Growth in seven stages

What sets apart the life education and mentoring services at the Essex Center is that we work together with clients on seven focus areas — sequenced as stages — to help individuals address what will most benefit their overarching goal of a life well-lived. This approach is long term and in-depth, for those who are not satisfied with simplistic fixes.

SPIRIT — What spirit do you bring to life?

This question addresses one's approach to, and attitude about, life in two ways.

First, what attitudes and spirit do you, yourself, create and demonstrate in everyday situations? 

Second, what spirit do you channel from the universe, role models or mentors, your family or friends, your reading or traveling? Do you know what your spirit is when you approach the people in your life, the people you encounter in the world, and the projects you undertake? 

Examples of alternatives include: generosity versus being a taker, collecting and nurturing grievances or the attitude of gratitude, healthy restlessness prompting the desire to improve things for yourself and others versus aimless meandering accomplishing nothing but trouble, assertiveness versus passivity or bullying, listening and inquiry versus uninformed preaching, tribalism versus love of the whole human family, creativity and artistry versus mindless repetitiousness, helpfulness to others or just to yourself, and exploitation versus stewardship.

VALUES — What principles and priorities guide your daily decisions, choices, and actions?

Do your values flow from the SPIRIT you bring to life? Do you show respect for self and others? Is your value "me first," or is your value addressing your needs and the community's in a balanced and fair manner? Hard work? Persistence? Health? Do you value play, prayer, work, service, healthy mischief, humor, and rest?

LEARNING —  What life skills are you learning and teaching yourself and others?

Are you a lifelong learner? Does exploring and learning about one thing lead to new questions, new explorations, new answers, and then new questions? When there is no answer, does learning stop — or begin?

WORK —  What jobs, livelihoods, and avocations fill your days?

Everyone needs to work, to have something they do for income, contributing value to society, or enjoyment. What gets you up to start your day and carry you through your days?

STEWARDSHIP — What service are you providing, and receiving from, the community?

Do you take good care of yourself, others, and nature? Do you embrace health in all areas of your life? How do you work with people who think differently from you about stewardship, if their idea of stewardship really is exploitation?

MISSION — What is your overall purpose or goal that guides you?

Do you have an overall sense of direction that becomes a touchstone or north star against which you can evaluate your progress, make course corrections, and stay on track with that which means the most to you?

VISION— What is your perspective, voice, and message for yourself — and for the rest of us?

What is an insight or admonition that only you can discern, reflect on, and respectfully and assertively present that is vital to yourself, a small local community, or all people on earth? VISION as expressed through your unique voice is the highest life achievement, the capstone of the journey through all these five steps for human growth.