Spirituality and Service

There are lots of things that you can do which fall into this category. Look out for Open House at the Chaplaincy, Confirmation (Anglican and Roman Catholic), and Electives which offer opportunities to nurture your own physical and emotional wellbeing and to help others. Remember that one of the most powerful ways you can elect to serve your community, or live a spiritual life, is to think about the feelings of others.

Focus on doing at least one extra act of kindness every day: • The act may be large or small and the recipient may not even be aware of it. • It could be a compliment, a helping hand, or something else. • It may be being an active bystander when others are getting it wrong and need reminding of our community values. • Do at least one extra kind act each day for a week, ideally a different one each day, and make a list to review either on your own or with someone else. • Ideally your acts of kindness should be beyond the kind things you already do on a regular basis. • A smile costs nothing but can brighten someone else’s day more than you will ever know.

Consider too how to be grateful: • You could keep a diary for a week of three good things that have happened every day and why you felt they were good – then tell others about them if you wish to too. • Why not think of three people to whom you are really grateful and consider why – then write them a letter to tell them about the impact that they have made on you?

Action for Happiness identifies Ten Keys to Happier Living using the acronym ‘Great Dream’. Have a think about your answers to the questions below and review them every so often. What do you notice?

GIVING - Do things for others – what do you do to help others? RELATING - Connect with people – who matters most to you? EXERCISING - Take care of your body – how do you stay active and healthy? AWARENESS - Live life mindfully – when do you stop and take notice? TRYING OUT - Keep learning – what new things have you tried recently?

DIRECTION - Have goals to look forward to – what are your most important ones? RESILIENCE - Find ways to bounce back – how do you look after yourself and get back on track in tough times? EMOTIONS - Look for what’s good – what are you feeling good about? ACCEPTANCE - Be comfortable with who you are – what is the real you like? MEANING - Be part of something bigger – what gives your life meaning?

WHO TO APPROACH

If you are struggling with something and need help, find someone to talk to about it. Opening up can be difficult but it really can make a difference. There are lots of people in the community that you can approach, depending on the nature of the issue: your Tutor, Hsm, Matron, your peers and Prefects, the Chaplaincy, the Health Centre/Emotional Wellbeing Team at the Clayton Rooms, the Safeguarding Team etc. Further details are in the posters on House noticeboards.