An Exercise for Everyone: Values and Your Higher Power
Scott Brassart
In an online webinar last night, I filled in for regular host Dr. David Fawcett and decided to talk about personal values and how they link to one’s Higher Power. As the session progressed, we noted that there is a direct correlation between the values you hold most dear in your life and how a Higher Power can meaningfully manifest in your life. To illustrate this point and to explore this connection, we walked through the following exercise. During the session, several of the participants asked for a written version of this material, and I promised to post it this morning. So, here it is.
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On a blank sheet of paper, create three vertical columns, labeling them (from L to R) Important, More Important, and Most Important. Place the values listed below onto this chart, putting them in the column that feels most accurate to you. Please do not worry about where you think you should place them or where others might think you should place them. Focus only on how you feel about each value.
- Courage
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Faith
- Hard Work
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Independence
- Openness
- Personal Growth
- Learning
- Power
- Influence
- Rewarding and Supportive Relationships
- Self-Examination
- Solitude
- Spirituality
- Success
- Fame
- Wealth, Material Well-Being
- Empathy
Now think of at least five more values you have and place them on this chart.
Next, on another blank sheet of paper, draw a large circle. Inside the circle, list character traits you would and would not find desirable in a friend, mentor, or Higher Power. Put desirable traits inside the circle, undesirable traits outside the circle. If you are looking for ideas, use your values chart for inspiration. Be sure to consider physical, emotional, and behavior traits.
When you have completed this diagram to the best of your ability, cut away the outside of the circle and shred, burn, or ceremonially destroy the undesirable traits. What is left is the circle of traits that you would find desirable in a friend, mentor, or Higher Power.
Now answer the following questions:
- How does this conception differ from any previous versions of a Higher Power you have or have had in your life?
- Would this make a good Higher Power for you? Why or why not?
- What is the one character trait you cannot live without in a friend, mentor, or Higher Power, and why is that character trait so important?
I hope you find this exercise as helpful as I do. If you find that you want to take your exploration of values and HP a step further, try turning the words inside your HP circle into artwork. Perhaps create a collage or a painting to represent these traits and bring them to life. (If you do this, I would love to see it. Feel free to snap a picture and email it to me: Scott@SeekingIntegrity.com.)