manage my emotions and teach others to do so as well? Can I communicate assertively to share my needs and support others? Am I confident in the face of conflict? Can I have courageous or hard conversations?
The essential question for those who understand or have a sense of management is: How can I help my students, clients, co-workers, family, friends (or others I care about, lead, work with) learn about and practice effective self-management to enhancing and maintaining overall wellbeing?