Living Values Education has a particular unique aspect not found in many other modalities. It is the concept that for anything to be effective an emotional component must come first before understanding connecting with the mind can be engaged.
This is what LVE define as 'A Values-based Atmosphere' (VbA).
That it is only from this environment can any long lasting change be effective. It could be considered as the place from which Cause can be addressed, not just a mind dealing with Effect.
To build a solid definition of what is a 'VbA' we have to ask ourselves some very deep questions;
- Where is it found?
- How does it work?
- What is it for?
- How we connect to it?
- How do I engage it?
- How can it change my life?
- Can it be extended?
Most of the activity surrounding Living Values Education workshops at this point in time is focused on 'Values-based Atmosphere'… What is this dynamic really all about? Join Living Values Education International and become the opportunity to be a positive force for good and for the expansion of Love in the world.
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Feeling Loved, Valued, Respected, Understood, and Safe
As values must be "caught" and "taught", the adults involved are integral to the success of the LVE Approach, for all people learn best by example and are most receptive when what is shared is experienced. The establishment of a values-based atmosphere is essential for optimal exploration and development. Such an environment naturally enhances learning, as relationships based on trust, caring, and respect positively affect motivation, creativity, and affective and cognitive development.
Why were these five feelings "loved, valued, respected, understood, and safe" chosen for the LVE Theoretical model?
Love is rarely spoken about in educational seminars. Yet, isn't it love and respect that we all want as human beings? Who doesn't want to be valued, understood, respected, and safe? When anyone of these elements is missing in ourselves, we use a facade or ego-based response, and in so doing, we lose connection to our participants who feel the missing element even if they cannot identify it physically. As children we all have these needs as fundamental to our growth; sadly, they were seldom a prerequisite of our parental upbringing, yet still, as adults, we crave, need, and deserve these qualities. In Living Values, we ensure that these elements are present in us. This is the fundamental difference in LVE, compared to other workshops and educational practices.
Real Learning Comes Alive in a Values-based Atmosphere
Modelling of values by adults is an essential element in values awareness building. Participants are interested in facilitators who have a passion to do something positive in the world and who embody the values they espouse and are likely to reject values education if they feel facilitators are not walking their talk. LVE workshops and meetings require a willingness from facilitators to be a role model, and believe in dignity and respect for all. This does not mean we need to be perfect to share LVE; however, it does require a personal commitment to "living" the values we would like to see in others, and a willingness to be caring, respectful and non-violent.
Skills for Creating a Values-based Atmosphere
It is important to build participants' ability to analyse their behaviour and develop positive self-assessment and intrinsic motivation. In this approach, there is a focus on human relationships as well as sensitivity to the level of receptivity and needs of the participants.
Skills for creating a values-based atmosphere include active listening, collaborative rule making, quiet signals that create silence, focus, feelings of peace or respect, conflict resolution, and values-based discipline.
LVE Workshops
The creation of a values-based atmosphere facilitates the success of workshops and meetings with all people, making it more enjoyable, beneficial, and effective for both participants and facilitators.
At the heart of Living Values Education is the concept of building a values-based environment - Values-based Atomsphere (VbA).